The Media and Public Figures - 903 Words

Political Science 6, Laurie Houske The First Amendment was first established to guarantee Americans with the basic civil liberties that they would not be threaten by the government. With The First Amendment to the U.S Constitution â€Å"congress shall make no law†¦. abridging the freedom of the press† guarantees the press to publish news, information and opinions with out the government interfering. This also lets people such as independent press companies the right to publish their own newspaper, mail newsletters, magazines, etc. It guarantees the journalist and reporters to having the freedom of speech and practicing their rights to all kinds of media with publishing articles, broadcasting radio news, and much more. When someone has the freedom to publish what he or she wants they are protected. It will most likely mean the government won’t censor reporters and journalist. Meaning the government has no control on blocking certain material or preventing publishing of future work. Everyday in our l ives we see the media publishing news articles about a certain celebrity, person or recent news. Many of the times the media will go to extremes to get the attention of the citizen of the US by releasing stories that can either harm the reputation of a certain person or company. Since the media has the right to publish anything they want such as valuable information or a certain opinion. Even on television the reporters and anchors will also broadcast anything they desire.Show MoreRelated Media Should Respect Privacy of Public Figures Essay1366 Words   |  6 PagesThe Media Should Respect Privacy of Public Figures    How much privacy of the individual is protected under the United States Constitution? Every one is entitled to the right of privacy, but to what extent is that privacy granted? Public figures are constantly being harassed and photographed by the media. Some photographers and reporters will go to any means, even illegal actions, to get a picture or story. However, public figures are human beings like everyone else, and the media should giveRead MoreMedia and Politics: Agenda Setting and Framing Essay examples863 Words   |  4 PagesHow has media influenced public perception of political figures, issues, and institutions? Through agenda setting and framing, media has the power to set the agenda for political discussion by providing public attention to political figures, issues, and institutions. In addition, the media can frame political agendas by influencing public perception and interpretation. (Ginsberg, Lowi Weir, 1999) Agenda Setting and Framing Political Figures and Candidates In campaigning, media coverage playsRead More Media And Politics: Agenda Setting And Framing Essay871 Words   |  4 Pages How has media influenced public perception of political figures, issues, and institutions? Through agenda setting and framing, media has the power to set the agenda for political discussion by providing public attention to political figures, issues, and institutions. In addition, the media can frame political agendas by influencing public perception and interpretation. (Ginsberg, Lowi amp; Weir, 1999) Agenda Setting and Framing Political Figures and Candidates In campaigning, media coverage playsRead MorePublic Figures And Their Privacy1582 Words   |  7 Pages Bhavi Patel Teacher: Dinorah Sapp IE 036 English for Academic Purposes. 20 November 2014 Public figures and their Privacy. Everyone dreams of earning fame and fortune. People who are popular by virtue of their professions, whether it is acting, sports or politics, try their best to earn the admiration and respect of the public. This is because a huge fan base following can always use their advantage irrespective of whether you are an actor or a politician. However, this fame and fan following comesRead MoreMedia and The Agenda Setting Theory1337 Words   |  5 Pageslaw in a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal† (Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, 1982). Despite the right to one’s innocence preceding a fair and public trial, the indicted typically receives mass media coverage, making the individual susceptible to the opinion’s of the public. This is especially true in the case of a renowned individual, such as a celebrity or politician. The media’s coverage of the news, prior to a fair hearing, results in public scrutiny of subjectsRead MoreEs say on Celebrities in the American Media1325 Words   |  6 PagesAmerican Media: The Bliss of the Public or the Bane of Celebrities? Throughout history, the media has caught some of the most horrific scenes on camera. While it is great that these events were documented, one cannot help but wonder how much is too much when prying into the lives of public figures. Even celebrities need a time to grieve; yet that time seems limited when they are constantly being harassed by men with cameras trying to give the best account of the situation. Since the introductionRead MoreThe Death of Nelson Mandela and the Asian Tsunami Essay1517 Words   |  7 Pages Table of contents Introduction........................................................................................................1 Local media spectacle........................................................................................2 Global Media spectacle......................................................................................5 List of illustrations.............................................................................................7 BibliographyRead MoreCelebrities and Privacy1609 Words   |  7 PagesScope People in the public eye consists of politicians, athletes, celebrities and other individuals who are famous. For our presentation we will be concentrating on celebrities and whether they should expect their privacy to be respected by the media. Media comes in various forms, with the more common ones being newspapers, tabloids, radio, paparazzi, internet, social media and many more. A conflict of rights? Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights stated that every personRead MoreShould Public Figures Be Accountable for Their Private Actions?996 Words   |  4 Pagesseconds. Today, public ï ¬ gures such as celebrities and politicians play an increasing role in our society, shaping our views and mindsets of the world. Thus, it is especially important that they are held accountable for their actions, even those undertaken in private. Although it is often argued that we can overlook what is done in private if the person performs his or her public job well, it is indeed worrying with their massive inï ¬â€šuence over society. In my opinion, public ï ¬ gures should be held accountableRead MorePublic Figures and Private Lives838 Words   |  4 PagesPublic Figures and Private Lives Publicity; it is umently a big deal. Everyone wants to be a celebrity. They want to be a famous actor, singer, etc. However, the real idea people need to be thinking about is, are you willing to give up your privacy and freedom? Once one becomes known to the public so does their entire life, whether one likes it or not. Take a look at Britney Spears; there is nothing about her life that is not public. Should this be a bad thing? Or should these public figure have

Persuasive Essay Topics Writing - the Story

Persuasive Essay Topics Writing - the Story The Ultimate Persuasive Essay Topics Writing Trick At the exact same time, it's an amazing persuasive essay idea. You will find that several of the topics can be adapted to suit almost any sort of writing assignment. Your persuasive essay needs to have a very clear plan, which will provide you an opportunity to focus on the most important elements of the work and put aside all of the minor arguments. Just write down the critical points you wish to put in your essay and concentrate on developing them. Top Persuasive Essay Topics Writing Choices Qualities of an excellent persuasive essay topic The topic ought to be specific. Quite frequently, the very best topic is one which you truly care about, but you also will need to get ready to research it. Selecting an excellent topic for your essay is among the most significant and frequently tricky parts for many students. Possessing fantastic research abilities and selecting a superb topi c is vital. Every school has to have a sex education class. There are several persuasive essay topics to pick from to finish your high school or college assignment. Even a student can begin a business online. Students with good attendance has to be rewarded. First of all, you will need to comprehend the fundamental fundamentals of persuasive writing and know the five elements of persuasion. Any idea can prove to be a wonderful foundation for a topic. It is very important to pick a topic that you truly care about because you will likely enjoy writing and it's going to be less difficult for you to have a stand on such problem and defend your standpoint. Figure out which of the topics, you presently have a fairly good background on which will make it possible for you to have a relative edge. Persuasive essays are a fantastic means to encourage the reader to check at a particular topic in a different light. An argumentative essay requires you to choose a topic and have a po sition on it. It's important to understand that essay topics are just basic ideas that leave you pondering an idea that might be a huge deal to somebody else. Deciding upon a persuasive essay topic may take a great deal of time without ending up with the terrific solution. The Battle Over Persuasive Essay Topics Writing and How to Win It Before writing any form of academic paper, it is crucial to choose the subject, and the persuasive essay isn't the exception. Persuasive essay format differs in every specific instance, even though it has some common facets. Persuasive essays haven't any paragraph limits. A persuasive essay should adhere to a typical pattern if you would like it to be readable and clear. The Characteristics of Persuasive Essay Topics Writing In most high schools, your capability of writing this kind of essay is going to be evaluated in class. There are many persuasive essay examples college students are able to make use of online. Select the period of lif e that you believe is best and compose an essay arguing why it's the very best time of life. In fact, understanding how to compose a persuasive essay is a significant skill for students of various specialties. Before you commence working on the paper, you must go through several topics to compose a persuasive essay on. Most issues can have essays on all the aforementioned questions. You must settle on a persuasive essay topic that permits you to present the most effective possible case. The most effective persuasive speeches aren't written in a rush. When prior brainstorming is finished, you might begin drafting your essay. Be sure to define the objectives of your essay clearly because your essay is dependent upon your approach. Weave in your own perspective to make it unique. Every argumentative essay ought to have an opposing view which can help you to prove you're right. Always remember a great persuasive essay ought to be persuasive. Writing an outline is a must if you need your essay to have a crystal clear and understandable structure. Writing a persuasive essay demands a great deal more than the capability of convincing the readers. It is not an easy task to accomplish. Writing a superb persuasive essay is not a simple task, however, it's achievable.

