Sunday, November 24, 2019

Red Fox Facts

Red Fox Facts The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is well-known for its luxurious fur coat and playful antics. Foxes are canids, so they are related to dogs, wolves, and coyotes. However, adaptation to a nocturnal life has given the red fox some feline traits, as well. Fast Facts: Red Fox Scientific Name: Vulpes vulpesCommon Name: Red foxBasic Animal Group: MammalSize: 56-78 inchesWeight: 9-12 poundsLifespan: 5 yearsDiet: OmnivoreHabitat: Northern Hemisphere and AustraliaPopulation: MillionsConservation Status: Least Concern Description Despite their common name, not all red foxes are red. The red foxs three main color morphs are red, silver/black, and cross. A red fox has rusty fur with darker legs, white belly, and sometimes a white-tipped tail. Males (called dogs) and females (called vixens) exhibit slight sexual dimorphism. Vixens are slightly smaller than dogs, with smaller skulls and larger canine teeth. On average, a male measures 54 to 78 inches and weighs 10 to 12 pounds, while a female ranges from 56 to 74 inches in length and weighs 9 to 10 pounds. The red fox has an elongated body and a tail that is over half its body length. The fox has pointed ears, long canine teeth, and eyes with vertical slits and a nictitating membrane (like a cat). There are five digits on each of the front paws and four on the hind paws. The foxs skeleton is similar to a dogs, but the fox is more lightly built, with a pointed muzzle and slender canine teeth. Habitat and Distribution The red fox ranges across the Northern Hemisphere into Central America, North Africa, and Asia. It does not live in Iceland, in some deserts, or in the extreme polar regions of the Arctic and Siberia. The red fox was introduced to Australia in the 1830s. The species is banned from New Zealand under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act of 1996. Where the soil permits, foxes dig burrows, where they live and bear their young. They also take abandoned burrows made by other animals or sometimes share with them. For example, foxes and badgers will live together in a form of mutualism where the fox provides scraps of food brought back to the den while the badger keeps the area clean. Red fox distribution. Zoologist, Wikimedia Commons Diet The red fox is omnivorous. Its preferred prey includes rodents, rabbits, and birds, but it will take small ungulates, such as lambs. It also eats fish, insects, lizards, amphibians, small invertebrates, fruit, and vegetables. Urban red foxes readily accept pet food. Foxes are preyed upon by humans, large owls, eagles, lynxes, caracals, leopards, cougars, bobcats, wolves, and sometimes other foxes. Usually, the red fox coexists with domestic cats, hyenas, jackals, and coyotes. Behavior Foxes are highly vocal animals. Adults make 12 vocal sounds over five octaves. Red foxes also communicate using scent, marking territory and even empty food caches with urine or feces. Foxes mainly hunt before dawn and after dusk. Their eyes have a tapetum lucidum to aid with vision in dim light, plus they have an acute sense of hearing. The red fox pounces on prey from above, using its tail as a rudder. The tail, also known as a brush, covers the fox and helps it stay warm in cold weather. Reproduction and Offspring For most of the year, red foxes are solitary and live in the open. However, in the winter, they court, mate, and seek dens. Vixens reach sexual maturity as early as 9 or 10 months, so they may bear a litter at one year of age. Males mature later. After mating, the gestation period lasts approximately 52 days. The vixen (female fox) gives birth to around four to six kits, though the number of young can be as high as 13. The fluffy brown or gray kits are born blind, deaf, and without teeth. At birth, they only weigh 2 to 4 ounces with 5 to 6 inch bodies and 3 inch tails. Newborn kits cannot regulate their temperature, so their mother remains with them while the male fox or another vixen brings food. The kits are born with blue eyes that change to amber after about two weeks. Kits start to leave the den around 3 to 4 weeks of age and are weaned at 6 to 7 weeks. Their coat color begins changing at 3 weeks of age, with guard hairs appearing after 2 months. While red foxes may live 15 years in captivity, they usually survive 3 to 5 years in the wild. Fox kits are fluffy and grayish brown. Maxime Riendeau / Getty Images Conservation Status The IUCN classifies the conservation status of the red fox as least concern. The species population remains stable, even though the fox is hunted for sport and fur and killed as a pest or rabies carrier. Red Foxes and Humans The stability of the red fox population is tied to the foxs adaptation to human encroachment. Foxes successfully colonize suburban and urban areas. They scavenge refuse and accept food left for them by people, but often stray to rural areas to hunt. Generally, red foxes make poor pets because they are destructive to homes and mark areas with scent. However, they can form strong bonds with people, cats, and dogs, especially if domestication starts before the fox reaches 10 weeks of age. In some places it is legal to keep a red fox as a pet. All images taken by Keven Law of London, England. / Getty Images Russian geneticist Dmitry Belyayev selectively bred silver morph red foxes to develop a true domesticated fox. Over time, these foxes developed physical attributes of dogs, including curled tails and floppy ears. While fox hunting for sport has decreased over time, the animal remains important for the fur trade. Foxes are also killed because they harbor communicable diseases such as rabies and because they prey on domestic and wild animals. Foxes, like wolves, may continue to kill prey beyond what they need to eat. Sources Harris, Stephen. Urban Foxes. 18 Anley Road, London W14 OBY: Whittet Books Ltd. 1986. ISBN 978-0905483474.Hoffmann, M. and C. Sillero-Zubiri.  Vulpes vulpes.  The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.  2016: e.T23062A46190249.  2016. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T23062A46190249.enHunter, L. Carnivores of the World. Princeton University Press. p. 106. 2011. SBN 978-0-691-15227-1.Iossa, Graziella; et al. Body mass, territory size, and life-history tactics in a socially monogamous canid, the red fox Vulpes vulpes. Journal of Mammalogy. 89 (6): 1481–1490. 2008. doi:10.1644/07-mamm-a-405.1Nowak, Ronald M. Walkers Mammals of the World. 2. JHU Press. p. 636. 1999. ISBN 978-0-8018-5789-8.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Consumer Protection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words - 1

