New Zealand Film Industry Essay

Why did the New Zealand government offer Warner Brothers incentives to film â€Å"The Hobbit† in New Zealand? Analyse how this will affect the New Zealand film industry and New Zealand society. Warner Brothers, one of Hollywood’s most famous studios, was founded in 1923 by four actual brothers: Jack, Sam, Harry & Albert Warner. On April 4, 1923, with help from a loan given to Harry Warner by his banker Motley Flint, they formally incorporated as Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc. I believe that production of H0bbit movie is benefit for New Zealand economy and New Zealand Government provide that incentives to Warner Brothers. Warner Brothers is the front of any entertainment industry with its films to television, home entertainment/DVD, and inter-active creativity. New Zealand has a reputation of being in the Top Ten filming locations in the universe. Warner Brothers choose to make the film in New Zealand because they know that New Zealand infrastructure is pleasing and natural . New Zealand is an open economy and it is cost-effectively workable and attractive for large budget international productions. Firstly, it is important to know that what kind of advantage to New Zealand with the Hobbit movie. New Zealand has a both advantages comparative and absolute. Comparative advantage means â€Å"A situation in which a country, individual, company or region can produce a good at a lower opportunity cost than a competitor.† (Gans, King, Stonecash, & Mankiw, 2011) And Absolute advantage means â€Å"The ability of a country, individual, company or region to produce a good or service at a lower cost per unit than the cost at which any other entity produces that good or service.† According to new Law New Zealand have low labour cost means lower opportunity cost. And New Zealand has land, resources and pervious knowledge. For this two reason New Zealand have both advantages. Warner Brothers has reached a deal with the New Zealand government to keep The Hobbit in New Zealand. As part of the agreement, the government will â€Å"introduce in parliament legislation sought by Warner ’s that would clarify the employment status of film industry workers.† It is being presumed that the intended effect is to, â€Å"make unionization of the film industry more difficult or impossible. â€Å"Ever since Jackson’s LOTR trilogy put New Zealand on the map, so to speak, the country has benefited greatly from the rise in tourists. Indeed that has been factored into a â€Å"long-term strategic partnership† the country has struck with Warner Brothers which will see joint promotion of New Zealand as a film production and tourism destination. The incentives provided to Warner Brothers committed more New Zealand taxpayer money to the movies. (Cheng, 2010) As well as broadening the criteria for its large-budget incentive program – which will give WB an additionally rebate of up to US$15 million – the NZ government will also provide up to US$10 million for marketing costs. On top of the obvious benefit of keeping The Hobbit on home ground, New Zealand will also host one of the world premieres for one of the films. All this just goes to show just how important The Hobbit is for New Zealand. It has been said that the production will pump U.S. $200 million into NZ’s economy. (Cheng, 2010) It is important to know the reason as to why the incentives were offered to Warner Brothers. It is stated that â€Å"the Key Government thinks that this little country can and should afford to pay these subsidies to a giant foreign corporation.† (Roger, 2010) It was highly noticeable of the government when it cowardly agreed into Warner Brother’s demands for limited and striking subsidies saying they were worth it because New Zealand’s opportunity to grow in the economy was at stake as other countries waited in the line for ‘The Hobbit’ movie. The Government was under so much pressure from the other film businesses as rivalry was intense from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and many more countries as they all wanted a movie like ‘The Hobbit’. That was the reason the incentive of changing labour laws was undertaken in such an urgency as the government did not want to further deviate expenditure of public money while having to fight back to match the massive tax breaks offered by other countries. Warner Brothers received tax subsidies of $100 million and â€Å"government agreed to give up to $34 million of tax breaks† (Cheng, 2010) through civility of New Zealand’s tax payers. More compromises were approaching as the Government eluded the standard democratic process to move forward with Parliament legislation that undermined the Employment Relations Act, and also benefited the international film company with $25 million. The government flaunted this as triumph for the film industry in New Zealand. The New Zealand government or national party is ideologically placed on the right wing of the spectrum. Right wing means In politics, right-wing describes an outlook or specific position that accepts or supports social hierarchy or social inequality. Social hierarchy and social inequality is viewed by those affiliated with the Right as inevitable, natural, normal, or desirable, whether it arises through traditional social differences or from competition in market economies. It typically accepts or justifies this position on the basis of natural law or tradition. Therefore favors free trade, globalization and open markets. They also want more FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) such as the Warner Brothers’ Hobbit investment. (rejuvenation) The NZ Film Industry will be affected both positively and negatively. â€Å"A 2008 report found that film and television industry injected $2.5 billion into NZ’s economy†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (TVNZ-One news, 2010) The positive thing is that the more contractors get to keep their jobs; New Zealand has been able to build its flexible status again after the boycott scenario with The Hobbit. If the movie was not made in NZ then there would have been long term damage to the NZ Screen production sector and the economy. The negative consequence is that Film industry will be affected by the reductions in rights of NZ workers in Film Production as the Warner Brothers do not want to go through any cases regarding employment regulations after losing a case in the Supreme Court during their previous movie production. Warner Bros. has closed its office in New Zealand. The distribution office shut down at the end of May although Warner Bros. reaffirmed its commitment to business in New Zealand and, they said the work would be outsourced to a local company. The shutdown will raise questions in New Zealand because the Government changed employment law and provided tax breaks to get Warner Brothers to make The Hobbit there. For that The Prime Minister John Key said, â€Å"The Hobbit films have created 3000 jobs. They were crucial to New Zealand for our movie industry; it was a very positive step that the Government took. I’m not sure what has happened in Auckland, but I don’t imagine it’s many jobs.† Warner Bros. have had an office in New Zealand since 1947. (News, 2012) If the Hobbit was move from New Zealand than tourism is decrease and most of societies and their livelihood based on the jobs in tourism sectors are may be close and it’s affected very badly. One society in particular would have been drastically affected and that’s the people in Matamata near Waikato region. This would have been a major hindrance as after the Lord of the Rings movie, that place had been made world famous with its Hobbiton set. Although it’s been seven years since the release of The Lord of the Rings, Matamata and the society persist to bring in benefits after the production of The Lord of the Rings attracting more than 200 000 people each year. So by providing incentives to Warner Brothers government has saved the local societies from being drained out of tourism revenues. Changes to labour law were considered unacceptable and unfair law change. The New law was seen to create a default position, categorizing all film production workers as independent contractors. With my evidence now I know I have clear my doubts about what kinds of incentives are provided to the Warner Brothers. I am used the different sources and it’s quite helpful for increase my knowledge on globalization infusion on our economy, government role in economy, etc. I agree that there is an on-going debate with National party in the Parliament since the Green and Labour party continue to oppose the changes of the Employment laws that accommodate the foreign transnational companies’ demands which affect the tax payers either directly or indirectly in our country. The evidence have however raised a question for me and that is whether the NZ Government that poses a nation-state will be able to keep hold of its decision making powers or whether the power will be soon shifted in the hands of dominant international corporations. Bibliography TVNZ-One news. (2010, october 4). Retrieved from http://tvnz.co.nz/entertainment-news/australia-lobbying-hobbit-3816847/video : http://tvnz.co.nz/entertainment-news/australia-lobbying-hobbit-3816847/video Cheng, D. (2010, oct 27). Hobbit to stay in NZ. Retrieved from http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10683486 Gans, J., King, S., Stonecash, R., & Mankiw, G. (2011). Interdependence and gains form trade. In Globalisation and Business Enterprise (pp. 266-267). Auckland: Custom for AUT University, Faculty of Business and Law. News, O. (2012, June 19). Warner Brothers shuts down NZ office. Retrieved from http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/warner-brothers-shuts-down-nz-office-4937753/video rejuvenation, M. (n.d.). Ideology – The New Zealand Legion. Retrieved from http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/politics/the-new-zealand-legion/ideology Roger. (2010). Retrieved from Roger Award Winner. for the worst Transnational Corporation operating in Aotraroal?New Zealand : htt p://canterbury.cyberplace.org.nz/community/CAFCA/publications/Roger/Roger2

Buddhism: Religion or Philosophy?

Whether or not Buddhism is a religion revolves around the contestation of whether or not it is a philosophy instead. This presents myriad problems of logic, as even the definitions of religion and philosophy are themselves a point of contestation. There is the school of thought that defines religion as a belief system, a firm ascription to a set of rules and utmost truths that therefore make religion of whatever kind dogmatic. To use this definition is to make Buddhism anything but a religion, as Buddhism essentially discourages any sense of rigidity in any belief system.It even does not advocate the supremacy of its own doctrines – the 4 noble truths, the 5 Skandhas, the eight-fold path. There are no parameters. The other thought line on religion defines it as a search for transcendence; a quest for an existence, purpose and authority higher than oneself, as advocated by the likes of Karen Armstrong. In this sense, Buddhism is a religion because it seeks to bring those who pr actice it to a new, profound realization of themselves and the world around them; to ‘see the world as it is’, which is the Buddhist idea of ‘realization’.This probably explains why there are quite a number of brands of Buddhism. Still, others wonder why anyone should be distinguishing between religion and philosophy. According to some, this distinction is a fairly new phenomenon, as recent as the 18th century. Throughout history, it is argued, philosophy and religion have been intertwined; take Plato’s Euthyphro for example. In it, the virtue of piety is inextricably argued from a standpoint of what ‘the gods’ believe is right or wrong, even though the whole discourse follows logic.Similar observations can be made in the Epistles of Apostle Paul in the New Testament. Distinguishing the two, it is said, betrays our own biases rather than clarifies things. Dogmatism v. Reason In following up on the more popular definition of religion bein g a set of beliefs, and therefore inherently dogmatic, religion has been criticized as being irrational – that one is required to have faith in absolute truths that not only make little sense to him, but provide no means through which they can be proven factual or otherwise.I this sense, religion is superstitious and irrational, throwing a spanner into attempts at objective human reasoning. Religions after all, have been the source of the greatest conflicts in world history, more fierce than quests for imperialism or economic dominance. In contrast to religion by popular definition, Buddhism encourages objective discourse through reason in a quest for truth, i. e. it is philosophy, just like Plato and Aristotle practiced it.This is however complicated by the fact that while some brands of Buddhism, such as Zen, do not ascribe to a deity, others actually do have absolute truths. But then again this might only fuel the argument that it is not a religion, seeing as there is no u nifying commonality as is common in other religions – Christ in Christianity, Mohammad in Islam, etc. Mysticism Allowing someone to find their own truth wherever they will is to tell them that whatever direction will take you to your destination, and most Buddhist practices have inevitably ended up in mysticism.Hence, when one asks what Buddhism is, in many cases they are told that they have to experience it, as words cannot sufficiently explain it. This trait is inherently religious rather than philosophical. In the latter, one must be unambiguous, while in the former, things like faith, revelation and prophecy are cornerstones. Being mystical, therefore gives Buddhism the appearance of religion rather than philosophy. All in all, I guess Buddhism is what one makes it.

