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Perkins Has a New Version – A Review

This newspaper article was written by Ira Kantor and published on Monday, 15th 2012, in Boston Herald Business Today. The author highlights changes to be adopted by Perkins, a school for the blind and visually impaired. These changes are primarily technological, and are aimed at improving education for blind students, and making learning and teaching an easy and enjoyable experience. In my opinion, this is a great move as these academic and technological offerings give an opportunity to the visually impaired individuals to realize their potential, a rare thing that most schools of this kind should also embrace.

The unveiling of the new SMART Braille is a technological change that will make typing easier for the students as it has incorporated a computer with audio/visual output. The blind will now listen to letters as they type out. This device works in different languages such as English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian. This is a great milestone reached by Parkins. With this device, Perkins can now accommodate more international students and enable learning in different languages. This will also allow for flexibility in the teaching as teachers who had never worked with the blind can now teach them without having to learn Braille. The change of name, the launch of Perkins Perspective Magazine, Perkins Library, Perkins Products, Perkins International, and Perkins Library, will make Perkins stand out internationally.

In conclusion, Parkins’ goal is to increase education opportunities for the blind worldwide. With such initiatives, it is more likely that this goal will be realized. I feel that more learning institutions should follow in the steps of Perkins so that more education opportunities are availed to the blind and visually impaired individuals worldwide.

 

Works Cited

Ira Kantor. Perkins has new version: School for blind shortens name, introduces new braille

device. Boston Herald.com Business Today. Oct. 15 2012.

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Humans in Biological and Behavioral Continuum

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Humans in Biological and Behavioral Continuum

All along, human beings have thought of themselves as being different from other animals in the animal kingdom. The basis of this view is the clear marked biological and behavioral differences between human beings and other primates. Most human beings however, have little knowledge on the behavioral and biological capabilities of other primates. The media has contributed in propagating this notion today through advertising and various television programs. For many years, Behavioral Psychology has taught that primate behavior just entails patterns of responses to immediate stimuli in their environment. However, this notion is decreasing as more human beings have become aware of the concept of biological and behavioral continuum. This paper will prove that even though human beings seem unique from other primate species, they all trace to a common ancestry, with similar behaviors, and biological set up, though appearing in varied degrees.

In this behavioral and biological continuum, different animal species hold different positions. The determinant of this categorization bases on a quantitative, rather than a qualitative approach. Humans rank as the most intelligent of all the other primates. This is the case if we define intelligence depending on thought patterns and ability to solve problems. Intelligence is a product of brain organ, which all primates own. The differences in intelligence level between human beings and other primates therefore, rest on the differences in capabilities of their brain matter. Human beings have a relatively larger brain as compared to chimpanzees and other primates, however, their brain processes and functions are the same (Lewis, Jurmain & Kilgore, 2010).

Both human beings and other primates portray an array of related behavior. Parental love is vital for them all. The offspring of both humans and other primates need parental love, failure to which their growth will not be successful and whole, and will reflect in their adulthood years. All primate species show their need for bonding with others. In their early developmental years, young humans and other young primates depend on their older counterparts for general learning and adaptation to their new environment. Older members of human and other primates’ population are charged with the role of nurturing the young ones. All primates, including humans react differently to different situations. The difference is that humans demonstrate a more adept degree of feelings and emotions such as cruelty, aggression, tenderness, altruism, and compassion. Humans can differentiate between ‘good’ and ‘evil’ unlike chimpanzees that do not even feel grief. Human behavior is therefore, an extension of those of other primates (Jurmain, Gore & Trevathan, 2012).

Further identical habits in humans and other social animals include basking in the sun. This is a common adaptation to life in the tropics. The occurrence of the sweet tooth in humans is thought to result from our ancestor’s intake of lots of high-sugar sweet, ripe fruits. This clearly shows human beings’ primate heritage, and their continuing adaptation to changing environment.

In conclusion, this paper has reflected on some proofs to show the linkage between human behavior and biology to those of other primates. It is no doubt that these share a common ancestry. Their neurological processes, emotions, and relationships are strikingly similar, but only vary in terms of the degree. Evolution of primate behavior remains a complex topic that needs more research as many behavioral variables in primate interactions need to be analyzed.

 

References

Jurmain R., Gore L., & Trevathan W. (2012). Essentials of Physical Anthropology. 9^th Ed.

Cengage Learning.

Lewis, B., Jurmain R., & Kilgore, L. (2010). Understanding Humans: Introduction to Physical

Anthropology and Archaeology. Cenange Learning.

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George Washington: Bibliography

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George Washington left behind a legacy as the first president of the United States of America. According to the Old Style calendar, George Washington was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland, Virginia. His family initially lived in North America before moving to Virginia. Washington’s grandfather, John Washington, and their family was distinct back in England. They acquired their land from Henry VIII, however, during the Puritan revolution; all their family wealth was lost. This forced them to move to Virginia in 1657. In this paper, I will discuss George Washington’s early life up to 1752. These critical years laid a foundation for the greater tasks that awaited him later.

George Washington’s father, Augustine Washington, had high ambitions. He owned slaves, land, practiced tobacco farming, built mills and dealt with iron mines. He married George Washington’s mother, Mary Ball in 1731 after the death of his first wife, Jane Butler in 1729 who had left behind three children. George Washington was the first born of the six children born by Mary Ball. Their family was prosperous, and among the top middle class of Virginia (Freeman, Alexander & Ashworth, 2007).