Consumer Protection - Essay Example The law of contract stipulates three fundamental requirements for the formation of a legally enforceable contract; namely; offer, acceptance and consideration2 (it is important to note that the contracting parties must have legal capacity, which is presumed not to be an issue in this case). Lord Wilberforce asserted rules for contract formation in the case of New Zealand Shipping Co Limited v A M Satterhwaite, the Eurymedon3 thus: â€Å"English law having committed itself to a rather technical†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Doctrine of contract, in application takes a practical approach†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Into the market slots of offer, acceptance and consideration4†. The law of contract formation distinguishes between an offer and an invitation to treat, which is not an offer but an indication of willingness to negotiate a contract5. For example, in the case of Gibson v Manchester City Council,6 the words â€Å"may be prepared to sell† constituted an invitation to treat and not a distinct offer. Furthermore, in the case of Grainger & Son v Gough7it was held that a newspaper advert will constitute an invitation to treat and not an offer unless an advertisement is specific and conveyed the exact item of product for sale. It was also indicated that there must be an indication of intent on the part of the advertiser to sell, none of which is in contention in the current scenario and therefore the arrangements between Mr Rumsey and Tackro appear to satisfy the requirements for a binding legal contract for the supply of goods agreed on 28 February 2009. However half of the stock of glasses which Mr Rumsey took with him; have transpired to be broken. Secondly, the remainder of the stock that had agreed to be delivered on 15th March have been destroyed in a fire. With regard to the stock of glasses that was damaged, section 13 of the SGA provides that goods must comply with their contractual description however this is qualified by section 15A of the SGA which asserts that if the breach is so

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Current Issues and Critical Assessment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Current Issues and Critical Assessment - Essay Example So, therefore having said all the above we see from the given article that diabetics has increased to a dramatic level in even a developed nation such as Canada. These are also illustrative of the fact that unhealthy habits such as the junk food syndrome and absence of exercising habits among many Canadians was a chief cause too. Ontario one the largest province in Canada witnessed these rise in figures which I even more stark ling but should not come as a surprise because the article itself has terms which clearly identify the fact that why Ontario saw these figures to shoot up. e.g. â€Å"sedentary† and â€Å"supersized food portion† that is to say desk bound culture and as said earlier junk food culture are the enemies of such a society. The article features some very important points as to the fact that issue relating to marketing to ethnic segments are as critical as might be targeting the market as a whole. Being a Student of human geography it is of critical importance to value diversity of human existence where it exist, so be it for marketing or whatever reasons. For instance it clearly points out that even in issues of marketing other ethnic groups which by definition constitute any group which might form a majority in their own region but form a minority where they currently reside, should be taken into consideration. This same could be applied in political, financial and many other contexts. Enough has been said about as to what can be learned about and applied to the practical environment from our course work. So basically what can be taken out these two separate articles is that any topic related to human their practices their well being, their habitats their differences are of utmost importance and each aspect of it no matter how small or how big is to be taken in to account. If we use a bit of rational in our thinking then it can be easily to comprehend that when human began to