Online advertising Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Online advertising - Essay Example The research proposes five testable hypotheses that are directly related to the research question. The first hypothesis tested whether information belief, entertainment belief, economy belief, credibility belief, or value corruption belief affects attitudes towards online advertising (ATOA) positively or negatively. Two more hypotheses features the influence of ATOA on the responses given by consumers while the fourth and fifth compares the effect of online advertising between the two areas covered in the study, USA and Romania. The examination of the research problem was to gauge the effectiveness of online advertising across people of different cultural backgrounds. The objective of the authors in examining the influence of various parameters towards online advertising has recurred in the introduction. However, the authors fail to be specific on the quoted literature when quoting the literature in use. They just mention that a host of studies supports the research objective without being specific on what the likes of ‘Ducoffe, 1996’ and ‘Russell et al., 1994’ say about the research topic. The results of these sources are analyzed in a global view. The research analyzed some variables, the beliefs and ATOA against the effectiveness of advertising in various areas. The research’s methodology was effectively chosen and implemented. The objective was categorical and was clearly captured in the hypotheses; belief factors about online advertising have an effect on ATOA and vary across cultures. The most prevalent belief factors were analyzed, which includes that of information, entertainment, economy, credibility, and value corruption. The objective of the research facilitated the use of surveys in achieving the desirable results. The survey involved 577 participants who have been internet users in both USA and Romania. The choice of the participants

KONE PLC Strategic Plan including digital marketing strategy Essay

KONE PLC Strategic Plan including digital marketing strategy - Essay Example An analysis of its market approaches shows that the firm has had its presence in Europe since its establishment. Additionally, the company has not used its capital accumulation to enhance its growth in other markets, unlike other firms that have targeted infant elevator markets. An analysis of its product and services shows that the company has provided dedicated its production line in people flow. Most of its products include automatic doors, auto walks, elevators, escalators, and access control systems. Its branding strategies have increased its target markets ensuring an increase in sales and capital accumulation. It also targets the service industry that has been rated as one of the fast growing markets globally. The diversity of products also assists in its competition strategies leading to its high ratings in the top global firms list. An increase in its main markets requires that the firm should adopt services such as digital marketing to ensure all customers in the markets (Asia, Europe, and the U.S) are covered without any delays. KONE GB’s mission statement is based on the safety of customers. Its dedication to people flow is the driving force for its production and product quality. The firm ensures that its products have undergone safety tests since they directly deal with the people. Ensuring maximum security and a smooth flow of people with flexibility and scalability is a mission statement that governs the employees in their production process. As a result, its products have been rated safest compared to its competitors. It has also incorporated advanced technology in its products to reduce the risks of breakdowns. In the values statement, the firm has engaged in class that is required in the service industry. For example, it has made attractive elevators and escalators that can be used in luxurious hotels and malls. They ensure that customers can customize their product; hence, acting as a strategy to increase its market

How do power relations and organizational politics affect Essay

How do power relations and organizational politics affect organizational change and development What is the role of political b - Essay Example It is due to these disparities in attitude that some forms of conflict begin to surface between managers and employees or even between colleagues at the same levels of authority in the organisation. It is not, however, solely due to attitude, the intangibles of psychological programming, that leads to conflict in the organisation. Especially relevant in highly bureaucratic organisations with thick layers of management, political gaming surfaces when individuals who believe they hold power resources or seek to fulfil a self-serving agenda create a unique type of conflict that is much more difficult to thrive within. This is referred to as organisational politics, â€Å"the management of influence to obtain ends not sanctioned by the organisation† (Mayes and Allen 1977, p.673). Because recognised political behaviour is not condoned by the systems and policies established by the organisation, it becomes more difficult for those being persuaded by political positioning to recognis e what drives power struggles and therefore serve to counteract it when it occurs. This paper describes the role of organisational politics and power relationships in the organisation and how these factors influence or impede organisational change. 2. ... When this type of power manifests itself, employees must conform, however it can lead to long-term resentment or intention to exist the organisation for being forced to operate under oppressive management systems. The second type of power is utilitarian power, a system reliant on rewards and punishments to gain compliance. Pay raises, promotions or even direct threats of potential job loss are tactics utilised under utilitarian power conceptions. This is a common power dynamic in the organisation that incentivises more effective job performance. The third type of power is normative power, in which the organisation, itself, believes that it has the fundamental right to control and govern employee behaviour. Under this power conception, leaders in the organisation establish a unified corporate culture and then demand that employees conform to these socially-driven values even if the individual does not necessarily share the same conceptions. It is highly dependent on the individual emo tional and personality-based behaviours within the organisational context as to how power and political behaviour will manifest themselves. This is why organisational politics is considered by many to be a game, consisting of moves and counter-moves between different organisational actors in order to gain persuasive or coercive influence to ensure that the party in conflict complies with the needs and demands of the organisational politician. This game must â€Å"be played with due diligence and a full comprehension of the players, rules and organisational landscape† (Bolander 2011, p.2). It would seem that in order to understand how to counteract unethical or unproductive

Health Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Health - Essay Example But the definition of health, as defined by WHO is perhaps the most accurate because it primarily focuses on the holistic approach of well being. I prefer this definition because holistic approach to health emphasizes at healthcare delivery system that accessible, affordable and quality driven. This approach ensures that the preventive actions and awareness greatly facilitates the overall well-being of persons. Illnesses are mainly caused due to improper diet, unhygienic conditions and lack of awareness regarding healthcare issues and healthy lifestyle. Proper diet and nutrition is essential for a healthy life. A good and balanced food reduces the risk of diseases, especially the lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes, blood pressure etc that may prove fatal. Adopting holistic approach through the use of alternative medicines hugely promotes all round welfare of the person because it is based on the principle tat the person needs to ‘feel’ good to become healthy. In the contemporary environment of pluralistic society, holistic approach has increasingly become important in the changing socio-cultural environment and takes into consideration the wider implication of the environment in which the people live. In the recent times, the market driven health components are increasingly driving the common man towards alternative health medicines which provide them with more holistic healthcare modules at lesser cost. The alternative health medicines incorporate physical, mental and social well-being of the people. They can broadly be defined as a group of diversified medical and healthcare system and practices that uses non conventional methods of medicines. Ernst et al. have defined as ‘diagnosis, treatment and/or prevention which complements mainstream medicine by contributing to a common whole, by satisfying a demand not met by orthodoxy or by diversifying the conceptual frameworks of medicine’ (Ernst, 2004). The efficacy of the healing is

MGMT335 U5 IP Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

MGMT335 U5 IP - Research Paper Example receive an equal pay just like any other member who got the same skills and competence working under similar working environment without considering such factors as sex. The act may exhibit exceptions in instances where merit and seniority may lead to unequal pay especially when the quality of work differs (Andrews, 2007). The other indispensable law employers ought to observe is contained under Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964. The act provides immunity to employees from traits that tend to discriminate individuals based on color, sex, religion or nationality. The law works in organizations that have more than 15 employees working under the same environmental conditions. Employers also uphold the legislation contained under Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that provides immunity to qualified individuals with disability. The act prohibits employers from discriminating skilled and competent individuals from participating in promotion and hiring process due to their disability unless the condition is affecting the performance of the individual (Andrews, 2007). Employers are supposed to respect laws stipulated under The National Labor Relations Act that allow the workforce to vent their grievances without being discriminated. The workforce may form labor unions that they use as channels to communicate their discomfort once promoted or hired in a particular job group (U.S. Department of Labor, 2012). Employers should observe legislation that fall under The Employment Retirement Security Act of 1970. This act provides protections to the workforce when seeking their retirement benefit. Employers should not discriminate individuals when they express their rights to access their retirement benefits. Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 forms the two exemplars of legislation that specifically deals with discrimination. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 provides

Answering the questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Answering the questions - Essay Example c. Cubital tunnel syndrome: Is a syndrome that relates to the effect of pressure exerted on the ulnar nerve in the hand; thus, resulting in various problems such as pain, weakness, swelling, clumsiness, and unresponsiveness of the small and ring fingers. In most cases, the syndrome causes pain in the elbow on the arm’s side near the chest. d. Tendonitis: Refers to the tendon inflammation, swelling and irritation on the inside sheath due to the overextending of arms overhead. Given that the tendons attach the bones to the muscles, a degeneration of the tendons (tendonitis) would result in the symptoms of this condition. This condition is also the most frequently diagnosed cumulative trauma disorder (CTD). e. Pronation: Refers to the roll of the foot inward when a person is either walking or running. As a result of this, it provides for the distribution of the force of impact on the foot and leg muscles, and the roll usually takes place at about 15%; thus, coming into complete contact with the ground. However, pronation is crucial to the absorption of shock in a proper sense as it helps in the pushing off the foot from the front. f. Supination: This is a clear opposite of pronation; thus, refers to a condition in which the foot rolls outwards and places more weight on the outside of the foot. It may be considered as an over-pronation given that the forearm or foot and leg would make a corresponding movement to the outwards and faces upwards (Skeat 153). g. Rotation: This term is used to describe the movement of muscles at the body joint in relation to each other, but towards the center of the body and around the central axis. Rotation commonly occurs at shoulder joints. The occurrences of rotation may be referred to in various terms depending on the location of the body where it happens, and the involved muscles such as teres major, anterior deltoid, pectoralis, subscapularis,

