Cost Club Scenario Essay

Introduction Every employee has fundamental rights in the workplace that include their right to privacy, fair compensation and free from discrimination. Even applicants have rights before they are hired as an employee. Some of those rights include discrimination that is based solely on a person’s race, gender, age, religion, national origin, or during the hiring process (FindLaw, 2014). Employee Privacy * Employees have the right to privacy with regards to their personal possessions * This includes their purses, handbags. Briefcases, lockers.* Employees have limited rights with respect to e-mail messages and internet usage while using Cost Clubs computer system * Employers do not have the right to conduct a credit checks or background checks on an employee or perspective employee without the express written permission of the employee (FindLaw, 2014). Employee Unions Under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), employers are forbidden from interfering in an employee’s right to organize, or to join or assist in a labor organization for collective bargaining purposes, or prohibit working together to improve terms and conditions of their place of employment. Union employer’s may not coerce their employees in exercising any of their rights such as (National Labor Relations Board, 2014): * It is illegal for an employer to threaten their employees with the loss of their jobs or benefits if they choose to join or vote for a union or participate in protected concerted activity. * Threaten employees with plant closure should their employees choose to have union representation. * Employers are not to question employees about their union activities or sympathies * Promise employees benefits in order to discourage union support * Punishing  employees for engaging in union or protected concerted activity * Retaliating against an employee by transferring, laying off, terminating, assigning employees to more difficult work task or for filing an unfair labor practice charges or participating in an NLRB investigation (National Labor Relations Board, 2014). Occupational Safety and Health Administration Under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (,OSHA) employers have a responsibility to their employees to provide a safe environment for their employees. Employers are responsible for providing their employees with a workplace free of serious hazards and must follow all OSHA safety and health standards as well as identify and correct any safety or health problems found. It is also the employer’s responsibility to (United States Department of Labor, 2014). * Keep employees informed about hazards through the offering of training, labeling, alarms, systems that are color coded, material safety data sheets that pertain to chemicals and other methods. * Employees are to be trained in a manner in which they can fully understand * Employers are to maintain accurate and complete records of any work-related injuries or illnesses that may occur in the workplace. * Employers are to post any citations, injuries and illness data where is it easily viewed by employees. * OSHA is to be notified by the employer within eight hours should there be a workplace fatality or when three or more workers have been injured or hospitalized due to an accident. * Display the official OSHA poster that describes the rights and responsibilities in plain view for employees to read per the OSHA Act (United States Department of Labor, 2014). Employee Retirement Income Security Act Compliance assistance under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) sets the minimum standards for retirement and health benefit plans in private industry. Although ERISA does not require an employer to provide a retirement plan or to provide benefits it only requires those who have established plans meet and follow a level of standards. ERISA covers retirement, health, and other welfare benefit plans. (United States Department of Labor, 2014): * Meet ERISA standards of conduct * Employers are to assure that the funds of the plan are protected and that  participants who qualify will receive their benefits. * Employers are to include new health laws * Employers are to provide a continuation of health care coverage for an employee that due to certain events would result in a reduction ,in their benefits. * The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) amended ERISA to make health care coverage available for employees that have either been terminated or have quit (United States Department of Labor, 2014). Fair Labor Standards Act The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is responsible for setting and establishing a minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards that affect employees in the private sector andFederal, State and local governments (United States Department of Labor, 2014). * The wage for covered nonexempt workers is $ 7.25 per hours * Overtime pay to be at the rate of one-half times their regular pay after a 40 hour workweek. * There is no limit to anyone 16 years or older to the amount of hours they may work. * FLSA does not require Cost Club to pay overtime for weekends, holidays for an employees, regular days off, unless overtime is typically worked on those days. * Employers are required to display the official poster of the FLSA. (United States Department of Labor, 2014). Conclusion In order to ensure and maintain a high moral level of employee behavior. Employees of Cost Club must fully understand the ethical and legal implications of their decisions. As they relate to their employees personal and professional values. This should be reflected at every level upper, and lower management included. Cost Club needs to develop and implement a Business Code of Ethics that can be reviewed with all employees at all Cost Club locations. By implementing a Business Code of Ethics, Cost Club will weave together not only the legal principles of employment, but the moral issues that commonly arise in employment issues. These ethical behaviors are vital to Cost Clubs overall success. The stakeholders of Cost Club are able to take direction from Cost Clubs, Business Code of Conduct. And when an ethical dilemma occurs the code will become one of the employee’s best tools for dealing with the dilemma. When Cost Club chooses to engage in employee monitoring, this practice will be posted and announced to all employees.  Employees need to understand the laws and Cost Clubs corporations, policies along with the Business Code of Conduct. Cost Club also needs to exercise restraint in looking over their employees shoulders when it comes to use of the internet and email. (Mujtaba, 2014). When everyone understands all the ground rules then the workplace environment at Cost Club will be fair. If Cost Clubs employees are being ethical and following the policies he or she should not be concerned with monitoring and at the same time Cost Club should conduct their monitoring of employees within the guidelines of the law (Mujtaba, 2014). References FindLaw. (2014). Employee rights 101. Retrieved April 13, 2014, from http://employment.findlaw.com/employment-discrimination/employees-rights-101.html. Mujtaba, B. G. (2014). Ethical implications of employee monitoring: What leaders should consider. Retrieved April 13, 2014, from http://www.huizenga.nova.edu/Jame/articles/employee-monitoring.cfm. National Labor Relations Board. (2014). Employer/union rights and obligations. Retrieved April 13, 2014, from http://www.nlrb.gov/rights-we-protect/employerunion-rights-and-obligations. United States Department of Labor. (2014). Employee retirement income security act ERISA. Retrieved April 13, 2014, from http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/erisa.htm. United Stated Department of Labor. (2014). Employer rights and responsibilities following an OSHA inspection. Retrieved April 13, 2014, from https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3000.html#12. United States Department of Labor. (2014). Wage and hour division. Retrieved April 13, 2014, fro m http://www.dol.gov/whd/flsa/.

CIPP Diploma in Payroll Management-Work Based Essay

It was concluded that the flexible enefits choices project will benefit from the collaboration between the researcher, the company and the supervisor. The nature of the researcher’s role within the Company will ensure that access to, and the collection of information is within the capacity of the researcher. Aims The aim of this project is to evaluate the existing choices within the workplace and from the findings of the evaluation will conclude whether to keep existing choices or Introduce new choices to the companys flexible benefit scheme. bjectives The objective of this project is to review the existing benefit choices In time for the ext enrolment process for Flexible Benefit and to determine whether the choices are still meeting the personal needs of the employees. A questionnaire will be sent to all employees and based on the answers a focus group will be set up. The questionnaire and focus group feedback wlll provide the data necessary to amend or keep the choices avai lable. The project and the eventual recommendations will be feasible and do have a chance of being implemented. The issue of choices within the flexible benefit scheme is an organisational issue and are reviewed annually in readiness for pen enrolment process. However, the review has not been on the same in-depth scale that this project is proposing. The researcher In collaboration with the HR Manager will have the necessary resources to complete the project. Questionnaires will be devised and given to the employees. Email addresses are available to the researcher and the research Itself is a task that needs to be implemented. The researcher’s current position in the Company will help with the confidential aspect of a research as well as galnlng the trust of the participants Involved. The Gantt chart hows the ideal planning schedule. The renewal process for making flexible benefit choices occur in December, for the January admissions. The researcher proposes that the questionnaires and Focus group are held after the current enrolment process. The researcher also proposes that the write up and analysis occur Immediately after. This will enable the researcher to address any Issues that arises. Content The Company a financial organisation and is a moderately sized company consisting of two hundred and thirty staff on the payroll. The Company can be separated into wo groups 0T employees; DroKers ana non DroKers (aamlnlstratlon/l I ) I ne company HR and payroll is administered by a team of three consisting of the Payroll Administrator, HR Manager and the HR Administrator. Rationale The research for this project will investigate employees’ views on the existing flexible benefit choices. When the scheme was in the initial research stage, the feedbacks from the focus groups were positive and indicated that the most appreciated benefits within flex were; Holiday buy/sell Dental insurance Pension enhancement Medical insurance After two years into the scheme, the most popular flex choice is the Private medical insurance, with only 20% of employees opting for this. This research will try to investigate whether the current flex choices are meeting the personal needs of the employees. Can new choices maximise Income Tax and National Insurance efficiency for both the Company and individual employees? Last year, the change of benefit choices was put forward to the employees via an email questionnaire. However, the responses were very low and so no changes were made. This project ill provide an opportunity for an in-depth questioning of the employees with results that may determine the choices for the next renewal process. Reading The secondary research will include books and articles that are relevant to the project issue. The following Journals have shown key information in regards to flexible benefits; Bradford, S. , 2010. Flexible Benefits.