Monday, November 18, 2019

Case stduy of Campus response to a student gunman. by Kelly J Essay

Case stduy of Campus response to a student gunman. by Kelly J. Asmussen , John W. Creswell - Essay Example The credibility of the study is highly supported by its research method: the qualitative case analysis; a relevant incident ‘in the campus of a public university, cited in a Midwestern City’ (case study, 338) is analytically presented and explained aiming to highlight the various aspects of student gun violence but also to provide information regarding the measures that are most appropriate for the limitation of the phenomenon – as these measures have been applied on the University involved in the specific case study. The examination of the article’s sections – in terms of structure, content and language used – has led to the assumption that the particular study can be quite valuable for legislators, educators and community leaders – helping them to understand the emergent character of the problem and propose appropriate plans of action. However, the conclusion section of the paper has been rather discouraging regarding the above perspe ctive – emphasizing on the lack of interest by the educational and local authorities in regard to the prevention of such incidents. However, even under these terms, the existence of studies like the one under evaluation proves that the expansion of violence in educational units across USA has attracted the attention of the academia. As for the level at which the authors of this study have contributed to the achievement of the above target, this can be identified by referring to the characteristics and the content of their study and by evaluating its credibility – taking into consideration the relevant rules of academic research. Evaluation of the article The study of Asmussen and Creswell highlights a quite important problem: the increase of violence in university campuses across USA; reference is made specifically to the student gun violence. The particular study can be characterized as quite valuable, mostly because it deals with a problem, which is avoided by most a cademic researchers – an issue also notified in the study under examination. The importance of the study – meaning especially its contribution in the particular field – can be identified and understood by referring to its content but also to its structure; the theme chosen should be also evaluated – compared to other, most common, themes of academic research. On the other hand, the research methodology employed should be evaluated, as of its appropriateness taking into consideration the fact that the literature in regard to the issue under discussion – and the research methods which are most appropriate for such studies – is quite limited, a problem also highlighted by the authors. The development of the above tasks would allow the evaluation of the following facts: a) whether the study has been appropriately structured, b) whether the research methods chosen were the most appropriate, c) which were the most critical challenges that the auth ors had to face and d) whether the authors managed or not to achieve their aims – as these aims are included in the research questions on which the study under

