Cost Accounting Chapter 11

Horngren, C. T. , Datar, S. M. also, Foster, G. (2003) Cost Accounting †A Managerial Emphasis, Pearson Education, Inc. , New Jersey, Eleventh Edition CHAPTER 11 DECISION MAKING AND RELEVANT INFORMATION 11-1 The five stages in the choice procedure delineated in Exhibit 11-1 of the content are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Acquire data Make expectations about future costs Choose an elective Implement the choice Evaluate execution to give criticism 11-2 Relevant expenses are normal future costs that vary among the elective strategies being considered.Historical costs are unessential on the grounds that they are past expenses and, in this manner, can't contrast among elective future approaches. 11-3 No. Applicable expenses are characterized as those normal future costs that vary among elective game-plans being thought of. Subsequently, future costs that don't contrast among the choices are superfluous to choosing which choice to pick. 11-4 Quantitative variables are results that are estimated in numerical terms. Some quantitative variables are financialâ€â€that is, they can be handily communicated in money related terms. Direct materials is a case of a quantitative money related factor.Qualitative variables are results that are hard to quantify precisely in numerical terms. A model is representative confidence. 11-5 Two potential issues that ought to be stayed away from in pertinent cost investigation are: 1. 2. Try not to expect every factor cost are significant and every single fixed expense are insignificant. Try not to utilize unit-cost information legitimately. It can delude chiefs on the grounds that a. it might incorporate unessential expenses, and b. examinations of unit costs registered at various yield levels lead to mistaken ends 11-6 No. Some factor expenses may not contrast among the choices viable and, subsequently, will be irrelevant.Some fixed expenses may vary among the other options and, henceforth, will be pertinent. 11-7 No. A portion of the comple te unit expenses to fabricate an item might be fixed expenses, and, henceforth, won't vary between the make and purchase options. These fixed expenses are superfluous to the settle on or-purchase choice. The key examination is between buy costs and the costs that will be spared if the organization buys the segment parts from outside in addition to the extra advantages of utilizing the assets opened up in the following best elective use (opportunity cost). 1-8 Opportunity cost is the commitment to salary that is done without (dismissed) by not utilizing a restricted asset in its next-best elective use. 11-1 11-9 No. When settling on the amount of stock to purchase, administrators must consider both the buy cost per unit and the open door cost of assets put resources into the stock. For instance, the buy cost per unit might be low when the amount of stock bought is huge, however the advantage of the lower cost might be more than balance by the high open door cost of the assets put res ources into gaining and holding stock. 1-10 No. Administrators should intend to get the most elevated commitment edge per unit of the obliging (that is, scant, constraining, or basic) factor. The compelling variable is the thing that confines or restrains the creation or offer of a given item (for instance, accessibility of machine-hours). 11-11 No. For instance, if the incomes that will be lost surpass the costs that will be spared, the branch or business section ought not be closed down. Closing down will just build the misfortune. Assigned expenses are consistently immaterial to the closing down choice. 1-12 Cost discounted as devaluation is unessential when it relates to a past expense. In any case, the buy cost of new gear to be obtained later on that will at that point be discounted as deterioration is regularly pertinent. 11-13 No. Directors will in general kindness the elective that makes their exhibition look best so they center around the measures utilized in the presentat ion assessment model. In the event that the performanceevaluation model doesn't stress augmenting working pay or limiting costs, directors will in all likelihood not pick the elective that expands working pay or limits costs. 1-14 The three stages in taking care of a direct programming issue are: 1. 2. 3. Decide the goal work. Indicate the limitations. Register the ideal arrangement. 11-15 The content frameworks two techniques for deciding the ideal answer for a LP issue: 1. Experimentation arrangement approach 2. Graphical arrangement approach Most LP applications practically speaking utilize standard programming bundles that depend on the simplex strategy to process the ideal arrangement. 11-2 11-16 (20 min. ) Disposal of advantages. 1. This is disastrous, yet the $80,000 costs are immaterial with respect to the choice to remachine or scrap.The just significant elements are the future incomes and future expenses. By disregarding the collected expenses and settling based on anticip ated future costs, working pay will be expanded (or misfortunes limited). The distinction for remachining is $3,000: (a) Remachine Future incomes Deduct future costs Operating salary Difference for remachining $35,000 30,000 $ 5,000 $3,000 (b) Scrap $2,000 †$2,000 2. This, as well, is a sad circumstance. Be that as it may, the $100,000 unique expense is unimportant to this decision.The distinction in pertinent expenses for reconstructing is $7,000 as follows: (a) Replace New truck Deduct current removal cost of existing truck Rebuild existing truck $102,000 10,000 †$ 92,000 $7,000 (b) Rebuild ††$85,000 Difference for revamping Note, here, that the present removal cost of $10,000 is applicable, however the first expense (or book esteem, if the truck were not fresh out of the plastic new) is immaterial. 11-3 11-17 (10 min. ) The tilting PC. Thought about alone, book esteem is immaterial as a proportion of misfortune when hardware is destroyed.The proportion of the misfortune is substitution cost or some calculation of the current estimation of future administrations lost on account of gear misfortune or harm. In the particular case portrayed, the accompanying perceptions might be able: 1. A completely devalued thing presumably is moderately old. Odds are that the misfortune from this hardware is not exactly the misfortune for an in part deteriorated thing in light of the fact that the substitution cost of an old thing would be far not as much as that for an about new thing. 2. The loss of an old thing, accepting substitution is fundamental, naturally quickens the planning of replacement.Thus, if the old thing were to be trashed and supplanted tomorrow, no financial misfortune would be clear. In any case, if the old thing should last five additional years, substitution is quickened five years. The best handy proportion of such a misfortune presumably would be the expense of similar utilized hardware that had five years of staying valuable life . The way that the PC was completely devalued additionally implies the bookkeeping reports won't be influenced by the mishap. In the event that bookkeeping reports are utilized to assess the workplace chief's exhibition, the supervisor will lean toward any mishaps to be on completely deteriorated units. 11-18 (15 min. Different decision. 1. (b) Special request cost per unit Variable assembling cost per unit Contribution edge per unit Effect on working pay = $1. 50 ? 20,000 units = $30,000 increment $1,200,000 $48 9 $57 1,140,000 60,000 25,000 $ 85,000 $6. 00 4. 50 $1. 50 2. (b) Costs of buys, 20,000 units ? $60 Total pertinent expenses of making: Variable assembling costs, $64 †$16 Fixed expenses wiped out Costs spared by not making Multiply by 20,000 units, so all out costs spared are $57 ? 20,000 Extra expenses of buying outside Minimum by and large investment funds for Reno Necessary important costs that would need to be spared in assembling Part No. 75 11-4 11-19 (30 min. ) Special request, movement based costing (CMA, adjusted). 1. Grant Plus' working salary under the options of tolerating/dismissing the exceptional request are: Without OneWith OneTime Only Time Only Special Order Special Order 7,500 Units 10,000 Units Revenues Variable costs: Direct materials Direct assembling work Batch producing costs Fixed costs: Fixed assembling costs Fixed advertising costs Total costs Operating pay 1 2 Difference 2,500 Units $250,000 87,500 100,000 12,500 â€â€ â€â€ 200,000 $ 50,000 $1,125,000 262,500 300,000 75,000 1,375,000 350,000 2 400,000 3 87,500 1 275,000 175,000 1,087,500 1,287,500 $ 37,500 $ 87,500 $300,000 ? 10,000 7,500 3 $262,500 ? 10,000 7,500 $75,000 + (25 ? $500) Alternatively, we could ascertain the gradual income and the steady expenses of the extra 2,500 units as follows: Incremental income $100 ? 2,500 Incremental direct assembling costs Incremental direct assembling costs Incremental clump producing costs Total steady costs Total gradual working salary from tolerating the uncommon request $262,500 ? 2,500 7,500 300,000 ? ,500 7,500 $500 ? 25 $250,000 87,500 100,000 12,500 200,000 $ 50,000 Award Plus ought to acknowledge the one-time-just exceptional request in the event that it has no drawn out suggestions on the grounds that tolerating the request expands Award Plus' working salary by $50,000. Assuming, be that as it may, tolerating the uncommon request would make the ordinary clients be disappointed or to request lower costs, at that point Award Plus should exchange off the $50,000 gain from tolerating the unique request against the working pay it may lose from normal clients. 11-5 11-19 (Cont’d. ) 2. Grant Plus has a limit of 9,000 medals.Therefore, in the event that it acknowledges the extraordinary one-time request of 2,500 awards, it can sell just 6,500 decorations rather than the 7,500 awards that it presently offers to existing clients. That is, by tolerating the uncommon request, Award Plus must do without deals of 1,000 decorations to its standard clients. Then again, Award Plus can dismiss the unique request and keep on offering 7,500 decorations to its standard clients. Grant Plus' working pay from offering 6,500 decorations to customary clients and 2,500 awards under one-time unique request follow: Revenues (6,500 ? $1