Accounting Information System Business Requirement Processes

Question: Discuss about the Accounting Information System for Business Requirement Processes. Answer: Introduction The report presented here explains and describes a business B. Bakery. The B. Bakery business owners are not at all happy with their accounting workflow, and they are looking to adopt good accounting software to take up their business to the next level. The report describes the component and competence of accounting information systems and its internal control. The business requirement processes and the related technology or infrastructure, as well as the challenges, have been explicitly discussed in this presented report. The investment done by the Bakery owners have a clear objective that they should consider some of softwares that will give them the desired outcome or results they are looking for. The author has selected some of the suitable accounting software and provides a justification of why they need that software and how it will help the Bakery to solve their accounting issue. Overview of the business processes The B. Bakery has been in the firm for the past 50 years, and they have been supplying bread, biscuits, and other bakery products along with some confectionary products such as sweet, bonbons, etc. to several different businesses which include pub chains and supermarkets. The B. Bakery business is a family business and has a total of around 70 employees who are working for this bakery business. They have been doing this business for the past 50 years and have been doing well as far as the sales revenues concern because last year they made around $13.5 million in business. They do supply their bakery products to different markets. But for quite some time they have been facing challenges with the business performance and recently from the last few years they have been experiencing some business growth from their newly produce product ranges. But somehow during this processes they have lost their major accounts which cost them heavy as they were completely unable to provide some of thei r bakery products at a competitive rate or cost. As a result, they have hired an accounting professional to look after the business records, but somehow they feel that they need to have a much better option as far as the accounting is a concern. So they have decided to go with a software based system to look after their accounts which will help them to increase their business sales and generate revenues. They are seeking to invest in the software so as to help them with their business to take higher levels. Business Requirements It is true that all the processes in an organization or business are linked up with each other, and if any one process is affected then, it will affect the others too (Meshalkin and Katerishchuk 2014). Some indispensable processes need to be addressed and performed by the B. Bakery are: 1. Marketing 2. Sales 3. Accounting 4. Production Unit 5. Supply chain management 6. HR Management The above-discussed processes are vital processes as far as the B. Bakery business is a concern. But there are some other critical processes but among all those the account is an essential part of any organization or business (Recker 2015). Moreover, it has been reviewed that B. Bakery has been facing some significant challenges on their accounts and for that; they have already hired an accounting professional who handles all their account work. Moreover, the B. Bakery owners are not satisfied with the overall outcome and due to this; they have lost most of the business sales in previous years. So they have decided that they need accounting software which can help to make the workflow process smooth and did understand market researching and business processes. The information that they will gather will help the B. Bakery to prepare some strategy which will help them to improve the business efficiency and effectiveness in the coming years (Von Mnchhausen et al. 2014). All these proces ses that have been discussed are critical in any Bakery business, and if proper accounting software is implemented in the firm, this will help them. So the B. Bakery has decided that they will invest money to implement accounting software, and this will take their business to the next level for sure. Required outcome from these processes The B. Bakery does need various outputs from their primary business so that their efficiency and effectiveness does increase in the marketplace which will help them to achieve the desired result. The most important outcome they need is the data or information. The data or information that is mostly related to operational and transactional part is required because without it nothing can be processed or no better decision can be taking on the business (Batocchio et al. 2016). The information or data such as raw material and inventory cost, vendors cost total sales figure, labor and production charges, etc. All other information or data are critical as useful data related to salaries of the employees. So the decision of making the AIS implementation in the business will help the Bakery business to manage various activities such as process managing, auditing, tax consulting, financial accounts, etc (Weske 2012). The information does play a critical role in the business because without it we cannot do anything with respect to the any business and organization. If we review the below mentioned points we can understand some business requirements that needs to be fulfilled. The below mentioned points are some operational requirements of this business that needs to be fulfilled, and they are listed below accordingly. They are: 1. Improvement must be made to the accounts. 2. The accounting software needs to integrate with all the other bakery business processes. 3. The business can be able to make some right and better decision on the bakery business. 4. Implementation or integration of AIS in the bakery business. Determining the System Requirements or Needs There are some possible software functionalities and features that the B. Bakery should consider to meet the information technology objectives. The firm does need Accounting information system a system that will help the B. Bakery to collect, store and process the financial and accounting information or data which has been used by decision makers. It tracks the accounting activity in connection with IT resources. There is some internal or subsystem within the Accounting information system software such as reporting cycle, HR revenue cycle, financial and production cycle and a basic ledger (Hall 2012). There are some basic features and functionality of the business process, and they are mentioned below. 1. The AIS function is that the effective and efficient storage and collection of data or information concerning the business financial activities which includes getting the transaction information from the source documents, recording the information on operations in a journals and then posting those information or data from those journals to ledgers and within the ledger the data will be sorted out from different accounts. 2. The Accounting information system is to supply the data or information which is helpful for making the right decisions which include the productive managerial reports and statements related to finance (Lipi et al. 2015). 3. The Accounting information system will provide all the required internal control to ensure that the reliability of the data or information that is generated or created by the software implemented and moreover to make sure the business objective and activities efficiency are maintained. Selecting the Software for B. Bakery The selection of software is always a challenging task for any business and organization. As per the given case, it has been observed that we need to select an accounting information system that the met the requirements of the present B. Bakery business. There are different kinds of accounting software requirements such as Small, Mid, and large industry. Low-Level Software These kinds of low-end accounting software are mostly suitable for small businesses and most businesses which have only maximum 2 to 5 employees. This low-end software's capable of doing and delivers the necessary activities of financial accounting and reviewing the financial reports. The softwares such as Xero, Freshbooks, QuickBooks, SAGE 50, etc. Mid Level Software These kinds of mid-level accounting software are mostly suitable for medium size businesses and mostly businesses which have only maximum 50 to 100 employees (Rahman et al. 2015). This range of software's are highly capable of performing real critical tasks, and they are highly scalable and do perform some critical task to generate the accurate reporting of the transactional data or information. The software's such as QuickBooks (Enterprise), Microsoft Dynamics, SAGE 100 ERP 2015, CYMA, etc. are some of the mid-range softwares. High Level Software These kinds of high level accounting software are mostly suitable for large size businesses and mostly businesses which have more than 150 employees. This software is highly capable of performing some severe and critical accounting activity (Taipaleenmki and Ikheimo 2013). They have extended functionality and have the capability to solve significant accounting problems. Softwares related to them are Oracle, SAP, ERP X3 are some related softwares. Vendor selection The B. Bakery is a mid-level business where there is a total of 70 employees are working altogether. So based on the previous question no. Four we can select the mid-level accounting software and can discuss two different accounting software packages and their functionalities (Fulmer and Gerard 2014). It will help the B. Bakery to have a proper idea of which software they need to select. So the right vendors for B. Bakery can be chosen by any of these software packages. They are QuickBooks (Enterprise), Microsoft Dynamics, SAGE 100 ERP 2015, CYMA, etc. Let us compare two different software packages to understand their features to select the right vendor for B. Bakery (Zimmerman 2015). Below there are two software packages that have been compare and contrasts, and a detailed explanation have been provided below about the software and why it is suitable for the mid-level business. SAGE 100 ERP One of the best features of SAGE 100 ERP is that it can provide you multiple options of Accounting Information System (AIS) software for small and medium business (Sage 2012). Few of them are mentioned below such as 1. SAGE 100 Advanced ERP 2. SAGE 100 Standard ERP This software is highly scalable in various businesses processes. This software's are capable of handling a large number of users in a single period for different kinds of business activities such as HR, CRM services, financial and accounting BI (Business Intelligence) and many such activities. It is highly flexible, stable and modern. It can be integrated into the client's server or on any platform which is online (Yes 2015). These involve the capability to provide the paperless office delivery choices; it provides the direct access to the paperless office viewer and enhances the performance of printing to print a huge variety of registers and reports. These needs Microsoft SQL and MS Windows based backend database. It is user-friendly to use and understand (Woodward 2014). The software can be highly modifies that the client or user can purchase and integrate features as needed. It saves history budgets while creating budgets for future periods. Creating the financial statement by c hoosing from various ranges of an inbuilt time. Microsoft Dynamics The software does optimize your sales process and improves the efficiency of B. Bakery sales team, as it gives an integrated view of the business and clients details. Using the extreme knowledge and tools which helps to enhance the business close rates and which also helps the B. Bakery team to sell the right product at the right time (Kachinske and Kachinske 2014). The software improved the efficiency of marketing events or programs and also controls the first performance indicators intuitive tools for the division and campaign management and in-depth marketing analysis. There are different variations they are SL, GP, and NAV. Among all those different variations the MS Dynamics GP is necessary software that provides the features for finance, controlling resources and the decisions (Duncan and Liley 2013). The MS Dynamic NAV is used for a general purpose for any medium sized business and does provide a complete control over the core business such as reporting, BI (Business Intellige nce), Supply Chain Management, Financial Management and HRM, etc. MS Dynamics SL is the third version of it, and this is also used for a mid-level business, and the best feature of this software is that it is suitable activity related to construction. It does provide the high quality support service to their customers (Shankar et al. 2014). The complete history of the cases related to the support enabling them to provide the support in a stable way for greater customer loyalty and enhancing the future profitability. Selecting most suitable vendor for B. Bakery Business B Bakery needs customized software's named as AIS for investment purpose. They want the software applications to work on an intercepted format platform that connects all organizational management. It must be strictly recommended to use the SAGE 100 ERP applications that are used for accounting software purpose for business applications (Automation 2014). The combined supported platform will be available through the software application. The clients, customers, and the vendors used to connect the same differentiated system using web based interface system. The transformation of raw business data into some meaningful advantage will add some extra knowledge to the existing business process (Payable et al. 2012). There must be an integrated software applications system for the firm management perspectives with the modular fundamentals of SAGE 100 ERP. These vital data and information may help the organizational management to create a strategy of competency. The billing payment modular st ructural software applications must be required for the corporate management. The mobile electronic commerce has become a trend. It is strictly advisable to maintain and manipulate the sales module in the SAGE 100 ERP applications which may assist the business organization to move towards future upcoming. It is strictly recommended to earn more company revenues if the management may utilize the accounting software calmly. Receiving the proper rate of interest will be further improved and hence, be faster in future upcoming. In these regards, it is strictly recommended that the expansion of customer base and segmentation that will be more scope for the business perspectives. The company management must maintain fulfillment to be sorely organized and efficient. It is strictly advisable to sustain and manipulate the sequence and scalability of the platform seamlessly. The compulsion billing payment modular fundamental software applications must be required for the organizational management. The organization management must maintain the sequence of the operational and transactional data and information in a perspective manner. In this regards, many multinational companies tend to face extreme pressure regarding customer base segmentation and handling the accounting software applications (Haddara 2014). The researcher wants to recommend that the maintain ace of the software dashboard must be manipulated ad equately and by the top and qualified experts; to avoid misrepresentation of data and information. As the analysis helps in understanding potential customers, understanding customers requirements thus customer relationship management will be easier and better. It must be strictly recommended to use the SAGE 100 ERP applications that are used for accounting software purpose for business applications. Conclusion The report discusses about B. Bakery accounting issue and solving it by implementing the accounting software in the firm. The report consists of the explanation of the bakery business and explains what the exact issues are. The issue is addressed, and various software levels are discussed in this document. The report does provide the functionalities of the selected software's and do compare what they have to offer to the mid-level size business. The authors provide a detailed recommendation for the bakery business of which software to be selected at last. The overall idea of this report is to suggest the accounting software that needs to be implemented in the bakery business to improve the business to the next level. References Automation, S.T., 2014. Sage Sales Tax. Sage, 866, pp.996-7243. Batocchio, A., Ghezzi, A. and Rangone, A., 2016. A method for evaluating Business Models Implementation Process. Business Process Management Journal, 22(4). Duncan, D. and Liley, C.J., 2013.Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 Reporting. Packt Publishing Ltd. Fulmer, B.P. and Gerard, G.J., 2014. Selecting an Enterprise Resource Planning System: An Active Learning Simulation. Journal of Emerging Technologies in Accounting, 11(1), pp.71-82. Haddara, M., 2014. ERP Selection: The SMART Way. Procedia Technology, 16, pp.394-403. Hall, J., 2012. Accounting information systems. Cengage Learning. Kachinske, E. and Kachinske, T., 2014. Maximizing your sales with Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0. Cengage Learning. Lipi, I., Rama, R. and Agaraj, X., 2015. Implications of Accounting Information System Implementation in SMEs: A Study on Retail Business in Vlore Region.Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences,6(3), p.553. Meshalkin, V.P. and Katerishchuk, M.Y., 2014. Effective Business Processes Reengineering on the Bakery Enterprises.International Journal of Advanced Studies,4(2), pp.3-8. Payable, A., Receivable, A. and Ledger, G., 2012. Sage 100 ERP I Customer Success. Sage, 866, pp.530-7243. Rahman, M.M., Ahammed, M., Uddin, M., Rouf, M. and Uddin, M.M., 2015. Obstacles and Implementation of Accounting Software System in Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Case of South Asian Perspective. Abdur and Uddin, Mohammad Main, Obstacles and Implementation of Accounting Software System in Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Case of South Asian Perspective (May 23, 2015). Recker, J., 2015. Evidence-based business process management: Using digital opportunities to drive organizational innovation. In BPM-Driving Innovation in a Digital World (pp. 129-143). Springer International Publishing. Sage, C.R.M., 2012. Sage 100 ERP.Sage,888, pp.995-6464. Shankar, C., Bellefroid, V. and Thakkar, N., 2014. Customer Success with Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step. Packt Publishing Ltd. Taipaleenmki, J. and Ikheimo, S., 2013. On the convergence of management accounting and financial accountingthe role of information technology in accounting change. International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, 14(4), pp.321-348. Von Mnchhausen, S., Hring, A.M. and Schulz, K., 2014. Strategies for medium-sized values-based food chains during growth processes. Weske, M., 2012. Business process management: concepts, languages, architectures. Springer Science Business Media. Woodward, J., 2014. Tips and tricks for getting the best ROI from your Sage 100 ERP system.Sage,11, p.18. Yes, Y.Y.Y.Y., 2015. Sage 100 Supported Versions.Sage. Zimmerman, J.L., 2015. The role of accounting in the 21st century firm. Available at SSRN 2544697.