Friday, November 15, 2019

Antigone

Antigone In the play Antigone, written by Sophocels, there are many complications. The most important event is the killing of Antigone’s two brothers, Eteocles and Polynices. It was the main inspiration for the whole play. It all starts after King Oedipus was exiled from the city of Thebes after he learns that he has committed incest and patricide, his younger son Eteocles declares to be the king, exiling his older brother Polyneices. Polyneices then attacks Thebes with a huge army, but none of the two brothers wins the war because they both kill each other in combat. Creon then declares to be the king of Thebes, and he decides that Eteocles should be buried and honored as a hero while Polyneices body shouldn’t be honored, but it should be thrown in the streets of Thebes left for dogs and birds to be eaten in humiliation. Creon decides that the punishment for trying to bury the body of Polyneices will be death. Antigone, Eteocles and Polynices’ sister, insists that her br others body must be buried so that his spirit can rest in peace, in spite of the cautious advice of her younger sister, Ismene. She goes to the battleground, pouring sand over Polyneices body and performing burial rites. After that the guards discovers that someone was trying to bury the body, they uncover the dust from the body, and they starts to look for who does that. Antigone comes back insisting on burying her brother’s body .She finally allows herself to be captured after coming out of hiding when some guards try to uncover the body again, and a rebellious Antigone is brought to Creon. He decides to execute only Antigone since Ismenes is innocent and Antigone is sent outside of Thebes to starve to death in a cave. Even though Antigone was nothing but a girl left alone, she faces many obstacles by herself to do what she believes it is right without any concerns about the consequences. The first obstacle that faces Antigone was her sister, Ismene. They were the only two family members left after their father’s death and their two brothers’ shameful war against each other and killing each other in the battlefield. Instead of supporting her sister, and trying to keep what’s left of the family together, Ismene abandons Antigone and tries to convince her to obey the king’s orders. The author quotes Ismene saying â€Å"The worst of all if we violate the laws and override the fixed decree of the throne, its power- we must be sensible. Remember we are women, we’re not born to contend with men† (Sophocles 1144). It is clear that Ismene is so frightened of Antigone’s decision to bury her brother Polyneices. It is also clear how Creon, the king, put his fear in his people’s minds so he will has full control over his kingdom. Antigone doesn’t worry about Creon’s punishment and decides to continue. The autho r quotes her answering her sister â€Å" So, do as you like, whatever suits you best- I’ll bury him myself. And even if I die in the act, that death will be a glory.† (Sophocles 1144). This quote shows how determined Antigone is to bury her brother without having any concerns about the result. It also shows how she considers the death a glory to her for doing what’s she believes is right. She considers honoring her brother by giving hem the proper burial is her obligation. Antigone overcomes this obstacle by excusing her sister from joining her to bury their brother. The second obstacle that faces Antigone is the king himself. He wanted to force his authority and power over the kingdom after the disturbance that happened in Thebes. He wants his orders and commands to be followed by everyone. Creon creates a monster of himself to scare his people; he likes power, authority, and to be obeyed. That’s why everybody was scared and afraid to disobey Creon except Antigone. She did what’s right; she wasn’t even afraid when the guards arrested her, she bravely surrendered to them (1152). Creon felt that he lost his power and authority once Antigone disobey his orders. Creon says, â€Å"This girl was an old hand at insolence when she overrode the edicts we made public. But once she’d don it- the insolence, twice over- to glory in it, laughing, mocking us to our face with what she’d done† (Sophocles 1154). He considers Antigone’s act an insult to the king without considering that she wants to give her brother the proper burial to honor him as prince. That explains why he was so harsh in his verdict to execute her by starvation. Antigone knows that she is doing what’s right and she surrenders to her destiny to be killed. On the other hand she seems to refuse to be killed by Creon, that’s why she killed herself as if she considers killing herself more honor than Creon kills her. The final obstacle that faces Antigone is her lover, Haemon, who was Creon’s son and who was very sad that he’s going to lose his pride. Antigone thinks about her lover. She doesn’t want to die and leave him because she loves him so much. She is between two difficult decisions. One of them is if she decides to step on what she believes in and forget about her honored brother to stay with her lover, the other decision is to leave her lover and to die for what she believes in. Antigone doesn’t think about her happiness; she rather dies because of what she believes in than stays with Haemon. She overcomes this obstacle by deciding to kill herself. Haemon, on the other hand, was used by Gods to punish Creon for his acts. He was not convinced with his father’s actions. Haemon states, â€Å"I see my father offending justice-wrong† (Sophocles 1161). He continues his conversation asking â€Å"Protect your rights? When you trample down the honors of the gods?† (Sophocles 1611). Haemon realizes the fact that his father doesn’t realize, is that he dishonors the gods. Haemon wants to explain to Creon that no matter what happened don’t disobey or disrespect the gods. Another thing Haemon realizes that Creon doesn’t realize that there is more powerful force than Creon’s force which is the gods force. Creon thinks that he has the ultimate power and authority that’s why he can’t see Haemon point of view. Haemon goes to Antigone’s grave and he couldn’t see her kills herself in the front of him, so he kills himself. In the play, Antigone faces a lot of obstacles, and she overcomes them all. She doesn’t give up, and once she feels that the king’s authority will bring her down, she decides to take her own life rather than the injustice system does. She is determining to do what she feels is right, no matter what the laws of the kingdom says. She is motivating by her obligations towards her family, and by her personal beliefs. She first faces her sister who is against her from the beginning, because she is afraid of Creon’s decrees. Antigone excuses her sister from burying her brother with her. Second obstacle Antigone faces is the rigorous king, Creon, who gives his strict orders that whoever bury Polynices will die. Antigone doesn’t care about Creon’s decrees; she knows the consequences will be the death penalty, but she stands bravely in front of Creon. The final obstacle Antigone faces is her lover who is so in love with her and he can’t see her dieing. Antigone also can’t see her lover cries and she can’t leave him as well. This is the most difficult obstacle that faces Antigone. Finally she kills herself when she finds that it’s more honor to kill herself than Creon kills her. Antigone knows that she will die for what she did. She put what she believes in before her and sacrifices her own life to do what’s right.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