George Washington spent most of his youth on Ferry Farm on the Rappahannock River, Virginia. Little is known about his childhood. However, a widely held notion is that George Washington was home schooled between the ages five and fifteen, and attended sexton classes at a nearby church. Career wise, George Washington first worked as a teacher of Math, Geography, English, and Latin classics. This was important as it prepared him for future leadership roles. His interaction with supervisors in plantations and backwoodsmen made him more knowledgeable. He had learnt surveying, tobacco growing and stock rising by the time he was a teenager.

At the age of eleven, he lost his father and so lived with Lawrence, his half-brother, who brought him up in a commendable way. Here, he received schooling in the colonial culture under the directions of Lawrence’s wife, Anne Fairfax. At the age of sixteen, George was part of a surveying group that plotted land in the Western territory of Virginia. In 1749, Lord Fairfax appointed George, to be the official surveyor of Culpeper, Augusta, and Frederick Counties. The two years’ experience as a surveyor made George a strong and resourceful man, both physically and psychologically. This also enhanced his interest in land buying, which prevailed for the rest of his life, as he bought large pieces of land and believed in colonization of the West (Lewis, 2004). In 1752, George’s half-brother died, making George the heir of all the family lands. At twenty, Washington became the owner of Mount Vernon estate, one of the prominent estates in Virginia. He attached much value to Vernon and practiced farming, while expanding his landholdings there.

Generally, George Washington’s early life efficiently prepared him for the greater task he was to undertake in future. The family and environment he grew in was conducive for him to learn different life skills. The jobs he undertook also gave him experience in leadership, and he took on leadership responsibilities at an early age. All this influenced the important decisions he made as a military officer and as a president.

 

References

Freeman, S. D., Alexander J., & Ashworth M. W. (2007). George Washington, a Biography:

First in Peace. Eds. Vol.7.Scribner, 1948.

George Washington. (2012). Biography.com. Retrieved 10:04, Oct 23, 2012

from http://www.biography.com/people/george-washington-9524786

Lewis, C. (2004). George Washington: An illustrated biography. School Library Journal, 50(12),

155-155. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/211750253?accountid=45049

 

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‘The Metamorphosis’ by Franz Kafka

Often in modern literature, a character decides to reject social expectations and live with the consequences of being an “outsider.” This is exactly the case represented by Gregor, a character in Franz Kafka’s, ‘The Metamorphosis’. Gregor’s transformation occurs during one morning when he awakes from troubled dreams and finds himself transformed into a horrible vermin (the beetle). Although he is worried of the transformation at the start, he appears to accept this reality and never stops to inquire how such a change could occur. The lack of questioning seems exceedingly unusual. This is because, in normal circumstances, one would suppose that someone who transformed into an insect to inquire about the probability of such an occurrence. This apparent lack of concern about Gregor’s condition begs a question as to whether or not any physical transformation or change actually did occur. In this sense, Kafka brings out Gregor as a character who rebels against the society as he cannot be able to play his role in the family and does not question his transformation. Rather, Gregor conforms to his being an insect, which he thinks is best for him. This however, comes as a consequence of pressure imposed on him.

The transformation that Gregor experiences is perceived as a deviation from the social expectations, and he decides to live with the consequences of being a ‘rebel’. This is demonstrated in the way Kafka uses the character in drama and brings out the character as a rebel. However, this occurs due to the circumstances that exist in Gregor’s life. Before his transformation, Gregor lived a moderately boring life, which did not vary much from the life of a bug. He involved himself only with his work in order to afford for his family. In this case, he did not have any hobbies or real friends. The real metamorphosis brought out by Kafka occurs when Gregor realizes his current condition and his role in the family (household). He certainly does not transform into a beetle but rather realizes he has been a bug for comparatively some time. The abrupt epiphany would most likely send into a shock which causes the mental sickness that ultimately causes his death. Kafka’s metaphor is represented in the story by Gregor. For instance, out of all things that Gregor could transform into, he turns into a bug. One cannot help but to draw comparisons between Gregor’s real life and the life of a bug. Most insects have some form of workers that cater for the needs of the group. On the other hand, Gregor provides for members of his family in the same manner as an insect does. Gregor sacrifices nearly all sorts of fun and wishes to do nothing else but work. In the long run, his income becomes more of an expectation and less of a kind act. The existence of his family lies on his shoulders.

As Gregor commits to providing for the needs of his family, his family becomes increasingly productive and gives weak excuses why they do not do much. The changes that occur in the family of Samsa go unrealized by Gregor since he focuses so much on his work and ceases expecting any financial assistance from them. A normal individual can imagine this newfound responsibility can become quite irritating, and ultimately Gregor cannot take it any longer. He realizes that he acts like a bug that carries out his family’s responsibility in order from them to keep on living lazily. Therefore, the metamorphosis is explained here by Kafka. Upon the realization, the role of Gregor reverses completely. Once he becomes the only breadwinner, Gregor becomes unable to work for his family, possibly because he gets tired of their dependency on him. However, this metamorphosis happens subconsciously, because Gregor still wants to go to work although, deep down he knows that his family will be in a better position if he does not.

The metaphor in the story is used to describe communication in the family of Samsa. As the paychecks of Gregor become progressively more expected, his family starts to see him as less of a human being, except for Grete, his sister. When Gregor delays to awake for work, his mother tells him that he will be late. He is not worried about anything being wrong until when the sister appears to be concerned that he will fail to catch the train. He speaks to himself about the silent life led by his family as there is no good communication between him and his family possibly caused by his recurrent business trips. Spending a lot of time away working isolates him from his family and additionally makes him appear as a paycheck to the family rather than a family member.