Computer Crimes :: Identity Theft

PC Crimes PC Crimes are on the ascent in the territory of Oklahoma with three of the most widely recognized being data fraud, charge card misrepresentation, and PC hacking. A confounded guest was experiencing difficulties printing reports. He told the expert that the PC was stating that the PC ''couldn't discover the printer.'' The client had even taken a stab at turning the PC screen to confront the printer, however his PC despite everything proved unable 'see' the printer. Fraud Cases of data fraud have expanded as the readiness of banks like backers of charge cards to broaden credit without physical human contact, the capacity to execute deals and different business a ways off (on the web and through phone), and the accessibility of individual data, and its volume held by outsiders, has expanded. Mastercard tricks are three most normal fraud case announced so secure touchy data and when at the ATM spread your pin and if there is a line ask the individual behind you to step back. While doing exchanges on the web confirm that the webpage is make sure about and recall the name of the destinations bank are what the name of the exchange will be approached the bank articulation. On the off chance that web based banking is accessible from your bank check the record week by week, 70% of wholesale fraud is distinguished by the person in question and casualties who do this through electronic observing endure under 1/eighth that of the person who answer on paper. Fraud is the main PC wrongdoing in Oklahoma City. Their were more than 6,000 objections in the province of Oklahoma in 2005 and 484 in OKC alone, Edmond and Tulsa are not a long ways behind with more than 300 cases. Broadly Oklahoma is 28th in the nation for data fraud case detailed. A couple of procedures for getting recognizable proof that most character cheats may include: Stealing mail, scavenging through garbage (dumpster jumping), taking individual data in PC databases, and invasion of associations that store a lot of individual data. Visa misrepresentation Try not to give account data on a wireless utilize a house telephone if conceivable, and don't give your pin number via telephone if somebody approach you for your pin(personal recognizable proof number) via telephone report that individual promptly in light of the fact that they are endangering your data and it could be a trick. People that perpetrate Visa wrongdoing to a great extent go unpunished and more than once defraud buyers and organizations.

Effects of Group Size on Problem Solving

Effects of Group Size on Problem Solving Theories Social Psychology Print How Does Group Size Influence Problem Solving? Study Suggests Small Groups Solve Problems Better By Kendra Cherry facebook twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author, educational consultant, and speaker focused on helping students learn about psychology. Learn about our editorial policy Kendra Cherry Updated on July 08, 2018 PeopleImages.com / Digital Vision / Getty Images More in Theories Social Psychology Behavioral Psychology Cognitive Psychology Developmental Psychology Personality Psychology Biological Psychology Psychosocial Psychology When it comes to solving problems, are two (or more) heads really better than one? Solving problems on your own can have its own strengths and weaknesses, but what influence does group size have on the process? Learn more about some of the research on group problem solving, including how the size of the group may influence problem solving effectiveness. Overview One study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology looked at the effects of group size on problem solving.Researchers compared the problem-solving performance of small groups to that of individuals working alone.  The results of the study indicate that groups of three solve problems better than even the best individuals working alone.What are the implications of these results? The findings may be useful in academics, where problem solving groups might serve as an effective learning tool. Groups and teams in science, health care, and business may also find these techniques useful as well. Are Groups Better at Solving Problems? Are individuals or groups better at solving problems? According to one study, groups of three to five people perform better than individuals when solving complex problems. The research, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, suggests that groups of three people are able to solve difficult problems better than even the best individuals working alone. How Was the Study Performed? Researchers had 760 student participants from the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign solve letters-to-numbers code problems, working either individually or as part of a group. The study notes that there is a surprisingly small amount of research on the effect of group size on problem solving. Earlier research suggested that groups perform better than individuals on problems of average difficulty. The current study assessed performance by comparing the number of trials needed to solve the problem as well as the number of errors made. The results demonstrated that groups of sizes three, four, and five performed better than individuals at solving the problems. In a press release from the American Psychological Association, lead researcher Patrick Laughlin attributed the improved performance of groups to the ability of people to work together to generate and adopt correct responses, reject erroneous responses, and effectively process information. The study also ascribed the success of small groups on letters-to-numbers tasks to the group members combined their abilities and resources to perform better than the best of an equivalent number of individuals on the highly intellective complementary group task. While researchers had hypothesized that groups of two would outperform an equivalent number of individuals, the results of the study actually demonstrated that groups of two people performed at the same level as individuals working alone. Also, while groups of three, four and five people performed significantly better than an equivalent number of best individual and two-person groups, these three groups did not differ from each other in terms of performance. The results of this study therefore suggest three group members were necessary and sufficient for the groups to perform better than the best of an equivalent number of independent individuals. Implications of the Research This study has a number of implications in academics, science, medicine, and business. The results indicate that groups of three are more efficient and more accurate at solving moderately difficult problems that require the use of logic, verbal, and qualitative understanding. The authors of the current study suggest further research is necessary to determine if three-person groups are more effective at solving other types of problems and whether effective problem-solving within a group then transfers to individual problem solving. This research can have a range of implications in fields such as education, military, and business. Educators and employers may find that putting people in small groups may lead to better problem solving results than having people work alone. A Word From Verywell Research suggests that small groups may actually be better at solving problems in some situations. While group work often has a bad reputation, there are situations and problems that may actually benefit from the input of others. If you have a problem to solve, consider how bringing in other people and working as a team might influence the outcome. The advantage of working with a group often comes from the shared ideas and being able to draw upon the experience and expertise of multiple individuals.