Normans And Middle English Essays - English Languages, Phonology

Normans And Middle English The year 1066 had a resounding impact on the course of English history. William the First, Duke of Normandy, conquered England and took it as a stronghold in his reign. The French rule over England lasted for several centuries and brought about innumerable changes to the English state, language, culture and lifestyle. William imported French rulers to take over English government and religious posts. The French were not only the new aristocracy in England, but the new society. The English amended their language and their culture in an effort to more resemble the French and to communicate with their new lords. The English language was more changed by the Norman Conquest than by any other event in the course of English history. Middle English is defined as the four hundred year period between the Norman Conquest and the time the printing press was introduced to England in 1476. This essay will explore the specific effects that the French had on Middle English morphology, phonology, syntax, semantics and lexicon. During the period of French rule in England the standing of English as a valid language dropped substantially as French took over as the status language. Because so much of the French influence has been nativized by present-day speakers, many do not realize the impact that our language took in the years following 1066. Not one aspect of English life went untouched by the Norman presence in England, notably, its language. Phonology In addition to introducing new words into the English language, the Normans also introduced some new sounds. The English had previously had no phonemic distinction between /f/ and /v/; /v/ was merely an allophone of /f/ that occurred between vowels. However, with the influx of French loans which began in /v/ and contrasted as minimal pairs in English, this distinction made its way into Middle English: French loans English vetch fetch view few vile file The French also influenced the adoption of several new diphthongs into English. Diphthongs are two vowel sounds which are pronounced as one. Diphthong Old French Old English /eu/ neveu neveu (nephew) /au/ cause cause /Ui/ bouillir boille (boil) point point / i/ noyse noise choisir chois (choice) The new English diphthongs were not exactly like they were in French - they were modified by existing English vowels to create brand new diphthongs. The stress pattern of Old French words differed from that of Old English words, and often both stress patterns were present. Germanic languages, such as English, tends to place primary stress on the first syllable, unless that syllable is an unstressed prefix. French, on the other hand, prefers to stress the heavy syllable (one containing a coda) closest to the end of the word. Middle English loans from French often retained their native stress pattern, however, in Present-Day English, the majority of these borrowed words have conformed to the Germanic pattern. Lexicon Irrefutably, the largest influence that the Normans had on the English language was on its vocabulary. From the time William usurped the English throne until the end of the Middle English period, our language was inundated with French vocabulary terms. In fact, of the 2,650 words in the epic English poem "Sir Gawaine and the Green Knight," at least 750 are estimated to be of French origin. Even in Present-Day English, some of our most commonly used words are of French origin; table, tax, religion, trouble and pray are all derived from French words borrowed into Middle English. Hardly one syntactic category was left untouched by French loan-words during Middle English, although the majority of English words borrowed from Old French tended to be nouns, verbs and adjectives. The following is a very brief sample of some now-common words which had recently joined English in the Middle English period: Adjectives: inequales ?inequal,' principalis ?principal,' naturales ?natural' Verbs: strive, please, waste, join, cover Prepositions: French contributed to the constructions of according to and during Interjections: gramercy ?thank you' Nouns: ancestor, cellar, dinner, garment, kennel, music, noun, plague, statute The French gave the English language many specialized words, such as those used in culinary or legal situations. Because the Normans had taken over judicial and aristocratic roles, their high-prestige vocabulary was passed on to the lower-class English who acted as their clerks and servants. Thus, many cooking terms such as broil, goblet, and beverage were passed on by masters to their servants. The French influence on the lexicon was nearly nonexistent in areas where the French masters would have had little or no contact with their servants, for example, in the field.

How to Use Footnotes in Research Papers

How to Use Footnotes in Research Papers A footnote is a reference, explanation, or comment1 placed below the main text on a printed page. Footnotes are identified in the text by a numeral  or a  symbol.  Ã‚   In research papers and reports, footnotes commonly acknowledge the sources of facts and quotations that appear in the text. Footnotes are the mark of a scholar, says Bryan A. Garner. Overabundant, overflowing footnotes are the mark of an insecure scholar - often one who gets lost in the byways of analysis and who wants to show off (Garners Modern American Usage, 2009). Examples and Observations Footnotes: vices. In a work containing many long footnotes, it may be difficult to fit them onto the pages they pertain to, especially in an illustrated work.Content footnotes  supplement or simplify substantive information in the text; they should not include complicated, irrelevant, or nonessential information...Copyright permission footnotes  acknowledge the source of lengthy quotations, scale and test items, and figures and tables that have been reprinted or adapted.Content FootnotesWhat, after all, is a  content footnote  but material that one is either too lazy to integrate into the text or too reverent to discard? Reading a piece of prose that constantly dissolves into extended footnotes is profoundly disheartening. Hence my rule of thumb for footnotes is exactly the same as that for  parentheses. One should regard them as symbols of failure. I hardly  need to add that in this vale of tears failure is sometimes unavoidable.Footnote FormsAll notes have the same gene ral form:1. Adrian Johns. The Nature of the Book: Print and Knowledge in the Making (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1998), 623.If you cite the same text again, you can shorten subsequent notes:5. Johns. Nature of the Book, 384-85. The Disadvantages of FootnotesMore than one recent critic has pointed out that footnotes interrupt a narrative. References detract from the illusion of veracity and immediacy . . . . (Noel Coward made the same point more memorably when he remarked that having to read a footnote resembles having to go downstairs to answer the door while in the midst of making love.)Belloc on Footnotes[L]et a man put his foot-notes in very small print indeed at the end of a volume, and, if necessary, let him give specimens rather than a complete list. For instance, let a man who writes history as it should be written - with all the physical details in evidence, the weather, the dress, colors, everything - write on for the pleasure of his reader and not for his critic. But let him take sections here and there, and in an appendix show the critic how it is being done. Let him keep his notes and challenge criticism. I think he will be secure. He will not be secure from the anger of those who cannot write clearly, let alone vividly, and who have never in their lives been able to resurrect the past, but he will be secure from their destructive effect. The Lighter Side of FootnotesA footnote is like running downstairs  to answer the doorbell on your wedding night. 1 The footnote has figured prominently in the fictions of such leading contemporary novelists as Nicholson Baker2, David Foster Wallace3, and Dave Eggers. These writers have largely revived the digressive function of the footnote.(L. Douglas and A. George, Sense and Nonsensibility: Lampoons of Learning and Literature. Simon and Schuster, 2004) 2 [T]he great scholarly or anecdotal footnotes of Lecky, Gibbon, or Boswell, written by the author of the book himself to supplement, or even correct over several later editions, what he says in the primary text, are reassurances that the pursuit of truth doesnt have clear outer boundaries: it doesnt end with the book; restatement and self-disagreement and the enveloping sea of referenced authorities all continue. Footnotes are the finer-suckered surfaces that allow tentacular paragraphs to hold fast to the wider reality of the library.(Nicholson Baker, The Mezzanine. Weidenfeld and Nicholson, 1988) 3 One of the odd pleasures in reading the work of the late David Foster Wallace is the opportunity to escape from the main text to explore epic footnotes, always rendered at the bottoms of pages in thickets of tiny type.(Roy Peter Clark, The Glamour of Grammar. Little, Brown, 2010) Sources Hilaire Belloc,  On, 1923Chicago Manual of Style, University of Chicago Press, 2003Anthony Grafton,  The Footnote: A Curious History. Harvard University Press, 1999.Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th ed., 2010.Paul Robinson, The Philosophy of Punctuation.  Opera, Sex, and Other Vital Matters. University of Chicago Press, 2002.Kate Turabian,  A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, 7th ed. University of Chicago Press, 2007.