Team Creation Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Team Creation - Research Paper Example The first step towards choosing people for a project is to consider their professional skills (Cummings & Worley, 2014). While one may pick people because of their technical talents, one does not necessarily require persons with the highest competence, but rather just the right people for the task. The good team members should be reliable, trustworthy, available, flexible, and those who can abide by the rules. An assignment breakdown sheet will assist a team manager to assign the right people to the right tasks. It can be achieved alongside a master plan on a work breakdown structure that includes all tasks arranged in a hierarchical diagram (Cummings & Worley, 2014). To start selecting a team, a project manager will have to assess the skills of all potential team members. A manager needs to establish how experienced a team member must be and how much experience they need to possess for them to fill a particular role. The first team-building strategy is to select a competent team leader and members. Once the selection process is over, the team must set goals. A majority of teams fail in particular because they lack goals; they want to accomplish something, but they lack specific goals (Kerzner, 2013). Secondly, a team must emphasize on communication because it is necessary for effective team-building. It is essential to communicate in every way: phone, in person, email, and through the web.   An effective leader knows when fast intervention is needed to solve a problem. Proper solving-making strategy can go a long way to helping a team to accomplish its tasks (Kerzner, 2013). A group leader must recognize the good work done by members. Every individual needs recognition in whatever they do. It is important for a leader to be conscious of cultural needs and concerns of every member.   All members of the team must be incorporated from their cultural point of view.   Conflict is any condition where there are

Abbott and Merck Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Abbott and Merck - Essay Example In the United States, there are several regulatory bodies that such companies would have to deal with. While their financial operations as well as advertising methods are regulated by other bodies, even their basic operations of researching and producing medicine are heavily regulated. The Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, National Institute of Health, Center for Disease Control and even the National Science Foundation can have an impact on how pharmaceutical companies operate (DHHS, 2007). At the same time, some organizations have more regulatory control than others. For example, the FDA is one body which has the most control over regulations that can force pharmaceutical companies to operate one way or the other. The FDA comes under the Department of Health and Human Services which gives the FDA broad guidelines to follow. The FDA is the actual authority which makes the rules that drug companies have to follow. These regulations impact much more than medicine since food, dietary supplements, cosmetics, medicinal products for use in health care as well as medical implements are regulated by the FDA (FDA, 2007). For pharmaceutical companies, the basic regulations start from food and dietary supplements that may be produced by these companies such as Vitamin C tablets or folic acid pills that may not require prescriptions in many cases. However, in many cases these products may be treated as food in which case there is a strong labeling requirement of the FDA which regulates the producers as to what information needs to be on the packaging of the product (FDA, 2007). For example, as an industry regulation, the producers of dietary supplements are allowed to make claims as to the benefits of their products but they cannot make a claim that their supplements can prevent or cure a disease. At the same time, supplements are not heavily regulated and action against the producers of supplements can

Disinhibitory effect Essay Example for Free

Disinhibitory effect Essay Albert Bandura explains vicarious learning also known as observational learning as the function of observing and imitating behavior from other people. It involves the process of learning what other s are doing and impacting the behavior in our lives through observation. He believes that observational learning is most important during childhood whereby children look up to their parents and guardians as their role models. Bandura argues that vicarious learning allows people to learn without necessarily changing their behavior. Vicarious learning occurs in various mechanisms. These are: The modeling effect In this case a person almost copies the behavior observed in another person although with some differences. Disinhibitory effect This is different because the observer performs a particular behavior after seeing another person perform the behavior without any negative effects. The eliciting effect In this case, the observer displays behavior that is closely related to that of another person although with some differences. Inhibitory effect This is a type of observational learning whereby a person avoids performing a certain behavior after seeing another person face negative consequences from the same behavior. Vicarious learning is related to deviant behavior in children because people who commit crimes relate them to early exposure either directly or indirectly. For example, people who are exposed to pornography material at an early age, eventually become child molesters. Some research studies show that pornography is a tool that is used by child molesters to persuade children to perform the abuse. (Grusec, Hastings, 2006). Baumrind’s typology of parenting styles Parenting is an activity that includes behavior that works either individually or together to influence the outcomes of children’s behaviors. Baumrind believes that the typology of parenting style doe not include deviant parenting but it involves the issue of control. All parents differ in mechanisms through which they control their children or socialize with them, but the main role of parenthood is to control, teach or influence their children. Types of parenting styles Authoritarian parents These parents are very directive and demanding but they respond less to the needs and requests of their children. Such parents expect their children to obey each and every order without explanations. Authoritarian parents usually provide a well structured and ordered environment with rules that should be strictly adhered to. Indulgent parents These types of parents are also referred to as non directive or permissive. They are very responsive and less demanding of their children. Indulgent parents are very lenient and avoid confrontation with their children. They allow for self regulation and do not expect mature behavior from their children. Authoritative parents Unlike the authoritarian parents, the authoritative parents are demanding as well as responsive. These parents monitor their children closely while imparting standards of good conduct in them. They use disciplinary methods that are supportive but tough. Authoritative parents want their children to be firm, socially responsible, assertive as well as self regulated. Uninvolved parents These are the type of parents who lack demand and response towards their children. The authoritative parenting style is the mot effective because it involves parents who are both demanding and responsive. This type of parenting involves disciplinary methods that are both tough and supportive; hence they have a positive effect on the children. Parents who aim at imparting standards of good conduct and self regulation are more effective in their families. (Siegel, Welsh, 2004). The uninvolved parenting style is the least effective parenting style because it results to reject and neglect. These parents lack both responsiveness and demandingness and therefore do not communicate properly with their children. Children who are raised by uninvolved parents feel neglected and rejected and thus are more likely to develop delinquent behavior. Unraveling Juvenile delinquency study by Sheldon and Eleanor This study was conducted in 1940 by Sheldon Glueck and his wife. This study was aimed at examining criminal behavior and they argued that potential deviants could be identified as early as six years of age. They aimed at identifying the causes of crime and delinquency. Sheldon and Eleanor conducted investigations through interviewing family members, social workers, employers, schoolteachers and neighbors. They identified the role played by family structures and discipline in shaping the antisocial aggressive behaviors and delinquency in adolescents and adulthood. During their study the Gluecks compared delinquent and nondelinquent males from Italian, English and Irish families living in poor urban areas. Their findings were that delinquent behavior is developed as a result of early childhood experiences, family structure and discipline. (Glueck, S. Glueck E. 1951). The findings of the Gluecks are valid because delinquent behavior develops early before children reach the age of adolescence. Delinquent signs can be identified between the ages of three and six and almost before they reach the age of eleven. References Burfeind, J. W. Bartusch, D. J. (2005). Juvenile Delinquency: An Integrated Approach. Jones Bartlett Publishers. Glueck, S. Glueck E. (1951). Unraveling Juvenile Delinquency. Harvard University Press. Grusec, J. , E. Hastings, P. , D. (2006). Handbook of Socialization: Theory and Research. Guilford Press. Siegel, L. J. Welsh, B, C. (2004). Juvenile Delinquency: The Core. Thomson Wadsworth.