The Secret to Oprah Winfreys Success - 1446 Words

Haneefah Muhammad Manning English-10/Period: 1 16 May 2011 The Secret to One Of America’s Biggest Icons Success Everyone knows Oprah Winfrey, and there might be a lot of controversy about how Oprah became who she is today, and what all it took for her to become a billionaire. Oprah, one of America’s top icons went through many obstacles and struggles to become what she is today. Although, Oprah is very famous, and on the T.V. screen it appears like her life is easy, this essay can give you a look behind the scenes to see what she really had to overcome to get where she is today. Do you think that Oprah just luckily became one of America’s Icons, or that she had to work hard for it? There are probably many questions that can be asked†¦show more content†¦At Nicolet High School, Ms. Winfrey was the only African-American student, and Oprah is quoted saying, â€Å"In 1968 it was real hip to know a black person, so I was very popular.† Oprah was then getting a good education, and was on the road to being successful. Unfortunately, Vernita’s house Oprah was not receiving much guidance and aid, and was not able to talk to her mother about being sexually abused. So, Oprah resorted to acting out and not behaving well. Ms. Winfrey then began to start dating, skipping school, running away, being sexually active, and stealing from her mother. Vernita did not know how to cope and deal with this bad behavior, so she sent her back to Nashville to live with her father, and step-mother. At age 14, Oprah found out that she was pregnant, and would wear big clothes so that her parents would not find out about her pregnancy (Oprah Winfrey). She was able to hide the fact that she was pregnant until the seventh month. On the day that she told her father that she was pregnant, she went into labor, and delivered the baby (The Oprah Winfrey Biography). Oprah Winfrey gave girth to a baby boy, who was born early, and died two weeks after his birth. At age 16, Oprah started reading the autob iography of Maya Angelou, called I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Oprah said, and I quote, â€Å"I read it over and over, I had never read a book that validated my own existence.† Maya Angelou’s autobiography really related to OprahShow MoreRelatedBrief Biography And Accomplishments Of Oprah Winfrey1077 Words   |  5 PagesBrief Biography and Accomplishments Oprah Winfrey is an icon and role model to men and women all over the world. Many would find it difficult to pinpoint her greatest accomplishment as Oprah has affected the lives of so many in catastrophic ways. However, Oprah wasn’t someone who was simply brought up on sums of money, she created her own luck and surpassed traumatic obstacles that continued to sculpt her into the woman she is today. For Winfrey it all began when she was born in 1954 in KosciuskoRead MoreOprah Winfreys Profile at a Glance1293 Words   |  6 PagesAbstract Oprah Winfrey is one of the most accredited media icons as well as one of the most successful, self made billionaire women in African-American history today. Through her career, she started as a news broadcaster then began to pursue entertainment achieving many accomplishments, including direct contracts as television talk shows host and film actress. Her self-improvement and spirituality values have been influential to millions of people world wide. As one of the greatest black philanthropistRead MoreLeadership : Oprah Winfrey s Work1391 Words   |  6 Pages Colleen Gribble Linfield College Leadership Exam 3 Leader: Oprah Winfrey May 12, 2017  Which theory of leadership is most applicable to the approach displayed in Oprah Winfrey’s work? Inspirational leaders come from the worlds of business, politics and even entertainment. Certainly, it seems these are the ones everyone looks up to and they are the ones leading us bravely into the future. Coming from very humble beginnings, Oprah Winfrey uses her story to inspire others to achieve their goalsRead MoreOprah1648 Words   |  7 Pages2013 Oprah Winfrey Erin Phillips ECO2123 2013 Oprah Winfrey Erin Phillips ECO2123 Oprah Winfrey is more than just a talk show host, a celebrity or a cultural figure. She is a genius entrepreneur. She has made some of the smartest decisions. Every now and then in history, we find a life story that is truly remarkable. Oprah Winfrey ventured forth from the agonizing childhood that was her world of common day to a region of supernatural wonder. Oprah’s road to successRead MoreOprah s Speech : Oprah Gail Winfrey3576 Words   |  15 PagesCynthia Becerra English 60 Professor Kimberly Wilder 09 May 2015 Oprah Winfrey Oprah Gail Winfrey, was born on January 29, 1954 in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Her birth name was originally Orpah, from the Bible, but there was much confusion in the spelling and pronunciation (Notablebiographies.com). For this reason, she was known as Oprah almost from birth. For the most part, she was raised by her grandmother Hattie Mae Lee because her mother, Vernita Lee, and father, Vernon Winfrey, separated almostRead MoreLeadership Power10259 Words   |  42 Pagespositive way. Unlike those leaders who abuse their authortative position, and rely on coercive power to â€Å"gain respect through instilling fear†. (The power image) It is appears that those leaders who are ‘socialized and authentic’ achieve much more success as they are able to get followers onside and work toward a common vision. Method To gather the necessary information required for this report, we were to research online on the RSNZ website, (http:// rsnz.leadership.org) to find theRead MoreLeadership Power10268 Words   |  42 Pagespositive way. Unlike those leaders who abuse their authortative position, and rely on coercive power to â€Å"gain respect through instilling fear†. (The power image) It is appears that those leaders who are ‘socialized and authentic’ achieve much more success as they are able to get followers onside and work toward a common vision. Method To gather the necessary information required for this report, we were to research online on the RSNZ website, (http:// rsnz.leadership.org) to find the seven

Real Monsters Tackling The Beast Of Censorship - 1680 Words

REAL MONSTERS: Tackling the Beast of Censorship As a seven year old I stumbled across a trailer for a new horror movie. I can’t remember the title, and I can’t remember the story, but to this day when it’s late at night and the house is silent I can sometimes hear the click click click of the creature’s long nails on my window. The things you see as a child can stay with you, as the monster did with me, so it’s no surprise that there is a such controversy over the topic of censorship in the media. Ultimately this issue can be boiled down to it being the parent’s responsibility to censor the graphic media their children have access to and not the responsibility of the content creators or a different force such as the MPAA, after all, a†¦show more content†¦Essentially the MPAA is a force separate from the government that was put in place to regulate what sort of material can be shown in films, without relinquishing this responsibility to a governmental force. The MPAA, however, has become something of a problem in its own right. The actual film rating system of the MPAA did not come around until 1968 as a resource from which moviegoers, and primarily parents, could make informed decision on what films were suitable for their children to watch. According to the official website of the MPAA these ratings are the result of a â€Å"board of parents who consider factors such as violence, sex, language and drug use and then assign a rating they believe the majority of American parents would give a movie† (MPAA). As a result of this system, film ratings revolve mainly around children, who many feel are too impressionable to be exposed to such graphic content. When submitted to the Motion Picture Association Ratings Board films can expect to be fall under one of four potential ratings. General Audiences, or G rated films, are films that are deemed suitable for all audience members, regardless of age. Many G rated films are, in an unsurprising turn, animated films or those aimed primarily at a young audience. The next step up from this rating is a PG (Parental Guidance) rating. Films that fall into this rating are generally suited for all

Confidentiality Notes Free Essays

Ethical theories and principles that are related to confidentiality are- confidentiality is one of the most basic principles in health care practice and it is the most long-standing ethical dictum in health care codes of ethics. It is the practice of keeping harmful, shameful, or embarrassing patient information within proper bounds. The right to privacy gives legal standing to this ethical principle. We will write a custom essay sample on Confidentiality Notes or any similar topic only for you Order Now ). a reliable test for who among team members should be given certain types of information is need to know basis. It is necessary for one to adequately perform ones specific job responsibilities- meaning that by giving the information does it provide the adequate caring response that is required for the patient) Immediate aims of confidentiality are to: 1. Facilitate the sharing of sensitive information with the goal of helping the patient 2. Exclude unauthorized people from such information 3. Discern need to know information from mere interest when deciding what to share. Confidentiality serves as one cornerstone for the solid foundation of a trusting health professional-patient relationship that should be built AMA principles of medical ethics states that:- a physician shall respect the rights of patients, of colleagues and of other health professionals and shall safeguard patient confidences within the constrains of the law. This provides a conflict when a physician knows that some secret may be harmful for the patient and yet are bound to keep it. Breaking Confidence- Legal exceptions to the standard of practice that confidences must be kept, except with the patient’s consent or at the patient’s request to break it include * An emergency in which keeping the confidence will harm the patient * Patient is incompetent or incapacitated and a third party needs to be informed for decision making for the patient * Third parties are at a risk for harm (eg. Sexually transmitted diseases, child or other abuses) * Request for commitment or hospitalization of a psychiatrically ill patient * A serious risk that any others may be harmed (a terrorist threat) Eventually breaking of confidence always enlists at least one harm and for health professionals it is to minimize the harm 6 step process in confidentiality situations 1. Step 1- Gather relevant information- 2. Step 2 3- identify the type of ethical problem and the ethics approach to analyze it 3. Step 4- Explore the practical alternatives 4. Step5- Complete the action 5. S tep 6- Evaluate the process and outcome Ethical principles or elements that support confidentiality are * Beneficence * Nonmaleficence or fidelity * Right to autonomy Key character trait is trustworthiness kindness, compassion, and courage to help with the challenging situations. Patient care information systems (PCIS)- is a computerized systems of record of patients that are permanently kept in an electronic form Health information managers- (also known as the gatekeepers of medical records) are key members of the health care team. Their primary role is the responsibility for designing and maintaining the system that facilitates the collection, use and dissemination of health and medical information. They ensure that the medical records are correct and kept in privacy and are only given to the health professionals that have the right to see them. They ensure that the records are not abused or released to unauthorized persons. Medical record is an extremely useful document for the health professionals * Can be found both in paper and electronic form They are systematic accounts of a patient’s encounter with a health provider * They serve as a repository of information * Generated by and contributed to by many providers in various health delivery settings * EHR- Electronic health record is an electronic record of patient health information, they often include patient demographics, progress notes, problems, medications, relevant social history, medical history, vital signs, laboratory data and diagnostic re ports guidelines that are applicable when recording patient information 1. Questionable information should be clearly labeled as questionable 2. True information that is not relevant to should not be recorded 3. All information should be handled among health professionals with regard for the privacy and dignity of patients Confidentiality finally comes down to each professional being vigilant about the flow of patient information, guided by the goal of using information to help the patient. Patient privacy- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 * This act imposed considerable new constraints on the use and disclosure of a patient’s personal clinical information * Major goal of HIPAA is to ensure that an individual’s health information is properly protected while allowing the glow of information needed to promote high-quality care * This set of regulations are called the New Federal Medical Privacy Rule- basic intent is to control the use or disclosure of â€Å"protected health information† * One area that this rule strongly affects is the handling of information for purposes of research. It has also been interpreted to mean that information about patients (including family members) cannot be released * A â€Å"covered entity† is defined as a health plan, data processing company, health care professional, or hospital The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act- * Parts of this act expanded and strengthened the privacy laws that protect patient health information originally outlined under HIPAA. Provides additional provisions regarding privacy and security breaches, reporting of breaches, accounting of disclosures, restrictions of disclosures for sales and marketing purposes, and monetary penalties associates with HIPAA violations. How to cite Confidentiality Notes, Essay examples