Write First, Edit Later

Write First, Edit Later Write First, Edit Later Write First, Edit Later By Michael You took too many English classes. Someone has told you that its more important to say it right than to say it at all. Well, it is important to write correctly. It makes your communication clearer, and your reputation brighter. But its usually better to say what you mean poorly than to say nothing. Why? Because once you write it, you can edit it. Or you can ask someone else to. Ernest Hemingway said, The first draft of anything is garbage. Well, garbage wasnt the word he actually used, but you get the idea. If Hemingway, one of the most influential prose writers in the English language, thought that his first drafts were garbage, you should feel just fine if thats what your first draft looks like. Garbage is honorable. Its hard to improve on perfection, but its really easy to improve on garbage. Reading it again will give you all sorts of ideas for improvement. But, you say, Ernest Hemingway had an editor who was paid to rework his stuff. What if you dont have anyone to revise your writing, and youre depressed by the thought of having to do it yourself? Let your writing sit for a while. It may make more sense if you sleep on it. Or, it may make less sense after you have slept on it. At least youll know which. Find someone to read it for you, to make suggestions, or even to edit it for you. You dont need someone who is a great writer themselves. Sometimes its better to find someone with nothing more than a good head on their shoulders and the ability to read English words. Ask questions. Any sensible person can tell you if he or she understood what you wrote. And if your reader didnt understand, ask what her or she thought you said. That will give you ideas for improvement, I assure you, depending how far off the mark they were. Run an ad in Craigslist, offering to pay someone a small sum to edit your writing. The ad is free, its easy to run, and the work can be done cheaply. You may find that you get what you pay for, but you can decide how much its worth to you. Find a writing critique group. Writers groups are mostly for creative writers: poets, playwrights and novelists. But for business writing, you could ask someone in your local civic club or chamber of commerce for advice. The point is to free yourself from the worry that youre writing in stone. Youre not. Anything you say can and should be considered changeable. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Writing Basics category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Congratulations on or for?Deck the HallsNarrative, Plot, and Story

Electro magntic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Electro magntic - Essay Example MS Excel once more helped drew the line of best fit and helped conclude that the relationship was actually also linear. The resulting formula has the ability to calculate the exact amount of force in any given length of coil. Even when the length of coil was varied, the resulting relationship was still consistently linear. Here is the formula: 3- The plotted points above show the relationship between the force and the magnetic field when the latter was altered. The graph shows a rather approximate linear relationship, and the general equation or formula is based on the line of best fit that is made through MS Excel. The formula is as follows: 4- Other relationships plotted above the graph of force tended to have nonlinear relationships with the varied angle. Theoretically, current-bearing conductors in magnetic fields with respect to altered angles tend to form sinusoids. The sinusoid is dependent on a number of factors such as current, magnetic field and the length of the coil conductor. Given that every other condition remains constant, the plotted graph assumes the form of a sin graph. Perhaps, the only discrepancy here is that the magnetic field is expressed in the number of magnets and not in SI units. Magnetic field is usually expressed in Teslas (T) and so there was a calculation to determine how much the consistent value of equivalent teslas is on the six magnets. The formula derived from this is as follows: Considering that our current, magnetic field and coil length were all constant from the results table, a specific angle was replaced with a force value in order to determine the constant value of Teslas appropriate for the magnetic field of six magnets, thus, 1. The doubling of the current will increase the value by a factor of 0.0058, which means that the current is actually directly proportional to the calculated force. Thus, it is expected that the force would increase. b. An electrical car that runs on an electrical

Law website Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Law website - Essay Example (American Bar Association et al., 2010) of the American laws, where a person is regarded to have had no professional relationship to the injury. It is never permissible for any attorney to list his or her famous client or his or her well known case. These regulations are provided for under America bar rule 7.2 (c) (15) that spells the communications concerning the services of lawyers (American Bar Association et al., 2010). No. attorney is never allowed to pay their former clients especially to quote how well they were presented by the attorney and this is defined in the American bar rule 7.2 (c) (1) (J); the precludes testimonials (American Bar Association et al., 2010). 5. The attorney would like to include a link in the website for web surfers to â€Å"chat with an attorney.† You, the paralegal, may be required to respond to chat calls if the attorney is out of the office. Is this permitted by the rules? Yes. Attorney is never hindered by any regulation; thus, they can include website links for web suffers to chat with them. Nonetheless, paralegal may never respond to these kinds of web chat calls since such are hindered by the America bar rule 7.4 (a) that defines direct contact with prospective client (American Bar Association et al.,

Essential Features of Contemporary Organisations Essay Example for Free

Essential Features of Contemporary Organisations Essay This essay aims to discuss why teams and groups are seen as essential features of contemporary organisations. Firstly, it will examine what exactly constitutes a group or team, then it will go on to discuss different types of groups and teams which exist within an organisation. Next it will explain why groups and teams are key to contemporary organisations in particular and finally, it will discuss the disadvantages associated with groups within organisations. Firstly, it is important to distinguish what exactly constitutes a team or a group. As Khan (2010) states, all teams are groups because the individuals in it have some kind of of unifying relationship, but not all groups are teams because the individuals making up a group may have very little or no interdependence and they could just as well work alone. For the purposes of this essay we will assume that the terms team and group are interchangeable. Therefore, a group is a collection of individuals who share a common set of norms, who generally have differentiated roles among themselves, and who interact with one another toward the joint pursuit of common goals (Steers and Black, 1994). Within an organisation different types of groups exist and are essential for the day to day running of the company. Formal and informal groups are the most common groups found within organisations; where formal groups are the groups brought together by the organisation for a specific purpose for example, the human resources department and where informal groups are the social groups formed voluntarily by individuals within the organisation for example, people who share common interests. Businesses cannot exist without both formal and informal groups. Informal groups provide individuals with a means of gaining help and support to carry out their particular objectives (which may or may not be the same as the organisations objectives) (Handy, 1993 as cited in Kahn, 2010). Informal groups provide employees with the social contact they desire which makes them more agreeable in the work environment and as such more willing to participate actively in their formal groups. Open and closed groups also exist within organisations; where an open group is one whose membership changes frequently and a closed group is one whose membership is relatively stable. In a closed group status relationships are established among the members, meaning that there will be clear cut high status and low status members. Within an organisation the management can manipulate these different sets of groups in order to achieve their goals. For example, keeping decision making groups as open groups means that leadership roles are more difficult to establish amongst the members and thus high status members of the group will find it hard to establish norms and the team will work to its best potential. Many contemporary organisations are now spread globally, so it is of utmost importance for them to factor in another type of group, the virtual group. Virtual groups are able to come together regardless of time and space restrictions to work on resolving any issues. Thanks to advances of the world wide web, for the first time teams can virtually collocate all of the information they need to work together and put it all in context (Lipnack and Stamps, 1997). Virtual groups allow the organisation to respond quickly to any market changes, take pressure away from top management and instil a sense of belonging and importance amongst the employees. The virtual group is an important factor for global organisations as it allows for cultural diversity in the solutions which are proposed. For example, the Chinese office may have a different way of thinking than the American office, but through virtual groups it is easy to transfer this cultural knowledge to other areas of the business. A more and more technology driven marketplace pressurises organisations to respond quickly to changes but thanks to these technological advances, organisations can begin to use the world wide web to their benefit through virtual teams. Virtual teams allow the organisation to easily spread decision making to trusted individuals rather than only to top management. Groups can be essential to an organisations level of productivity. If there is a high level of group cohesiveness the group will experience high morale and will become a desirable entity to be part of within an organisation which means there will be plenty employees willing to compete with each other for a spot in the group, which in turn raises productivity. Managers need to control the size of groups in order to stay at an optimum level of productivity and also offer incentives like bonus pay for good performance to enhance the desirability of the group even further. Groups also relieve some of the responsibility of the manager, as they do not have to keep a constant eye on each individual employee, they can trust that group members will spur on the productivity of the group in order to gain the proposed incentives. Groups can provide an organisation with more than one solution to a proposed problem because as Maier (1967) states, a group has a greater knowledge store than that of any individual. Monitoring the size of groups here is vital from management, as with a large sized group there may be plenty of ideas generated, but they are not necessarily well formed ideas. Splitting groups into smaller member sizes will ensure the ideas are well thought out and in an extremely competitive marketplace, this is the best strategy for managers to ensure they have a variety high quality solutions to choose from instead of opting for the first good idea that comes to light. As beneficial as groups are to contemporary organisations, it is also useful to be aware of some of the risks that go along with groups within organisations. Even though it is believed that the quality of ideas or decisions made within a group will be higher than from an individual, people have been known to make riskier decisions within a group context than they would ever have made alone. The reason being people want to conform to group norms as shown in the tests conducted by Milgram (1963). Milgram showed how easily people can be influenced to stray from their initial beliefs for the norms of the group and also how easily people go back to their own beliefs if the group is in support of them through his experiments. This all shows how easily influenced people can be and how they will change their behaviour to that of their peers in order to avoid possible conflict. One further disadvantage of groups within organisations is the theory Groupthink which was developed by Irving Janis (1972) which states that once within groups individuals may lose sight of the end goal and instead only focus on reaching an agreement. If suffering from groupthink people may become over confident and invulnerable, they may view outsiders in negative terms and disregard their views and they may force different thinkers to conform to their ideas. Football fans tend to be affected by groupthink, for example, they get sucked into the group and follow the behaviour of others which is vastly different from the way they would act in their day to day lives. Managers can combat groupthink through a number of ways and thus maintain the effectiveness of the group entity to the organisation. In conclusion, groups and teams are essential features of contemporary organisations. Groups come in many forms and businesses cannot exist without the merging of all different types of group within the organisation. Virtual groups are key to contemporary organisations as they allow the organisation to stay up to date in the technology stakes and also allows them to merge great minds from the different corners of the globe. Groups with high levels of cohesiveness will increase the productivity of the organisation and can be encouraged and manipulated by management to remain productive. Although groups are essential features of organisations they do also come with their disadvantages, groups can lose their individuality and take even riskier decisions than they would ever do alone. From this essay it is clear that groups and teams are essential features of contemporary organisations as long as the top management understands the complexities of the group and keeps renewing membership s o as to gain the most benefits for the organisation. References Kahn, H (2010), â€Å"Groups and Conflict Management† (chapter 6), Organisational Behaviour, Heriot Watt University Steers, R. M and Black, J. S (1994) Organisational Behaviour, Prentice Hall Lipnack, J and Stamps, J (1997) Virtual Teams, [online] Available at: http://books.google.co.uk/books?hl=enlr=id=171-FrLDhvUCoi=fndpg=PR17dq=virtual+teams+lipnackots=Bu_xw63cfIsig=Is-ymM KvujoYxynZKxXfIJ_tQs8#v=onepageqf=false [Accessed 4 November 2011] Maier, N (1967) â€Å"Assets and Liabilities In Group Problem Solving: The Need For An Integrative Function† Psychological Review, Vol 74(4) [online] Available at: http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/rev/74/4/239/ [Accessed 4 November 2011] Milgram, S (1963). â€Å"Behavioural Study Of Obedience† Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 67 [online] Available at: http://www.wadsworth.com/psychology_d/templates/student_resources/0155060678_rathus/ps/ps01.html [Accessed 4 November 2011] Janis, I. L (1972). â€Å"Victims of Groupthink: A Psychological Study of Foreign Policy Decisions and Fiascoes† Houghton Miffin.