Examining Victimology Definitions And Paradigms Criminology Essay

Examining Victimology Definitions And Paradigms Criminology Essay The increased incidences of criminal offences in nations is a global menace which has effect on those subjected to crime and the offenders who engage in crime actions. The act of crime is brought about by breaking the law enforced by the government of nations thus there is violation of rights entitled to individuals and disruptions of well being. Victimology is category within criminology with fields such as juvenile delinquency, drug abuse, assault, murder, rape, robbery and burglary. Any one can become a victim and some are more vulnerable to victimization than others. Victimology is field of study to find facts why people are victimized and criminology is a field of study to find why crime is committed. Both fields are characterized by social, economical and political factors. Victims are blamed by society to be careless and not being able to defend themselves. There is need to understand victimizations and being a victim in order to put the strategies and precautions of being vulnerable to being a victim. Therefore there is need of Victimology as a career field to form Programmes of assisting victims to cope with the situation. Victimology as scientific field of study which focuses on physical, emotional and financial factors that people suffers from hand of criminals and the events leading to victimization, thus victimology entails study of precursors, vulnerabilities, events, impacts, recoveries and response of people, cultures and organization related to victims. The process of victimization from one phase to another is stated below as individuals can be victims of different circumstances in day to day life. Victimization is associated with sufferings, sacrifices and deaths hence victims deserve to be made whole again by restoration of their dignity and self-esteem. Definitions According to Garkawe, S. (2000) Victims are those who experiences assault. Murder, rape, robbery and burglary, loss or hardship subjected to them. The case study from Jailed: A very damaged young man and Tragic past translates to stolen future. Defines victims a: The victimization suggested here shows that individuals become victim of several circumstances caused by themselves or the surroundings. The case explains; Matthew Stuart Pearce (28) became generally victimized by the natural catastrophes which were beyond his control during his childhood. General victimization is whereby a person has suffered physical, financial or emotional damages and had experiences of their property taken, occurrence of terrific events and natural calamities. He subjected himself to juvenile delinquency victimization by becoming own victim through abuse of drugs to evade the harsh circumstances he was going through and associating with people of no help to him. Another form of victimization is child abuse; characterized by sexual harassment, physical, emotional and psychological injury. This is further caused by neglect by parents, guardian and care takers. Matthew was abused by his the parent who adopt him. Victim trauma is a result of painful and physical experienced which has a long life effect on person life. The death of mother and siblings through murder exposed him to traumatic occurrences which had high risk in harming emotional stability. Concept of Conservative Victimology S. Garkawe (2000) Statement suggests that Restoration of Justice is a systematic formal legal response to crime victimization that emphasizes on healing the injuries that resulted from the crime that had effect on victims offended, offenders and communities. This process is a derived from the traditional form of justice dealing with criminals and victims which traditionally have generally perpetuated the conflict which resulted in the original crime. It is supported by law and advocates order, this encourages offenders responsibility, involving victims in system of justice thus cutting down the government expenses. This is limited to petty offences in which the proceedings from criminal court do not result to imprisonment. Conservative nature has great effect on criminal justice policy. Suggestions for change and interventions in criminal justice is in favour of crime victims which is dominated by law and order with objective of lowering criminal victimization by emphasizing lawful and orderly society. The failure to rehabilitate and reform the policies leads to decline of support of criminal support. These increase police power and resources; they also have great influence in favour of conservative governments. They invoke victims in order to bargain for more powers and resources though penal policy is dictated to protected the community. His statement also depicts that there is believe of an individual to take responsibility. Social factors are considered not important to criminals; offenders take all blame of crime acts. Individuals are perceived to take initiative in prevention, avoidance, resistance and recovery from victimization. This is important when crime rates are predicted to have fallen down. Traditionalists emphasizes on self- reliance concept by putting stress on victims and society oriented crime prevention measures, they believe criminal acts are beyond government powers hence it is responsibility of individuals, families, institutions and religions to reduce crime. Specific victim policies as suggested by law and order are limited to personal crimes of violence against property mainly by strangers resulting from assaults, murders, rape, robbery and burglary. These instill fear of crime and useful to law and order lawyers by playing with emotions of public. Victims are perceived to be virtuous while offenders are evil doers; the advocates take advantage by appealing to emotions of public. This is more so relevant to conservative supporters specifically the advocates of victims who understand the system well making the victims statement most effective thus empowering the victims by enhancing the prosecutions successful with strong penalties achieved by spending minimum cost of government resources. This is main goal of lawyers compared to more elaborate measures to better treatment of victims within criminal justice system. Other factors associated with conservations are government initiative of compensating victims, which is viewed with ambivale nces by advocates of law and order, many will not want government to get involved in funding but prefers settlement be done by offenders. Some conservative jurisdiction governments have significantly lowered the pay for victims compensation. Restitution order is part of conservation in favour of victims of part of offenders criminal sanction. Law enforcers are in agreement that should be encouraged to save governments cost for victims compensation to enhance that offenders are accountable. Victim support services are encouraged to enhance successful prosecution so long as government expenditures not involved. Mediation between Offenders and Victims this is a formal meeting between the offenders and victim in presence of mediator to dialogue in order to find solution of the offence. This is done with aim of reconciliation by creating a mutual acceptance plan to repair harms and damages that occurred during crime offences to eliminate conflicts between the parties involved in disagreements as stated by John P. J. Dussich. Concept of Critical and Radical in Victimology It is viewed differently from conservative victimology; it is an outcome of unequal social factors like unemployment, poverty, patriarch and racism causing crimes. The need for great resources to be devoted to law enforcers agencies and prisons are agents of social control. Some suggests to be terminated where as others want to be replaced with informal justice system and that society should take responsibility for crime as a whole but not individuals. It is asserted to be no division between victims and offenders, all groups of people in society are victims. Victim compensation expands social control by insistence that victims reported the matter to police reinforced by restricted eligibility. State sponsored victims programmes are agents of supporting social control with major guiding influence not being compassionate for victims, programmes are predicated on needs of prosecution. It is opposed that crime victims having formal rights in criminal justice system and concept of victim participation in proceeding includes the effects of victims statement. Involvement of victims in justice system aids government in conviction of defendants and advocates higher penalties increasing likelihood of incarceration hence increase of social control. Restitution order against offenders is often unrealistic and lengthens offenders involvement with criminal justice in case of serious crimes; it seems genuine alternative and paradigm shift away from existing retributive criminal justice system. The concept supports mediation as explained by S. Garkawe (2000). Thus the radical paradigm concludes that crime is seen as significant problem affecting people lives, reality in crime should be analyzed beyond immediate appearance and crime control must be taken seriously. Circumstances of offenders and victims should be put into considerations when making decisions of criminal policies and the crime must be tackled by been keen with present situations in the society. Criminal justice system, prisons department and police force should not be terminated but reforms be made to put social control in place. Conclusion The laws should include services of victims, restitution from offenders, information about criminal justice system and right to formal participation of criminal justice process. The field of victimology should have professionals people with specialized training in dealing with criminal acts, offences, and victims well being to help victims to fully recover. Formal victim assistance programmes should be established by social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, medical doctors to help in counseling the victims.