Sex and gender free essay sample

The differences between sex and gender are commonly misinterpreted in today’s society. Sex and gender have a massive impact on the way one is perceived, viewed by others and behaves. To simply define these two terms can be difficult for some people due to the fact that most people continuously interchange the word without using its correct meaning. I think it is important to clarify the differences in these concepts because it could help reduce discrimination, stereotypes and imposed social roles. To me the word sex is used to describe physical and biological characteristics that distinguish males from females. Characteristics such as body structure, voice, facial hair and genitalia are all used to determine ones sex. Sex is something one is born with and is continuous. In terms of sex, there are certain biological factors that distinguish men from women such as the ability to give birth and breast feed babies. We will write a custom essay sample on Sex and gender or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Many times sex determines a person’s gender identity. Gender is a much more difficult word to define due to the constant change in social norms. I believe gender is the word used to describe the social and cultural definition of men and women. It deals with masculinity and femininity and the roles a person plays in their society. It is decided by the individual and is also changeable. Gender norms, the way one was raised, sexual preference and individual choice are all factors that help an individual determine their gender. In today’s culture it has become more socially acceptable for men to show interest in things associated with women and women to show interest in things associated with men. Gender involves self-identification and self-expression, the way you think about yourself and the way you define yourself. A person’s gender can involve many characteristics such as hair, makeup, interests, activities and behaviors. Working at my job there is a regular customer who biologically is a man. When checking in she gives us her first name, which resembles a men’s name. Although she has all the features of a man such as facial hair and deep voice she is always dressed in pink, has french tips always done, carries a pocket book, dresses in women’s clothes and wears women perfume. When employees have talked about her in the past without knowing her name they would refer to her as the â€Å"he-she†. This is a clear example of how people today simply can’t classify a man from a woman in a situation like this. Sex and gender are terms that are mixed up on a daily basis. They often are mistaken as similarities when in fact they are two completely different terms. I don’t think these terms are used correctly. I feel it will take a very long time for society to fully understand the difference between these terms and use them correctly because society and gender roles are constantly changing. People today are not fully aware of the difference between sex and gender therefore they associate them together with the impression that they both consist of the genetic make up. It is known that by the age of 3 children start to develop a sense of being male or female. Typically boys play with boys and girls play with girls on the playground. Young boys are building leggos and playing with toy cars where as girls are playing with toy cooking sets and barbie dolls. The way these young kids are socialized as they grow up influences the way they feel, think and believe. It is important for kids growing up to understand the difference between sex and gender and how it shapes us. In order to give kids a better understanding of the differences between sex and gender I feel they must first be aware of all the gender terminology that exists. If you were to ask a select group of people to distinguish between transgender, transvestites and transsexuals I believe majority of people asked would be unable to do so. Aside from these three terms, terms such as gender expression, gender role and sexual orientation should be fully understood in order to grasp the concept of gender and sex at a young age. I would show a short film that I was shown last year called â€Å"I am Jazz: A Family in Transition†. This film tells the story of a transgender girl name Jazz who explains â€Å"has a girl brain and a boy body†. This film shows Jazz at her fifth birthday party wearing a rainbow one-piece bikini. Although her natural born sex is male she identifies herself as female. This film would show kids that identifying yourself other than what you were naturally born is something that does happen. It will also show the struggles of people who go through this and how it can affect them emotionally. Another way in which I would help children understand the difference between sex and gender is I would design a lesson plan using human like dolls. I would have different types of clothing picked out for each doll consisting of dresses, skirts, pink shirts, blue shirts, basketball shorts, etc. I would have the kids dress the dolls in clothes they felt were appropriate for the sex of the doll and explain why they chose specific items. Depending on how each child dresses the dolls I would explain other options in which girls are interested in boys clothing and boys like girl activities. I feel that this would be beneficial because it would give a chance for young children to see something they are not used to seeing everyday. I feel by having it visualized and explained to them at the same time they will have a better understanding of the differences. Children should have the opportunity ask questions and be fully educated at a young age about sex and gender to prevent discrimination in the future.

Mark Generation Essays

Mark Generation Essays Mark Generation Essay Mark Generation Essay The Generation of New Ideas In most cases, companies consider the opinions, wants and needs of their target consumers in order to generate new ideas and concepts. In fact, companies may simply ask themselves What do customers want now and in the near future? Sampson (1974), studied the effectiveness of consumers in generating ideas, concluding that they can produce productive concepts and their influence is essentially passive (Cannon 1978, p. 229). Despite this, Sampson goes on to state that u to the rapidly growing markets, it is nearly impossible to satisfy all members of a consumer group. Amongst a range of generation idea methods, one external technique is the use of focus group methods which consists of an assembled group of consumers who have no knowledge about a particular type of product. An analyst records the two hour long discussion and identifies what has and has not been conversed (Hippie 1986, p. 793). This method of customer feedback, crucially relies on the analysts ability to accurately infer useful information which may then translate into a new product concept. Specifically, Subscribe offers customers the opportunity to leave suggestions or compliments about their products in which the business takes very seriously and then utilizes the information to generate product ideas. The manipulation of lead edge users is yet, another course of action business can adopt in order to produce original ideas. Lead edge users are users of a product whose current needs will become common in the near future (Hippie 1986, p. 791). They are significant as they act as a forecast for marketing research providing valuable information about consumers impressions and partiality of a product. Von Hippie (1986) introduced the external four-step Lead User Method in 1986, to help companies develop breakthrough products. The steps consist of, Identifying an Important Trend: to identify lead users in different product categories of interest and to identify the trend that these users have a leading position, Identifying Lead Users: once trends are discovered with new product opportunities, companies then can egging the search for lead users, Analyzing Lead User Data: Data received from lead users will then be utilized in market research analyses, and Projecting Lead User Data onto the General Market of Interest: after data has been finalized, it would be projected onto a predicted market (Kaolin, 2010). Although Internal idea sources include Research and Development, Subscribe mainly uses external sources such as consumer evaluation through the use of the feedback option which can be found on every page of the Subscribe website. This allows consumers to leave a compliment, advise of any technical issues, and suggest potential product ideas. Since the introduction of the feedback option, consumers nave expressed Innovative Ideas wanly nave Eden Tallow tongue Ana Is evident through the Subscribe Wonder]sock. Its design of underwear separates and lifts Protruding everything out in front Providing maximum comfort (Tracey 2006) thus demonstrating the power of consumers and their feedback which can translate into successfully generated product ideas and consequently, profitable manufactured products.