Hum/130 Final

The Hsi Lai Temple sits on 15 acres of land and has a floor area of 102,432 sq. ft. nd is located at 3456 Glenmark Drive, Hacienda Heights CA 91745. The architecture when you first drive up is mind blowing and beautiful. The architecture stays true to the traditional styles of buildings, gardens, and statuary of the ancient Chinese monasteries. They started the planning and building of the temple in 1978 and finished the building ten years later in 1988. Hsi Lai means â€Å"coming west† and signifies the dedication of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order to spreading the teachings of the Buddha. Fo Guang Shan is the largest monastery and covers over 370 acres. When you walk up the first set of steps you come to what they call the gate. On the top part of the sign it says Hsi Lai Temple which again means â€Å"coming west† and then on the four pillars it says the four universal vows, which are â€Å"to save all sentient beings, to eradicate all worries, to study the boundless Dharma, and to attain supreme Buddhahood. † After you walk up the steps from the lower parking lot where the gate is you walk up more steps to the upper parking lot and then from their you walk up more steps to what they call the Bodhisattva Hall. Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings that made a vow to selflessly serve others with loving-kindness and compassion and are committed to liberating all beings from suffering. It is said that each one of the bodhisattvas represents a virtuous quality essential to all Buddhists. When talking about the bodhisattvas they made a point to make sure that we understood that when we saw that people were bowing to them that they were not bowing to an idol, but rather a sign of showing respect and seeking their guidance to develop the virtuous qualities they represent. Bowing also shows our own humility and the curbing of our ego. There are five bodhisattvas are: Samantabhadra Bodhisattva which is symbolic of great practice, and helping us achieve more discipline in our daily life, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva which was known for his great vow to help all beings in hell and would not stop till hell was emptied of all beings, Maitreya Bodhisattva is the future Buddha and is the symbol of great benevolence and is often referred to as Happy Buddah, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva which symbolizes the perfection and loving-kindness, and Manjusri Bodhisattva which is known for great wisdom which empowers one to distinguish universal morality from wrongdoing. Underneath the five bodhisattva are engraved Chinese characters from the Diamond Sutra. Next to the Heart Sutra the Diamond Sutra is the most widely read of the Mahaprajnaparamita Sutra, and is highly valued among sects in Chan Buddhism. While I was at the His Lai Temple I found that they have an information where you can go on two different types of tours of their temple: the first being a self-guided audio tour where they give you a cd player and it gives you valuable information about the temple and all its rooms and buildings as well as the gardens and information on the statues that are found throughout the temple, The second type of tour they offer is with a docent who is more than willing to answer any questions that may come up during the tour, while they inform you about everything within the temple. The two gardens I was able to see within the temple was: the first being the Arhat Garden where the eighteen arhats are seated. The Arhats have realized the truth of no-self and that all is a composite of the five aggregates dependant on other phenomena originally empty and subject to impermanence. It is said that the eighteen Arharts were able to overcome the difilements of greed, anger, and ignorance. The eighteen Arhats are: Cudapanthaka which is the door watching arhat, Jivaka which is the heart exposing arhat, Vajraputra which is the persuading arhat, Subinda which is the pagoda holding arhat, Panthaka which is the arhat with stretched arms, Kalika which is the dust cleaning arhat, Bhadra which is the arhat that crossed the river, Pindola which is the arhat with long eyebrows, Nakula which is the silently seated arhat, Ajita which is the arhat riding the deer, Maitreya which is the tiger taming arhat, Angaja which is the arhat with a sack, Vananasim which is the arhat under the banana tree, Rahula which is the arhat in deep conversation, Manakassapa which the dragon subduing arhat, Kanakabharadavaja which is the arhat holding the alms bowl, Nagasena which is the ear cleaning arhat, and Kanakavatsa which is the jolly arhat. The second garden is the Avalokitesvara Garden. Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is seated on a giant rock with both her attendants, Shanci and Longnu who are stan ding beside her. Surrounding the pond are the four Deva Kings: Virudhaka of the Southern Kingdom which is holding the sword, Virupaksa of the Western Kingdom which is holding the dragon, Dhanada of the Northern Kingdom which is holding the umbrella, and the Dhrtarastra of the Eastern Kingdom which is holding a sitar. The four Deva Kings are revered as guardians who protect devout sentient beings from being harmed by unwholesome elements. Standing around the four Deva Kings are the four Dragon Kings of the Four Seas. The flowing water in the garden is symbolic of the Dharma water flowing everywhere to purify people’s minds. Although the Buddhist love informing people of their religion and teaching you about their beliefs. They are really not very forth coming when it comes to helping someone who is there for a school assignment. I was asked by the individual to leave his name out and was further informed that they do not normally do this kind of interview. When asked about the holidays and traditions he said the most important holiday is Wesak Day which comes in May on the day of the full moon. As for traditions he said that it all depends on the form of Buddhism tradition that you followed. When asked how has his life has been shaped by the Buddhism religion he said that it has made him a more understanding person to what he called the true nature of life. When asked what the biggest challenge is to the Buddhist religion he said that with all beliefs the biggest challenge is changing you. He has been practicing Buddhism since he was born and was taught by monks and other teachers about the Buddhist religion. When asked if there were any dietary restrictions, he did not come out and say that you had to be vegan but stated that it was more wholesome to be vegan. During our interview I found that it was real simple to become a Buddhist and that all you really have to do is follow the teachings. After that question he seemed to be in a real hurry to end the interview but I thanked him for his time and let him know that what I was able to get answered was very helpful. When it came to compairing this religion to another I chose Christianity, not because it was the easier to compare because I found them to have very obvious differences. In Christianity when you become a Christian you accept God into your heart as Lord and Savior and then are baptized as a symbol of the washing of your sins. When you become a Buddhist you just start following the teachings of the Buddha. The other difference that stood out to me was that Christians believe in a heaven and hell and Buddhist believe that hell is only in the mind. Christians believe that when you die you go to heaven to be with your Lord and Savior, Buddhist believe that when you are done with this life you are reincarnated in the next life. I found this religion to be incredibly interesting as well as beautiful. This religion is all about selflessness, which I found in this day and age to be comforting. In order to become a Buddhists you, you are told to give up all your worldly possessions. Today, everything is about worldly possessions from the cell phone that they have the designer clothes they own, to the car that they drive. When the subject of material possessions is brought up it starts making you think about what is really important in your life and how much thought you actually put into material possessions. I have found that people say that their family and friends are important, but if someone were to ask them to give up these possessions what do you think they would say? These people would tell you that you were out of your mind and then proceed to give you every excuse under the sun on why they could not do this. I believe that it takes an amazing person to be able to put someone else’s life before their own and to truly be devoted unconditionally. As I watched the monks interact with people throughout the times I was there it seemed like they were truly at peace and seemed like they had it all figured out when it came to life. When I first started the assignment I thought that it was going to be stuffy and that I would have to deal with someone who did not want to truly be in the place of having to help someone with a school paper. I found that to be completely false and actually found that not only the monks were willing to answer questions, but all the staff members were happy to answer whatever questions that anybody came up with. At the end of this assignment I found that Buddhism not only left you with such a serine feeling not only while you were in the temple but when you left it made you feel like you could accomplish anything if you just believed. They believe that the only way to truly achieve happiness is by giving up yourself and start paying more attention to others. References: An Introduction to Buddhism. (2000). Retrieved from http://webspace. ship. edu/cgboer/buddhaintro. html Religious Tolerance. (2011). Retrieved from http://www. religioustolerance. org/buddhism. htm buddhanet. (2013). Retrieved from https://ecampus. phoenix. edu/secure/aapd/cwe/citation_generator/web_01_01. asp

Pressure Ulcer Prevention Using Skin Bundle Research Paper

Pressure Ulcer Prevention Using Skin Bundle - Research Paper Example Once the skin succumbs to bacteria or sustains injuries from friction and shear, healing takes longer because reduced flow of blood brings nutrients and removes wastes more slowly. Ischemia due to unrelieved pressure is usually observed in the elderly, malnourished patients, patients reduced to immobility because of their medical condition, fecal incontinence, and patients under less than conscious condition (Mauk 2009, p. 501). Pressure Ulcers: Incidence, Prevalence and Prevention In 2004, the National Home Survey reported that for every 10 residents in nursing homes all over the United States, 11% have succumbed to pressure ulcers with stage 2 pressure ulcer as the most common (see Fig. 2). Both whites and non-whites had equal percentage with the males edging the females at 13% and 10%, respectively (Park-Lee & Caffrey 2009). In 2007, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reported some 257,412 preventable pressure ulcers as secondary diagnoses at cost averaging at $43,180 for every stay in the hospital. This compelled Medicare to give up shouldering pressure ulcer costs so as to encourage its prevention (Mauk 2009, p. 501). The Institute for Healthcare Improvement has recommended a set of simple interventions collectively known as ‘bundle’ for pressure ulcers prevention in 2003. Hospitals are encouraged to develop their own â€Å"bundle† in approaching pressure ulcer prevention (Paciella 2009, p. 43). The SKIN bundle, which is an acronym for Surface, Keep Moving, Incontinence and Nutrition, was developed by the Ascension Health facilities in 2004. In the succeeding pages a sample of change in practice program is outlined for a fictitious hospital ward called HTMC for the prevention of pressure ulcer using the SKIN bundle. Change in Practice for Pressure Ulcer Prevention Name of Ward (fictitious): East Wing 13 Holy Trinity Medical Center (HTMC) Demographics: 24-bed unit, 10 private and 14 semi-private; Staff is composed of ARNP, RN s, patient care technicians, nutritionists, therapists, and others Scope of Service: Patients in the ward are admitted for the following conditions: strokes and seizures, multiple sclerosis and other diseases that make them prone to develop pressure ulcers. A. ASSESSMENT In the first quarter of 2010, the East Wing 13 of the HTMC had reported 27% incidence of pressure ulcer cases compared to the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators or NDNQI’s report of 3.8%, for Stage I-IV and 2.7%, for Stage II-IV for the year 2010. This is not a good development, not only because the ward’s statistic paled in comparison with the NDNQI’s but also because the CMS has stopped shouldering costs for pressure ulcers that are acquired in the ACFs. B. LINK The US DHHS recommended several measures in the prevention and care of pressure ulcers. These recommendations can be used by the East Wing 13 to reduce the percentage of pressure ulcer incidence. They include the following : skin inspection of patients at least once daily; skin cleansing in accordance to the needs of each patient; skin care such as moisturizers for dry skin and less exposure to humidity and cold; moisture due to incontinence, perspiration, or wound

Contributions to Economics and Sociology Vilfredo Pareto Term Paper

Contributions to Economics and Sociology Vilfredo Pareto - Term Paper Example These observations are dispersed throughout the various works by Pareto. Trattato contains the essential features of the philosophy of science as expressed by Pareto.6 Throughout his work, Pareto applied his philosophy of science to develop theories and relate theories to facts. He used this to clearly explain the relationship between the dynamic and the static. He showed that though the static is only a phase, it is a necessary phase of the dynamic.7 The study of facts and consequent development of theories to explain these facts was his dominant occupation. The arguments presented in the Cours are illustrated using many statistical and historical references. In the later stages of his work, Pareto shifted his interest from analyzing statistical data to the analysis of sociological and historical phenomena. Pareto also did a critical examination of many of pseudo-scientific theories. In the Systemes socialistes, he subjects the logical inconsistencies of socialist economic theories such as the Marxist theory to a rigorous analysis. This is an illustration of the critical aspect of his work which is fully expressed in the Trattato. Pareto integrated economic theory into the social sciences. His main goal was to generalize the theory of general economic equilibrium by Walras so that it covers all the social sciences.8 He used the interdependence of social and economic phenomena as a guiding principle for his work. He believed that economic theory was part of a greater whole whose study was necessary, though not sufficient, in order to understand society. Pareto was the first scholar to clearly distinguish between the concepts of ordinal and cardinal utility by...The men that are primarily moved by this class of residues behave like Machiavelli's "foxes."23 They are capable of innovation, experimentation, and departure from common practice, but lack fidelity to uphold the principles and conservative virtues that can insure their stability...