Vocabulary Learning Through Computer Assisted Language English Language Essay

Vocabulary Learning Through Computer Assisted Language English Language Essay Abstract The importance of learning English as an international language requires the acquisition of vocabulary as the basic and necessary skill. By the improvement of technology, and computer in particular, many researches are done to show the influence of technology on vocabulary learning. This literary review is done to show the importance as well. Introduction Michael Levy defined Computer-assisted Language Learning (CALL) in his book as the search for and study of applications of the computer in language teaching and learning (p.1). It is recognizable in the academic literature for about the last thirty years. CALL has been made possible by invention and development of the computer. They developed from large mainframe computers to smaller, faster, and easier ones. For all those who whish to create new CALL materials, points of departure range dramatically from top-down approaches centered perhaps upon a theory of language or language learning, or a curriculum specification, while others might develop CALL materials from the bottom up, perhaps by using the computer to address a particular classroom problem. Other points of departure might include a learning strategy , a macroskill, computer conferencing, or an exploration of aspects of the technology itself. There are practical issues to considerfor example, the selection of the hardware a nd software development tools for the project, Hypercard, Authorware, Toolbook, CALIS, C, and Visual Basic, or a mark-up language to enable publishing on the World Wide Web such as Hypertext or Virtual Reality Mark-up Languages (HTML and VRML), are just a handful of many options now available. (Michael Levy, Oxford Linguistic Computer-Assisted Language Learning Context and Conceptualization, p.3) an interdisciplinary perspective on CALL shows it to be a relatively new field of study that has been subject to the influence of a number of other discipline. In addition to the fields of computing and language teaching and learning, real and potential influences in the development of CALL included aspects of psychology, artificial intelligence, computational linguistics, instructional design, and human-computer interaction. Many of these disciplines are relatively new in themselves, having developed significantly since World War II. They each have their own perspective and frame of reference, they often overlap and interrelate, and the extent to which any one discipline should influence the development of CALL has not been determined. At various times, CALL workers have called upon each of these fields to guide their own work in some way. (the same, p.7) Development of CALL Jing-hua suggested in his paper presented It is commonly known that the development of CALL mainly experiences three phases, namely, behavioristic CALL, communicative CALL, and integrative CALL. Each phrase is marked by distinct language teaching theories. For example, Behaviousristic CALL is based on the dominant behaviorist theories of learning and teaching of that time, which emphasizes the formation of speaking habit, thus, courseware mainly focuses on practice and drill of language patterns. After behaviorism lost its dominance, cognitive psychology began to gain popularity. Communicative CALL rejects the notion of habit-formation and focuses more on creative language use. So software at that time stressed the importance of communication and creative use of language instead of manipulation of language forms. Under the influence of constructivism, integrative CALL began to gain prominence. Constructivism focuses more on the connection between old knowledge and new knowledge and l earners are taken as active participators who can engage in creative thinking rather than follow ready made knowledge. The development of internet provides learners with enormous amount of authentic materials and also a platform where they can have a real conversation with peers, teachers or native speakers. The integration of the four skills becomes possible and learners individual needs are satisfied to some extent. Studies on computer assisted vocabulary learning have touched upon different aspects of vocabulary learning, among which a line of research is to examine the effects of electronic or online dictionary use or the effects of look-up behavior or the click behavior on word retention (p.60,61). What Does Vocabulary Mean? Vocabulary .. is an essential means of interchanging ideas and of acquiring new experiences Mans growth in ideas has always been accompanied by a corresponding expansion of his vocabulary. (Gray 1939, p.1). When a pupil reads and learns the meaning of familiar words by context, there is reason to believe that the knowledge will be genuine and important. (Thorndike 1934, p.11). The commonest way and perhaps the best way to promote growth of content in words is to allow the child to infer the meaning from context (Chambers 1904, p.50). Vocabulary Acquisition and L2/FL Reading Comprehension Reading is an active skill that involves the reader, the text, and the interaction between the two. Reading in a L2 or FL is a dynamic and interactive process, during which learners make use of a variety of skills and strategies, combined with background knowledge, L1-related knowledge and real-world knowledge to arrive at an understanding of written material (Aebersold and Field, 1997: ix). Constantinescu (2007) suggests that several researchers have argued that vocabulary plays a major part in reading proficiency Aside from knowing how to use the appropriate reading strategies, Grabe (1991, as cited in Butler-Pascoe and Wiburg, 2003: 124) argues that fluent L2/FL readers need to know about 2,000 to 7,000 words and sometimes even more if they want to reach native-like fluency. Similarly, Groot (2000: 62) argues that an adequate understanding of academic texts requires a vocabulary of at least 7,000 words. Generally, L2/FL readers need to recognize approximately 95 per cent of the words in a given text in order to comprehend its meaning and they need to know the different meanings of words according to context, as well as words grammatical properties. What are Language Learning Strategies? Seglar (2001) remarked, Language Learning Strategies could be any set of operations, steps, plans, routines used by the learner which affect this process (p,26). There are two ways for the second language vocabulary acquisition. S. Prell suggested in his articles wo ways for the second language vocabulary acquisition (p.2): The first method, the experimental method, is CAVOCA. The second method is a more familiar approach to the students, called the bilingual word list. Prell remarked, The first method is the bilingual word list presentation. The second is the Computer Assisted Vocabulary Acquisition (CAVOCA) program.The CAVOCA method attempts to replicate the way the first language is acquired, which is through an incremental process that gradually develops with repeated exposure and constant interaction between the various stages (Groot, 2000, p. 64). The program has four sections, which include storing the word in memory; using the word in several sentences to learn the spelling and meaning; giving examples for long-term memory; and a self-assessment. The second method is a more familiar approach to the students, called the bilingual word list. This method takes less time and produces favorable short-term results (Prell). Prell conducted some experiments and found that both of them wre valuable, yet through some experiments it was proved that they were different from each other: In the first two experiments, the bilingual word list yielded substantially higher results with the immediate tests given than the CAVOCA program. However, in testing the students two to three weeks later, the CAVOCA method produced better results for the retention of the vocabulary. In the third and fourth experiments, the bilingual word list did not show significant differences in the immediate tests from the first two experiments. However, the CAVOCA method showed higher rates of retention for the tests given two to three weeks after the initial test. Information Processing Iheanacho (1997) remarked in his research suggests that cognitive theorists assume that any complete theory of human cognition must include an analysis of the plans or strategies people use for thinking, remembering, understanding and producing language (p.18). Iheanacho (1997) remarked in his research The memory system explains the interrelationship among the three main storage structures of the brain: Sensory register, Short term memory (STM), and Longterm memory (LTM) (p.2). According to Schwartz and Reisberg (1991), the STM provides a small storage repository where the information is repeated over and over through a maintenance rehearsal process. When a piece of information is repeated and rehearsed, the probability of retaining that information can increase. But the STM is limited in how much information it can hold. The maintenance rehearsal helps to transfer the excess information which is not yet needed to another storage called Long-Term Memory (LTM). LTM provides a storage place of great size containing information that is not immediately active so that the information can be retrieved when needed. According to Miller (1989), LTM helps people to recall events, solve problems and recognize patterns. It is the repository in which we carry out all that we know (Schwartz Reisberg 1991). The interrelationship between STM and LTM explains how visual information can enhance retention and recall. According to Posner (1969), visual information can persist in STM after the stimulus is diminished. Additionally, visual information can be activated and retrieved from the LTM. The information processing model can account for the effectiveness of visuals in learning. Visual research Heinich, Molenda and Russell (1993) proposed that learning is facilitated when instruction follows a sequence from actual experience to iconic representation, and then to symbolic or abstract representation. Visuals make abstract information more concrete and are suited for analogical reasoning (Levie, 1987). Pictures and prose can be used to help both skilled and unskilled readers to enhance their reading skills ( Holmes, 1987). Holmes studied the ability of 116 fifth and sixth grade students to answer inferential questions. Three groups were established. The first group used pictures, the second group used prints, and the third group used a combination of prints and pictures. His purpose was to examine skilled and unskilled readers to see if there would be a significant difference in their ability to answer questions in each approach. He found that pictures enabled both skilled and unskilled readers to answer inferential questions. Holmes therefore suggested using pictures to initially improve inferential reading, and then gradually advancing to using print only. Imagery and vocabulary acquisition Furthermore, a study conducted by Paivio and his associates (1971) revealed that when learners are instructed to use images to commit a list of words to memory, recall is facilitated dramatically. In the study, subjects were required to learn pairs of words by rehearsing each pair, by making up a sentence for each pair of words, and by forming a mental image for each pair of words, with the image combining the words. They found that subjects who learned through imagery performed better on a recall test. Dual-coding theory Dual-coding theory contends that pictures and words activate independent visual codes (imagens) and verbal codes (logogens). The verbal system is language-like and specializes in linguistic activities associated with words and sentences, whereas, the visual system is thought of as a code for images and other picture-like representations (Rieber, 1994; Rieber, 1992). Rieber further explains that both verbal and visual subsystems have unique properties. Whereas logogens are stored in the verbal system as discrete elements, resembling words and sentences, imagens are stored as continuous units in the visual system. According to (Paivio, 1986; Rieber, 1992; Rieber, 1994), dual coding theory assumes that three levels of processing can occur within the verbal and visual systems. These are: representational connections, associative structure, and referential connections. Representational connections occur between incoming stimuli and either the verbal or visual system. Whereas verbal stimuli activate verbal memory codes, visual stimuli activate visual memory codes. Rieber (1994) explained that the important aspect of referential connections between the verbal and visual systems are not one to one, but can be one to many. For example, seeing a picture of a computer may invoke many verbal responses, such as an Applecomputer, an IBM computer or a Laptop computer. This concept can be applied when using pictures to learn vocabulary. Associative structures refer to activation or processing of information within any of the systems. The processing of information in the verbal system is assumed to be sequential or linear; whereas, processing of information in the visual system is believed to be parallel or synchronous. The separate coding systems, however, can aid each other so that something coded in both picture and verbal forms can be easily remembered (Rieber, 1994). The probability of recall is increased due to the availability of two mental representations instead of one. If one memory trace is lost, the other is still available (Rieber Kini, 1991). Multimedia CALL and vocabulary acquisition Studies (Reid, 1996; Davis Lyman-Hager, 1997; Zimmerman, 1997) showed the effectiveness of multimedia CALL on vocabulary learning in particular and language learning in general. Based upon this review, multimedia CALL programs that use motion pictures, still pictures, and text can help ESL students to improve their vocabulary skills. But it is not clear if a multimedia program with motion pictures or the one with still pictures will be more effective for intermediate level ESL students. More empirical studies to investigate the effectiveness of multimedia CALL with motion pictures and still pictures on vocabulary acquisition of ESL students can lead to the development of more effective methods for vocabulary acquisition. Motion graphics and still graphics Many studies (Rieber Kini 1991; Siribodhi, 1995; Rieber, 1990; Rieber, 1996) have shown that computer graphics are effective for gaining attention. Furthermore, Iheanacho (1997) suggested that computer graphics can encourage students to create mental images that in turn make it easier for them to learn certain types of information. The difference between motion graphics and still graphics is that motion creates the illusion of movement which helps to explain abstract concepts (Bricken, 1991; Rieber, 1994). In 1996, Rieber conducted a study to explore how users interact and learn during a computer-based simulation given graphical and textual forms of feedback. He found that subjects learned more when provided with animated graphical feedback than with textual feedback. Rieber hypothesized that interactive forms of multimedia, such as computer. simulations will promote different levels of processing depending on the type of representation used (e.g. text, graphics, motion and sound). In an earlier study, Rieber Kini (1991) contended that in contrast to static graphics, animated graphics can provide users with additional information through two important visual attributes: motion and trajectory. They also added that animation can provide information about whether the object is moving or whether the objects motion changes over time. Still or static pictures, on the other hand, lack motion and are more abstract than motion pictures. Still pictures suggest motion whereas motion pictures show life in action, can be used to study specific elements, and can bring us close to the point of visual contact (Dale, 1969). EXPERIMENTS ON COMPUTER-ASSISTED VOCABULARY ACQUISITION IN THE ESL CLASSROOM RESEARCH QUESTIONS Pelletreau (2006) conducted an experiment Of chief importance in this study was the degree to which students would take advantage of computer-assisted opportunities for incidental vocabulary learning while performing online reading tasks. The study necessarily addressed a more fundamental question: How would students learn new words in the course of completing computer-based reading tasks? Lastly, and most importantly for this study, how was the learning of non-target words related to the learning of target words? (p.16). In an earlier study (see Juffs et al., April, 2006), students frequently used the online dictionary to look up the meanings of target words. In fact, students accessed 71% of all the definitions available to them on average, and yet, such behavior did not correlate with mastery of words (r = .16, n.s.). The best predictor of word mastery (as defined by 2 correctly answered post-reading vocabulary questions) was number of texts read (r = .86, p à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¤ .0001). In other words, students reading more texts mastered more words, though the time spent clicking on hints had almost no effect on word mastery (Juffs et al., April, 2006). If students were not benefiting from looking up target words, it may have been because they were not actually making use of target-word definitions. But what were they doing while reading? They were either unable or unwilling to learn target-word definitions. It became apparent that students were not gaining a substantial learning advantage by using the online dictionary. In other words, students were not achieving a desired learning outcome. They resisted their language-learning task and instead participated in a counter-task (Lantolf Thorne, 2006, p. 238) In this context, a decision was made to allow students to look up any word in the online dictionary. Perhaps students had been focusing their attention on non-target words, or maybe they had other preferred (and unknown) methods of using the program. It was clear that students were likely not using the REAP program the way they had been expected to, and it was also apparent that the instruments to gather data about students behavior in the LMC were lacking. As a result, REAP was modified to allow students to look up the meaning of any word, and the number of clicks of both target and non-target words was recorded. Because quantitative data alone would provide an incomplete picture of student vocabulary-learning behavior, qualitative data collection instruments were introduced. Students could be valuable sources of information about their own vocabulary-learning techniques. The acquisition of target vocabulary was thought to depend on student comprehension of non-target words. It was hypothesized that students would use information about non-target words to assist them in their target-vocabulary tasks. It may have been the case that knowledge of non-target words surrounding target words would aid students in making lexical and semantic connections that facilitated target-word acquisition. In line with such reasoning, a strong positive correlation between non-target and target-vocabulary acquisition was posited, at least up to a particular critical threshold. For those students who knew the meanings of very few of the words surrounding target words, it was reasoned, target-word acquisition would be minimal. In such a scenario, such students would have too many gaps in their word knowledge and too few resources to be able to acquire a considerable number of target words. In effect, students learning more non-target words were predicted to learn more target words, though only up to a point. Student accuracy on measures of target vocabulary knowledge should have correlated strongly with non-target vocabulary acquisition up to some critical point. After a certain threshold, the acquisition of additional non-target words might have led to a decrease in the number of target words acquired. Such a threshold may have depended in part on the general language proficiency of the student (measured in this case by the MTELP score). The finite nature of the students language-learning resources, including processing power, attention and memory, may also have been important. It was thought that students spending much of their time learning as many non-target words as they possibly could would likely perform as poorly with respect to target-word acquisition as those who paid little or no attention to non-target words. In such cases, it was plausible that temporal and cognitive constraints (Sweller, 1988; 1994) would lead to students acquiring relatively fewer target words. In effect, the distribution of target words acquired versus non-target words acquired should have been more or less nonlinear. That is, target-word learning should have reached some maximum value for a moderate value of non-target word learning. Additionally, the amount of non-target word acquisition occurring in the study should have been much less, on average, than that of target-word acquisition. While there may have been some exceptions, the explicit instructions to focus on target words coupled with the way the words appeared should have led to relatively greater student attention to target words. It should also be pointed out that students answered cloze questions testing their knowledge of target words (for which they received feedback) after each reading, while they answered no such questions and received no feedback pertaining to non-target words. Greater attention and in general, more cognitive resources devoted to target words should have translated to differential target and non-target vocabulary learning. In terms of predicting how many target and non-target words students learned, general language proficiency should have provided some indication of such information. Pelletreau (2006) concluded in this experimenr, Non-target word lookups did not correlate with target word acquisition. Students did not appear to learn target words faster or better by attending to non-target words. As a result, the relationship between the explicit and incidental learning students engaged in remains unclear. The relative effectiveness of each, as well as the optimal balance of explicit and incidental learning in such a context, is an open question. Benefits of CALL for Vocabulary Acquisition and Reading Comprehension According to Constantinescu (2007) Multimedia refers to computer-based systems that use various types of content, such as text, audio, video, graphics, animation, and interactivity. Constantinescu (2007) mentioned in his article Most research on vocabulary acquisition and CALL has focused on the effects of multimedia glosses, and the same is true for reading comprehension, since vocabulary and reading are closely and reciprocally related. This reciprocal relationship also accounts for the fact that many research studies on vocabulary development and CALL also examine reading comprehension, and vice versa. Multimedia Glosses and Vocabulary Development One of the first to examine the effects of multimedia glosses for vocabulary development were Lyman-Hager and Davis (1996), who integrated a computer program into the French foreign language curriculum and discussed vocabulary acquisition and students glossing choices for 262 intermediate level students studying French. Two conditions were used in this study: computerized reading and non-computerized reading using an excerpt of Oyonos Une Vie de Boy. Both groups had access to glosses: the computer group had access to multimedia annotations, whereas the control group could consult printed text with the same glosses. As to whether or not computer treatment offered significant benefits to FL students, the results of the written recall protocol indicated that the experimental group who used the computer program to read the text significantly outperformed the control group who used the glossed reading in the print form. Using Multimedia for Vocabulary-building Constantinescu (2007) mentioned in his article However, multimedia is not used only for glossing texts. Multimedia is a central component of good computer-assisted skill-building software. Thus, Chanier and Selva (1998) stressed the benefits of multimedia support for learning L2/FL vocabulary and presented ALEXIA, a lexical learning environment for French as a L2/FL, which includes a corpus of texts, a general and a personal dictionary, and a lexical activities unit. After reviewing various viewpoints about the effectiveness of multimedia for vocabulary learning, they propose useful criteria for evaluating the quality of a visual representation in a lexical environment. Groot (2000) presented another multimedia-enhanced computer-assisted word acquisition program, called CAVOCA, whose aim was to speed up the vocabulary acquisition process. CAVOCA is an interactive program that takes learners through different stages of vocabulary development: deduction, consolidation, and long-term re tention. Benefits of Multimedia-enhanced Dictionaries Other research that focused on vocabulary development with technology argued for the increased effectiveness of multimedia-enhanced electronic dictionaries designed specifically for English language learners, and which have several built-in aids that their book counterparts cannot provide (e.g. the Longman Interactive English Dictionary, the Oxford Picture Dictionary Interactive, etc.) (Butler-Pascoe and Wiburg, 2003: 126-12) Benefits of Multimedia for Reading Comprehension The positive effect that multimedia has on reading comprehension comes, according to Busch (2003: 278), from the great advantage that online readers have over traditional printed readers: the possibility to enhance computerized texts with glosses in multimedia format. The effects of multimedia glossing received increased attention as researchers considered the possibility that computer-aided reading could create more proficient readers by offering a choice of various types of glosses to develop better vocabularies, greater background knowledge surrounding the text, and more effective reading strategies (Lyman-Hager and Davis, 1996: 775). Constantinescu (2007) remarked some principles for instructors to increase the efficiency of the introduced strategies: First Principle: Instructors Should Pay More Attention to the Existence of Various Teaching Tools For vocabulary acquisition, instructors could make great use of technology by using multimedia glossed texts, electronic dictionaries, corpora and concordance software, as well as various vocabulary-building software. Second Principle: Instructors Should Introduce Multimedia-glossed Texts into Their Vocabulary/Reading Classes Multimedia glossing triggers better results when compared to print glosses. Moreover, full glossing seems to be the best facilitator of vocabulary acquisition and reading comprehension, as opposed to little or non-glossed texts. In addition, best results in retention are triggered by picture + text annotations, whereas pronunciation, video, and audio glosses seem to correlate negatively with reading comprehension. Third Principle: Instructors Should Be Acquainted with the Criteria for Software and Courseware Evaluation (e.g. goals, presentation, appropriateness, outcomes), As Well As Take Into Consideration Two Very Important Factors: Time and Effort Teachers must be aware that there are many different types of software or online materials available for ESL / EFL, however, not all of them are valuable for classroom instruction. Some materials focus on specific skills, while others focus on a wide range of skills and strategies. Moreover, instructors should also ensure that the materials used in class are motivating for students and are at an optimum, i+1 difficulty level, so that progress can be attained. Teachers should also pay attention to students level of familiarity with computers and keep in mind whether the chosen software will trigger the desired outcomes. Fourth Principle: Instructors Should Keep Up with Current Methodology and Make Best Use of Visuals and Multimedia Good CALL programs should make best use of visual elements and multimedia glossing, as well as generate students participation. The programs should be interactive, allowing the students to make choices. Also, they should consist of a wide range of different types of exercises in which students not only choose the right answers but also type in answers. Summary L2 comprehention depends mostly on acquiring vocabulary at least 7,000 words as was mentioned by Groot (2000: 62). Due to the importance of vocabulary acquisition some ways were discussed, and through some experiments by Prell it becomes clear taht the CAVOCA method produced better results for the retention of the vocabulary (p,3). So, in continuation, my research focused on the influence of different models of Call strategies on accelerating vocabulary learning and how the instructors should use them in the best way to increase their efficiencies. Conclusion Among different forms of computerized ways of vocabulary learning, some ways were mentioned. While being different from each other, it is proved that some of them are more efficient that others. All in all, CALL can be a useful instrument for both teachers and students in regard to the priority it has to the difficult traditional ways.