The lack of communication between Gregor and his family remains the same before and after his transformation, distinct from his ability to work. His transformation simply draws attention to the difficulty of Gregor in conversing with his family. After the transformation, Gregor realizes the complexity of communicating with his family. As Gregor continues to discover himself, he eventually sees how less his family members understand and this makes him give up altogether. Gregor could possibly continue talking, but his parents would not listen. As the transformation takes place, his parents see the real Gregor and have no interest in conversing with him.

When Gregor and his parents realize that Gregor solely plays the task of a worker, communication stops entirely. This is similar to life before the transformation where both parties display a high level of hardship communicating with one another. They cannot relate reflecting the beetle which cannot communicate with human beings, although Grete displays a small amount of understanding. Although the sister seems to be on his side at first, she begins to get tired of giving him care. It becomes evident that she feeds and cleans him out of obligation than out of kind heart. She also sees him as a bug as each day passes. This is seen when she loses her persistence and tells her parents that he is a burden upon the family members. She states that the creature cannot be Gregor as the Gregor they all knew is long gone. This serves as the basis for explaining the consequences of Gregor’s transformation. One might endeavor to state that the actual Gregor died when Gregor started working to provide for the family. This is because he changed from being a normal brother and son into being a worker who existed only to bring in his income. Gregor’s job took the structure of a hard outer shell that alienated him from his family. This work changed the way his family perceived him. Although the transformation occurred overnight, the real change happened slower. Additionally, although the physical transformation occurred only in his imagination, he underwent a drastic transformation. That is when he wakes up to discover his real identity, but he cannot even recognize himself.

As illustrated in the above examples from the text, it is true that Gregor became a rebel against his family and society at large. However, Gregor does not become a rebel by choice rather conditions force him into becoming one. A successful rebel should not only be defiant against their authority, but also have some ideals that they hold to. The ideals of Gregor include working arduously, making money, and taking care of his family. Gregor’s life is controlled even by his manager who goes to his house when Gregor misses the train. This and other forms of control from his family make Gregor feel pressure to conform to those that surround their lives. As a protagonist, Gregor is a brave rebel in his own way. Although he does not choose to become a bug, he chooses to be courageous in the condition. At first he is occupied in his job and pleasing his family. Kafka brings out his work perfectly by clearly illustrating how Gregor is reduced into an insect by his family and the world. He reflects that the more selfless and generous one is, the worse one is treated. This is exactly what happens to Gregor as his actions and intentions are to support his family members. As the family is only concerned In Gregor for their own needs. This is what makes Gregor rebel against the expectations of the society. Thus, the author’s representation of Gregor as worthless to his family works well in reflecting Gregor as a rebel.

Works Cited:

Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis. New York: Bantam, 1988. Print.

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Popular Culture Analysis

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Popular culture today highly upholds the aspect of gender differences. It perpetuates the idea that women and men are different. Magazine articles, songs, films, self-help books, television talks, and television sitcoms, all address the concept of gender differences. They show how gender differences have led to the differential treatment of men and women in employment and personal relationships, including marriage, and how these can be dealt. In popular culture, women are mostly presented stereotypically as people of simple minds, domesticated, and highly emotional. These stereotypes are perpetuated through different forms of media such as movies, cartoons, and television. However, today some elements of popular culture present men and women differently. These have served a different purpose of showing the changing gender roles in the society (Milestone & Meyer, 2012).

The song “Run the World (Girls)” by Beyoncé is an example of the songs in the pop culture, which carry gender connotations. This song portrays women as independent of men, strong, powerful, and domineering. On the other hand, men are portrayed as weaker than men, and taking orders and submitting to women. This song is some kind of hope to the womenfolk, since it praises women and brings them out as powerful, contrary to most songs in the popular culture, which portray women as weak and dependant on men. The singer preaches hope for the women in society, portraying women as having risen above the male dominance in society. That women today are independent and do not need men to complement them. This song is highly feministic and advices all women to take control of their lives, rather than being dominated by men.

In the video Beyoncé employs a lot imagery to bring out her theme of female dominance. For instance, she rides a horse, which then transits to flying in the air. This scene is a portrayal of power and dominance that women have in the society. The women featured in this video are dressed in lingerie and caps. This symbolises that they are powerful, yet still sexually appealing. The women dressed in lingerie and caps shows that women are not sex objects, but sexually dominant and can this to control men, which is to their own advantage.

In this song, Beyoncé also implies that women act submissively, giving in to the demands of men, and as well using their submissiveness to manipulate men. This is evident in the line, “My persuasion can build a nation.” The theme in this song carries female chauvinism, as Beyoncé emphasizes the alpha female. The lyrics also suggest that female dominance does not hurt as male dominance does. In addition, women rule the world yet still sacrifice a lot of things for men and the society in general. This is shown at the end of the video, where the women salute the men, meaning therefore, that women are better than men are. This song therefore brings out women as powerful, with positive dominance in the society.

Gender stereotypes have different psychological effects on both men and women. In this song, Beyoncé has portrayed men as the weaker sex and women as powerful and domineering. This is highly feministic as it focuses on the superiority of women, thus lowering men. This subsequently evokes different reactions from both sexes. Women will feel more superior, while men will feel less powerful. Quite a number of men are okay with gender equality. However, in the contemporary world, powerful women have dominated the pop culture, media, and political correctness and they publicly assert their dominance over men. This song is an example of this case, as Beyoncé is a powerful and influential woman in the world music industry and believes in dominance of women (Inness, 2004). With such a song, men feel that women are taking the advantage of ‘equality’ aspect to bash them. They thus develop a negative attitude toward all feminism.