Language and Culture in an Immigrant Society :: Cultural Identity Essays

The professor of my linguistics anthropology course this year, stepped up to the podium on the first day of class, and surprised us all with his feelings regarding language. He began by telling us that he specializes in human misery, perhaps insinuating language is a source of misery. Dr. Song is a Korean immigrant and the sounds of his own language repulses him. Growing up in modern society America has made him cringe at the sound of his native tongue. It is this same native language of Korean that my professor falls back into when he is made nervous by an English speaking person leaning in closer to him and squinting up his face expecting not to understand what will come out of his mouth before he even opens it. It is as if the frustration and impatience he has confronted in people has fostered a hatred for the part of him that is foreign. Michael Agar, a leading theorist on modern linguistics, has proposed a reason for this regression. In looking at the elusive idea of "culture" we see that the content is ever changing. It is a continual process one that Agar says "is not something those people have; it's something that happens to you." My professor used an example of two types of drivers to demonstrate the different reactions to the complications that arise with culture. These two drivers will be called the first and second driver. The first driver embodies the number one type and the second, the good driver. He uses the situation of traffic congestion to put these types into perspective. Imagine a driver during traffic congestion. The number one type will say to himself, "The system is causing this inconvenience, because it is always like this." To a number one type, it is this "immutable truth" that is the cause of any obstacles. This truth can be applied to almost anything in a society where we are sur rounded by reproducible images and experiences, which grants permission to use stereotypes. The problem (the traffic congestion) is caused by a "thing" out there and is objectified. But there is a second driver, the good driver. This driver does not objectify the situation and use the accepted truth.

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska

The world is filled with many natural wonders, and one of these marvels is the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska. Its 19. 6 million acres comprise some of the last truly undisturbed wilderness, and the area has even been called the crown jewel of America's refuge system. This refuge is composed of a far-reaching stretch of tundra covered with marshes and lagoons and intertwined with rivers spectacularly positioned among the foothills of the snowcapped Brooks Mountain Range and the sparkling waters of the Beaufort Sea, presenting an awe-inspiring spectacle (Defenders of Wildlife, 2001a). It was because of this beauty that ANWR was set-aside as government land. Originally, the North Slope of Alaska was only used for military purposes, and the public was not allowed on any of its 48. 8 million acres during World War II. But in 1952-1953, some government scientists decided that this area of Alaska should become a conservation area. So, Fred Seaton, the Secretary of the Interior, made 8. 9 million acres of the North Slope into the â€Å"Arctic National Wildlife Range† to protect it. A lot of oil was found throughout the North Slope in the following years, so many wanted to drill for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Range. In the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA – 1980), most of the Range plus more of the North Slope was designated as Wilderness and called the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. However, Section 1002 of ANILCA decided the part of the Range not considered Wilderness should be part of ANWR, although it must be researched before it was decided whether or not it should be designated as Wilderness or used for oil development. This disputed section is called the 1002 Area (Alaska Wilderness League 2003a; Ecological Society of America, 2002; Gibbs, 2001; U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2000b). Studies conducted in the 1002 Area showed that oil and gas development would cause great harm to its wildlife (U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2000b). Unfortunately, the oil companies do not seem to see the beauty of this wild area, only the possible profit in it. The oil industry would still like to drill in the 1002 Area (the Coastal Plain), an area of 1. 5 million acres between the Arctic Ocean and the Brooks Range (Alaska Wilderness League 2003a; Ecological Society of America, 2002; Gibbs, 2001; Sierra Club, 2001). However, the Coastal Plain is vital to the continued existence of many organisms and is full of life during the short spring and summer months, giving it the nickname â€Å"America's Serengeti† (Alaska Wilderness League 2003a; Alaska Wilderness League 2003b; Defenders of Wildlife, 2001b). The Porcupine River caribou herd of about 130,000 goes to the Coastal Plain on an annual basis to bear and nurse their young before migrating to warmer climates (Alaska Wilderness League 2003b; Gibbs, 2001; U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2000b; Roth, 1995). Polar bears use it as their most vital denning area on land (Alaska Wilderness League 2003b; Roth, 1995). Musk oxen, grizzly bears, wolves, wolverines, foxes, golden eagles, and snowy owls assemble there to stalk their prey and build their dens. Dall sheep, whales, moose, 36 fish species, and eight other marine mammals thrive in the region, too. About 300,000 snow geese also stop there in the fall to eat after coming from their nesting grounds in Canada (Alaska Wilderness League 2003a; U. S. Fish &Wildlife Service, 2002). Another 135 species of birds use the land to breed, nest, raise their young, feed, or rest before they migrate to areas throughout the United States and beyond (Alaska Wilderness League 2003b; Babbitt, 1995). The 1002 Area is home to a variety of wildlife. So, drilling should not occur in the 1002 Area because it would be detrimental to the animals living there. Oil development could hurt the wildlife in many ways. The emissions from aircrafts, scents of workers, and the noise of vehicles and other engines could displace the animals (Gibbs, 2001). Roads and pipelines would also displace the wildlife because their normal routes would be blocked (Alaska Wilderness League, 2003b). Drilling would cause great harm to the animals that rely on the Coastal Plain of ANWR. Additionally, the 135 species of birds that nest and feed in the 1002 Area would be affected. Many of the birds would lose critical habitat, causing population declines for already small populations. Also, the oil fields would attract predators, further lowering their numbers (Audubon, 2002). Other studies around the other Alaskan oil fields have shown tundra swans to nest over 650 feet from the roads (Gibbs, 2001). Many of the other migratory birds are also sensitive to disturbances, and oil production in ANWR would interrupt migration patterns that have been occurring for many years (Alaska Wilderness League 2003b). The migratory species would carry the effects with them throughout the world (UNEP, 2001). Caribou are also sensitive to disturbances. Caribou with young stay at least 2. 5 miles away from roads (Gibbs, 2001). So, the caribou would be pushed into the foothills of the Brooks Range, an area with more predators (Ecological Society of America, 2002). A computer model estimated that calf survival would be reduced about 14 percent by oil production in ANWR (Gibbs, 2001). And, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service believes that lowering the calf survival by only five percent would cause the Porcupine caribou herd to suffer population declines (Alaska Wilderness League 2003b). The musk oxen's population would also drop, too. They live on the Coastal Plain year-round (Montgomery, 2003). They need to conserve their energy and move very little to live on the Coastal Plain in the winter because there is little to eat, and it is very cold. The musk oxen would be forced off of the 1002 Area by drilling, and the Department of the Interior thinks this would lower their population 25 to 50 percent (Alaska Wilderness League 2003). The polar bears need the Coastal Plain to continue their current population numbers as well. It is needed for pregnant polar bears to nest upon and raise their cubs. The cubs need to be protected in their dens for three months. Any sort of disturbance would cause them to leave their dens early, which would harm their newborn cubs (Alaska Wilderness League 2003b). Bowhead whales also migrate past the Coastal Plain. They are needed by the Kaktoviks (the people indigenous to the North Slope) for food and cultural activities. However, the oil development occurring presently has already displaced them 9 to 15 miles from any noise (Montgomery, 2003). So, the Kaktoviks need areas without drilling to continue their subsistence way of life. Furthermore, all of the aquatic animals (including bowhead whales and polar bears) would be greatly harmed by an oil spill. Development in the waters is not significant as of yet, but if more development occurs on land, then more development may occur offshore. Many animals are very vulnerable to the effects of an oil spill, so more development should not occur (Montgomery, 2003). In addition to harming wildlife, oil development would harm the physical environment as well. The drilling west of the refuge (near Prudhoe Bay) has already done considerable damage. It has turned 400 square miles of undisturbed wilderness into 1500 miles of roads and pipelines, 1400 wells, three airports, 17 sewage treatment plants, and hundreds of large waste pits. The drilling has discharged into the environment more that 43,000 tons of nitrogen oxides each year, contributing to smog and acid rain production, and 100,000 metric tons of methane that leads to global warming. There have been about 1,600 spills containing 1. 2 million gallons of oil, diesel fuel, acid, drilling fluid, and many other harmful substances between 1994 and 1999 (Indigenous Environmental Network, 2001). There is about one spill each day (Alaska Wilderness League 2003c). All of this could occur in ANWR if the oil companies get what they want. And, you would think that there must be a gold mine of oil under the 1002 Area if they would sacrifice such an important area of land. However, the U. S. Geological Survey predicts there is only enough oil beneath the Coastal Plain to sustain the energy needs of America for six months (Alaska Wilderness League 2003a; Alaska Wilderness League 2003c). The Department of the Interior has estimated that â€Å"there is only a one-in-five chance of finding any economically recoverable oil in the refuge† (Roth, 1995). It is not worth ruining a pristine wilderness supporting many animals for very little oil that may not even be â€Å"economically recoverable. † Not only is there little oil under the Coastal Plain, it is also found in only small accumulations rather than one large oil field (like Prudhoe Bay). So, there would have to be more development areas, increasing the effect on the wildlife and environment (Ecological Society of America, 2002). Overall, the drilling would cause a lot of damage. A pristine wilderness would be turned into a noisy, polluted, developed area. Millions of species of animals would be harmed. They would no longer be able to use the Coastal Plain to feed, mate, nest, and hunt. They would be forced onto marginal lands, and their numbers would be negatively affected (Alaska Wilderness League 2003b; Gibbs, 2001; U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2000b). And, the drilling could cause many environmental problems, including global warming, smog, and acid rain (Indigenous Environmental Network, 2001). Plus, the drilling would not even solve the energy problems in the U. S. So, drilling in ANWR should be prevented!