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George W. Bush’s decision to make his first overseas trip to Mexico, in mid-February, has generated a great deal of speculation about what this could possibly mean for changes in U.S. policy toward Latin America over the next four years. It is clear that Mexico is vastly more familiar and comfortable for Bush than any other foreign country. In light of the questions raised about the former Texas governor’s foreign policy experience and competence during the campaign, it is hardly surprising that he would look first to the country immediately south of the Rio Grande to show he is up to the job. Bush could be tempted to explore some initiative that would symbolize the â€Å"special relationship† he is seeking with Mexico. This would naturally mean responding in some fashion to Mexican President Vicente Fox’s bold proposals on the two most contentious issues in the bilateral relationship: drugs and immigration. During the U.S. presidential campaign, both Bush and Gore seemed to be caught off guard by Fox’s audacity. They had presumably wanted greater democracy in Mexico, but were not prepared to deal with such an independent leader who defied all of the conventions in U.S.-Mexico relations. The triumph of the first opposition figure to defeat what Peruvian writer Mario Vargas Llosa had once described as â€Å"the perfect dictatorship† gave the initiative to Mexico in forging a more constructive partnership with the United States. It will not be easy to take full advantage of the opportunity afforded by the beginning of both the Mexican and U.S. administrations. Fox is likely to encounter some resistance within Mexico to the notion of deepening ties with the United States even further. In trying to serve as an interlocutor for the rest of Latin America with the United States, he will face a tough balancing act. How will Mexico retain its Latin American identity—and its credibility on an array of hemispheric questions—as it moves closer to the United States? Mexico, after all, played a key role in facilitating political settlements to the Central American conflicts in the 1980s and 1990s. Particularly in view of Fox’s rather bold and promising gestures aimed at resolving the conflict between the Mexican government and the Zapatistas in Chiapas, the Mexican leader may well want to become active in trying to find a peaceful settlement to the decades-long conflict in Colombia. Mexico’s heightened visibility on Colombia and other hemispheric questions could put some strain on its â€Å"special relationship† with the United States, whose $1.