SPECIAL PROJECT VALUE LINE Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

SPECIAL PROJECT VALUE LINE - Research Paper Example Specifically, theses are the production approach, the expenditure approach, and the income approach. In my forecast, I focused on the real GDP as an indicator of economic growth in the US in 2015. Precisely, this type of the GDP examines a topic of interest to the public as everyone wants to understand the performance of the total goods or service. As an economic indicator, the GDP is imperative because it provides information about the size of the economy as well as its performance (Madigan,  2015). When the GDP experiences a growth rate, it indicates that the economy is in a healthy status. Explained broadly, an increase in the real GDP is a sign of an economic growth and predicts the possibility of increased employment and a decrease in the inflation rates. The strong economic growth as indicated in the trend of the GDP suggests that the US labor market will expand compared to the previous year. Specifically, the Wall Street Journal forecast that unemployment will decline from 5.6 to 5.2 percent by December 2015 compared to the same time in 2014 (Madigan,  2015). The tight labor market interprets to an increase in income rising from 1.7 percent to 2.6 percent in 2014 and 2015 respectively. If this prediction is correct, the US economy will experience the highest and fastest wage growth since 2008. Using three reliable international forecasting agencies, I obtained the average of the presented GDPs to determine the perceived performance of the US economy in 2015. The table below represents the quarterly GDPs from Wall Street Journal, the Conference Board, and the Well Fargo, US economic forecast (The Conference Board, 2015; The Wall Street Journal, 2015; Wells Fargo, U.S. Economic Forecast, 2015). As observed from the table, the three forecasting agencies predict an increase in the national real GDP. As seen from the average in the quarterly forecasts, the GDP will rise from 2.2 percent in the first quarter to 2.9% in

Water is the predominant constituent of all of the bodies tissues Essay

Water is the predominant constituent of all of the bodies tissues. Discuss and compare the roles of water in cellular tissues and the connective tissues - Essay Example However, when an isotonic solution is infused, only 1/4th of the volume infused remains in the intravascular space after some time due to the influence of osmotic and hydrostatic forces. The intravascular compartment contains molecules with large molecular weight which are incapable of crossing the semi permeable plasma membrane due to small size of the pores (www.merckvetmanual.com). These large molecules or colloids exert a force on the membrane due to the difference in osmotic gradient known as the colloidal oncotic pressure (COP). The difference in the COP and the hydrostatic pressure is responsible for the control of the fluid content in the intravascular space and the interstitial compartments. When intravascular hydrostatic pressure rises above the COP, fluid movement occurs in the direction of interstitial space resulting in rehydration or oedema depending on the pre-existing hydration status. Any increase in membrane pore size or high interstitial COP can also contribute to this phenomenon. The evolution of animal life has produced diverse life forms of various Phyla which have habitats as diverse as the depths of oceans to deserts and mountains. This has lead to the development of exclusive water regulatory mechanisms in different species. The mammalian water regulatory mechanisms are more or less uniform in structure, functioning and adaptive mechanisms. Terrestrial life involves the risks of desiccation as well as salt deficiency, which have important roles to play in water regulation of the body (Denton et al, 1996). The hypothalamus in the mid brain and kidneys are the important organs in mammalian species which play vital role in water regulation. In higher vertebrates, the hypothalamus is responsible for triggering and controlling mechanisms in response to external as well as internal disturbances to maintain the body homeostasis internally.

Cherokee Indian Nation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Cherokee Indian Nation - Essay Example The constitution, the comprehensive legal code, and the many governmental related services of the Cherokee Nation contribute to a justice system that operates autonomously to promote order and advancement within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation. Though the Cherokee Nation is a sovereign entity with a complete legal system, they also work with the cooperation of federal agencies such as the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to maintain order. They also have agreements with local and state governments to help insure consistency and support within both the Cherokee Nation and local governments. Indeed, there has been an ongoing policy of the US government to help insure that Cherokee law and Federal laws have a measure of conformity (Distinctive Features). However, the recent limits placed on the State Police on Indian lands has prompted the Cherokee Nation to take a greater responsibility for law enforcement within their borders and has necessitated the formation of the Cherokee Nation Marshall Service. In 1986, a ruling by the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that "[...] Oklahoma law enforcement officers have no criminal jurisdiction "in Indian country" unless the crime is committed by a non-Indian against another non-Indian ..." (Heck, Keen, and Wilds, 26). The previous two centuries had been marked by federal reluctance to recognize sovereignty compounded by a checkerboard of overlapping federal jurisdiction. The Cherokee Nation Marshal Service is responsible for enforcement on Indian land, and though they have been in existence for over 20 years, their ranks are thin as compared to other urban and rural forces. The 2002 census reported only 11 full time officers to cover the entire population and vast land area ("Census", 10). The Cherokee Nation also shares criminal jurisdiction with various state and federal authorities through cross deputizing (Heck et al., 33). Jurisdiction is decided through a complex evaluation of whether the defendant and victim are Indian or Non-Indian and the seriousness of the crime. According to Heck et al. while, "[...] either federal or Indian law enforcement officers can make arrests for major crimes, most major crime cases are tried in federal courts" (33). However, victimless crime or minor crime where both defendant and victim are Indian, is the sole jurisdiction of the tribal courts. There may be rare exceptions to this, such as the jurisdiction for the enforcement of traffic laws where major routes are patrolled by a state police agency. The District Court of the Cherokee Nation serves all 14 counties in the jurisdiction of the tribe and handles civil and criminal proceedings. In addition, they handle some limited juvenile cases and family law issues involving deprivation and neglect ("District Court"). According to the 2002 census, the Cherokee Nation criminal court can only prosecute a case that would result in a jail term of not more than one year and a fine of less than 5,000 dollars ("Census", 2). More serious cases are sent to the federal court system for prosecution, sentencing, and incarceration. The Cherokee Nation operates a detention and holding center for short-term

Mortgaged Backed Securities Literature review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4750 words

Mortgaged Backed Securities - Literature review Example There are three classes of securities issued and traded, and these are assets backed securities (ABS), mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and collateralized debt obligations (CDO) (Blum & Dingell, 1997). As there are several kinds of securities, the primary focus of this section is the securities issues backed by mortgages – MBS. Understanding MBS is essential because it represents the largest portion of securitization in the United States (Nomura, 2006). In addition, apprehending MBS enables one to know the other forms of securitisation, as MBS is the â€Å"original source of securitisation technology†(Nomura, 2006, p. 2). In this regard, as the aim of the research is to gain a deeper understanding of MBS and to know the correlation between MBS and Subprime crisis, this segment of the research will be divided into four sections. The first part will deal with the concept of MBS. This includes the elucidation of the structures, benefits and risks attributed to MBS. The sec ond section will be delving on the credit rating analysis of MBS while the third part will deal with the development of MBS in the United States and its primordial role in the subprime crisis. Finally, the fourth section will be the summary. Mortgage-Backed Securities Mortgages are loans issued against real estate (Hu, 2001). This serves as the backbone of MBS (Stein, Belikoff, Levin & Tian, 2010). As such, a brief discussion of mortgage loans is provided, since, it serves as the condition with which MBS works or thrives. Mortgage loans in the United States are normally fixed in 30-year payment plan. This means that 360 equal payments are to be made by the borrower within that payment scheme. It is assumed in fixed payment that after the 30 –year period both the principal and the interests are paid (Stein et al., 2010). An important facet of mortgage loan is the borrower’s right to prepay his loan. This means that when the interest rates fall, the borrower can have the option of refinancing his loan at a lower rate. While, when the interest rates increase, the borrower can locked-in at a lower rate. Although the fixed-rate mortgage loan is most common mortgage loan, there is also the adjustable-rate mortgage loan (ARM) and the hybrid. ARM offers borrowers the chance to choose a loan that has an adjustable interest rate. The adjustable interests rate can be annually or semi-annually and it is determined by published market index like yields on US Treasury securities. In order to encourage borrowers, some lenders use ‘teaser rates’. Teaser rates are low initial rates, which last until the first adjustments (Nomura, 2006). On the other hand, the hybrid is the combination of fixed rate and ARM. The scheme provides for fixed interests rate for a first several years and then it is converted into semi-annual or annual adjustable rate. Several plans have been offered under the hybrid. There is ‘5/1’, ‘7/1’ and the à ¢â‚¬Ëœ10/1’ hybrids. However, regardless whether it is ARM or hybrid, what is significant is that, just like fixed rate loan , these types of mortgage loans allows or provides the opportunity to the borrower the prepay the loan when the conditions are favourable to the borrower. In this sense, there are two important elements in mortgage loans. First, is the certainty of the borrower’s obligation to make 360 monthly equal payments for a period of 30-years and second is the borrower’s right to prepay the loan when conditions are favourable, which means that borrowers can prepay their mortgage balance in full or in part anytime (Gangwani, 1998) Mortgage Backed Securities: In focus MBS are asset

Two contrasting religious Essay Example for Free

Two contrasting religious Essay Compare the similarities and differences in the practices and beliefs of individuals from two contrasting religious or secular groups. In M1 I will be discussing the similarities and differences of Islam and Christianity. I will be discussing about the religions origins, worship, festivals, clothing, beliefs and diet. Origins A similarity of Islam and Christianity is that they both believe in one God (Christianity Jesus) (Islam Allah). A difference is that both religions have different countries of origin. Islam originated from Makkah and Madina which is situated in Saudi Arabia and Christianity originated from Jerusalem in Israel. Islam began in the 7th century, God sent his message through the prophet Mohammed showing how to worship God, and how to perfect life. Islam spread through East Asia, Central Europe and North Africa. Today Islam is recorded to be the fastest growing religion in the world. Christianity developed in the 1st century; Christianity came from the religion Judaism Christianity began with the apostles of Jesus. Christianity mostly spread because Jesus and his disciples went from town to town preaching about the Jewish law. Christianity is practiced in USA, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, China, Germany, Philippines, United Kingdom, Italy, France and Nigeria. The first mosque was built in Madina. The first Christian church was founded in 33AD in Jerusalem. Worship A similarity of Islam and Christianity is that they both have holy places they worship at. Christians worship at a church usually on a Sunday; Muslims worship at a mosque, Muslims usually go to the mosque on Fridays or any day of the week. The difference is that they worship on different days. Muslims can pray together or by themselves and can pray at home or workplace as long as the place is clean and quiet. Christians and Muslims worship to get closer their Gods. Christians can worship at church or home they can also pray by themselves or in a group; Christians pray to get closer to God. A difference is that Islam requires Muslims to pray five times a day and with Christianity Christians are require praying once a day or more if they want to. Christians and Muslims both pray to get closer to God. A similarity is that both religions both religions have holy books that they read. A  difference is that Islam has the Quran and Christianity has the Holy Bible. Christians and Muslims read their holy books to learn more about their religions and for guidance through their lives. Christians and Muslims read their holy books to gain knowledge too. Festivals A similarity of Islam and Christianity is that they both have one main festival they celebrate Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25th Muslims celebrate Eid the date for Eid changes every year Muslims will celebrate Eid after Ramadan. A difference is that Christianity has a specific time of the year to celebrate Christmas and Eid moves from time to time every year. Both religions celebrate these festivals by having a big feast, spending time with family and buying new clothes. Christmas in the birth of Jesus during this period Christians usually exchange gifts, spend time with friends and family, wear new clothes and have a big dinner which is call Christmas dinner. Eid is the celebration of Ramadan; Ramadan is the periods when muslims fast for 30 days and they are allow to eat after sunset. The day after Ramadan is Eid, Eid is when muslims spend time with family and friends, eat, and buy new clothes to wear. Beliefs Some of the similarities are that both religions believe in one God, and both have a holy book they believe in. A difference is that Muslims believe in seven main things; Belief in God, belief in the prophets, belief in the angels, belief in the holy book which is the Quran, belief in the judgement day, belief in life after death and belief in the good and bad. Christians believe that God is the father of Jesus. Another similarity is that both religions believe in life after death. Christianise believes in the Bible, they believe in God, they believe that God sent Jesus they believe that God came through Jesus as a human form. Muslims believe in that Mohammed is the last messenger, they believe you go to heaven or hell on the day of judgement and Christians also believe you go heaven or hell once you on the day of judgement. Clothing A difference of clothing is that Muslims women cover their hair with a hijab (head scarf) this is by choice. Christianity doesn’t require women to cover  their hair. Some Muslims men can cover their hair with a topi if they want to. Christianity doesn’t require men to cover their hair. Some women can wear a long dress called jilbab. A similarity is that both religions require you to dress modesty. Muslims women wear theses because you are not allowed to show your figure (jilbab) and they wear the hijab to not show their beauty so no one is looking at them in the wrong way. Is it written in the Quran that you can cover your hair and it says that you should wear clothing that doesn’t show your figure. Diet A difference is that Islam requires Muslims to eat only certain foods like halal meat. Muslims aren’t allowed to eat lard, pork, any foods with gelatine and food or drinks that contain alcohol. Christians believe that God has given them the animals to eat as well to have and take off. Some Christians may eat only fish on Good Friday or just one or two meals. During lent Christians may give up something they really like, like chocolate until Easter Sunday. Christians may eat bread and drink wine every Sunday to remember Jesus and what he did. Bibliography About.com Islam (2013) Islamic Clothing Requirements Available at http://islam.about.com/od/dress/p/clothing_reqs.htm [accessed 24/09/13] Atschool (December 2007) Christmas the story, customs and traditions, Available at, http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/carolrb/christmas/christmas1.html [accessed: 24/09/13] Christianity.org (2013) Worship Available at, http://www.christianity.org.uk/index.php/worship.php [accessed: 24/09/13] Copyright global tolerance limited (2009) Faith and Food Available at http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/carolrb/christmas/christmas1.html [accessed: 24/09/13] Copyright Inter- Islam (1998-2001) Diet in Islam, Available at http://www.inter-islam.org/Lifestyle/diet.htm [accessed: 24/09/13] Wood Jenny (1988) Islam for children, Available at http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/carolrb/islam/glossary.html [accessed: 24/09/13] Greenstar (2013) ISLAM, Available at http://www.greenstar.org/Islam/ [accessed 25/09/13] Religion answers (2013) how did Christianity begin? Available at, http://religion.answers.wikia.com/wiki/How_did_christianity_begin [accessed 25/09/13] Darul-arqam (2012) why must Muslims go to the mosque for prayers on Fridays Available at, http://www.darul-arqam.org.sg/what-is-islam/brief-history-of-islam/ [accessed 25/09/13]