Free Research Paper

Free Research Paper Free Research Paper Free Research Paper What is my opinion about free research paper?   I do not like it.   I think that free research paper is good only when used as an example of the format.   Otherwise, it should not be copied and submitted as your own. Most universities have a style guide detailing formatting and presentation requirements for academic research paper writing (spacing, required sections, maximum length, etc.) which you will need to follow. Getting a copy of this early, and writing all your chapter drafts in the approved style, can save a lot of time later. If you ask your supervisor or other students, you may be able to obtain an electronic file formatted in the required paper style. If your university has no particular rules for research paper formatting and presentation, then your professional judgment and the rule of consistency should be employed. Read other English research papers in your library and journal articles in order to ascertain general standards apply in your discipline and structure of headings best helps the clarity of the text. Watch for good and bad examples of the use of bold and italic type, font sizes, and so on. Writing a research paper consult with your adviser as much as possible, it will help you avoid many mistakes. Research Paper Ideas Finally, you should read a hard copy of your research paper writing from start to finish, rechecking your paper structure, arguments and looking for grammatical problems. (Some people can edit academic research paper writing successfully on screen. However, most people are more accurate in editing a printed copy of the paper, and it is the printed copy that your examiners will read, so we recommend using a hard copy for final editing.) Your final draft should ideally be fully edited by someone else who is unconnected with the research, and who can read the paper from start to finish, concentrating on spelling, grammar, formatting, expression and presentation. This stage is important for all students in obtaining a final meticulous check, but particularly important if English is not your first language. This final 'editor' may be a friend or family member, or even a professional editor. It should be a native English-speaker if possible, and should certainly be someone who writes well and who is capable of careful attention to detail. If you need research paper help, you can freely ask us for assistance.   We are open 24/7 to help you with research paper writing at any time of day and night.   High quality research paper is a guarantee of good grade and your excellent academic record. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need more information about our research paper writing service.

Cellphone Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cellphone - Essay Example As the West has imbued items with value and importance, centering much of one’s life on materialism, the cell phone has become an extension of personal identity through connectivity to people and services that organize, make more efficient, and allow for personal expression. The home phone was an instrument through which people would communicate to one another when at home, people staying at home near the phone and waiting when they expected an important call. Communication though telephone usage was limited to within a confined space, which was only slightly expanded with voice mail and additional services, and the invention of the cordless phone. Still, the nature of a telecommunications experience was within the home. The cell phone, on the other hand, increased the space in which telecommunications could take place. Through ever increasing expanses, which have now reached worldwide, an individual can have a phone that will let them contact others from almost any space. Meanwhile, the cell phone as a device became smaller and smaller. According to Gancarz, â€Å"Cell phones have†¦pushed the small is beautiful tenet† (202). The idea is to provide a lightweight, highly portable device that can manage one’s whole life. Thus, not only have they expanded the space in which telecommunications can take place, but made each device a personal item with individual family members each having their own cell phone. With the development of text messages communications changed to a system of short phrases with high use of abbreviations. Through text messaging, the way in which communications was accomplished changed dramatically, instantaneous written phrases in which a whole new language has emerged replacing longer forms that required waiting time and responses. Where e-mails required patience, text messages are most often an interactive communication that is almost

The history and geography of UAE and Dubai (a city of UAE) Essay

The history and geography of UAE and Dubai (a city of UAE) - Essay Example For instance, the Sheikdom in this region under the powerful Carmathians was able to conquer Mecca, the holy place of Islam. But gradually, the Sheikdom became disintegrated and the people once more turned towards piracy (say, became sea pirates). But in 19th Century, the people who lived in this region were powerful enough to challenge Omani and Muscat sultanates. The British intervention in 1800s transformed the whole area to that of a protectorate. For instance, the whole area was renamed by the British administration as Trucial Coast. But the British Administrators were not interested to consider the area as a colony. Instead, they considered the area as a protectorate which consists of 9 states. In 1971, the British control was withdrawn and the whole area became independent as a federation of states. The UAE is situated near to the Eastern side of Arabian Peninsula. Besides, UAE is the part of Gulf of Oman and the Southern Coastal area of Persian Gulf within the Middle East. The UAE shares border with Saudi Arabia in the West- Southern side, Qatar in the Northern side, and Oman in the Eastern side. The land in UAE consists of barren and desert areas. As pointed out, the location of UAE is in the Middle East Asia. In addition, the total area of UAE is 82, 880 sq km. Within this area, coastline consists of 1,318 km, and territorial sea under control is 12 nm (say, nautical mile). The exclusive economic zone within UAE consists of 200 nm. But Kenneth Katzman opines that the economic boom and foreign investment in Dubai within UAE was not helpful to overcome the aftereffects of the global economic crisis (Katzman 12). Basically, the climate of UAE is hot, but the Eastern mountain areas are comparatively cooler. The natural resources consist of petroleum deposit and natural gas. But there exist a number of natural issues like desertification and oil spill from oil wells. In addition, UAE acts the role of an important transit point