What extent is it accurate to claim that Australians

Australians are committed to a ;fair go' and that they belong to a classless society? Since Australia opened its doors to the rest of the world it has been widely regarded as a land of ‘golden opportunity well endowed in resources with a small population; it appeared to be an escape from the rigid aristocratic ruling of European nations (Furze, 2008: 349). For such a long time many Australians have been reluctant to recognize that social classes do in fact exist within our society and that these classes perpetuate inequality.To claim that all Australians are committed to a fair go' would be ignorant, and I will explore in this discussion the barriers that prohibit Australians from being equal. I will begin by providing an understanding of class constructs and stratification, I will then go on to highlight the Inequalities Inherent in different spheres of Australian society and how these Inequalities are products of a class hierarchy. I have chosen to concentrate on healthcare; education and the legal system for these are resources that all citizens should have equal access to.Class is a significant force in all societies, understanding class is crucial if we are to see how groups of people within our society have different experiences. Social stratification refers to the way society is organized within hierarchical layers (Furze, 2008:320). It is impossible to live in Australia without coming to realize that these different social classes are employed in deferent types of Jobs, live in different suburbs, attend different schools, receive different incomes and experience crucial differences in privilege and inequality (McGregor, 1997: 2).As we begin to investigate how social, lattice and economic resources are distributed the disparities between groups becomes apparent- the nature of stratification creates a systematic and enduring pattern of Inequality. (Habits & Walter, 2009:2) The Inequalities that arise from class differences are largely based on const raints to access of resources; one of these resources is healthcare. It is evident that health disparities within Australia are linked to different income groups.Lifestyle factors attributed to ill health such as poor diets, drugs and alcohol are most prominent in low income groups and minorities such as the Indigenous. These groups are socially disadvantaged and therefore have limited access to resources such as housing, health information and education. For these reasons, studies have found that pregnant aboriginal women are at a high risk of birthing underweight babies- contributing to a higher infant mortality rate, high rates of morbidity with 20 years less life expectancy than non Indigenous Australians and higher rates of alcohol abuse and self harm (Furze, 2008: 314).Health risks are not just limited to minority groups however, blue collar workers also experience significant occupation related Issues; mining and Intensive Barbour as well as exposure to toxic substances Is li kely to cause subsequent Illness. Contested due to its inaccessibility. The Federal, State and Territory governments share the responsibility of publicly funded healthcare and also provide Medicare- a healthcare system that all wage earners pay a levy toward. Recently however, there has been a growth in private health care investment illustrated by a rise in private hospital beds from 24439 in 2003 to 26988 in 2006 (Furze, 2008:317).Citizens are being encouraged to take out private health care for better and quicker treatment, forever, this causes an ethical debate as public waiting lists are profoundly long and yet private health care is unaffordable by many. It is evident then, that class placement determines opportunity and creates barriers to achieving equal access to healthcare. Another sphere of Australian society divided by class stratification is education and schooling. In many ways education and knowledge are the keys to a prosperous and successful life; however it is not possible for everyone to access this valuable resource (Habit's and Walter, 2009:149).The shift of government funding room public schools to private schools means that a child's class background easily distorts their educational path. As private schools began to emerge, upper class parents would send their children to private school due to the preferred prestige and elite status they were associated with. More recently however, the decision to enroll children in private educational institutions reflects the decline the educational quality provided by public schools.The government have turned to ‘economic rationalism' where their focus is no longer on committing to maximizing general elf through the development of public resources but by operating on economic efficiency (Furze,2008:255). For this reason, private schools have been advantaged and public schools left behind. What is most significant about this change is that it generates socioeconomic inequality; parents with lowe r incomes cannot afford to send their children to private school and this subsequently reproduces the stratification system.Socioeconomic status has further implications within the education system; this is particularly evident within the low socioeconomic groups and indigenous community. Education attrition rates for these groups are as low as 14. 5%; this is significantly low compared to a 76. 4% obtained by higher socioeconomic groups (Furze, 2008:252). Students are sorted by ability and performance indicators through standardized testing; these tests routinely consign Aboriginals to a hard competition for Jobs, income and social mobility (Furze, 2008:261).Aboriginal children concentrated in rural areas suffer inequitable access to education, particularly as schools in remote areas have low achievement levels and staffing problems. In 2004 only 39. 5% of Aboriginals progressed to year 12 whilst 6. 8% of non indigenous students did (Furze, 2008: 263). Social inequalities and class implications are reproduced academically as wealthy schools continue to be subsidized and children of lower socioeconomic status remain disadvantaged.Substantial evidence of class related inequality also exists within the political sphere, lower socioeconomic groups and minorities possess limitations to accessing and actively participating in this sphere in comparison to upper class citizens who are able to actively participate. Great controversy surrounds the overrepresented of Indigenous and lower class citizens in Australia; discriminatory attitudes are prevalent toward these groups due to their higher rates of unemployment.Low levels disenfranchisement and a lack of knowledge (McGregor, 1997; 76) Relative poverty, poor health standards and a lack of educational and social opportunities have underpinned greater Aboriginal representation amongst criminal offenders. â€Å"Aborigines, it is said, make up one per cent of the general population, but nearly 30 per cent of prison in m ates,† (Wolcott & Dowse, 2004: 253). This statement is echoed by statements of the Australian Law Reform Commission which claims the Aborigines re 29 times more likely to be imprisoned that non Aborigines. Wolcott & Dowse, 2004: 256) As laws of a society are connected with the dominant cultural attitudes of society, it seems the inherent bias of Australian Judicial system is ethnocentric. The ALARM have also alluded to the, ‘many instances [that] exist when Aboriginals have been imprisoned, fined or otherwise sentenced without having understood their rights,' (Wolcott & Dowse, 2004: 259). This can be attributed again to the lack of education available to this community and the lack of access to legal aid due to financial constraints.For Australia to be committed to a fair go' all citizens should possess the same standard of access and equity in the legal system, however, the implications of class inequality prevent this from occurring. We can be certain that class divisi ons do exist in Australian society, and that these divisions limit one's entitlement to a fair go. ‘ Myths of equality aside, the evidence is quite clear that in Australia, as in every other capitalist system, success depends very strongly on one's socioeconomic status (Hillier, 1981 :214); it plays a pivotal role in determining access to political, social and economic resources .

Its Not a Contest Essays - Robotics, Today, Free Essays

It's Not a Contest Essays - Robotics, Today, Free Essays It's Not a Contest A few weeks ago, I was in downtown Denver at the conference center, as one of the parent volunteers for the elementary school's Robotics Club. We were there to watch an international robotics competition, where students from around the world had brought along robots they had built to be squared off against each other in various events. We stepped off the school bus and made our way though the various bridges and corridors of the gleaming glass facility. When we arrived outside the right ballroom, we were greeted by one of the teachers from our school district. He addressed our group of 40 kids: "OK guys, before we go in, I wanted to remind you of one thing. There are two types of people in the world today: those whocreate technology, and those whoconsumeit. Only one of those groups gets to cash the check, the other has to write it. Apple Computer didn't get to be the richest company in the world bybuying a bunch of phones - they had to do the hard work to develop those phones. So when you go into this room, I want you to look at the teams and where they are from. You'll notice most of them are from Asia. Because over there, they take this stuff - science, technology, engineering, and math - much more seriously than we do. The kids your age are already starting calculus, and they program their own robots and do events like this every weekend. They are way ahead of us, and in a global world, it's blah blah blah" At this point I tuned out, because I could see where the guy was going and I think he was missing the bigger picture. But I was happy to add his little speech to my collection of stories about the common theme of artificially imposed competitive worry. These scary little talks pop up in all areas of life, and with them we are creating a dog-eat-dog world in the middle of a very comfortable and well-appointed dog food factory. You'll see this phenomenon in varying degrees in the school system: At one end of it, my own family has become curious about the hippy free-for-all concept of Unschooling , while traditional schooling methods are more rigorous. And the trend seems to intensify in the Northeastern United States, where many of the wealthier residents are afflicted with Ivy League Preschool Syndrome ). Further East, the Indian and Asian cultures value education highly, but often under a very strict regime of long hours, reduced leisure, rote memorization and a focus on competition. Unfortunately this phenomenon does not end on graduation day. The nature of large-scale capitalism is competition and survival of the fittest, which I believe can be a good thing overall*. But when you apply constant competition on the level of individual humans in a win-lose battle, the results are not nearly as good. Most of us seem to come pre-packaged with a desire for more. If something is good, more of it must be better. A 4-cylinder car provides amazing transportation options, so people naturally try to get more of that amazement by buying 8-cylinder trucks. A few square feet of interior space is a very useful form of shelter, so given the resources some of us will amass tens of thousands of these square feet. But the phenomenon of more extends even further than material conveniences. It leaks right into the way we live our lives and perceive our value as human beings. If you enjoy your job, you may find yourself advancing relentlessly until you become the CEO. If you own a business, you might find yourself growing it just because the customers and the money are there and you don't want to waste the opportunity. But what if higher status and higher income were not the things you really needed to achieve a happier life? You would end up trading precious time and life for something that really delivers no value to you, because you had enough in the first place. Some people call this tendency mindless accumulation. This bad habit is built right into us, as you may have seen