Types Of Peace Support Operations And Characteristics International Law Essay

Types Of Peace Support Operations And Characteristics International Law Essay Introduction The Norwegian Defence doctrine from 2007, Forsvarets Fellesoperative doktrine and the UN Prinsiples and Guidelines from 2008 (Capstone doctrine) devides peace support operations (PSO) into five various types; conflict prevention or preventive diplomacy, peacemaking, peacekeeping, peace-enforcement and peace building. These are the most important tools UN and other international organisations have to reach their coal of international peace and security. Types of peace support operations and characteristics The distinction between these categories is often unclear. Conflict prevention or preventive diplomacy is measures with the aim to avoid intra-state or inter-state disputes and conflicts, prevent tension and conflicts from escalating into violent conflict and to limit the ongoing conflict from spreading. This should be based on an early warning, information gathering and also on analysis of the factors driving the conflict. Conflict prevention ranges from diplomatic initiatives, confidence-building measures to the preventive deployment of troops. Peacemaking includes the range of diplomatic actions aimed at establishing a peaceful settlement once conflict is in progress or has resumed. Good offices may be used to facilitate the resolution of the conflict. Peacemakers may also be envoys, governments, groups of states, regional organizations or the United Nations. Peacemaking efforts may also be under-taken by unofficial and non-governmental groups, or by a prominent personality working independently. Peacekeeping is a technique designed to preserve the peace where fighting has come to an end, and the parties involved have reached an agreement. The UN or other international organisations role will be to assist in implementing agreements achieved by the peacemakers. The primary military model was to observe cease-fires and to separate the forces after inter-state wars. Today peace keeping involves many elements like military, police and civilian organisations working together trying to make the foundations for sustainable peace. Peace building is generally seen as those activities designed to strengthen the durability of a stable peace by identifying and supporting structures that will prevent a peace settlement in to relapsing in to conflict. The peace settlement is agreed by the parties involved. Peacebuilding works by addressing the deep-rooted, structural causes of violent conflict in a comprehensive manner. Peacebuilding measures address core issues that effect the functioning of society and the State, and seek to enhance the capacity of the State to effectively and legitimately carry out its core functions. Peace enforcement is the only category in PSO defined under chapter VII of the UN Charter as using military means to restore peace in an area of conflict. The other categories are under chapter VI in the UN charter. Peace enforcement involves a range of measures, including the use of military force. The aim of these measures is to restore international peace and security in situations where there is a threat to the peace, breach of the peace or act of aggression. These operations may be conducted by regional organizations and agencies under the authorisation of the UN. Factors decisive for the choice of operation It is necessary to look into the peace keeping history to fully understand the factors that are decisive for the choice of operations. The concept of peacekeeping has been an evolving one. Peacekeeping has not been mentioned in the UN Charter. In other words, there is no specific provision for peacekeeping in the United Nations Charter. It is normally described as falling between Chapter VI and VII. Dag Hammarskjà ¶ld referred to peacekeeping operations as Chapter 6 ½ initiatives. Early peacekeeping in the 1950s focused on preventing open violence and monitoring ceasefire and status quo and demilitarization and policing. One of them being United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF 1) deployed to the Suez crisis after the British and French troops invaded Egypt. This was what constituted traditional or classical peacekeeping, and where the three basic principles of peacekeeping where formed, namely, consent, impartiality and self-defence. After the end of the Cold War, new forms of peacekeeping came into operation in response to significant changes and challenges on the ground. The concept of peacekeeping expanded into new terminology in the peace process, and peace support operations were used to describe the new concept. In the 1990`s peacekeeping went beyond traditional peacekeeping and in to what is often called second generation peace keeping. The new conflicts where characterized by the collapse of states, and the conflict became intra-states. The PSO missions in this period where demobilization of troops like armed para-militias and irregulars; promotion of national reconciliation, restoration of effective governments, the organization and monitoring of elections, provisions of a broader support to humanitarian aid missions including protection of safe areas and escort of relief convoys. From the mid 1990`s the peacekeeping missions became multifunctional. These missions where executed after violent intrastate conflicts and consisted of both military and civilian assets in support of implementing the peace agreement. From late 1990 the missions are said to be multi dimensional, which means that they cover tasks and responsibilities beyond those associated with traditional peacekeeping such as protection of civilian. The UN has increasingly focused on the need to involve regional organizations. As stated above, peace keeping operations is not mentioned in the UN charter. This, together with the veracity of missions and mandates from traditional peace keeping in the 1950`s to todays complex multi dimensional operations makes peacekeeping ad-hoc, and it must be seen as a flexible technique where the purpose and mode of operating is depending on the conflict and the nature of the conflict. Today UN missions are in reality a mixture of many of the various types of peace support operations. But some principles distinguish them from each other. First of all, peace enforcement (PE) is the only type of PSO categorized under chapter VII in the UN charter and this give the mandate to using military means to restore peace in an area of conflict. This can be given in a conflict where it is necessary to create peace. An example is Desert Storm where the UN gave the mandate to a US led coalition. Conflict prevention, peacemaking, peacekeeping and peace building is under chapter VI. Conflict prevention is used to prevent conflicts to escalating and factors decisive for this operation is that the parties involved are interesting in trying to archive a peaceful settlement. Peacekeeping is the technique used if there is a peace to preserve and the involving parties give their consent to having a observation force to monitor the cease-fire. Peacemaking can be used where the state has colapsed and there are several fractions trying to achive power. This peace makers tasks would then be to identify the players and try to make a peaceful solution. This could be achived by diplomatic solutions only or togheter with military assets to assist in law and order and to put pressure to the involving parties. If peacemaking has succeeded peace building could be used as a tool to rebuild or build the state. Conclusion This essay had the aim to describe the various types of peace support operations and try to give a brief information of the factors decisive for the choice of mode of operation. The conclusion is that todays UN missions are in reality a mixture of many various types of peace support operations and which tool to use or mode of operation is depending on the nature of the conflict that the international organisations are trying to support.

Suicide :: essays research papers

In the sixth century before the Christian era, religion was forgotten in India. The lofty teachings of the Vedas were thrown into the background. There was much priest craft everywhere. The insincere priests traded on religion. They duped the people in a variety of ways and amassed wealth for themselves. They were irreligious to say the least. In the name of religion, people followed in the footsteps of these cruel priests and performed meaningless rituals. They killed animals and performed various sacrifices. The country was in great need of a reformer. At such a critical period, when there were cruelty, degeneration, and unrighteousness everywhere, a reformer was to be born to save the people, and disseminate the message of equality, unity and cosmic love everywhere. Buddha was born in 560 B.C. and died at the age of eighty in 480 B.C. . Buddha's father was Suddhodana, king of the Sakhyas. Buddha's mother was named Maya. The place of his birth was a grove known as Lumbini, near the city of Kapilavastu, at the foot of Mount Palpa in the Himalayan ranges within Nepal. This small city Kapilavastu, stood on the bank of the little river Rohini, about a hundred miles north-east of the city of Varnasi. As the time grew near for Buddha to enter the world, the gods themselves prepared the way before him with celestial portents and signs. Flowers bloomed and gentle rains fell although out of season. Heavenly music was heard, and delicious scents filled the air. On the body of the child bore at birth, were thirty-two auspicious marks (Mahavyanjana) which indicated his future greatness, besides secondary marks (Anuvyanjana) in large numbers. Guatama’s mother Maya died seven days after her son's birth. He was brought up by his aunt Mahaprajapati, who b ecame his foster- mother. On the birth of the child Siddhartha, astrologers made predictions to his father Suddhodana. "The child, on attaining manhood, would become either a universal monarch (Chakravarti), or abandoning house and home, would assume the robe of a monk and become a Buddha, a perfectly enlightened soul, for the salvation of mankind". Then the king said: "What shall my son see to make him retire from the world?" The astrologer replied: "Four signs". "What four?" asked the king. "A decrepit old man, a diseased man, a dead man and a monk - these four will make the prince retire from the world" replied the astrologers.

Jack Welch Essay example -- GCSE Business Marketing Coursework

Jack Welch - Leadership Secret 1- Harness the Power of Change It is important in today’s changing economy that business leaders are not afraid to make necessary changes to succeed. When Jack Welch became CEO of General Electric in 1981, it was a lethargic business, satisfied with its output and entangled in bureaucracy. He understood the competition that overseas markets presented and the need for a new global strategic plan. He was able to envision the true potential of his resources and implemented drastic changes such as the Stretch, Work-Out, and Number One, Number Two business concepts (which will be discussed later) to achieve his goals. - Leadership Secret 2- Face Reality This is the most important rule in Jack Welch’s business strategy. Too many business leaders become comfortable with their performance and refuse to see the need for change. A business leader must understand the importance of accurately defining their company’s current position if they are planning on making successful changes. And once problem areas are discovered, managers must act immediately to correct them. When Welch took over at GE, he quickly addressed the common practice of sugar coating financial paperwork that only left a false since of security and insisted that every business unit in the GE empire must be the number one or number two competitor in its respective marketplaces or it would be fix, close, or sold. - Leadership Secret 3- Managing Less is Managing Better Managers need to provide the vision for their employees and instill confidence. Too many times, employees are held back by not having the power to make even the simplest of decisions without approval. Managers should empower their employees and trust that they are giving their total effort. This will give managers more time to work on plans to achieve the long-term goals of the company. - Leadership Secret 4- Create a Vision, Then Get Out of the Way â€Å"People always overestimate how complex business is. This isn’t rocket science. We’ve chosen one of the world’s most simple professions.† In Jack Welch’s words, business is simple. A leader needs to supply his employees with the information, the resources, the vision, and the atmosphere to succeed and reward them when they do. Welch does not concern himself with the details of GE’s many business units; he only needs to ma... ...direct more attention to the services side of an industry. The growth rates for product services increases more rapidly than that of product productions, so there is great incentive to direct your primary resources to provide service after the sale. - Leadership Secret 27, 28, 29- Turn Your Business into an e-Company The Internet is the future of business. Bring your company up-to-date and provide customers, not only with product descriptions and information, but with a way to shop, communicate and interact with your company via the web. The Internet also provides less chance for human error in the ordering process because fewer individuals have to handle information. And, most importantly, the Internet speeds up operations, whether it is use for sending information to employees or receiving custom orders from customers. - Conclusion Jack Welch has definitely revolutionized the business approach. He has proven, over the years, that his techniques and concepts are extremely effective and that business leaders, worldwide, should heed his advice. This book provides a small glance into the methods and methodology of, arguably, one of the greatest managers of our time.