Secularism in India | Evaluation

Secularism in India | Evaluation The term secularism has its origin in Europe. This term was first used during the end of the Thirty years war (Europe) in the year 1648.During that period secularism merely meant transfer of church properties to the king or the state. Secularism played a major role in the French revolution and later this term formulated by George Holyoake from England to refer to the various rationalist movements under him in the year1851. Through this term he analysed his views of promoting social order without the domination of any culture or religious beliefs. Hence secularism can be defined as process by which sectors of society and culture are removed from the domination of religious institutions and symbols.  [1]  In west, secularism is referred to as separation of church from the state. Many religious leaders, journalists, politicians firmly believe that west is secular but however minorities are dominated by religion. The secularization thesis clearly states that in the west Christianity is declining, the number of people going to church have reduced considerably .At the same time secularism is also prevalent in the public forum like schools, universities, different institutions and also work place. The discussions are completely based on secular basis. Secularism in the west is a complete exception to the global trend. But however this too is subjected to a few exceptions like Africa, Latin America and also in the south East, Christianity is a dominated religion and culture. In few regions of Africa, middle east and Asia, Islam is taking a powerful shape. In the west secular policy was very strong among the Jews. The founder of Zionism , Theodor Herzl and other founders of political Zionism were strong secularists. The most important principle stated by George Holyoake is: Secularism is a name given to a series of principles of positivism intended for the guidance of those who find theology indefinite or inadequate or deem it unreliable.  [2]  This clearly states that there is a wide path between secular principles and theology. In the 19th century the concept of secularism gave rise to a number of other different ideas like nationalism, feminism, socialism etc. Nationalism was a very strong secular force implying that in many nations religion played a subordinate role. However in India, secularism is a different concept as compared to the west. The framers of the Indian Constitution did not follow the western principles. In India the features of a secular state are: All people have the equal freedom of conscience and religion. There is no discrimination on the grounds of religion. There are no communal electorates The state has the power to regulate any activity (economic, social) that is concerned with religion. Untouchability has been declared illegal by article 17. Every religious denomination has the right to establish institutions for promoting religious knowledge and charity. No citizen will be discriminated on grounds of religion in employment matters under state and admission in educational institutions. State revenue cannot be used to promote any kind of religious activity. Hence secularism was added to the Indian constitution by the 42nd amendment of 1976 to preserve the rich heritage culture of India. The preamble clearly states that We the people of India having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign Secular Democratic Republic  [3]  . The purpose of adding the word secular to our constitution was established in the case M.P Gopalakrishna nair vs state of kerela  [4]  . This was done to promote national unity and universal brotherhood. Secularism according to the court was prevention of establishing a state religion or formation of a atheist society. The Hindi word of secularism is dharmanirapekshata which means indifference towards all religion. However the state is against the religious social evils like sati, female infanticide, polygamy, child marriage etc. HISTORY OF SECULARISM In India secularism was founded in 5th century B.C, when the Jains,Buddhists and charavakas rejected the power and authority of the Vedas and idols and considered it as a false belief. Religion has always been an important aspect of peoples life because India is not a monoreligious country. India s old hindu scriptures like the Upanishads also emphasise on secular principles. According to the people it was impossible to separate religion from their social life. This mindset began to change when the East India Company established their power and control in India. The British instituted different laws for Hindus, Muslims, Parsis, Christians and Sikhs. This laid foundation for the divide and rule policy. Different religious sects began to establish religious institutions and places of worship giving priority to a particular religion. Previously rulers like satavahnas, guptas, moghuls and kushanas paid equal respect to all religion. In the pre independence and post independence era there had been a consistent increase in the concept of secularism. Leaders like mahatma Gandhi who practiced religion in politics found it necessary to separate the two to prevent inequality between the mass. Jawaharlal Nehru also supported secularism ,he failed to establish the uniform civil code due to religious and political pressure. B.P Jeevan Reddy in S.R Bommai viewed secularism as a positive concept as it treats all religion equally and it is strongly connected to liberty and social justice.  [5]  According to justice P.B sawant secularism is a creed of universal brotherhood and humanism  [6]  . J.S verma observed through the case M. Ismail faruqui the concept of secularism is one facet of the right of equality woven as the central golden thread in the fabric depicting the pattern of the scheme in our constitution  [7]  . DIFFERENT SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENTS ON SECULARISM Supreme courts first recognition of secularism was in case sardar taheruddin seydna sahib v state of Bombay  [8]  . This case broadly explained the articles 25 and 26 of the Indian constitution and also specified that the secular nature of the India is the strong base of the constitution. Also in keshavnanda bharti v state of kerela  [9]  the 13 judge bench decided that secularism was the basic law of the land and it is unamendable. A land mark judgement in secularism is in the case of S.R Bommai v Union Of India  [10]  .It had important implications on the cente-state relations.The nine judge bench decided that secularism in India is based on religious tolerance.It also stated that any state government which adopted any unsecular means would be subjected to dismissal.The court dismissed BJP led state governments of Himachal Pradesh , Meghalaya, Madhya Pradesh , rajasthan and uttar Pradesh. IS INDIA ACTUALLY SECULAR? Although the constitution of India clearly states that India is a secular state it is becoming increasingly difficult to follow and maintain the principles of secularism. Hence this research article will analyse the various sectors where India has failed to uphold its secular structure. The most important challenge of Indian secularism is the growing power of the Hindus. Earlier also the country had strong ties with Hinduism which lead to the suppression of other religions. India is thus represented as a Hindu state . The discrimination can be analysed on various grounds like constitutional, religious,legislative and employment oppurtunities. To begin with article 290 A  [11]  of the Indian constitution clearly states that a sum of forty six lakhs and fifty thousand rupees and a sum of thirteen lakhs and fifty thousand rupees respectively, are paid every year out of the kerela and tamil nadu consolidated fund to the Dewaswom funds for the maintenance of hindu shrines. This is a clear discrimination of the of the constitutional provision which states that state revenue cannot be used to maintain religious institutions. Secondly the Indian government pays a sum of 413 crores a year for the haj journeys of muslims to Saudi Arabia. Andhra Pradesh pays a sum of rs 2 crore for the journey of Christians to Bethlehem. Secondly article 25  [12]  states that freedom of religion to all but article 25(2) states that social welfare and reform throwing open of Hindu religious institution of public character to all classes and sections of hindus. The constitution does not define a hindu but it clearly states a hindu is a follow er of buddhism, Jainism and and Sikhism. This classification is done for the purpose of temple entry. Hence this is clearly against the principles of secularism. Thirdly the Hindu marriage act of 1955 was a clear attempt to bring the Sikhs , jains and Buddhists under the fold of Hinduism and it clearly states that a hindu is a person who is not a sikh , muslim or parsi. Every year a population cencus is conducted in the tribal areas to determine the majority of the hindu population. Even in the legislative sphere there has been outright discrimination of secularism. In the year 1982 when a large number of dalits had converted to islam due to the oppression of the upper caste hindus, Indira Gandhi found this situation as the threat to national security. In article 25 (1)  [13]  of the Indian constitution it is clearly stated that all people will be allowed to practice and profess any religion of their choice. But in the year 1954, the congress government in Madhya Pradesh along w ith seven other states legislatures of anrunachal Pradesh , gujrat , himachal Pradesh,orrissa, rajasthan and Tripura passed laws restricting conversions from Hinduism to any other religion while allowing all conversions to Hinduism. This was done to increase and maintain the domination of hindus in the country. Even in the babri masjid demolition case which was initiated by the congress government and hindu activists to build a ram temple by destroying the masjid led to communal violence and riots between thousands of Hindus and Muslims. But Muslim victims had outnumbered the Hindu victims. The police failed to protect the Muslims and were very harsh and violent in dispersing them. The violent Hindu movement spread turmoil throughout the country putting an official end to secularism and declaring India as a Hindu state. During this period the governments of Maharashtra and uttar Pradesh sent funds to rebuild somnath temple which was officially inaugurated by Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Also in the education sphere there has been outright and violent discrimination. Article 16 (2) states that there will be no discrimination on the basis of religion for granting employment opportunities to the people. However the presidential orders of 1950 and 1956 provides benefit only to the schedule caste and tribes belonging to Hinduism , Jainism or Sikhism but not to muslim and Christians. If any person changed their religion after obtaining the job , then he / she also had to forfeit the job and other benefits that were given in course of employment. After the year 1947 the hindu army was adopted as the Indian army leaving 20000 muslims jobless. While a sikh has all the right to become an army general and occupy any post ,muslims are not given any such preferences. They are generally given the lower post . A hindu temple before the army cantonment clearly provides a picture that non hindus are not a part of our defence. The other instances proving India is a unsecular country are the ban on cow slaughter that left thousands of butchers jobless and poor people deprived of their basic nutrition. Cows are considered religious by the hindu upper caste society but not by the muslims or Christians. Most of the government ceremonies begin with hindu rituals like lighting the lamp etc. All functions of the central and state ministry begin with saraswati vardana. The inauguration of all government buildings throughout the nation and in other nations begin with a hindu puja clearly stating that india is a hindu state. N.T Ramarao the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh did not object to spend government funds for maintaining the images of venkateshwara even though it is clearly stated in our constitution that funds of the government cannot be used for maintaining any religious institution or idol. School children of various states like Maharashtra and Gujrat are forced to perform surya namaskar. Most of the text books emphasise on Hinduism. The large stone image o f Vishnu in front of the IGP headquarters in Bangalore clearly moves against the policy of a secular state. Till 1980 all india radio programmes began with hindu lyrics like vande ma taram , vandana etc. Aligarh university , one of the oldest university in India have an annual budget of rs 245 crore that is granted by the government. Only hahal meat is served in the campus and there is no place for hindu religious ceremonies. A muslim man is allowed to practice polygamy while a hindu man is not until he converts to islam. Other instances of discrimination : In west Bengal a man named shaik azizur rehman runs a shop with the name of Rajib Mallick because reavling his original identity would lead to alot of discrimination on the basis of religion. Before going for fishing hasina khatoon takes off her arm band embossed with allah and puts vermillion to maintain a hindu appearance among the customers.  [14]  Hence all these illustrations clearly state that India is not a secular country and it is slowly becoming mono religious. Should Homosexuals Be Allowed to Legally Marry? Debate Should Homosexuals Be Allowed to Legally Marry? Debate Introduction The debate on the legality of homosexual marriages has been considered both as an unwarranted feat and as belated act of liberty worth celebrating yet this status ruins the institution of marriage. This paper is written in a thesis-antithesis-synthesis pattern, addressing the issues raised by opponents of homosexual unions as well as the reasoning of its advocates. Finally, it is gives the writers opinion a synthesis of the two opposing arguments – guided by reasoned insights. Part I: The Legal Marriage of Homosexuals is not warranted Many criticisms have been piled on the prospects of homosexuals lawful sanctification of their union. Somehow the basis of these anti-homosexuals legal marriage is not far-fetched. Here are some reasons that have been used to buttress the attitude. The legalization of same-sex unions grossly undermines the institution of marriage. A marriage that comprises of persons of the same gender is in itself a self-contradiction. When these unions are legally allowed to thrive, the institution will suffer irreparable damage. The reason being, marriage is perceived as sacred especially from the religious quarters, an institution sanctified by God between a man and a woman for mutual companionship. Children are the fruits of such holy matrimonies (Maccio, 2010). Homosexuals contradict it, allowing their passions to override the holy decree. Furthermore, same-sex unions are always considered open relationships meaning that partners involved do not necessarily have to be committed to each other sexually, psychologically, emotionally and socially. This translates into a blow to the monogamous unions and by extension holy matrimony. Same-sex unions are conventionally considered unnatural and it does not take an apt mind a second to think otherwise. So, how can an unnatural union be naturally unionable? Heterosexual relationships are the norm, both in society and in nature. Why has man, as rational as he is, been passionately driven by sexual pleasure to the heights of finding it from the same gender? Brutes in their irrationality do not indulge in this! The greatest favor that should be done them is tolerance, nothing more. They should not be validated by the state nor recognized as a form of marriage because of their abnormality and unnaturality. The legal status of this union encourages many of the same and therefore the human species is destined to extinction. It is a self evident fact that the sexual intercourse between homosexuals of whatever ilk does not procreate life. Lesbians and gays, alike have sex primarily for pleasure and therefore no human conception can arise. If say three-quarters of the human population goes homosexual, there will not be any human being left walking on the surface of this planet with at least a couple of centuries (Hollowell, 2010). Homosexuals themselves, together with their sympathizers argue that they can become good parents. To whom can they parent? Adopted children, they say. Granted, they can be even excellent parents as they claim, but the psychological development of the child or children that they are parenting is at stake. Naturally, human beings have the orientation towards the two sexes and that is precisely the reason that a female parent is referred by the child as mother, and the male parent father. So in a legal family that comprises of two fathers gays; or two mothers lesbians; how does the child under their custody expected to grow normally? Are they not putting the welfare of the child at the expense of their pleasurable adventures? Is the legal body that authorizes this abnormal family doing any justice to the child? Besides, this is a horribly repugnant precedence that the homocouples are setting to the children under their parentage. Most likely, when such children come of age, they will copy the lifestyle of their parents and there by continue perpetuating the ignoble idiosyncrasy to subsequent generations (Kuyper, 1993). Marriage is a symbol that represents cultural ideals about sex, sexuality, and human relationships. These ideals define an individuals self identity and therefore, when the traditional nature of marriage is interfered with by sneaking in homosexual tendencies, peoples basic identities are challenged (Dankmeijer, 1993). Part II: Legalization of Same-sex Unions is long overdue Quite a number of homosexuals and their supporters have been waiting with abated breath for the landmark ruling that accord same-sex unions a legal marriage status. It has been hailed as a gesture that reinstates sexual liberty to individuals who hitherto had suffered silently when this right was trampled upon. The anti-homosexuals argue that legal marriage is strictly between a man and a woman. Defining marriage on the basis of sex does beg the question of how sexes are defined. Though the traditional categories of male and female appear separate, there are indeterminate cases in reality which do not match these categories. Therefore the assumption made here is that the clarity of biological concepts corresponds to social concepts. Take for example, Daniel was born female but changed his sex and became male; and now he wants to marry his partner Chloe. By accepting the above reason, Daniel can only marry a male even though by outward appearance he is male. Put differently, if a woman changes her sex and acquires physical traits of a man, would not it be legal for this person to marry a woman? (Maccio, 2010) The consideration of marriages as a religious rite is missing the mark since exclusive religious tenets are used to define it. Consequently, legalizing homosexual marriages is a mortal sin that beckons the wrath of God to a state. It is an indubitable fact that the nature of marriage has varied in every era and from every society. Therefore, it has been difficult to find a conventional definition of marriage. Marriage has never been a creation of religion, if anything the state has always treated it as a private contract with public implications. Thus the basis of marriage was on the wishes of free, consenting adults (Cott, 2002). The claim that homosexual marriage is not a home for protection and procreation of children; hence a threat to human extinction is refutable. This claim is anchored in the assumption that sex as the natural end of marriage is for procreation. It can be argued that, following this premise, a couple whose sexual intercourse cannot bring forth a child should not be allowed to marry, all the more homosexuals. The implications of this reason would mean that heterosexual marriages with infertile couple due to various reasons are outlawed as well. Similarly, couples who voluntarily resolved to be childless should not be allowed to marry legally. The impulsion for marriage is love not children (Senreich, 2010). Opponents of homosexual marriages argue that such relationships are unnatural and abnormal and therefore should only be tolerated not legalized. Here, heterosexual relationship is taken as natural because that is what is found in nature. Since nature does not provide for homosexual relationship it is unnatural and ought to be abhorred by the society (Senreich, 2010). Well, are not human a part of nature? If yes, then homosexual relationships are also a part of this nature. Brutes which are part of this nature do not engage in legal marital contracts, does it as consequence mean that the legal marriage as an institution is unnatural and should be outlawed? The argument that legalizing homosexual marriage undermines the institution of marriage does not hold water. It baffles the minds of proponents how a legal marriage between homosexuals damage the heterosexual marriage. Consideration should be made here that the opponents use religion to smoothen their disapproval. Marriage is governed by the civil/secular law. Period (Geest, 1993). Part III: Homosexual Marriages do not merit Legal Status Having painstakingly considered the arguments from both sides of the debate on the legalization of same-sex marriages, the writer hereof opposes according legal status to such unions. To begin with, marriage as an institution derives its sanctity from interplay between instinct and reason. Considering that the sexual instinct is primarily for procreation, man ought to use his rationality to direct this force appropriately. The pleasurable part of the act is secondary and therefore should not be allowed to define a person. The reason is, if man becomes myopic with the secondary end of sexual instinct; and remains consistently so, then human species destiny is at stake. It may sound religious but thoughtful reflection reveals so. Marriage is therefore an institution where under natural circumstances male and female partners are freely allowed to procreate (Geest, 1993). However, if the primary end cannot be realized due to illnesses or old age, the intent warrants its sanctity. The proponents of homosexual marriages are largely silent on the parentage of children of homosexuals, adopted or otherwise. They secretly recognize the psychological as well as sociological damage that they wrought to the development of these children (Paul, 1993). Its not disputable that they can have the custody of children either through adoption, surrogate motherhood, artificial insemination, or previous heterosexual relationships. What is paramount here is the welfare of these little children in regard to their development into adults of sound minds. In this consideration homosexual parentage of children is looked at vis-à  -vis heterosexual. If for instance, Kathleen is being raised by two mothers, she is being deprived of the experience of being with a father. Recent research as well as the common experience suggests that a father and a mother together provide by far the best surrounding in which a child may be raised. The reason being men and women contribute different gend er-connected strengths and attributes to their childrens development. Erik Erikson differentiates the kinds of love to children: fathers love more dangerously because their love is more expectant and instrumental than that of mothers (Wardle n.d. p. 846). Children from homosexual families will are likely to exhibit the homosexual tendencies of the parents and become one of such in adulthood (Kuyper, 1993). The homosexual marriage remains unnatural not because it cannot be found existing among natural brutes which constitute nature, but because the act itself is solely for pleasure. If anything there are creatures which show tendencies akin to homosexuals. Man is endowed with incredible intellect and he should use it to discern what underlies some of his cravings before allowing himself to be held hostage by them. Conclusion To surmise, the debate on the legality of homosexual marriages has been considered both as an unwarranted feat and as belated act of liberty worth celebrating yet this status ruins the institution of marriage. As it can be seen from the text, the arguments of pro-homosexual marriages are aimed at winning rather than analyzing the facts that belie the orientation. References Cott, N. (2002). Public Vow: A History of Marriage and the Nation. New York, NY: Harvard University Press Dankmeijer, P. (1993). Journal of Homosexuality: The Construction of Identities as a Means of Survival. 24(3), pp. 95-105. Geest, H. (1993). Journal of Homosexuality: Homosexuality and Marriage. 24(3), pp.115-123. Hollowell, K. (2010). World Net Daily: Homosexuality: Evolution of the human race. Retrieved on March 24th, 2010, from: http://www.wnd.com/index.php/index.php?pageId=23492> Kuyper, E. (1993). Journal of Homosexuality: The Freudian Construction of Sexuality. 24(4), pp 137-144. Maccio, E. (2010). Journal of Homosexual: Influence of Family, Religion, and Social Conformity on Client Participation in Sexual Reorientation Therapy. 57(3), pp. 441-458. Paul, J. (1993). Journal of Homosexuality: Childhood Cross-Gender Behavior and Adulthood Homosexuality. 24(3), pp. 41-54. Senreich, E. (2010). Journal of Homosexuality: The Effects of Honesty and Openness About Sexual Orientation on Gay and Bisexual Clients in Substance Abuse Programs.57(3), pp 364-383. Wardle, L. (n.d.) Website of Family Action: The Potential Impact of Homosexual Parenting on Children. Retrieved on March 24th, 2010, from: http://www.familyaction.org/PDFs/h-parenting.pdf>