Paper Editing Help

Paper Editing Help Paper Editing Help Paper Editing Help The first draft of your research paper is likely to be in need of editing, especially if you have let your ideas flow from paragraph to paragraph. Editing is your real opportunity to give your English research paper shape and emphasis. You will have little idea of the final shape of the final draft unless you read through the draft with an intention to edit it. Editing your writing is often a matter of emphasizing one part or one argument more than others. You will need to push some parts of your research paper into the background and pull others forward in the process of paper editing.  Not every college work lends itself to editing treatment; however, all research papers that have no impact are usually those which most resemble a list of points. Papers lacking shape flow one section to another giving equal emphasis to each part so that the impression given is that the paper could go on for ever. These papers need editing help. Paper Editing Tips The below checklist of questions for editing a research paper might look like this: Does description form part of a discussion or analysis? Are quotations linked with comment? What is the main point? (Try writing it in two sentences.) What evidence do you use to substantiate your viewpoint? Is there adequate justification for statements? Can some issues be pulled into the foreground? Is there sufficient interpretation/analysis? Is the choice of material biased? Do all paragraphs deal with one main idea? Do they link together? Are they relevant to the title? Do the points made lead to a logical conclusion? Are there any grammar, spelling, or punctuation mistakes? Research paper editing is not always a matter of erasing the text. While editing you should add explanation and justification to give your college work emphasis. While editing paper you will also check the relevancy of material. The most important editing task is to apply something similar to a 'DNA genetic test'. While editing, imagine that every paragraph carries its own genetic material derived from the work title. Editing help provided by is of high quality.   We will perfect your paper and make it perfect!   Your tutor will be impressed with relevancy of information and logical formatting. Not every doctor is gifted and not every student is able to edit his writing.   We offer an affordable solution - paper editing help.

Growing Customer Value of Apple, Inc Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Growing Customer Value of Apple, Inc - Essay Example The company is located in the Silicon Valley in the United States that is currently experiencing economic turmoil. The recession has caused some technology companies to close shop and file for bankruptcy. Unemployment in the region has increased due to the economic downturn. Â  On the other hand, the high standards of living among Americans have prompted for an increase in labor wages. The problems of the American economy created threats to the sustainability of some companies. However, Apple saw the recession as an opportunity to pool potential talents for their new business ventures. Â  Laws and regulations related to mobile communications devices in the many jurisdictions in which the Company operates are extensive and subject to change. Such changes, which could include restrictions on production, manufacture, distribution, and use of the device, locking the device to a carrier’s network, or mandating the use of the device on more than one carrier’s network, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and operating results. Mobile communication devices, such as iPhone, are subject to certification and regulation by governmental and standardization bodies, as well as by cellular network carriers for use on their networks. These certification processes are extensive and time consuming and could result in additional testing requirements, product modifications or delays in product shipment. (Apple, Inc, 2008) Â  Information technology system failures, network disruptions and breaches of data security could disrupt the company’s operations by causing delays or cancellation of customer, including channel partner.

Art history Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 5

Art history - Essay Example Condottiere was the name given to the captain or leader who commanded a mercenary in the 14th and 15th century in Italy. The leader together with his mercenary engaged in fights in the Italian city-states on behalf of the contracting Papacy and the city-states. Thus, the word condottiere originated from condottiero meaning contractor. The mercenary worked with states directly fighting for them, and a fighting contract was signed with the highest bidder. Nevertheless, the contract bound them to a certain city or state with whom the contract was signed, but they moved from one lord or city to another, a game that was fatal for both parties. Additionally, some condottiere had their own small towns acquired through inheritance of conquer, for example, Attendolos who founded the Sforza family. In the Renaissance society, military skill was very expensive, but a wealthy city such as Venice was in a position to afford the services of a condottiere and his mercenary. Therefore, such wealthy cities hired military services only when needed, and this provided a way for them to spare its citizens from the horror and the rigors of war, and save on the cost of maintaining a standing military. Furthermore, the condottiere played a significant role in influencing the field of art as some of the greatest statues of all time in Italy were of the condottiere. An example of work of art that demonstrates the role of condottiere is Denatello’s Equestrian Statue of Erasmo da Narni, referred to as Gattamelata.

Outline the bank multiplier approach to explaining the process of Essay

Outline the bank multiplier approach to explaining the process of money creation and discuss its limitations - Essay Example This has led to call for the replacement of federal reserve system by a computer based system that would fix rates via calculations using standard economic metrics. Say in his law seems to make a suggestion to the fact that money is neutral and does not in any way lead to recession. He felt it was an irrational action to hoard money if one had it. In his view the only reason to have money is to spend it on one’s needs, in buying products. An increased spending is brought about by the increase in money supply going by the opinion that money is meant for spending. Say economist do not believe that businesses suffer as a result of lack of money for which reason other economist may advocate the printing of more money. Say and his followers rather believe that to increase ones purchasing power all that is needed is for there to be an increase in production processes. This would cause demand for the product an exchange for these goods automatically puts money into the pockets of the producer thereby increasing his purchasing power. The printing of more money would invariably lead to indiscriminate consumption which is believed by say economist as a wealth