In this song, Beyoncé has shown that men are fearful of women dominance, and tend to shy away from an empowered woman. This may in turn lead the lowering of men’s ego, and make men consider themselves as less competitive than women in the contemporary world. They may also develop a superiority complex and view women as a threat to them. In addition, men today have considered themselves as an endangered species, due to the rapid domineering of women in the society today. They may feel that women are now taking their “place” in society. These lines have attached so much importance to women. Beyoncé asserts that women are responsible for most important roles in the society, such as childbearing, home-keeping, office work, and can make their own money, yet manage to juggle all these responsibilities without support from men. This makes men feel inferior and consider their roles in society as inferior.

“How we’re smart enough to make these millions
Strong enough to bear the children
Then get back to business
Hope you still like me.” (Beyoncé, 2011).

The gender stereotypes in this song deliver inaccurate representations of both genders in real-life. This song depicts men negatively, while showing women to be superior. This in turn has an effect on the ego of women, as they will feel more powerful and more important than men. This way, they will disregard men in the society due to the assumption bore by this song that men are less powerful, and it is women who run the world. This kind of psychological wiring if it persists in society will not stabilize the understanding between men and women in society, thereby resulting in frequent gender-based conflicts. Currently, the mismatch between men and women, which is enhanced by such feminist songs and the changing roles of women in society, has led to many problems already. This song therefore propagates the battered image of the males in the society, which is demeaning to their ego (Fedorak, 2009).

This song may propagate or enhance the belief in men that women bash them, have double standard, and embrace female dominance. In this song, and the whole popular culture, especially television sitcoms, wives are portrayed as smarter than their husbands. Men are shown to be stay-at-home dads, while their wives are corporate women. This song may also propagate the thought in men that women are one-sided, and act like bosses, while expecting men to worship them. This enhances female chauvinism.

Aspects of gender keep changing in the society, including gender roles. This is because of the dynamics in the economy, which make men and women to adopt newer roles in the society. Popular culture has been instrumental in propagating stereotypes of the marginalized groups in society. However, popular culture also serves to preserve the cultures of cultural groups. For instance, in most world cultures, there is male dominance, and the popular culture propagates this through different mediums, which portray men as more powerful than women. Popular culture also highlights the changing roles of men and women. This is through mediums such as the highlighted song by Beyoncé, which shows the women climb the ladder of power as opposed to the past where they were powerless. Nonetheless, popular culture has its good and bad sides in its representation of men and women. People ought to embrace only the positive side of popular culture to avoid gender wars.

 

References

Beyoncé V. (2011). Run The World (Girls) Retrieved from

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBmMU_iwe6U

Inness, S. (2004). Action Chicks: New Images of Tough Women in Popular Culture. London,

Palgrave Macmillan.

Fedorak, S. (2009). Pop Culture: The Culture of Everyday Life. New York, University of

Toronto Press.

Milestone, K. & Meyer, A. (2012). Gender and Popular Culture. New York, Polity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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“Introduction to Private Security” by John S. Dempsey – Chapter Summary

“Introduction to Private Security” by John S. Dempsey is a unique book that offers an insight into the aspect of private security, as the author gives a detailed and practical introduction to this topic. Dempsey, in his book stresses on the importance of ethics as well as professionalism in the execution of different business concepts and operations. This book highlights the element of security in a variety of business premises, ranging from industries, retail, employment aspect, computer and information security, investigation, surveillance, as well as the homeland security. Dempsey also discusses the laws related to private security.  

In chapters six of the book, Dempsey extensively addresses the aspect of business security. This involves how stores and other businesses can be made secure by a variety of security measures. Entertainment spots are also considered as being in dire need of security as these accommodate big numbers of people. According to the author, the issue of security today has become an important concern for business owners, therefore, therefore the need for them to secure their businesses. This issue of security is however, still a concern for homeowners, as security is important in both homes and business premises.

Business people have a variety of security measures to choose from. They might invest in CCTV surveillance in order to ensure reliable security in their premises.

 

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SOMERSET RURAL YOUTH PROJECT

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A Case analysis of Somerset Rural Youth Project

The world today is experiencing a harsh economic climate. There are a variety of economic challenges today, which raises concerns about the future economic health of the world. Among the economic challenges, the youth are as well among the most affected, as their states have not effectively addressed the issues of education, training, and employment for them, considering they are the future generation. The youth in the rural areas have fewer opportunities compared to their counterparts in the urban areas. This is because the state does not give the youth in rural areas the attention and concern they deserve. The shortcomings of governments in addressing the plight of the youth has seen different organizations, as well as individuals take the initiative of addressing youth employment, education, and training concerns, especially in the rural areas. All this is to supplement government efforts, which seem to be inadequate in addressing these issues.

In England, the “Somerset Rural Youth Project (SRYP),” a registered, charitable rural organization, serves the purpose of supplementing government efforts in addressing different issues that face the youth in the rural areas. This project is the third biggest rural youth project in the UK, and is dedicated to ensuring youth empowerment in the rural areas (“Commission for Rural Communities” 2012). This youth project is highly diversified as it offers different services to the youth in isolated rural areas. Its partnership with the the Statutory Youth Service and other agencies helps it support its provision of an integrated youth provision in the whole rural county (“East Huntspill Parish Council” 2012). The SRYP is mainly concerned with the provision of advice, information, and guidance about different important issues such as employment, health, budgeting, sports, and training, among others. This is done through activities such as peer education, workshops, and volunteer services, among others. Support is given for the needy youth to pursue their educational needs, get employment, or learn different skills through the Rural Skills Workshop owned by SRYP. This project also values innovation and testing for its participants (“Somerset Rural Youth Project”).