Changes in Family Relationships between the Sixteenth and Nineteenth Ce

Between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries there were several factors which affected family relationships. The most influential of these factors are geography, economic conditions, and religion. While geography and economic conditions certainly played a role in the dynamics of family relationships, many believe that religion had the greatest impact on family relationships. Religion controlled almost every aspect of family relationships from marriages to divorce to the treatment of women and children. In medieval times up until the eighteen hundreds, marriage was based on a variety of factors. Among these factors were economic gain, and for upper class families and nobility, building alliances. While these were the factors that helped decide who married who, religion determined if the couple was eligible to be married as well as other aspects of the marriage. Prior to the 1215, there were a lot of gray areas when it came to marriage and divorce. While some believed that all marriage required was an exchange of vows between a man and a woman, others believed that the exchanged must be followed by consummation, while still others believed that there must be witnesses present for the marriage to be valid. At this time the nobility were using marriage as a strategy to gain land, power, and alliances by marrying, divorcing, and remarrying. These marriages were often destructive and led to wars. In order to avoid so many wars the church stepped in and put regulations on marriages and divorces. In 1215 the Fourth Lateran Council constructed the criteria that must be met in order for a marriage to be valid. This criteria included a dowry, published wedding announcements, and for the wedding to take place in a church. Around ... ...ffection for children. Parents thought of their children as individuals and thus gave each new born its own name. At this time parents also began giving their children more freedoms than before. Also during this time the church began to relax its control over individual families and allowed them more privacy. This simple shift in religious doctrine caused the development of a new way of thinking in which children were appreciated and seen as different from adults. Although there were many factors that impacted family relationships between the fifteen hundreds and eighteen hundreds, none were as influential as religion. Any small shift in the interpretation of religious doctrine could result in massive changes in family life. From the development and rise of Protestantism to the Puritan view of children, religion often caused revolutions in family relationships.

Bad Boys I Synopsis

Bad Boys which was directed by the Michael Bay, former video director, had the chance to be recognized as this action comedy film had been a big hit. Allotting a very big budget for this movie was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson. The main casts in this film are two Miami cops, Mike Lowrey in the portrayal of Will Smith (a bachelor) and Marcus Burnett in the person Martin Lawrence (a family man). Their team up gives the film best shots.Lowrey and Burnett takes a highly dangerous case since 100 million dollars of heroin had been stolen out of the basement of police headquarters, which had been the biggest drug bust of their careers. These two Miami policemen have only got 72 hours to reclaim the heroin before the Internal Affairs Division shuts them down. A French drug kingpin named Fouchet (Tcheky Karyo), puts them hot on the trail, since this drug lord leaves a trace of bodies in his wake.Giving color to the story is played by Julie Mott (Tea Leoni), who witnessed the m urder of her friend, Maxine Logan (a hooker). She decided to contact the police and is willing to talk only to Mike but he doesn’t know what he looks like. Since Mike is not there, Marcus, his partner needs to pretend as Mike, living a bachelor lifestyle. In Mike’s return, he should also impersonate Marcus as a married man. What makes it exciting is that it has been complicated on both parts but they have to do it in order for them to get the support of the sole witness.This movie is a great film specially their concept of the â€Å"buddy† formula. The scenes are realistic and high violence gave the movie a very attractive taste to the viewers. By the end of the movie, what we care about are the story, picture and main characters which give the movie a very fantastic film. Bad Boys. (1995). Synopsis for Bad Boys. Retrieved April 23, 2009 from http://www. imdb. com/title/tt0112442/. MSN movies. (1995). Bad Boys: Synopsis. Retrieved April 23, 2009 from http://movi es. msn. com/movies/movie-synopsis/bad-boys. 1/

Elizabeth I Research Paper Essay

I, Overview Elizabeth I (known simply as â€Å"Elizabeth† until the accession of Elizabeth II; 7 September 1533 – 24 March 1603) was queen regnant of England and Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death. Sometimes called â€Å"The Virgin Queen†, â€Å"Gloriana† or â€Å"Good Queen Bess†, Elizabeth was the fifth and last monarch of the Tudor dynasty. The daughter of Henry VIII, she was born a princess, but her mother, Anne Boleyn, was executed two and a half years after her birth.[1] Elizabeth was a different kind of Queen: quick-witted, clever and able to use feminine wiles to get her own way. Elizabeth could be as ruthless and calculating as any king before her but at the same time she was vain, sentimental and easily swayed by flattery. She liked to surround herself with attractive people and her portraits were carefully vetted to make sure that no physical flaws were ever revealed. She relied upon the ministers close to her but would infuriate them with her indecision – ‘It makes me weary of life,’ remarked one. Faced with a dilemma – for example whether or not to sign the execution warrant of Mary Queen of Scots – Elizabeth would busy herself with other matters for months on end. Only when the patience of her ministers was running short would she be forced to make up her mind. She had a formidable intellect, and her sharp tongue would quickly settle any argument – in her favour.[2] II,Early life Elizabeth was the only child of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, who did not bear a male heir and was executed less than three years after Elizabeth’s birth. Elizabeth was born at Greenwich Palace and was named after both her grandmothers, Elizabeth of York and Elizabeth Howard.[5] She was the second child of Henry VIII of England born in wedlock to survive infancy. Her mother was Henry’s second wife, Anne Boleyn. When Elizabeth was two years and eight months old, her mother was executed on 19 May 1536.[8] Elizabeth was declared illegitimate and deprived of the title of princess[1] Source: Wikipedia Elizabeth is favorably contrasted to her half-blood sister, Mary I but she was lucky to live longer than her. Her early life was full of uncertainties, and her chances of succeeding to the throne seemed very slight once her half-brother Edward was born in 1537. She was then third in line behind her Roman Catholic half-sister, Princess Mary. Roman Catholics, indeed, always considered her illegitimate and she only narrowly escaped execution in the wake of a failed rebellion against Queen Mary in 1554. Elizabeth succeeded to the throne on her half-sister’s death in November 1558. She was very well-educated (fluent in six languages), and had inherited intelligence, determination and shrewdness from both parents. [3] III, Elizabeth’s Reign[2] Her 45-year reign is generally considered one of the most glorious in English history. During it a secure Church of England was established. Its doctrines were laid down in the 39 Articles of 1563, a compromise between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. Elizabeth herself refused to ‘make windows into men’s souls †¦ there is only one Jesus Christ and all the rest is a dispute over trifles’; she asked for outward uniformity. Most of her subjects accepted the compromise as the basis of their faith, and her church settlement probably saved England from religious wars like those which France suffered in the second half of the 16th century. Although autocratic and capricious, Elizabeth had astute political judgement and chose her ministers well; these included Burghley (Secretary of State), Hatton (Lord Chancellor) and Walsingham (in charge of intelligence and also a Secretary of State). Overall, Elizabeth’s administration consisted of some 600 officials a dministering the great offices of state, and a similar number dealing with the Crown lands (which funded the administrative costs). Social and economic regulation and law and order remained in the hands of the sheriffs at local level, supported by unpaid justices of the peace. Elizabeth’s reign also saw many brave voyages of discovery, including those of Francis Drake, Walter Raleigh and Humphrey Gilbert, particularly to the Americas. These expeditions prepared England for an age of colonisation and trade expansion, which Elizabeth herself recognised by establishing the East India Company in 1600. The arts flourished during Elizabeth’s reign. Country houses such as Longleat and Hardwick Hall were built, miniature painting reached its high point, theatres thrived – the Queen attended the first performance of Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. Composers such as William Byrd and Thomas Tallis worked in Elizabeth’s court and at the Chapel Royal, St. James’s Palace. The image of Elizabeth’s reign is one of triumph and success. The Queen herself was often called ‘Gloriana’, ‘Good Queen Bess’ and ‘The Virgin Queen’. Investing in expensive clothes and jewellery (to look the part, like all contemporary sovereigns), she cultivated this image by touring the country in regional visits known as ‘progresses’, often riding on horseback rather than by carriage. Elizabeth made at least 25 progresses during her reign. However, Elizabeth’s reign was one of considerable danger and difficulty for many, with threats of invasion from Spain through Ireland, and from France through Scotland. Much of northern England was in rebellion in 1569-70. A papal bull of 1570 specifically released Elizabeth’s subjects from their allegiance, and she passed harsh laws against Roman Catholics after plots against her life were discovered. One such plot involved Mary, Queen of Scots, who had fled to England i n 1568 after her second husband’s murder and her subsequent marriage to a man believed to have been involved in his murder. As a likely successor to Elizabeth, Mary spent 19 years as Elizabeth’s prisoner because Mary was the focus for rebellion and possible assassination plots, such as the Babington Plot of 1586. Mary was also a temptation for potential invaders such as Philip II. In a letter of 1586 to Mary, Elizabeth wrote, ‘You have planned †¦ to take my life and ruin my kingdom †¦ I never proceeded so harshly against you.’ Despite Elizabeth’s reluctance to take drastic action, on the insistence of Parliament and her advisers, Mary was tried, found guilty and executed in 1587. In 1588, aided by bad weather, the English navy scored a great victory over the Spanish invasion fleet of around 130 ships – the ‘Armada’. The Armada was intended to overthrow the Queen and re-establish Roman Catholicism by conquest, as Philip II believed he had a claim to the English throne through his marriage to Mary. During Elizabeth’s long reign, the nation also suffered from high prices and severe economic depression, especially in the countryside, during the 1590s. The war against Spain was not very successful after the Armada had been beaten and, together with other campaigns, it was very costly. Though she kept a tight rein on government expenditure, Elizabeth left large debts to her successor. Wars during Elizabeth’s reign are estimated to have cost over  £5 million (at the prices of the time) which Crown revenues could not match – in 1588, for example, Elizabeth’s total annual revenue amounted to some  £392,000. Despite the combination of financial strains and prolonged war after 1588, Parliament was not summoned more often. There were only 16 sittings of the Commons during Elizabeth’s reign, five of which were in the period 1588-1601. Although Elizabeth freely used her power to veto legislation, she avoided confrontation and did not attempt to define Parliament’s constitutional position and rights. Elizabeth chose never to marry. If she had chosen a foreign prince, he would have drawn England into foreign policies for his own advantages (as in her sister Mary’s marriage to Philip of Spain); marrying a fellow countryman could have drawn the Queen into factional infighting. Elizabeth used her marriage prospects as a political tool in foreign and domestic policies.However, the ‘Virgin Queen’ was presented as a selfless woman who sacrificed personal happiness for the good of the nation, to which she was, in essence, ‘married’. †¨Late in her reign, she addressed Parliament in the so-called ‘Golden Speech’ of 1601 when she told MPs: ‘There is no jewel, be it of never so high a price, which I set before this jewel; I mean your love.’ She seems to have been very popular with the vast majority of her subjects. III, Overall Overall, Elizabeth’s always shrewd and, when necessary, decisive leadership brought successes during a period of great danger both at home and abroad. She died at Richmond Palace on 24 March 1603, having become a legend in her lifetime. The date of her accession was a national holiday for two hundred years.[3] Elizabeth was a master of political science. She inherited her father’s supremacist view of the monarchy, but showed great wisdom by refusing to directly antagonize Parliament. She acquired undying devotion from her advisement council, who were constantly perplexed by her habit of waiting to the last minute to make decisions (this was not a deficiency in her makeup, but a tactic that she used to advantage). She used the various factions (instead of being used by them), playing one off another until the exhausted combatants came to her for resolution of their grievances. Few English monarchs enjoyed such political power, while still maintaining the devotion of the whole of English society.[2] Resources Information: [1]:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_I_of_England#Marriage_question [2]: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/tudors/elizabeth_i_01.shtml [3]:http://www.royal.gov.uk/historyofthemonarchy/kingsandqueensofengland/thetudors/elizabethi.aspx