Post modernism and our contemporary social work understanding

Post modernism and our contemporary social work understanding Drawing on material from the module, critically discuss the extent to which theories relating to post modernism inform our understanding of an aspect or aspects of contemporary social work. Theories of postmodernism have gathered pace across all aspect of social theory. This is often referred to as the postmodern turn (Best and Kellner, 1997). The emergence of the modern/postmodern debate in response to economic, social and cultural transformation has significant implications for professions such as social work (Crook et al, 1992). A vast array of literature has emerged with an interest in understanding changes to welfare provision and social work in relation to post modernity (Parton, 1994). This text will critically discuss the extent to which theories relating to post modernism inform our understanding of contemporary social work. Being with the emergence of postmodern theory it will attempt to define this phenomenon by exploring the key themes. Focusing on two elements in particular, welfare and anti-oppressive practice, this text will try to identify features of postmodern social work using modernity as basis for comparison and analysis. To conclude collaborative theories such as affirmative or critical postmodernism will be explored as perspectives that inform understanding and guide social work practice into an approach that combines both personal and social factors. Postmodernist social theory began to emerge in the 1960s and 1970s. It developed into the 1980s where the concepts of globalization and reflexivity become incorporated. Today the postmodern debate continues to influence social work policy and practice (Walker, 2001). Postmodern theory developed as a response to a perceived crisis of modernity brought on by factors such as accelerated economic growth, consumerism and resource depletion (Boggs, 1993). For many theorists such as Lyotard (1991) modernity failed to achieve its supposed aims of democracy, human emancipation and social justice through its evidence based world view. Amongst theorists there is little consensus about when the world become post modern or if indeed it has giving rise to a plethora of postmodern perspectives and associated terms such as late modern, post-industrial, post-structural and high or late modernity (Dodd, 1999). Some theorists attempt to explain postmodernism historically whilst others consider it synonymous with the demise of historical time (Felski, 2000, p.2). As a result postmodernism proves difficult to define. There is however a common feature that can be identified within most postmodern theory, the demise of mega-narratives (Lyon, 1994). Factors such as uncertainty, flux, ambiguity, pluralism and diversity have also been identified as characteristics of a postmodern society (Turner, 2006). The influx of postmodern theories has changed the discourse of social science shifting the focus from analysis of social structure to analysis of meaning (Noble, 2004). In considering the impact of theories relating to postmodernism attention should be given to what characterises modern and postmodern social work. Social work can be considered a child of modernity (Parton and Marshall, 1998). The foundations of modernity were set in understanding the social world through reason, objectively and scientific study (Boggs, 1993). Some argue that it was this presence of logical argument and commitment to reason that equipped social work with tools to identify and address oppression (Noble, 2004). For this reason social work has spent most of its adolescence within the social sciences focusing on an evidence based approach to practice (Payne, 2005). Writers such as Gellner (1992) and Hambermas (1987, cited by Leonard 1997) advocate that if separated from repression and domination human reason is still the most progressive force for tackling the social world. A modernist perspective assumes that there is some fixed essence or ethical base that informs social work (Noble, 2004). This was a popular perspective in the 1970s where pursuit for a synthesized approach to theory and practice was accelerated and arguments were made for the introduction of generic practitioners and departments (Howe, 1994). The argument that in the age of modernity social order is maintained through self-regulation, systematic enquiry and expertise put forward by Foucault (1975), goes some way toward explaining the development and popularity of therapeutic approaches within social work. Promoting psychological understanding became a basis for social work with treatment and rehabilitation forming the foundations of the profession (Payne, 2005). There is of course considerable debate as to whether social work did begin with such emancipatory aims and its promotion of universalism and objectively is certainly challenged by the postmodern discourse. Social work, from a postmodern perspective, stresses attention to power dilution, diversity, the authority of the service user, pluralistic perspectives and a fluid approach to intervention (Parton and OByrne, 2000). In this approach universalism is rejected and practitioners no longer strive to understand human behaviour through a theoretic framework. Multiple public inquiries into child deaths and institutional abuse have shaken faith in psychologically based techniques, questioning their ability to support individuals to function safely in society (Walker, 2001). This coupled with criticisms from radical social work perspectives has created space for a legal and social justice framework to emerge (Howe, 1994). Within this framework social workers are increasingly judged by their effectiveness giving reason, argues (Aldridge, 1996), for social workers to embrace their expertise and become more confident to articulate responses to criticism. An implication of accountability culture is that social work practice becomes task-orientated and performance related (Hugman, 2003). It is for this reason that postmodernism has been critiqued for responding only to the surface of events with little inclination to explore what is behind this (Ferguson and Levalette, 1999). Social work is reduced to a set of organisational procedures dictated by codes of conduct, Once the idea of a common theoretical base underpinning all social work practices is abandoned, the full implications of the controlling nature of legislation and policy can be unleashed (Howe, 1994, p.524). Having considered what characterises modern and postmodern social work we can begin to explore how these perspectives inform different aspects of social work. Given that social work is submerged in the welfare debate it seems a logical starting point to consider in relation to postmodernism (Pease and Fook, 1999). Understanding postmodernist theory in this sense gives insight into the political and social climate that shapes practice. Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of the postmodern discourse. Writers such as Powell (2001) suggest that the welfare system provides an essential role in taming unwieldy elements of capitalism through a state supported redistributing welfare system. Although modernist thinkers would concede that the welfare state has never fully succeeded in addressing inherent inequalities, its very existence has improved the standards of living for the majority (Noble, 2004). Therefore it is hardly surprising that concerns are being voiced over an increa sing neo-liberal agenda and subsequent downsizing of the state in favour of a free market economy (Midgly, 1999). The introduction of quasi-markets and mixed economies of care has resulted in what is referred to as a contract culture (Ife, 199). Powell (2001) suggests that the erosion of the welfare state has placed barriers to humanistic social policies and as a result professions such as social work struggle to remain central to service provision and to advance their wider aims of social justice. Postmodernism with its disregard for universal values and ethics coupled with globalisation and the continued spread of capitalism are the driving forces behind this change (Noble, 2004). Ritzer (1995) attempts to define the status of society and social relationships in relation to a global market economy. Warning of the de-humanizing influences of large multi-national corporations Ritzer (1995, p34) highlights working practices that, exemplify the contemporary rationalisation process within globalization of culture. The four main elements of these working practices; evolving, efficiency, calculability and predictability are increasing present within social work. Naturally these concerns are not shared by everyone. Many postmodern theorists argue that that the welfare state has always been a source of controversy never reaching consensus on how it should be organized, funded or distributed (Dominelli, 1996). Modernists can be critiqued for failing to acknowledge the welfare state as a mechanism for reproducing social inequality through the way in which resources are accessed and priorities established (Walton 1975, cited by Dominelli, 2004). Giddens (1991) identifies the welfare state as bound to traditional family and gender systems. Fraser and Gordon (1994) observe the gendered nature of welfare suggesting that policies centred on dependency, often associated with femininity, perpetuate negative representations of women and other disadvantages groups. Jordon and Jordan (2000) suggest instead that the Third Way in politics, dismissed as oppressive capitalism by commentators such as Bauman (2002), has a moral fibre in the sense of offering ju stice and inclusion without forcing conformity. Rights and freedoms are offered in the context of the market place, individuals have choice by means of being a consumer (Howe 1994). It is argued that the growth of the voluntary sector and changes to decision making and management structures are creating space for more innovative and personalised service delivery which is free from the constraints of institutional barriers (Walker, 2001). The modern postmodern debate gathers pace when considered in relation to anti-oppressive practice. Here there are further concerns regarding the postmodernism influence on social work. Writers such as Ferguson and Levalette (1999) have argued that postmodern perspectives have little to contribute to anti-oppressive practice. Without universal ethics and values it becomes difficult to transform power relations or to identify common experiences that oppressed groups may share (Callinicos, 1995). The main critique that Ferguson and Levalette (1999) lobby on postmodernism is if all discourses are to be treated as valid the basis for distinguishing oppression is removed. Some feminists among other political critics argue that postmodernism, with its rejection of meta-narratives disempowers socially disadvantages groups at the very point at which they need to demand emancipation in the name of universalistic notions of justice and equality (Leonard, 1997). To address this requires a separa tion of emancipatory theory from oppressive ideology. The notion that emancipation can have a normative foundation is considered by postmodernism to be unsound. However advocates of modernity such as Hambermas (1987, cited by Leonard 1997) advocate the need for a standard or a form of undistorted communication to remain in order to distinguish and challenge oppression. Smith (1994, p.26) raises concerns that in a postmodern society oppression becomes self defined, the relationship between an individuals social situation and their identity becomes separated resulting in no objective way to locate a primary source of oppression. Smith (1994) also suggests that the celebration of diversity that postmodernism promises only serves to trivialise real oppression felt by many disenfranchised groups. Increasingly concepts of identity have replaced discourses of oppression (Ferguson and Levalette, 1999). Leading the charge on identity is Giddens (1991) who asserts that individuals are rational and reflexive agents who create and shape their own identities. This assumption that identity is a matter of choice has been challenged significantly. Commentators such as (Skeggs, 2001) have argued that choice and reflexivity is a classed phenomenon with many individuals having few and often undesirable lifestyles from which to choose. There are of course counter arguments to be considered here. To some postmodernists modernity is, or was depending upon their perspective, a Eurocentric, patriarchal and destructive force legitimised through the language of science (Pease and Fook, 1999). In a modern society those in positions of power are able to determine how knowledge is understood and what knowledge is relevant (Howe, 1994). Postmodernism rejects the idea that grand theories such as liberalism, socialism and psychoanalysis have offered explanations for human development suggesting instead that they perpetuate oppression by demanding consensus to their absolute notions (Bauman, 1992). A universal knowledge base that informs understanding of human behaviour naturally assumes something transferable that can be applied across all societies and cultures (Dominelli, 1996). It has been suggested that this form of universalism equates to cultural domination and the potential for racist ideology (Leonard, 1997).Within this critique postmodernism suggests that diversity should be celebrated as a reflection of the polymorphous, non-unitary and con-consensual nature of the social word (Howe, 1994, p.524). A relativist approach in contrast to a universal approach suggests all forms of behaviour are local rendering notions of human nature redundant (Howe, 1994). Postmodernism challenges the notion that perspectives such as Radical or critical social work are the only means by which emancipation can be achieved. In this context adopting universal truths as a basis for emancipation is deemed arrogant and unethical (Noble, 2004). Postmodernism spurns the concept of reason as an e mpancipatory force and suggests that a more empowering approach is through the embracing of pluralism and difference (Dodd, 1999, p.212). A key element of postmodernist thinking is the importance of language. From a postmodern perspective it is the discourses that constitute social and economic life (Ferguson and Levalette, 1999). Howe (1994, p.552) explains that Language, once thought simply to reflect reality, now appears to constitute our reality in an independent domain of its own which carries meaning and culture. The notion that power is embedded in language offers scope for social workers to critically reflect and challenge dominant discourses and assumptions to avoid perpetuating oppressive practices (Fook et al, 2000). This highlights the transformative capacity of critical postmodernism to improve practice and facilitate social change (Morley, 2004 p. 299). However Ferguson and Levalette (1999) observe that new language and terminology although a force for challenging oppressive categorisation, does not change the material situation individuals face. In summary it is worth considering how postmodern perspectives can be combined and developed to offer an approach to social work that integrates diversity and flexibility of meaning with the possibility of an ethical discourse that is shared rather than individualised (Hugman 2003, p.1035). Critical postmodernism based on a constructionist approach, combines flexibility of meaning with the understanding that society is socially constructed through the actions and relationships of its members (Hugman, 2003). In this sense postmodernism does not need to equate to the disappearance of traditional social work but nor does it need to succumb to a neo-liberal agenda (Sim, 1999). Ferguson and Lavalette (1999, p.28) in support of Leonard (1997) suggest another avenue in combining the postmodernism and structural discourses, by combining postmodernist themes with socio economic developments (informed by a Marxian perspective on globalisation and post-fordism), a rejuvenated emanicpatory social work can be developed. Parton and OByrne 2000) discuss the application of an affirmative postmodern social work which opens up thought towards greater inclusion and less prescriptive theories and methods of practice. Ife (1999) and Pease and Fook (1999) also support a social work that values diversity and uncertainty but maintains a political struggle towards social justice based on a commitment to some universal ethical and values. These theories offer a way of managing a changing society without removing a unified knowledge base or without forcing a postmodern retreat. In other words they provide a way forward that incorporates the personal with the political so that bo th are integrated into a more relevant social work discourse (Noble, 2004, p.2). This text has gone some way towards outlining postmodern perspectives of contemporary social work. From this brief analysis we can see that social work developed during the period of enlightenment or the age of modernity. As a result its focus became the development of a universal theoretical framework that informs knowledge in order to challenge social oppression. Changes within society have given rise to postmodern theories which offer social work the possibility of a fluid, pluralistic approach that promotes diversity and participation through the validity of all perspectives. As we have discussed neither of these approaches is without challenge or critique. Consideration has been given to the impact of postmodernism upon the welfare state and thus social work, outlining concerns relating to a neo-liberal agenda but questioning at the same time the suggested empacipatory nature and role of the state. The impact of postmodernism on anti-oppressive practice has been debated and implications for social work considered. Conclusions have been offered in the form of theories that combine postmodernism with elements of universalism and structural analysis. It has been clear throughout this journey that postmodernist theories have and continue to impact upon social work practice. In conclusion giving consideration to a postmodern perspective helps assists social work to examine the diverse, provisional and uncertain nature of all aspects of our world, including knowledge and skills and values and ethics (Hugman, 2003, p.1037). Word count 2,679