The Impact Technology Has on Education Essay -- Computers Networking E

The Impact Technology Has on Education missing works cited Technology is not a new concept. Humans are constantly inventing new items that will make their lives easier and more enjoyable. In the early 1800s, a technological invention was introduced into classrooms that would prove to "have a profound impact on teaching." Advocates felt that the invention would prove to be invaluable and it was placed in classrooms around the country. In the beginning, teachers needed to be encouraged to use this new technology. They were given step-by-step instructions on how to integrate its use into their lessons. Today it is hard to imagine a classroom that doesn’t have this technology†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.the chalkboard! In the twentieth century, a variety of new devices were invented that provided new ways for teachers to present their lessons. When motion pictures entered the classrooms, people thought that books would become obsolete. Some people thought that it would be possible to teach every branch of human knowledge with the motion picture and it would soon replace the teacher. These inventions, which are only two of hundreds, have not made the teacher’s role obsolete. They have simply provided tools to make teaching and the learning experience more effective and enjoyable. Some people believe that by introducing computers into classrooms, society is beginning to replace the role of teachers with today’s technology. This is untrue. Although it will, and it has, changed the role of the teacher, as well as the role of the student, the computer, just as the motion picture and the chalkboard will enhance the classroom. It will bring about new techniques of teaching and learning. Computers and networking are an important part of today’s society. ... ...ciates, Inc http://www.classroomgoodies.com/ †¢ More on Distance Education: TEAMS Distance Learning http://www.teams.lacoe.edu/ Satellite Educational Resources http://www.serc.org/ Cyberschool http://www.cyberschool.k12.or.us/ Aphelion http://www.charismagics.com/amphelion/ Access2Education http://www.access2education.com/ †¢ Links to Teacher and Student Resources Education world http://www.education-world.com/ Federal Resources ed. Excellence http://www.ed.gov/free/ Education Planet http://www.educationplanet.com/ Worldwide Classroom http://www.worldwide.edu/ †¢ Links to Disability sites American Asso. Of University Affiliated Programs http://www.aauap.org/ Equal Access to Software Information http://www.isc.rit.edu/~easi/ Education Emancipation Disabled Manpower http://www.eega.nl/ Deaf Education Option Web http://www2.pair.com/options

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Adolescence and Peer Influence