ACA Paper

Therefore, I will give some my personal inspirations, which earn from this course, to illustrate these deficiencies in the AC. Finally, I will present a brief conclusion about evolution of laws, which will influence the future. Five Provisions of the AC The five provisions are related to the humans rights and people daily life. I choose these five provisions, because I think they have good aspects, which can embrace American spirit and value rights of humans, but they have some deficiencies, which need to be innovated. Some of them are the most popular topic in nowadays, and others have great impacts in people future life.Therefore, I want to choose them, and clarify my personal views of them, which I will present following. Provision 1. My first provision is Sec. 1555. â€Å"Freedom not to participate in Federal health insurance programs†( PACE, 201 0 This provision illustrates that â€Å"everyone in America has a right to choice whether if participate in federal insurance c are program, and who opt out federal insurance care program will not be PACE, 2010 According to this provision, I firmly consider that everyone can choose to out of Beamer without penalty.In my personal point of view, really admire this provision. I always considered everyone should join Beamer before, but now, I know it is not mandatory. This provision can absolutely represent the spirit of America. When I originally knew America, I learned that freedom, democracy, and equity are the essential America spirit. Sec. 1 555 completely embodies human rights. Individuals have right to freely decide their own affairs, no one can enforce them to do anything illegally. Provision 2.My second provision is individual mandate provision. † individuals who are not covered by a healthcare insurance will be charged an annual tax penalty f $95, or up to 1% of income over the filing minimum, this provision takes effect on January 2014, but this fee will be more greater, this fee will rise to a minimum of $695 (SO,085 for families), or 2. 5% of income over the filing minimum, on 2016. This fee is prorate, if individuals are not covered by a minimum insurance in half a year, they should pay half of $695 ($2,085 for families).Moreover, exemptions are permitted for religious reasons, or for those for whom the least expensive policy would exceed 8% of their income, and US citizens who qualify as residents of a foreign county under the IRS foreign earned income exclusion rule†( The Individual Shared Responsibility Provision, 2014 In my perspective, I believe that this provision has a reasonable aspect, but some explanations, in individual mandate provision, are inconsiderate. First of all, this provision gives poor people who incomes can not afford the extra taxes. Think it is beneficial to poor people and release their financial burden.It also gives US citizens who live and work in a foreign country this exemption. In addition, exemption for religious reason also can emb race a humankind idea. However, this provision is unreasonable in total. According to Sec. 1 555, people should not get a penalty for opting out of minimum health insurance, but this provision seems to like exchanging the penalty to extra tax. This point is inconsiderate, because it enforces everyone to participate Beamer, otherwise people will be punished. The government should not use such a means to compel citizens participate health insurance program, even though health insurance is good for them.As I have mentioned above, I always consider America is an equal country, but an extra tax breaks my belief. In my personal view, government would take a moderate provision. Government should help people get health insurance through health education. Let people know the importance of health insurance, make people have a long-tern view of their own health. In this way, people will join in insurance consciously. Just like the Florida smoking ban. Florida is the first state which sues toba cco companies, and using compensations to educate people keep away from cigarettes.According to this case, I firmly believe that let people know always more rational than penalties. Provision 3. † Protecting young adults and eliminating burdens on families and genuineness, which is a beneficial provision to all young people who under 26- year-old. These young adults are permitted to remain on their parents health insurance programs, even if they on long live with their parent, are married, are not dependent on parents' tax return, or are not students†( Young Adults and the Affordable Care Act: Protecting Young Adults and Eliminating Burdens on Families and Businesses,201 0). Horology believe this provision is beneficial to all young adults and children. As know, the cheapest bronze level of health care insurance is approximately 5500 per year, and this level insurance, in my opinion, is very limited to utilization. If parents have higher level health insurance, their chi ldren also get higher protection, and families will save more money. Therefore, young people can remain on their parents' insurance not only reduce costs of families, but also will enhance their own health condition.Moreover, I also think, for extending health insurance coverage of young people, some actions can be implemented. Comparing with China, the government gives all school funds to support students buying their health insurances. Young people on school will get a discount for their lath insurances, which means students only need pay few fees to have their own health insurances. Furthermore, companies buying insurance for their employees is also compulsory. Therefore, America government can diversify the way of extending coverage of insurance of young people to lead more of them join in the benefits of insurances. Provision 4. Medicaid Drug Rebate Program also benefits to society, drug manufacturers will get rebates from states, which including, innovator drugs will obtain 23 . 1% of average manufacturer price per unit, blood clotting factor drugs will again 17. % price rebates per unit, non-innovator or multiple source drugs will get 13% average manufacturer price†( Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, 2014 ). According to Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, all people can buy these drugs cheaper, which means people are affordable for some daily drugs and some special diseases' drugs. In my perspective, this provision lets poor people are affordable to their drugs. Ally think it can improve people's health conditions. However, a problem should be defined that not every drug will get a rebate. As a consequence, drug manufacturers in this program will eve a risk to barely manufacture these drugs which can get rebates. Therefore, some useful drugs will not be produced for out of the program. It will cause these non- rebate drugs to merge a market shortage, and people will terribly hard buy these drugs. Therefore, the government should also balance the ratio of re bate drugs and non-rebate drug, and improve drug market condition.Provision 5. † Health Care Education Reconciliation Act of 201 0 has a provision that Chain restaurants and food vendors with 20 or more locations are required to display the caloric content of their foods on menus, drive-through menus, ND vending machines. Additional information, such as saturated fat, carbohydrate, and sodium content, must also be made available upon request†( Federal Health Care Reform, 2010 This provision is available for the customers to distinguish their foods' ingredients, through this way, customers can judge a food whether if good for their health.According to a report, â€Å"more than one-third ( 34. 9% or 78. 6 million ) of U. S adults are obese†( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014 ). Obesity has been the most popular disease in America and will cause a lot of subsequent diseases, including hypertension, hyperglycemia, and cardiograph. Therefore, the governm ent who regulates chain restaurants and other big food companies to illustrate their foods' calorie and other ingredients, which ingest excessively will result to obesity, is a good way to improve the health situation of individuals.In my personal point of view, although the government's action is reasonable, it is very limited to realistic circumstance. People know the way of calculation necessary caloric for daily life, bur sports and diets are proper means to keep health. Government need to educate their people to recognize lately life and improve their diets. However, this is an extremely difficult way to improve persons' health, because adults have accustomed their foods and their living habits.Therefore, how to initiate a new health education for a new generation and tell them good diets and living habits become significant. In conclusion, good health care is not to treat patient, it is reasonable to prevent ills from humans through improve their behaviors and thoughts. Regula tions of the AC The three regulations are enacted by executive agencies for supplementation of the AC. The three regulations are all related to people's health and their lily life. In my opinion, the first regulation, which will mention, is a good sample for the government instructing humans in a healthy life.The second regulation also protects people who cannot afford their healthcare fees. The third regulation is close to people work and safety. Nevertheless, I believe that the government should modify these three regulation continuously to provider citizens a better situation. Regulation 1. The first regulation is just existing on September 2014, which is â€Å"Guidance for Industry Reporting Drug Sample Information Under Section 6004 of the Affordable Care and Drug Administration, 2014 In my perspective, this regulation has 2 praiseworthy points.Firstly, manufacturers need report information of drugs on the internet. This is very convenient for the ETC supervising quantity and category Of drugs and assessing these drugs demand and supply. In this way, the F-DC can indicate a commercial tendency of these drugs, and accordingly the FDA forecasts what diseases will be happened. This is cheaper than paperwork. Secondly, These drugs reported by manufacturers, which usually have side effects or dangerous ingredients. Therefore, monitoring these drugs is necessary for people's health safety.For example, We know some medications have an ingredient named ephedrine is used for manufacturing methamphetamine, also called ice drug. Some lawbreakers use these medications to extract ephedrine. Therefore, for preventing this case happening, drugs reporting is mandatory. Nevertheless, this regulation need to be consummated. Electronic reporting is a reasonable way to record information, but 2 shortages must be considered. Electronic information leakage has been a serious problem now, although HAIFA has enacted the data breach notification rules. The information safety sys tem should be reinforced.In addition, supervising manufacturers reporting correct information is requisite. Whatever these manufacturers hide information for financial reason or unintentional mistake. These producers need to be audited. Regulation 2. The second pending regulation is † the State Medicaid HIT Plan, Planning Advance Planning Document, and Implementation Advance Planning. In the regulation, SMS wants to invite tenders from the public to design a health information collection software, which can reduce paperwork and collect arsenal health information efficiently.In this regulation, SMS has defined some detail requirements of this software, which includes information of fingerprints Of people, suspension Of Medicaid Payments and re-screening Of Medicaid and chip providers every five years†( Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services, 2014 These details are reasonable, also deem that an electronic tool is not only convenient for government using and collecting basi c data, but is also useful to people recognize their health information. Person just need a cellophane to manage their own physical condition data.However, mom important rules do not cover in this regulation, and this regulation also has its own deficiencies. Think two managements are required in this regulation. The first of all, there is a possible issue that some information cannot be matched from different software, when they are sent to each other. SMS should make a identical standard in order to all collecting data in diversified health data software can be commonly handled. Finally, for information abusing and breach, SMS should through HIPPO to monitor data of health of software providers and improve the system for safety of data ace ritzy Regulation 3.The third regulation has been exiting, which is† people applies healthcare insurance, and the insurance needs to take effect in ninety days. All insurance companies cannot delay applicants' insurances beyond ninety days with any excuse. However, this period can only be amended by the government. This is the Ninety-Day Waiting period Department of Health an Human Services, 2014 I firmly believe that the regulation will be admired by all people. This regulation gives people a safeguard, because people may have some accidents when they wait their insurances taking effect.Therefore, the sis of accidents will be reduce by this regulation, whatever people on working or daily life. However, I think the waiting period can be shorter. On the one hand, ninety-day means three months that people will be out of insurance. If the government can cut the waiting time, the risk can be smaller. On the other hand, some insurance companies, for financial concern, will delay people insurance until the deadline. Therefore, if the limitation can be shorter than three months, it also can spur the work efficiency of insurance companies, and let people obtain their insurances as soon as they can. TheConstitutionality of the AC These two cases including the National Federation of Business v. Sublime and Barbell v. Hobby Lobby ,which greatly impact the constitutionality of AC. According to these cases, I clearly realize the main deficiencies of AC and it constitutional process. National Federation of Business v. Sublime In this case,† Twenty-six States, several individuals, and the National Federation of Independent Business brought suit in Federal District Court,challenging the constitutionality of the individual mandate and Medicaid expansion, the U. S. Supreme court judge this case with following mints.Firstly, the U. S. Supreme court considers that the individual mandate takes a penalty to people, who dose not have health insurance, is unreasonable, but penalty can be regarded as a tax which imposes on people who dose not buy health National Federation of Business v. Sublime, 201 0 ). In my personal point of view, I agree with the statement that people should not be taken a penalty fee for out of health insurance. However, I think that changing this penalty as a tax, which is somewhat far- fetched, because, it just changes an explanation to enforce people join in health insurance programs.No matter this tax influences peoples' action to buy insurance or not, the government has no right to compel its persons to purchase a product, which they do not like it. Moreover, † U. S. Supreme court decides that states will lose their Medicaid funds, which compels Medicaid expansion, and this is unconstitutional ( National Federation of Business v. Sublime, 201 0 † I firmly agree this decision. I learned that America is the federal state, every state of U. S. Has right to administer itself. Furthermore, every state also has right to depart from U. S. , if its people agree. Rule insider the state government has equal status with the federal government. Therefore, the federal government can not exploit their right or threatens them to agree Medicaid expansion. As the case mentioned that † When a court confronts an unconstitutional statute, its endeavor must be to conserve, not destroy, the legislation†( National Federation of Business v. Sublime, 201 0 ). For some rational reason, it is right to preserve AC and tear out Medicaid expansion. However, I quite sure the constitutionality need to be cautious and considerate. In AC it still has some unconstitutional acts and rules.Although conserving AC is better than destruction, AC passes too fast to inspect by congress. Therefore, constitutionality is a long-term process, AC still need to be carefully checked by congress and society. Barbell v. Hobby Lobby In this case, the Supreme Court holds three main points. † At the first, the Supreme Court considers that the government has failed to satisfy the least- restrictive-means standard of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. HAS has not shown that it lacks other means of achieving its desired goal without imposing a substantial burden o n the exercise of religion.This decision follows the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in 1993. Secondly, the Supreme Court deems that, according to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, no conceivable definition of a person includes natural persons and non-profit corporations, but not for-profit corporations, which is different from He's defined action. Finally, the Supreme Court declares that only the contraceptive insurance can be picked out of the insurance mandate, and only closely held companies are suitable for this decision†( Barbell, Secretary of Health and Human Services V.Hobby Lobby Stores, 2014 Without a doubt, firmly Greer the first and second decisions of Supreme Court. Religions, beliefs, and religious actions should be respected. Moreover, for-profit companies also is including the scope of the person. Think HAS cannot support more evidences to demonstrate Hobby Lobby and others violate the RAFF and for- profit companies also need to be regarded as non-profit companies in this case for religious reason. Therefore, these two decision can embrace justice and equity for treating religion and religious companies.However, I concern that the third decision is partial. I have three points to illustrate my perspective. Firstly, it is partial to women who work in religious companies, because these women have no right to obtain contraceptive insurance comparing with other women who work in non-religious companies. Firmly consider that this partiality can be regarded as discrimination of women. Managers cannot deprive a right from employees, which should be reasonably procured, even for a religious reason. Secondly, the exemption only for closely held corporations and its religious reason, which is not rational.I firmly believe some companies will intentionally change their status to closely held corporations for avoiding contraceptive insurance. The last but not least, the Supreme Court has exempted religious reason for the declination of contrac eptive insurance currently, in the future, have reason to believe that some companies will utilize religious reason to avoid more mandate insurances. All in all, in this case, the Supreme Court fails to predict potential imparts, which will make more difficult for congress to enforce the laws.Actually, this decision makes harder to force employers to provide health insurance. Therefore, it really influences both implementation and constitutionality of AC badly. The conclusion I believe that, in total, AC is enacted for innovating the health environment of people. It covers all aspects of human daily life and wants to affect quickly. Indisputably, related agencies and congress are best effort for consummating and renewing AC. I can see that they want to regulate all behavior and rule all possible situation. This is an extremely huge work.