At SRYP, quality is a priority, and so quality maintenance is integrated in the project’s business strategy. The business strategy of SRYP is long-term and comprises different strategies to ensure that the objectives and goals of the project are met, and are viable and effective. In order to ensure value in its activities, the business plan of SRYP focuses on beating competition in the area by increasing the effectiveness of the project. The commissioning of Exeter University to conduct a longitudinal research focusing on the aspirations of the youth is a commendable strategy, aimed at putting the project in the limelight as a leader in charity. This study helps SRYP to identify the needs of the youth, and come up with activities, which address the identified needs of the youth. Need-based activities are commendable as they serve the purpose and needs of the youth, thus increasing the quality of the project (“BQF” 2012).

Secondly, the move to gain a C2E accreditation is a move aimed at emphasizing the project’s commitment to quality. With a C2E accreditation, an organization shows its support for equality practice and its commitment to quality (“C2E” 2012).This way, the reputation of the project will be a positive one, enough to increase the trust of its donors and partners, thus increasing the possibility of more funding from its donors and partners.

Thirdly, by hiring a Business Development Manager, the project will have climbed a notch higher in its management. In fact, only effective management will propel the achievement of its goals and objectives. Therefore, a Business Development Manager will manage the project well, ensuring continued commitment to quality, and effectiveness of the programmes. Finally, the launching of a training programme for SRYP’s youth workers will help them participate positively to the strategic approach to the project’s programmes. Workers are the main forces behind the success of any organization. Therefore, training workers helps raise the quality standards of an organization. This is therefore a good strategy for SRYP in ensuring quality in its activities (“BQF” 2012).

Generally, the success story of SRYP is quite encouraging and inspirational. However, it seems that there are many challenges lying ahead of SRYP future operations. First, the SRYP’s financial, operational, and political systems cannot be mainstreamed as the standard practice. Although these systems have proved to be effective in the operation of SRYP, these cannot be utilized by other organizations since they do not measure up to the global standards. There is fear that if SRYP was to close down, most of its projects, such as the Moped Loan Scheme, cannot be adopted by other organizations despite the fact that they were cost-effective and successful. Failure to adopt global standards in its objectives also limits SRYP access to global funding. This incompatibility is a challenge to both the present and future of SRYP (“BQF” 2012).

The imbalance in allocation of time for project activities and funding process is quite a challenge. A major concern of SRYP is to ensure the continuity of its programmes. This requires commitment and time for all its participants. However, the youth workers in SRYP spend a bigger part of their time writing proposals seeking funding from donors. This also includes writing reports for the funding bodies on the progress of the projects, as well as writing new proposals to call for funding from new donors and partners. This is a considerable time that they could have used in the activities of the project, and getting closer to the youth they deal with. This in turn could have a negative influence on the productivity and effectiveness of the project.

The attention and great dedication that SRYP gives to the achievement of its goals and objectives is quite detrimental, as this limits innovation. When this project pays close attention and commits only to its objectives and goals, it lacks the freedom to explore newer ideas. This therefore has limited its innovation capabilities. Most funding organizations consider innovation as paramount to any youth projects. This lack of innovativeness on the side of SRYP, could therefore limit its donor funding, because they do not emphasize innovation in their policies (“BQF” 2012).

Funding continues to be a problem for SRYP. The programmes and activities conducted by SYPR need finances in order for them to be effective and viable. However, given the current difficult economic environment, SRYP cannot afford to raise alone all the amount of finances needed to run their projects. This leads them to solicit funding from donors and partners, who falling in the harsh economic times, may not give enough to sustain SRYP projects. With the lack of hope in the future of world economy, it is more likely that funding for SRYP will remain a great challenge, even in the future. Nonetheless, SRYP manages to acquire money for its programmes and maintain its good practice. Most of the policy and financial constraints experienced by SRYP are beyond its control and the control of their partners (“BQF” 2012).

SRYP’s journey to excellence though faced with challenges, need to proceed and bear fruit. The youth workers in SRYP are dedicated and committed to delivering good results for the project; however, there is more to results. They need to realize and understand the dynamics of the world economy, and therefore learn how to effectively manage all the little resources they have. This management element in the youth workers should be the responsibility of SRYP through training sessions for the workers. Investment in this course is worthwhile, as it will result in saving and good management of resources, therefore no resources put to waste.

For achievement of more funding, SRYP needs to strategize in order to attract donors and funding organizations. This could be through adjustment of its policies to meet the requirements of most donor bodies. More funding will boost the quality of SRYP’s services. There is also need for SRYP to embrace more innovation, which it lacks. If SRYP exhibits high innovation, this will guarantee it more donor advantages, as it is a condition for most donor organizations.  Innovation also ensures that diversity and high quality services are provided. Therefore, SRYP should avoid concentrating solely on its goals and objectives, and instead welcome different other ideas. This will be a commendable step in the journey to excellence.