Adolescence is identified as a stage when an individual undergoes a process of growing up in order to become an adult. It involves a process when adolescents experience changes that occur physically and emotionally. Likewise, the whole process could become confusing and uncomfortable for the individual who is at the said phase (de Guzman, 2007). It is believed that many of the younger people who are moving towards the process of adolescence are expanding their ranges in the social life. Likewise, complexities of social involvement also expand. Majority of the teenagers or adolescents are geared towards total independence.As such, the relationship and time of the teenager at home are less frequent (Smetana, 1988; Steinberg & Silverberg, 1986; Noller & Callan, 1991 cited in Jackson & Rodriguez-Tome, 1995, p. 1). Adolescents become more engage in activities that they think represents who they really are. Through this, there is an increase in the awareness of teenagers in their social su rroundings.During the time of adolescence, peers play a substantial role in the lives of young people. Peers become the focus of the teenagers’ lifestyle and most of the activities that they carry out are affected by the peers that they have (Berndt, 1989; Hartup, 1983 cited in Jackson & Rodriguez-Tome, 1995).  It was observed that teenagers begin to build friendships that are intimate in nature, sometime exclusive which often becomes constant unlike the friendships that they have during their younger years. The friendship that teenagers establish serves as an important way for them to develop because for majority of adolescents, peers are avenue where they could freely explore themselves.It is also with their peers that they feel they are accepted and secure. Likewise, the peers that the youths have allow them to exercise things that could uplift there skills which they could later on use for their success (de Guzman, 2007). It was also posted that the social activities th at adolescent have could affect their decisions and interest in participating with sexual relationships (Miller & Simon, 1980; Zani, 1991 cited in Jackson & Rodriguez-Tome, 1995, p. 1).Peer influences are said to be complex in nature. Various studies were carried out in order to understand the influences of peers during the period of adolescence and it was found out that adolescents could acquire positive and negative influences from the peers that surrounds them. In order to further understand the changes that adolescents undergo, it is an imperative to know what peer pressure is and the role that the peers play in the life of young adults (de Guzman, 2007).Peer pressure is identified as the pressures and influences that young adults feel from their social mates (Atwater, 1988 cited in Foreman, 2001, n.p.). It should be noted that peers are those people that adolescents look up to for support and sometimes for approval. Peers are also considered as factors that are inevitable and n ecessary during the adolescence stage. Interaction with peer groups enable adolescents to exercise behaviors that are new to them and serves as a tool for them to develop there social skills which in turn could be used in future interactions (Steinberg, 1996 cited in Foreman, 2001, n.p.).Peer pressure could be present in different domains. While many people tend to believe that peer influences are the reasons why teenagers engage in behaviors that are unhealthy and unsafe, there are many cases when peers influence teens to engage in activities that are positive.According to studies regarding peer pressure, it was reported that many teens are pressured by their friends to engage in activities that are productive. Positive pressures from friends tend to motivate teenagers to engage in activities where they could excel such as athletics, music, community services, various extracurricular activities and other efficient endeavors.In fact, many of the teens claimed that the pressures they get from friends are more positive rather than engaging in the usage of drugs and sexual conducts. It was also supported by many parents that influence from peers posted a positive effect in the school performances of teenagers. Likewise, peers also augment the strengthening of family values. As such, this is a perspective of peer influence that drives adolescents to become well rounded persons and expand their domains in a positive manner (de Guzman, 2007).According to researches, influences from peers are a process where the teens are active recipients. The teens become friends with their peers because of the fact that they already have a lot of things in common which means that peers who enjoy doing things that are similar with their interest tend to gravitate towards each other (de Guzman, 2007). Although there are many instances where diversity could be seen among certain groups, researches also indicate that teenagers are more likely to group themselves according to their sim ilarities.Likewise, it was suggested that teenagers tend to reject people who are different from themselves. These differences could range from physical impairments, or different sets of educational motivation and interests. Nonetheless, the similarities among individuals appear to be an important factor during the socialization process because it serves as a connection for the young adult to create a bond with other people.Due to this, it is believed that teenagers who are not able to have a positive connection with other young adults during the time of adolescence could be at great risk of involving themselves with negative influences from different peer groups. It was perceived that adolescents who fail to establish positive bonds with their contemporaries become more distant and different which make them feel that they are not welcome.In this event, young individuals who received low standards of acceptance are more likely to engage themselves with peer groups who share the same issue. Thus, it is easier to join peer groups that have less positive perspectives. In a greater sense, such groups are often contemplated as those who engage in activities that are anti-social and self-destructive (Pledge, 2003).The point has been made that peer influences could be positive despite of the negative connotations attached to this process of socialization. However, it should be noted that just like positive influences, peers could also brought about negative influences that could reinforce the adolescents decision of engaging in risky behaviors.Risky behaviors were identified as actions that could produce outcomes that could be damaging physically, mentally and socially (Jessor, 1992 cited in Smith, 2001). Several types of risk behaviors include engagement in sexual