Laocoon and His Sons

This essay is an attempt to address the marble sculpture commonly known as Laocoon and His Sons, and why exactly I believe it to be a work of high art, of great value and significance to the species. Laocoon and His Sons is a marble sculpture representing a scene that is a part of the tale of the siege and invasion of Troy. Laocoon was the protagonist in a play by Sophocles that is now lost. He was also written about by Virgil.The statue itself is one of the most famous sculptures of Greek and Roman antiquity, its subject is Laocoon, a Trojan high priest, who, along with his two sons, is – according to legend – attacked and killed by two snakes, or sea serpents. The tale is known as myth, but its content may have symbolic roots in actual historical happenstance. No one is quite sure as of yet how much of that myth may or not be so. The scene depicts Laocoon, the chosen priest of Neptune for the city of Troy, and his sons, in their death throws, overcome by an enormous s erpent. Cursed by the gods for either impiety – 3 ccording to Sophocles – or for warning the Trojans of the danger of the Trojan horse – according to Virgil, the serpents were dispatched to do away with Laocoon ‘I tell you there are Greeks hiding in here, shut up in all this wood, or else it is a siege engine designed for use against our walls, to spy on our homes and come down on the city from above, or else there is some other trick we cannot see. Do not trust the horse, Trojans. Whatever it is, I am afraid of Greeks, even when they bear gifts. ’ (Virgil, 2003, p. 26) The scene depicted is the wrath of the gods in action.The turmoil of the scene, the hopeless agony on the faces of the figures, is so charged with emotion that the forms seem truly alive. This is the first time this caliber of realism is reached in Greek art, in all known human sculpture up to this point in history; and many would submit that it has never been surpassed. The action a ddressed in this sculptural scene animates it to the point that one forgets that this is apparently an idealized figure born from myth. The despair and pain in Laocoon’s eyes seem to be a pleading to the very gods that doomed him – in his final moments, asking ‘Why have you forsaken me? Achieving this sort of beyond-human realism through the sculpting of marble is particularly remarkable, as marble is known as a notoriously difficult medium to deal with, especially considering the simple tools the artists would have at hand to form this creation. But, the medium, once utilized correctly by skilled hands, is like no other, and has a powerful tone to it. Marble is slightly radioactive, and with statues like Laocoon and His Sons, that radiation can truly be felt. This piece is indeed a testament to Greek craftsmanship, and to the classical Greek culture that is ensouled in this piece.In Pliny the Elder’s Natural History, Pliny describes the sculpture and rete lls of his experience of seeing it in Rome some time during the first century CE. However, Pliny doesn’t give an exact date for the creation of the statue – which is unknown. He mentions it was in the palace of the Emperor Titus, and 4 describes it as Laocoon and his children being strangled. From his point of view it was a far superior piece of art to anything else made; paint, bronze or stone. It may have been originally bronze and the marble version a copy, but this is unclear.Pliny states that it was carved from a single block of marble; by Agesander, Polydorus, and Athenodorus of Rhodes. But, it is pretty clear that the sculpture is not made from one single piece of marble. Does this sully Pliny’s account? Was there another version which he was referring to? History is hearsay. We can’t be sure. One of the pieces defining characteristics, what makes it such a marvel, is how the physique is anatomically perfect. This speaks of a highly developed cultu re, with an intricate understanding of anatomy and physiology. But, also of a culture that privileges physical strength and beauty.The Greeks of the time were either artists or warriors, or often both, so strength and beauty were central in their world. Laocoon and His Sons is a much more naturalistic piece than earlier Greek works; in which the figures were often idolized; lacking luster, life, emotion, humanity. Cleobis and Biton, a set of sculptures from the Archaic Period, exemplify this quite well; posing, rigid, golem like figures; lacking the humanity they are supposed to represent. The Hellenistic baroque style of Laocoon and His Sons gives us a much more true-to-life representation in comparison to earlier works.This work has inspired artists and regular humans alike down through the centuries, one of whom it is particularly well known to have influenced greatly was Michelangelo; as can be seen in some of his pieces; e. g: The rebellious Slave. I summation, I think this pie ce is truly of note to art historians. Above, I have highlighted some reasons I think this is the case. Bibliography: Virgil, (reprint) 2003. The Aeneid. London: Penguin Classics. Pollitt, J. J. 2006. Art in the Hellenistic Age. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 5 Pliny, Natural History XXXVI. iv. 37

Analyzing Jonathan Swifts A Modest Proposal A...

Jonathan Swifts A Modest Proposal can be said to have a satirical surprise ending, even though the reader is well prepared for it based on the tone and style of Swifts writing and any prior knowledge of the authors intentions. Swifts final solution to the problem of overpopulation is for the poor to sell their children as food for the rich. He introduces this proposition quite early into the document A Modest Proposal, which is why the ending is not so much as a surprise as it is an intriguing rhetorical argument. The reason why the ending might seem surprising is that it seems as if Swift may indeed be presenting a realistic argument of what can be done about overpopulation, in spite of all evidence to the contrary. A reader not used to inferring messages based on tone or style might be forgiven to misread the beginning of Swifts document. For example, a person who has never heard a sarcastic tone could very well believe that Swift was being serious; in which case the reader would c ontinue to view Swifts proposal as reasonable and either consider him a monster or a genius. Generally, Swift uses the surprise ending to alert the readers to the absurdity of the original problem that reveals social injustices and inequities. One of the biggest surprises in Swifts document is when he states, I can think of no one objection, that will possibly be raised against this proposal, unless it should be urged, that the number of people will be thereby much lessened in the