Finally, SRYP needs to align its objectives with the global community standards. SRYP has not synchronized its policies and objectives to the global standards. This specificity of SRYP’s objectives then deters it from getting involved with other global organizations, as its objectives are particularistic. Objectives based on global standards can as well attract international donors, which is beneficial to an organization. Therefore, SRYP needs to integrate international resources into its operations as quality assessment is currently based on global standards as opposed to national standards alone.

 

 

 

Works Cited

“BQF” 2012 British Quality Foundation, Retrieved 19 November 2012,

<http://www.bqf.org.uk/sites/default/files/uploads/pdf/casestudies/Somerset_Rural_Youth_Project.pdf>

“C2E” 2012 C2E Equality Standard, Retrieved 19 November 2012,

<http://www.c2e.co.uk/standard.html>

“Commission for Rural Communities” 2012 Rural Youth Projects, The

Somerset Rural Youth Project. Retrieved 19 November 2012, <http://crc.staging.headshift.com/files/ST33.pdf.>

“East Huntspill Parish Council” 2012 Somerset Rural Youth Project. Retrieved 19 November

2012, <http://www.easthuntspillparishcouncil.gov.uk/Somerset-Rural-Youth-Project.aspx>

“Somerset Rural Youth Project” nd. Retrieved 19 November 2012,

<http://www.sryp.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48&Itemid=55>

 

 

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Effects of Losing a Job

Losing a job is one of the most stressful things a person can experience. This affects individual and their families. If a person loses their job, they consider themselves a failure in society. This feeling will leads to low self-esteem and self-worth, and alters normal life. Different people are affected in different ways by loss of a job. Some may experience the effects immensely, while others may quickly get over it. This paper focuses mainly on how this life-altering event of losing a job affects an individual, and their immediate families.

The immediate effect of losing a job is income. Most people do not have emergency savings, and depend on their salaries for their basic needs. When such lose their jobs, they lack income to spend on their needs. Their lifestyle changes for the worst, as they cut down on luxuries. People with responsibilities are most affected. In extreme cases, such families turn to state programs to get food. This situation leads to struggle and worries for survival.

Anxiety results when people lose their jobs. They become depressed and feel sadness and grief. They may feel a deep loss, or betrayal, depending on the cause of their job loss. Anxiety makes them emotional unstable, and affects their psychological health negatively, evident in their behaviors. Their emotional instability may cause their families to worry about them, which is not also god for their psychological health (Kail and Cavanaugh 450).

Homelessness results when people lose their jobs. Most will be unable to pay their mortgages and rent, resulting in foreclosures and evictions. Some families may move into their relatives’ homes, or remain homeless. This also negatively affects education of children as they are forced to change schools. They have to separate from close friends, and cope with a new learning environment. This affects their social life negatively as they may feel lonely.

In conclusion, loss of job is unpleasant event, and has all the negative effects. It happens unexpectedly. People therefore need to embrace the habit of saving to brace themselves for the unexpected future events. This lessens the effects of job loss.

 

Works Cited

Kail, Robert and Cavanaugh, John. “Human Development: A Life-Span View.” Cengage

Learning. 2008. Print.

 

 

 

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The Ouster of Vikram Pandit, and What That Means For Big Banks

Citi bank is a global, diversified company offering a wide range of financial services and products to consumers, institutions, corporations, and government. The unexpected resignation of Vikram Pandit, the Citigroup Chief Executive Officer (CEO), alongside John Havens, Citi COO, is a major factor that will influence Citigroup, as well as the US general banking industry. This was a rare happening since most CEO ousters take effect a few weeks after their announcements, in order to allow enough time to manage transition in management. The immediate effective ushering out of Pandit by Citi board of directors raises many questions to the public. This paper will address Pandit’s ouster, and describe how this major event in Citigroup will influence the future operations of Citibank, as well as other banks in the same industry.

Mr. Pandit took over as the bank’s CEO in 2007 when the bank was in a financial turmoil, but slightly recovered the profitability of the bank in 2010. Under Pandit’s management, much of Citi’s resources were devoted for future profitability. Expanding market to the developing countries was a prospective Pandit held (David, Suzanne, and Dan 1-2). The reasons offered for Pandit’s ouster emanate from struggles to recover from past financial crises at the bank. Mr. Pandit was forced to resign after the board of Directors at Citi bank felt that he managed the bank poorly. The board also claimed lack of appropriate communication from the CEO on vital business matters. During the tenure of Pandit, the shares of Citigroup fell by 89%, which resulted in a revolt by shareholders over his executive pay. The Federal Reserve also rejected Citigroup’s plan to purchase back stock. In addition, there was a $2.9 million write-down by Morgan Stanley, of a brokerage joint venture. All these unfortunate happenings can be numerically represented, but most probably point to poor judgment, rather than day-to-day oversight of specific business units (David 2).

Michael Corbat, Pandit’s replacement, may not perform as Pandit, who was credited a well performer, who knew the positions of the bank inside out. Corbat’s strategic directions for future of the company are also still uncertain. Many challenges Corbat, as he will feel the pressure of impressing quickly, since the bank’s shareholders are now frustrated about the bank’s uncertainty. Citigroup investment bank is a potential victim of shrinkage. It is enormous, but with uneven revenue since the times of the financial crisis. This continued decline has to be addressed in order to gain stability again. Mr. Corbat will also have to deal with the “black box” reputation of the bank. Observations show that the bank’s disclosures are not as comprehensive as those of other banks are. In order to regain the confidence of investors, Corbat has to tackle this issue also.