Intrinsic Motivation Essay

Second Language Acquisition (SLA) is learning development in which people acquire a new language – more commonly known as â€Å"second language† in addition to their native tongue. The second language is often referred as â€Å"target language† or â€Å"L2†. In addition, second language denotes any new language learned after early childhood years. This means subsequently languages learned – i. e. third or fourth language is still referred to as second language. A number of personal and environmental factors may affect the decision to learn a second language. Examples of such factors include family influences, social groups or peers, teachers, school, age, and self-concept. An individual may pursue a study on acquiring a second language skill for various reasons and motivations. In a study of UK and European students, it has been stated that the reasons a student pursues a study a foreign language are the following: 1) to be able to develop a career advantage for opportunities in the future; 2) a student’s personal inclination to learn the language; 3) to be able to learn and appreciate to cultural differences; 4) for an enhanced comprehension of the culture where the language is used; 5) and to be able to reside in nations where the language is used. The current teacher booklet aims to help the SLA teacher increase the intrinsic motivation of SLA learners by presenting sundry topics, including attitudes and motivation in second language learning; clarifying erroneous beliefs about language learning; what the SLA teacher ought to focus on: sources of language anxiety; the learning environment as source of language anxiety; variables of self-confidence; socio-psychological issues of language anxiety and self-confidence; instructor-learner interaction and classroom procedures; and interpretation of educator beliefs on language learning. Attitudes and Motivation in Second Language Learning In the book Attitudes and motivation in second language learning, Gardner and Lambert (1972) have identified Integrative Motivation and Instrumental Motivation as the common reason for a student’s desire to study a second language. In the context of language learning, a learner may pursue the study of English such as a second language because of one’s desire to work in abroad as well as for travel purposes. The learner’s practical rationale for acquiring a second language is referred to as instrumental motivation. On the other hand, a person may pursue the study of English language in order to successfully integrate within the community where one is currently living. The learner’s purpose can be referred to as integrative motivation. Following a learner’s utilitarian purpose, the clear benefit of acquiring English as second language is to have a competitive edge in the labor market. Such skills are very valuable as businesses are increasingly becoming global. In fact, professionals who are fluent bilingual speakers have the competitive edge compared to monolingual speakers. In addition, travel and migration of people has becoming a growing trend in recent years prompting a necessity to understand and integrate within the society which one lives in. Given that there a significant number of SLA learners, it is worthwhile to examine how the teacher may be able to increase the confidence and intrinsic motivation and lessen the anxiety of the SLA learner. Clarifying Erroneous Beliefs about Language Learning Horwitz, Horwitz & Cope (1986) believe that the problem of anxiety and the accompanying erroneous beliefs about language learning, as discussed in their literature focusing on classroom anxiety, represent serious impediments to the development of second language fluency as well as to performance. In their discussion of clinical experience with anxiety as a barrier to second language development, they categorize this personality factor as that of apprehension, worry and even dread and anxious language learners often have difficulty concentrating, become forgetful, sweat, and have palpitations. Further, Chang, Horwitz, and Schallert (1999) report that there are generally two types or constructs of anxiety, which are related to second language learning in both speaking and writing. The report suggests that second language classroom anxiety refers to the anxiety felt by students in interacting with native-speaking students. It is the more general type of anxiety felt by most school students. On the other hand, second language writing anxiety refers to language-skill-specific anxiety felt by students. Chang, Horwitz, and Schallert (1999) suggest that these are two separate constructs and that anxiety levels in speaking or writing may be felt differently. Nevertheless, the report asserts that level of self-esteem is an important component for both constructs. In a research on English as Second Language, Huang (2004) reports that foreign students (i. e. Chinese) studying at North American universities have faired very well in TOEFL. While Chinese students have obtained very high marks, many still have difficulties in understanding academic lectures, taking notes, writing assignments and giving presentations. Further, this report would also illustrate that the two independent constructs reported by Chang, Horwitz, and Schallert (1999). Huang (2004) reports that the students in the study have proficiency in reading ability and grammar, and that listening and the speaking were the weakest. Moreover, the study also reports low level of confidence of foreign students in participation and interaction in classes due to this difficulty; thus, limiting their overall performance. Cummins (2000) supports that even though many have excellent English language skills in terms of social proficiency, many are still struggling with the type of cognitive academic language necessary for the success in the mainstream classroom. The Learner’s Willingness to Communicate Skehan (1989) further suggests that a learner’s willingness to communicate has also been related to anxiety. His research points toward some language learners attempting to avoid communicating in a second language due to fear of embarrassment over their current skill level in speaking the second language. Perhaps this is part of the reason why many second language learners, who study overseas, tend to remain connected to other foreign second language learners and avoid prolonged social contact with native-speaking peers. Though the reasoning behind each individual’s level of willingness to communicate will likely vary based on the number of people present, the topic of conversation and the formality of the circumstances, avoiding discussion using the second language is a common anxiety among language learners. While many studies have shown the level of anxiety of second language learners increases because of erroneous personal beliefs of the students, most of studies assert that self-confidence is an important component in overcoming of both in classroom and writing anxieties. What the SLA Teacher Ought to Focus On: Sources of Language Anxiety Furthermore, Young (1991) provides a list of potential sources of language anxiety. In her review of the literature on language anxiety, Young asserts that language anxiety can have a variety of sources – that is, anxiety can be associated with the learner’s perceptions, teacher’s beliefs, as well as the instructional practice to second language learning. She argues that language can come from the following: a. personal and interpersonal anxieties, learner beliefs about language learning, instructor beliefs about language teaching, instructor-learner actions, and language testing. Personal perceptions and beliefs can have a great effect on the progress of language learning. These perceptions have been well-documented in the studies related to age and language learning. Hyltenstam (1992) asserts that age in relation to language learning is an important factor in achieving native-like fluency for second language learners. That is, younger students tend to learn the second language faster than their mature counterparts. On the other, self-perception of more mature learners tends to hinder in the development of second language skills, which can more appropriately termed as trait anxiety. For example, adults, who are pursuing study of a second language, may have a clear mission why they are pursuing such course and far more determination to persevere than their younger counterparts. However, a number of mature students, who enter a foreign language class, were victimized by various prejudices about second language learning. â€Å"I’m too old to learn† or â€Å"I’m linguistically challenged† are common erroneous beliefs that adult learners often succumb to. Ehrman et al (2003) suggest that the feelings of uneasiness, such as late start or a belief that one needs a special predisposition for learning learning, can be attributed to the barriers created by the student’s ego as one matures. Adult learners may perceive their performance in a foreign language classroom as unnatural or ridiculous in comparison to their experience in the first language acquisition process. Therefore, these factors often contribute to the apprehension and tension felt by adult learners in the context of second language learning, more specifically in the aspect of speaking, writing, and learning. In short, adult learners suffer language anxiety more as compared to their younger counterparts. Certainly, not all adult learners become paralyzed by negative emotions the moment they step into a foreign language classroom. However, it is a common perception of educators, who have lectured to a group of adults, that some non-native speaking students may be reluctant to participate, more especially when they realize or assume that other students are more fluent. Nonetheless, it is important to emphasize that this emotion is not alien to younger learners, but in the studies it have been well-documented that with age the tension and anxiety associated with learning a new language is stronger and more difficult to overcome. The Learning Environment as Source of Language Anxiety Furthermore, the learning environment can also be a source of language anxiety. MacIntyre and Gardner (1994) would denote this as situational anxiety. Hadfield (1992) has introduced the concept of classroom dynamics to describe everything that happens in and between the participants, both the teacher and the students. Heron further elaborates on the existential anxiety of students in a classroom setting. Moreover, Heron also lists three aspects of existential anxiety in relation to classroom dynamics: 1) acceptance anxiety, 2) orientation anxiety, and 3) performance anxiety. Acceptance anxiety would relate to apprehension of being judged in a foreign class. Often times, students as well as teachers may show approval and disapproval behaviors to others. Fellow students may show impatience or mock another as a sign of their approval or disapproval to their fellow students. This often manifest as a sign of competition for teacher’s approval among students in the classroom. Teachers may also exhibit judgmental attitude in their criticisms as well as their bodily movements to their students. The teachers may open criticize or mock a student in a class. A more subtle criticism can be observed when a teacher would correct an error of a student. Whether the teacher corrects the error explicitly, by providing the correction, or implicitly, by indicating the kind of error and giving the student the opportunity for self-correction, can make a difference in the student’s self-confidence. Orientation anxiety would relate to the personal understanding of the situational contexts of the discussion or what is going on. Teacher’s role in facilitating learning is undermined by the failure to manage classroom discourse. This leads for students to at times feel of being deprived of control. In a discussion, when turn stealing overrules turn taking, such feelings can occur. The student may feel the lack of control over his role in classroom interaction when