Privacy Concerns With Electronic Medical Records Essay -- Online Secur

Prior to the Information Age, medical records were all stored in folders in secure filing cabinets at doctor’s offices, hospitals, or health departments. The information within the folders was confidential, and shared solely amongst the patient and physician. Today these files are fragmented across multiple treatment sites due to the branching out of specialty centers such as urgent care centers, magnetic resonance imaging, outpatient surgical centers, and other diagnostic centers. Today’s ability to store medical records electronically has made it possible to easily send these files from one location to another. However, the same technology which can unify the fragmented pieces of a patient’s medical record has the ability to also create a path for privacy and security breaches. This paper will examine how electronic medical records are used, how they are secured, how security is enforced, and what the consequences of security breaches are. It is important for the purpose of clarity to distinguish the difference between electronic medical records (EMR) and electronic health records (EHR). Electronic medical records are an electronic composition of an individual’s medical history including such components as procedures, past diseases, diagnosis, medications, doctor’s names, and allergies. An electronic health record is an electronic means of documenting a patient’s procedures, diagnosis, billing information, etc. at each care facility (Badzek & Gross, 1999). A movement that was first initiated under the Bush administration, accepted by the Clinton administration, and now embraced by President Obama is the creation of the individual electronic medical record. In 2009 President Obama included $36 billion in the stimulus package to... ...n%20age/315,000%20patients%27%20information%20disappears%20from%20Emory%20Healthcare%20_%20www.wsbtv.com.htm Dixon, P. MEDICAL IDENTITY THEFT: The Information Crime that Can Kill You, March 3, 2006. World Privacy Forum. Retrieved from http://www.worldprivacyforum.org/pdf/wpf_medicalidtheft2006.pdf on April 24, 2012. Foreman, Judy (26 June 2006). "At Risk of Exposure†. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 23 , 2012. Gellman, R. Fact Sheet 8a: HIPAA Basics: Medical Privacy in the Electronic Age. Privacy Clearing House. March, 2012. Retrieved April 19, 2012 from http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs8a-hipaa.htm. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, 42 U.S.C.  § 1320d-9 (2010). Moore, J. Electronic Medical Records Stimulus Package. Dec. 2009, Retrieved from http://www.electronicmedicalrecords.com/emr-stimulus-hitech-act.php on April 19, 2012.

Louise Brooks And The Flapper Era :: essays research papers fc

The flapper era was the time of the worship of youth (pandorasbox/flapper). Flappers were women of the Jazz Age. They had measurements of pre-adolescent boys, with no waistline, no bust, and no butt. Flappers had short hair worn no longer than chin length, called bobs. Their hair was often dyed and waved into flat, head-hugging curls and accessorized with wide, soft headbands. It was a new and most original style for women. A lot of make-up was worn by flappers that they even put on in public which was once unheard of and considered something done only by actresses and whores. Flappers wore short, straight dresses often covered with beads and fringes, and they were usually worn without pantyhose. Young flappers were known to be very rebellious against their parents, and society blamed their waywardness partially on the media, movies, and film stars like Louise Brooks (Szabo). Louise Brooks was a big part of the Jazz Age and had a lot of influence on the women of the 1920’s. Being a film star with a great, original personality she is known for being one of the most extraordinary women to set forth the Flapper era. Her sleek and smooth looks with her signature bob helped define the flapper look (pandorasbox/flapper).On November 14, 1906, in Cherryvale, Kansas, Mary Louise Brooks was born. She had two brothers, one sister, and parents, Leonard and Myra Brooks, who was a costume maker and pianist. In 1910, Brooks performed in her first stage role as Tom Thumb’s bride in a Cherryvale church benefit. Over the next few years she danced at men’s and women’s clubs, fairs, and various other gatherings in southeastern Kansas.At ten years old she was already a serious dancer and very much interested in it. In 1920, Brook’s family moved to Wichita, Kansas, and at 13 years old she began studying dance (pandorasbox/chron). Louise Brooks had a typical education and family life. She was very interested in reading and the arts, so in 1922 she traveled to New York City and joined the Denishawn Dance Company. This was the leading modern dance company in America at the time. In 1923, Brooks toured the United States and Canada with Denishawn by train and played a different town nearly every night, but one year later she leaves Denishawn and moves back to New York City. Not too long after her return, she gets a job as a chorus girl in the George White Scandals.

Letter to the President of a Fast Food Chain Essay

In a recent article from CBS News, it was found out that the percentage of obesity in United States has risen to alarming levels. What is frightening about this statistics is that nearly one third of children in the US aged 4-19 consume six extra pounds every year which jeopardizes their health by making them vulnerable to obesity (Holguin 2003). This is no wonder considering the fact that billions of dollars are allocated to the ludicrous amount of fast food advertising and ubiquitous franchises that virtually leaves the public saturated with high-calorie and low-fiber diet. I am writing to you to explain how detrimental it is for children to consume abnormal amounts of fast food, so that in your capacity as president of a leading fast food chain, you can consider this information and alter the way your products are produced and marketed. It is true that food intake is a matter of individual responsibility. However, in case of children, marketing plays a powerful part in controlling their choices. One of the biggest culprits that make fast food so appealing to children is the marketing of meals with toys. The idea behind associating fast food with toys is to attract a bigger slice of the market since kids would usually be accompanied by their families when they go out to get burger, fries and the latest toy craze. The motto of fast food marketing is to attract kids with â€Å"toys, toys, toys† (Schlosser 2001, 46). Even the facilities and playground section in most fast food chains seem to be a part of marketing this unhealthy food. Advertising, of course, would not reveal how unhealthy the meals that come with the toys are. The high calorie content of these meals comes from heavy frying and large amounts of sugar that appeal to the taste buds of children. Studies show that babies prefer the sweet taste and reject the bitter ones (Schlosser 2001). As such, fast food meals become â€Å"comfort foods† for children because of the addicting experience they have when they consume it (Schlosser 2001, 123). Another problem in preparation of meals in fast food restaurants is the use of hydrogenated oil for frying (Gosline 2006). Hydrogenated oil or trans-fats are hazardous because they increase the risk of heart attack (Gosline 2006). Obesity is another outcome of a steady consumption of high-calorie diet. Although companies promote exercise and having an active lifestyle, these are no compensation for consuming more than the required calories for a day. Obesity is not the final result of a high-calorie diet because it branches out and causes myriad of other health problems including diabetes which attack body systems making it susceptible to host of other diseases and organ failures. Presently, the media, specifically producers of eye-opening documentaries and books, and policy-makers are making efforts to inform the public of the hazards of fast food. These efforts are meant to protect our children from developing unhealthy habits and eventually developing body malfunctions. It is my advocacy that people, including those who are involved the industry of fast food, are informed of the repercussions of unchecked, unbalanced and irresponsible production and consumption of this modern day health hazard. Only through information can we be aware of the dangers that we have been so accustomed to patronize. Sincerely yours, [author] References Gosline, A. (2006). â€Å"Why fast foods are bad, even in moderation. † News Scientist Health. Retrieved 25 January 2009 from http://www. newscientist. com/article/dn9318. Holguin, J. (2003). â€Å"Fast Food linked to Child Obesity. † CBS News. Retrieved 25 January 2009 from http://www. cbsnews. com/stories/2004/01/05/health/main591325. shtml. Schlosser, E. (2001). Fast Food Nation The dark side of the all-american meal. NY: Hughton Mifflin