Consumers should expect to feel the difference between Citi managed by Pandit, and Citi managed by Michael Corbat, Pandit’s successor. This kind of transition at Citi may not positively influence on the financial health of the US banking industry, and the general US economy. This is because Citi is a bank that has been considered ‘important’ by the regulators, amid financial crisis. It is a troubled bank, and still struggles to gain stability. Pandit was a CEO that had set out to turn around the case of Citi bank, and ensure its total economic recovery. However, by firing such a dedicated CEO, Citi bank risks continued vulnerability to financial crises.

The shareholders of Citi bank continue to be adversely affected by the bank’s prolonged stagnation in financial instability. However, more parties will feel the pinch of this as it will affect the whole banking industry as well as the national economy. Citi is in the process of repairing its balance sheet, it is then expected that it will cut down on customer lending, in a bid to save more. Its customers will not access mortgages, loans, or even credit cards from the bank. The larger American society will feel this too, and it is no doubt that the ouster of Pandit will make no immediate commendable difference.

Granted Citibank is the largest bank in the US; its financial turmoil may be felt by other smaller banks. However, this influence may not be great as Citibank controls only 28% of the whole of US bank assets. The US banking industry is quite competitive. There are many banks, but none seems to dominate over the others. However, some economists feel that the presence of many banks in the US does not denote favorable competition. Instead, this means lack of competition at all (Schmerken 2). The board of directors had discussed the replacement of Pandit months before his ouster. Corbat, in an internal memo to Citi bank staff, promised to take the bank to the next level, by initiating important changes in the bank’s operation. He is also considered more skilled and more knowledgeable in banking and financial matters. His good relations with regulators, after interacting with them in Citi Holdings and the division, makes him appropriate for the new position.

The ouster of Pandit was sad news to most investment banks. These lacked any knowledge of Pandit’s ouster, and believed that the bank’s strategies were not going to change any sooner. They had communicated this to their clients, informing them not to expect any changes in the bank strategies, and no hidden announcements were expected. This misinformation between Citi bank fraternity and their clients paints a negative picture to its existing customers as well as the potential customers.

Different people have expressed different opinions on how Pandit’s ouster may affect its future. Some feel that Pandit’s exit was justified, and will serve the bank well, considering he did not bring considerable changes in the bank’s revenues during his tenure period. His qualifications and lack of experience had raised concerns about being given the position of a CEO. This has made people believe that Corbat stands a better chance being the CEO of Citi bank, due to his well-known experience and qualifications (The New York Times).

The ouster of Pandit came as a shock to analysts, investors, Citi employees, as well as the public. Despite his evident achievements at Citi bank, the dissatisfied regulators, shareholders, and board members were not convinced that he could do better. However, in as much as Corbat’s capabilities remain uncertain for now, it is only hoped that he performs better than Pandit performed, and realize a positive influence in Citigroup, and the US banking industry.

 

 

 

Works Cited

“Citigroup Inc.” Business Day, The New York Times 28 October 2012: Print.

David Enrich, Suzanne K., and Dan Fitzpatrick. “Pandit is Forced Out at Citi; Clash with Board

Followed Stumbles Over Pay and Rejected Plan for Buybacks.” Wall Street Journal

Oct 17 2012. ABI/INFORM Complete. Web. 30 Oct. 2012.

David, Greg. “Citi CEO Ouster just Window Dressing.” Crain’s New York Business 28.43

(2012): 13-. ABI/INFORM Complete. Web. 30 Oct. 2012.

Schmerken, Ivy. “Did the Ouster of Pandit Violate Securities Laws?” Wall Street & Technology

– Online (2012)ABI/INFORM Complete. Web. 30 Oct. 2012.

 

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Short essay outlines

The Enchanted Bluff is a short story by Willa Cather, which takes place in bare cornfields of Nebraska during 1990s. In brief, themes of Enchanted Bluff flows in the story whereby childhood’s dreams are surrendered as one accept new challenges and responsibilities of adulthood. Specifically, the story involves six boys who are captivated with the idea of visiting bluff. The boys discuss ways of dominating mystifying bluff, and though they vow to visit bluff, none visit it even after twenty years. In essence, the author does an exceptional job of providing a vivid imagery throughout the story creating a platform for readers to capture the real sense of the town. For instance, the tone enables the reader to imagine not only the bluff but significantly paints that portray descriptive pictures of people in the town. Through these and many more descriptions, one can highlight two themes such as dysfunctional family relationships and disillusionment as discussed later in the essay. Similarly, the story Kate Chopin: “A Pair of Silk Stockings” was published by Kate Chopin on September 16, 1897. Kate Chopin is well known for exploring the theme of functional family relationships, in which she depict quite challenges that women undergo while fulfilling the family life and personal satisfaction. Mrs. Sommers is the main story character being the wife and the mother. Mrs. Sommer’s family is so poor that, she works hard to pick up for few items to clothe her children. Throughout the story, A pair of stockings portrays a struggle of a woman caught in different roles the role of a mother and a wife. The story raises question to readers on what is the role of the husband in the family, and why as the story ends Mrs. Sommers wish he would continue travelling for ever. In response to this, most people assume that Mrs. Sommers may have been so much contented with travelling compared to being at home. With no doubt; this paper seeks to reveal how the outcome of the two mentioned persuasive essay depict two themes Dysfunctional family relationships and Disillusionment.