he is late to answer a general question or the question is directed to another person. More often, students would find the teacher’s unclear or unsatisfactory explanation as frustrating and leaving a feeling of no control over the language as a system. Finally, the anxiety is further instilled with domineering and controlling teachers, who leaves students feeling they have no influence over what is going on in the classroom. Lastly, performance anxiety would relate to the apprehension or feeling of isolation in a class. The feeling of isolation may also express itself as a feeling of disregarded. The feeling of being alone among one’s peers is not uncommon in highly territorial classrooms in which students never want to change their seats or switch conversation partners. Moreover, this would relate to student’s anxiety to talk using the target language with fellow students in fear of being appearing stupid and judge as well. Hence, research reports would suggest that foreign students will tend to group with fellow non-native speakers and exhibit behavioral avoidance when studying in the mainstream English classes. Variables of Self-Confidence Self-confidence is a positive image yet realistic view of one-self and the situation. A confident person is someone who trust his own abilities, have a general sense of control in their lives, and believe that, within reason, they will be able to do what they wish, plan, and expect. According to Skehan (1989), available research does not show a single clearly-defined relationship between personality traits (such as self-confidence) and second language. He further points out that a major difficulty in investigating personality variables is that of identification and measurement, pointing toward a relatively new area of potential research needing attention. However, existing literature suggests that language anxiety can be correlated with students’ negative concepts of themselves as language learners, and negative expectations for language learning. With this in consideration, self-confidence levels can be viewed not only as a personality trait with complex factors affecting high or low confidence, but also as an outcome of high anxiety levels. This assumption is of considerable interest as anxiety tends to create negative self-perceptions about language performance and can then be tied directly to an increase in negative attitudes towards second language learning and a decrease in risk-taking and sociability. In different respect, overly high levels of confidence in language learning can have similar negative effects on language learning, hindering advancement in language proficiency as over-confidence, due to self-perceptions of high degrees of performance in oral/written communication or in positive socialization, can lead a language learner to believe that he or she has learned all there is to know about a language and lose sight of mastering higher complex linguistic skill in the SL. For example, an individual who sees that his or her skill level in the second language is superior to other SL learners who struggle with the SL, he or she might make substantial mistakes in grammar or comprehension, but remain completely unaware of their errors and thus not improve in the acquisition of the second language. Horwitz (1986) brings up an interesting concept regarding self-confidence by citing that language learning is a profoundly unsettling psychological proposition because it directly threatens an individual’s self-concept and worldview. A bold statement, but it does indicate that language learning, as a whole, can be a major contributor to variable self-confidence levels based on how each individual interprets their learning in terms of culture, grammar, or any other related language learning aspect. Variable self-confidence levels in second language learners are profoundly impacted by a complex set of individualised variables that it would be difficult to label each and every possible contributor to self-confidence levels. Simply recognising self-confidence levels in SL learners as a result of language learning and of anxiety opens a variety of potential research methods to begin measuring cause and effect of variable self-confidence. Instructor-Learner Interaction and Classroom Procedures Young (1991) asserts that a learner’s beliefs about language learning can contribute to the psychological anxiety in students. Skills such as proper pronunciation, depth of vocabulary, and fluency may vary in importance for learners in relation to second language learning. Similarly, Horwitz also studied the effect of various learners’ perceptions to language learning. In fact, Horwitz reports that a number of foreign language students in his study may have unachievable personal goals and misconceptions about language learning. For example, a few respondents expressed their optimism in achieving native-like fluency in the second language in two years of study, while others expressed their belief that language learning is tantamount to learning how to translate. Clearly, these idealistic beliefs contribute to language anxiety, more evidently when their beliefs and reality clash. A very good example would be the overly optimistic goal of beginners to achieve native-like fluency in the target language in two years. Over time, the students would naturally tend to get frustrated to find the reality of their imperfect pronunciation even after a lot of practice. On the other hand, an instructor’s beliefs about language teaching can also be a source of anxiety among second language learners. The manifestations of instructor’s belief can more clearly be seen in the methodology or approach in which an instructor conducts the second language class. For example, most instructors, who employ the Grammar Translation Method to teach English, will undoubtedly argue that the most fundamental reason for learning the language is to give learners access to English literature, develop their minds through second language learning, and to build in students the kinds of grammar, reading, vocabulary, and translation skills requisite to pass any one of the variety of compulsory tests necessitated in educational institutions. These instructors often emphasize on the strict rules of grammar syntax and proper form in sentence construction. While the teacher believes that his role in class is to constantly test and correct student’s errors, some of the students might develop anxiety over their class performance. On the other hand, some instructors may choose to employ a different methodology in language teaching. Some instructors may choose to use Total Physical Response method for learners to enjoy the sessions and create a less stressful environment for the students. Practitioners argue that recreating the natural process for children first learning their native language will facilitate the learning of the second language in the same way. More importantly, it asserts that language learning method involves a substantial amount of listening and comprehension with a mixture of various physical response such as smiling, reaching, and grabbing. Thus, the aim was to lower the affective filter in order to accelerate language learning among students. Taking into account the beliefs of both learners and instructors as well as the sources of language anxieties felt by students in a classroom setting, it is also important to look into the dynamics of the learning environment. Hadfield (1992) has identified seven traits of a good classroom dynamics as shown in Table 1. Table 1: Traits of Good Classroom Dynamics 1. Student groups are cohesive and have a positive, supportive atmosphere. Group members are interested in each other and feel they have something in common. 2. The members of the group are able to compromise. They have a sense of direction as a group and are able to define their goals in group as well as individual terms. 3. Group members are not cliquey or territorial but interact happily with all members of the group. Members of the group listen to each other and take turns. 4. Individuals in the group are not competitive and do not seek individual attention at the expense of others. Members cooperate in completing tasks and are able to work together productively. 5. Group members are able to empathize with each other and understand each other’s points of view even if they do not share them. The members of the group trust each other. 6. The group has a sense of fun. 7. Group members have a positive attitude to themselves as learners, to the language and culture being studied, and to the learning experience. Interpretation of Educator Beliefs on Language Learning Many paradigms and principles in mentioned in existing literature in teacher cognition are generally by nature unobservable and researchers have defined such principles differently. Freeman defines the categories in teacher education as â€Å"knowledge, beliefs and perceptions that shape what the teachers know, and therefore what they do in their teaching. † The keywords in Freeman’s categorization would be knowledge, beliefs and perceptions. These keywords would therefore define the scope of the teacher’s competency in relation to language teaching. Ellis (2006) would further refine the three words to discuss the teacher’s biographical experience and how it contributes to their professional knowledge. Ellis (2006) proposes â€Å"knowledge, beliefs, and insights† as refinement of the Freeman’s categorization. Knowledge (cited after Woods by Ellis) would be related to facts and the â€Å"things we know†. Beliefs refers to the instructor’s â€Å"acceptance of a proposition †¦ for which there is an accepted disagreement. † Ellis further elaborates on this irony as â€Å"ESL students need explicit focus on grammar as well as communicative practice. † Lastly, insight would relate to the instructor’s â€Å"personal practical knowledge: knowledge which is experiential, embodied, and reconstructed out of the narratives of a teacher’s life†. Ellis (2006) further elaborates insight as â€Å"an understanding gained from personal experience that allows us to see how previously understood realities could be different. It illuminates something previously unseen, makes sense of something previously incomprehensible, or lends a new perspective on something taken for granted. † Conclusion Different language experiences will result to rich and diverse insights, which can be very useful to second language teachers. However, there is yet to be a methodical study of a knowledge database of the learning experiences of English second language teachers. Formal education would require and ensure teachers are equip with the knowledge about phonology, grammar syntax, bilingualism, and motivation and methodology, etc. In addition, beliefs about the theories within language learning are also formed in the process as teachers develop a technique or approach in second language teaching. More importantly, teachers gain insights from the personal experiences, particularly in teaching second language. These insights are gained from reflection and recognition the complex, interwoven, rich, and diverse nature of what teachers â€Å"know†. The contents of this teacher booklet all aim to give the SLA teacher some insight into the areas in which he exerts significant impact. If taken to heart, he will indeed be able to make a dent in language learning by lessening the anxiety of his students and increasing their self-confidence. References Chang, Y. S. , Horwitz, E. K. and Schallert, D. L. (1999). Language Anxiety: Differentiating Writing and Speaking Components. Language Learning, 49 (3), 417-446. Cummins, J. (2000). Immersion education for the millennium: What we have learned from 30 years of research on second language immersion. Retrieved on October 23, 2007 from www. iteachilearn. com/cummins/immersion2000. html Ehrman, M. E. , Leaver, B. L. & Oxford, R. L. (2003). A brief overview of individual differences in second language learning. System, 31 (3), 313-330. Ellis, E. M. (2006). 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