Rich World Poor World

Debt is made when one party owes party money (Sofas, 2005). Just like people, governments of both developed and developing nations borrow money in order to function well and to maintain their economies (George, 1994). Debt is the economic mode that promotes economic activity in the global market (Lombard, 2004). The acquisition of debt comes through loans, grants and aid that are provided to developed and developing nations by multilateral creditors and bilateral lenders George, 1994).These creditors are international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (MIFF), the World Bank (WEB) and other banking institutions (Millet & Toasting, 2004). The international community with their neo-liberal approach and capitalist notions of eradicating poverty was through, economic growth and development (Schaeffer, 2009). Due to increased profits (petrol-dollars) made off increased oil prices developing countries were encouraged and some even coerced to borrow money from developed na tions in the sass's and sass (George, 1994).Although their profits were invested in Western banks it did not yield impressive returns thus encouraging the global South to acquire debt (George, 1994). The global South grasped the opportunity and borrowed money to advance their infrastructure (roads and dams) and also fund industrial projects in their countries Airman, 2006). Some countries even borrowed more money what they needed. So keen the developed nations were to borrow money that they disregarded any moral and ethical standards they might have had, and granted loans knowingly, to corrupt governments and military regimes (George, 1994).Unfortunately like everything else this spending spree did not last and came to a sudden halt in the sass's, which even left the United States economy in a recession (Study Guide, 2012). Developing countries had borrowed so much money that domestic currency and macro- economies collapsed, paralyzing everything Airman, 2006). This created the firs t international debt crisis of the inalienable era (George, 1994). When Mexico announced their inability to make debt repayments in 1982, it shocked the financial community (Ambition, 2004).The impact of the debt crisis affected the entire global racket, causing interests to rise, commodity prices to fall, and income earnings to fall (Lombard, 2004). All this eventually made it difficult for developing nations to make debt repayments. The Western nations acted quickly and gained control of their economy and for them the debt crisis was soon over (George, 1994). Unfortunately the debt crisis and the nightmare for the poor developing countries were far from being.In fact it had only Just begun when they found themselves faced with much bigger debt than they initially acquired this despite having made repayments since the sass's (George, 1994). Even though Mexico was the first to default on their debt panic (Lombard, 2004). Growing concerns for the financial stability of the lending in stitutions, major creditors, and international financial institutions, sought new strategies to address the lending criteria in order to bring debt relief (Millet ; Toasting, 2004).This resulted in the implementation of the Highly Indebted Poor Countries Initiatives (HIP), and the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiatives, under the supervision of the World Bank and the International Monetary fund (Sofas, 2005). According to the MIFF and the World Bank these organizations were the answer to the bet crisis (Sofas, 2005). The notion that the debt crisis is over, is purely a myth and we will see. This essay will reveal the causes and impacts that resulted from these debt relief organizations, and incinerate the myth of the debt crisis having been addressed.The debt crisis affected the lives and dreams of many people living in developing countries Airman, 2006). Debt is nothing new but as the debt crisis grew the gap between the rich and poor widened Airman, 2006). A country debt is not just measured by the size of their particular debt, but also clearly how it impacts or effects that nation's economy Airman, 2006). A country GAP (gross domestic product) per capita is also a clear indication of a countries capacity to not only service their debt, but to also ensure that the health and well-being of their citizens are met (George, 1994).If this does not happen then clearly there is a problem, not Just a financial one but a humanitarian one (George, 1994). This was the result for many poor developing countries that led to the debt crisis Airman, 2006). But it was not only developing nations that had debt, United States is the world's biggest debtor tit $6 trillion being owed at 2002 Airman, 2006). The total debt owed by developing nations in the world came to 2. 5 trillion dollars in 1999 Airman, 2006). In Nicaragua (Latin America) their debt repayments in 2004 consumed 43% of their total earnings Airman, 2006).Many commentators argued that the debt crisis was also due t o irresponsible lending by the Western Nations (Millet ; Toasting, 2004). Like the Bhutan nuclear power station in the Philippines, that was built on a volcano in 1974 Airman, 2006). A clear indication where misleading advice caused poor developing overspent to make wrong decisions Airman, 2006). A nuclear power plant that had never ever been used, but a debt that was incurred with interest are expected to still be repaid Airman, 2006). What exploitation of the poor!The Jubilee 2000 (social justice group) lobby's that debt crisis be recognized and that unjust debt like the Philippines be cancelled Airman, 2006). They argued that poor countries cannot afford to make repayments without meeting the basic needs (education, food, healthcare) of their citizens (Cheer, 2002). They maintain that debt was conducted on unfair terms and contracted illegally (Cheer, 2002). Jubilee argues that all debts be forgiven because it perpetuates a balance of power Voluble Debt Campaign, 2007).The soluti on for the debt crisis was restructuring the debt of developing and developed countries (Millet & Toasting, 2004). The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank formed Structural Adjustments Programmed (SAPS), to provide debt relief and bring it to sustainable levels in order to maintain repayments (Millet & Toasting, 2004). SAP's were conditionality's set up specifically for poor developing countries to meet their debt repayment obligations (Cheer, 2002).They squired that poor developing countries raise interest rates, cut government barriers on trade, increase their export production and even cancelled subsides on local food production and healthcare (Cheer, 2002). This was met with criticism and caused outrage in the world. Critics argued that the West used controlling measures to control the economic policies in the poor developing counters Voluble, 2000). When Jamaica signed up with the MIFF and SAP conditionality's, they experienced catastrophic impacts Airman, 2006).Soci al service spending dropped 50% between 1980 and 1986, unemployment rose, living conditions deteriorated, infant illumination, poverty levels increased and even school pass rate dropped by 50% Airman, 20060) Not only poor developing countries had conditionality's imposed but even developed nations like New Zealand experienced the wrath of the Miff's Airman, 2006) SAP's were abandoned and the MIFF and World Bank launched the Highly Indebted Poor countries Initiative (HIP) in 1996 (Cheer, 2002).The HIP was implemented to act as an international relief mechanism, in order to reduce bilateral, multilateral and commercial debt to a â€Å"sustainable level† in poor developing counties (Cannot & Mammogram, 2009). The principle objective was to reduce debt burdens and to ensure that no poor country through restructuring was compromised, that would cause them to default on their debt repayments (Cannot & Mammogram, 2009). In other words, their mission was to assist to a certain point and then ensure that the creditors and lenders still got their money!Just like the SAP's, the Hip's initiative came with conditionality's (Cohen, 2000). The eligibility criteria required that a country be very poor, have no unsustainable debt burden and have a reformed policies track record, all under the guidance of the MIFF and the World Bank, of course (Cohen, 2000). This eligibility process was further imposed with more conditionality's until a country came to the â€Å"completion point† (George, 1994). The HIP was met with criticism because only 30 countries benefited under the HIP intuitive, and that the eligibility process took too long causing further danger to poor developing countries (Cohen, 2000).The â€Å"one size fits all† notion was unfortunately not working, because they failed to address the real issues of the inability of countries being able to provide for the basic needs of their citizens Airman, 2006). Jubilee activists pressured the MIFF and the W orld Bank with a petition at the 68, with the mission to write off all debt completely (Cohen, 2000). The enhanced HIP initiative was then launched and implemented. The enhanced HIP initiative was to provide stronger, faster, deeper and broader debt relief (Cohen, 2000). The 67 and bilateral creditors promised 100% debt relief for highly indebted poor countries (Cohen, 2000).This was unfortunately empty promises. Further protests and pressure to â€Å"drop the debt† led to Millennium Development Goals (MEG) being launched in 2000, as a benchmark for measuring the reduction of poverty (Sofas, 005). Meg's were goals set to eradicate extreme hunger and poverty, to achieve universal education, promote gender equality and empower women, reduce child mortality, improve material health, combat HIVE/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, ensure environmental sustainability and develop a global partnership for development (Sofas, 2005).In conjunction to this the Multilateral Debt Relief In itiative (MIDI) was launched in 2005 at the â€Å"Make Poverty History campaign in the UK (Sofas, 2005). MIDI was about granting debt relief and their requirement was Although many countries benefited from debt relief, only 23 countries reached implosion point and 10 reached the decision point. The HIP initially promised to cancel $63. 4 billion, but only $45. 4 billion delivered in April 2008 Airman, 2006). In April 2008 MIDI promised $50 billion cancellation, but cancellation delivered only $42. Billion Airman, 2006). All this structures and organizations that were set in place only looked to help poor developing countries on a superficial level (Cheer, 2002). The impacts of the debt crisis led to devaluation of local county currencies as inflation increased. Import costs rose, debts increased proportionally and there were he rise in export (Cheer, 2002). Employment opportunities were not enough to offset these losses. Poor developing countries made loans on the notion that their export taxes would be able to repay or maintain their loans (Cheer, 2002).Government's commitment to pay their debt came with conditionality's that exhausted their economies, unemployment increased due to income and living standards declined. When health care and food subsidies were cancelled by international creditors it forced food prices to soar causing families not able to feed themselves. This led to malnutrition and poor health. According to Jubilee Campaign (2000) Just like debt, Aids is a ‘killer† and although sickness and diseases adversely affected men, it hurt both women and children (Cheer, 2002).The burden of meeting their debt repayments caused some to compromise on the health status of their citizens (Cheer, 2002). South Africa has the largest HIVE/Lads infected population 4. 2 million) more than 12% of its people and this affects their employment market (Cheer, 2002). A health crisis that caused the health of lawyers, doctors, ordinary workers and teache rs unable to be active in their Job market, further affecting the countries social economy (Cheer, 2002). Teachers that had HIVE/AIDS are unable to work, then unable to buy medication which ultimately leads to ill-health and even death (Cheer, 2002).Disease, epidemics and pandemics places a huge burden on a countries health sector (Cheer, 2002). Children from these families suffered too because when one parent was affected some were kept home so the other could go work. If both suffered from Hides it often left children orphaned (Cheer, 2002). Girls in unemployed families were often kept home, while boys were sent to school because the cost of education was too dear. This increases the gender inequality in developing countries (Cheer, 2002).Due to unemployment, rise in prices and taxes most people in developing countries were living well below the poverty line (Thrall, 2008). According to Thrall (2008), the economic and social development of the world's poorest countries is perhaps the greatest challenge facing society at the present moment (Thrall, 2008). Over 1 billion of the 6 billion populations live in absolute poverty and suffering malnutrition (Cheer, 2002). The MIFF and the World Bank entrapped highly indebted poor countries with foreign debt that far exceeded heir entire national yearly income (Cheer, 2002).In 2000, the debt repayments of sub-Sahara African countries were about 38% of their individual country budgets (Cheer, 2002). This is unreal and even immoral, that a country earnings through import and export, is overshadowed by an unbearable burden of debt repayments (Cheer, 2002). When debt repayments affects the basic needs of any country, and a country is unable to maintain their social obligations of providing health, education by the window society survival is really slim. Hughes (1999) argues that debts hooked not be forgiven because the debt crisis is the developing nations own fault.Corrupt governments caused their countries to be in this situations and conditionality's are they only way to maintain control (Hughes, 1999). There are too many flaws in the so called economic model, and we have created a society where material gain supersedes moral and ethical commitments and standards. I believe an erosion of trust erupted, because of the exploitation of the poor by the rich colonists. The fallacy of promoting poverty reduction and debt relief had surfaced, ND exposed that the Western strategies was built on greed and power.So has the debt crisis been addressed, unfortunately not? If the international community is serious about the Hip and the MIDI initiatives then their design needs to be improved in favor of developing countries. The focus should be less on filling the coffers of the West but, instead maximize burden sharing. Have a heart and share in the burden of the developing nations by ensuring that projections are more realistic. The HIP and the MIDI could maybe become responsible for ensuring that the interna tional community commit to reducing poverty and reach their millennium goals.The mission to transform societies, improve the lives of the poor, eradicate poverty, encourage and enforce the right to healthcare, education and economic growth, is what true development is all about. By completely writing off, deleting all foreign debt gives all countries an opportunity to start afresh. This then could be the start of bridging the gap between the wealthy West and the poor South. The creation of a new world order where there is no suffering and the right to live is not questioned, but encouraged, the way it should be.