A pair of Silk Stockings

As mentioned earlier, this is a short story by Kate Chopin that published in 1897. In brief, the story concerns a woman who had much responsibility in fulfilling the role of a wife and a mother. Throughout the story, Mrs. Sommers is portrayed as a hardworking woman who works diligently in ensuring that her children are properly dressed and still, fulfilling the role of a wife. The author reflects an outstanding theme that reflects on the role of women in the society. The story ending suggest that women encounter countless challenges in fulfilling the role of a wife and a mother. In this context, the author seeks to elucidate woman’s role in the society, which is quite demanding. With this in mind, Disillusionment can be delineated on women’s search for identity, self-discovery or selfhood. Women’s encounter challenges during experience of motherhood, child birth, and pregnancy in balancing the role of a wife and a mother. The main character is driven by lack of expectations whereby she struggles to afford basic commodities in that she forget to buy food prior to luxurious shopping. In reality, Mrs. Sommers faces dilemma of poverty and despite her current situation, she sees better days in equating herself with simple luxuries such as kid gloves and silk stockings. Disillusionment can be articulated in the sense that, Mrs. Sommers was not going through any acute mental process of reasoning with herself nor was she striving to clarify her action. Often, she seemed to be taking rest and buying luxurious that directed her to free from responsibility. As the story indicates “Mrs. Sommers used to have more money long ago, before her marriage, but she does not worry about the past or the future, focusing mostly on the present” (Chopin 1). As the story continues, it outlines that, “While sitting on a stool to rest before her shopping, she realizes that her hand has brushed against a pair of two-dollar silk stockings. She continues to feel the luxurious fabric and asks the shop girl for a pair in her size” (Chopin 1). Ironically, Mrs. Sommers think of living a luxurious life despite being under pressures of poverty, it reveal stupidity and Disillusionment.

Typically, Mrs. Sommers character lifestyle reveal functional family relationship attribute by the fact she spends much of her time ensuring that her family enjoy every moment they are together. She pays attention to her role as a mother and wife and work hard in balancing the two. The main character cares much about her children clothing and thus, determines to spend a dollar or two on Janie’s shoes for better quality that will last longer. In the story, the author states that, “After shopping, she will still have enough money for new stockings and hats for everyone, which pleases her because her children will have new clothing for the first time in a while” (Chopin 1). Despite having weaknesses on focusing mostly on present rather than for the future, Mrs. Sommers cares so much for children to the extent she is pleased by the fact her children have new clothing. There are various lessons that can be learnt from the short story. These include the importance of making decisive decisions while considering about the future.  This implies that, one should prioritize her needs putting into consideration the needs that should come first. In this case, this story creates a platform for readers to articulate the importance of budgeting, in which basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing should be met before luxuries. Making wise decisions in life is the driving force of a prosperous life. As the story ends, one can outline that, Mrs. Sommers is still under pressure despite the craving for living a luxurious life. In addition, readers should emulate Mrs. Sommers who throughout the story does not abandon her family. She works diligently to accomplish the responsibility of a mother and wife. The story ending suggests the struggle of a woman’s traditional role as a wife and mother that has always been strictly defined.

The Enchanted Bluff

As said earlier, this is a short story that was published in April 1909 by Willa Cather. It has been noted that, the author sets her story on the sandbar along Western River alike to Republican River. At the beginning the narrator is recalling the natural scenes of the summer. At this point, six local boys desire to reach to the tip enchanted bluff, which is a rock surrounded by a plain within New Mexico where Native Americans lived before Spaniards came along. Despite dreams unfulfilled, the story reveals the physical evolution keeping on whereby most of these boys settle down in marriage and get offspring. This is achieved after assiduously wishes to save women and children who were destroyed to death on the rock. Their dreams are shattered down bearing in mind that none reached to the Enchanted Bluff. Tip the red-haired boy plans to go when his son will be old enough to accompany him. From this context, there are various things that stand out, first, after women and children starving to death, the boys eventually plan to go and save them. This portrays genuine relationship where people care about other people welfare. In this story, the boys are not only concern about their personal welfare but, they are concern on women and children who starved to death on the rock. To this point, there is one thing that stands out, despite these boys encountering difficult of not fulfilling their dreams; they settle down in marriage. The concept of disillusionment concept is emphasized whereby Arthur the 17 years old boy is disillusioned with perceived failures of rebuilding the nation of Enchanted Bluff and Grand Canyon but, he dies in the same old town.  At this point, Arthur would have learnt from the past incidence where both women and children starved to death. Despite Arthur not focusing on the past incidence that killed lives of people, one can articulate determination concept whereby, he is determined to risk all it takes in attempt to fulfilling his dreams. This educates readers to articulate the need of learning from others to eradicate painful experiences that could otherwise be avoided.

Conclusion

Conclusively, “A pair of Silk Stockings” by Kate Chopin is well known for exploring the theme of functional family relationship whereby Mrs. Sommers work conscientiously in her duties as the wife and mother. Mrs. Sommers’ Disillusionment can be delineated on her search for identity, self-discovery or selfhood. Despite of being financially unstable, Mrs. Sommers’ fails to prioritize her needs to the extent she concentrate much on luxuries than basic commodities. In the “The Enchanted Bluff” the boys initiative of planning to rescue women and children who had starved to death portrays genuine or functional relationship. However, disillusionment can be outlined in Arthur who after disillusioned with perceived failures of rebuilding the nation of Enchanted Bluff and Grand Canyon die in the same old town. As discussed, both stories create meaning and lessons to readers.

 

 

 

 

 

Work cited

Cather, Willa. The Enchanted Bluff. New York: HarperCollins, 2009. Print

Chopin, Kate. The Awakening and Selected Short Stories. London: Echo Library, 2007. Print

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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