activities, substance abuse, cigarette smoking and crime activities. Adolescent behaviors could be altered by peer group influences through verbal and non-verbal means.Verbal pressure that is done directly is the most common way of getting compliance from the young adult. For example, a certain peer group may not impose an adolescent to smoke; however, the members of the group may say things like â€Å"you are such a baby,† â€Å"just try it nothing wrong is going to happen† which could insinuate the adolescent to smoke in order for him or her to look better in the eyes of his or her peers.Meanwhile a non-verbal persuasion could be done by staring at the adolescent for a long time until he or she feels uncomfortable which in the end is more likely to succumb in performing the behavior (Duryea, 1985 cited in Smith, 2001).Aside from verbal and non-verbal methods, peer pressure could also be seen in different forms. The pressure could take the form of challenges or dares, social acceptance and coercion and the influences could also vary depending on the age and gender of the adolescent (Hayes and Hofferth, 1987, p. 105).Sexual activitiesThere are limited researches that li nk peer influences in the early acquaintance with sexual activity. However, it was consistently presented that peer influence is an important factor that greatly affect the initiation of sexual activities among adolescents.It was also suggested that the major source of sexual information are from same sex-peers (Libby and Carlson, 1973; Miller, 1976; Thornburg, 1978 cited in Hayes and Hofferth, 1987, p. 105). Likewise, an adolescent who believes that their same–sex peers are sexually experienced and the liberal approach of his or her peers regarding sex are indicators that the teenager is more likely to engage with sexual activities.Thus, it was contemplated that majority of the teenagers actually engage in activities based from the perception of his or her peers attitudes and behaviors even if it is correct or not (Newcomer et al., 1980 cited Hayes and Hofferth, 1987, p. 105). Some findings indicate that white male teenagers choose their peers in accordance to sexual activit ies that were carried out by the individuals within the circle while their black counterparts were neither influenced by the behavior of their friends or choose peers on such particular basis (Billy and Udry, 1983 cited Hayes and Hofferth, 105).Meanwhile, female adolescents could be persuaded to some extent based from their knowledge of what her female friends are engaging into yet it was manifested that adolescent girls are strongly influenced to practice the sexual act by their â€Å"best male friends† and sexual partners (Miller and Simon, 1974; Herold, 1980, Cvetkovich and Grote, 1980; Billy and Udry, 1983 cited in Hayes and Hofferth, 1987, p. 105).Moreover, it was found out that among adolescents age 10 to 14, the pressure in sexual involvement could be done through challenges and dares to the extent of fondling, kissing or even intercourse. Such occurrence is prevalent among girls (Lewis and Lewis, 1984 cited in Hayes and Hofferth, 1987, p. 105) while only minor peer in fluences were recorded among black teenage boys and girls (Billy and Udry, 1984 cited in Hayes and Hofferth, 1987).Generally, white girls are more at risk of involving themselves with sexual activities due to peer pressure (Hayes and Hofferth, 1987).Substance abuseAside from sexual activities, it was reliably demonstrated that peer groups also play an important role in influencing the decisions of adolescent to initiate the usage of drugs and alcohol. Likewise, it was also recorded that peers also affect the decision of the teenagers to reject, continue experimentation or augment the usage of drugs and other substances (Bauman & Ennett, 1996; Darling & Cumsille, 2003 cited in Hankin and Abela, 2005, p. 366).As adolescent marks the development shift of young individuals towards the path of maturity, it is within the same period that adolescents tends to increase their involvement with peers and is the beginning of the experimentation stage with drinking and smoking (Flory, Lynam, Mil ich, Leukfeld & Clayton, 2004; Sutherland & Shepherd, 2001 cited in Hankin and Abela, 2005, p. 366).As such, this strongly manifest that the involvement of an adolescent with a peer group is a substantial factor that contribute to the initial experimentation of drugs and other substance use. Moreover, various theories also point out that there is a strong relation with peer influence and initiation and escalation of substance abuse.Two notable theories are the Peer cluster theory (Oetting & Beauvais, 1998 cited in Hankin and Abela, 2005, p. 366) and the Primary socialization theory (Oetting & Donnermeyer, 1998 cited in Hankin and Abela, 2005, p. 366) indicates that normative and deviant social behaviors are the results of the interaction of characteristics that are cultural, social and psychological in nature. Thus, behaviors like smoking, drinking and drug usage are learned from the adolescent’s interaction with their peers.Crime activities  As it was said, the formation o f peer groups is an important part in the development process of a young adult. Such formation may be viewed as a way of an individual to attach themselves with people whom they think they could share who they really are. One of the peer groups prevalent nowadays are adolescent gangs. Although adolescent gangs are considered as peer groups, it is contemplated as a group comprised of young individuals whose behaviors are perceived negatively by the society.As such, adolescent members of gangs tend to engage in activities that are violent and anti-social (Geldrald K. and Geldrald D., 2004, p. 36). Based from researches, adolescent gangs are accounted for a large number of crimes in the urban setting. Many adolescent tend to engage themselves with this type of peer groups because they believe that this is an avenue for them to be accepted and freely express themselves.Because of these reasons adolescents see gang membership as an option for them to build their identity in any way possi ble whether it is wrong or right without thinking of the consequences.This is when peer pressure could be viewed as extremely powerful because adolescents who are members of gangs are more likely to engage themselves with risk like poor reputation, death, delinquency, substance abuse, infliction of transmitted diseases and early parenthood (Snyder, 2001).According to researches the very reason why many adolescents are vulnerable from the negative influences from their peers is because of the feeling of the need to belong in a particular group. Such needs lead many adolescents to take part in activities that could put them at risk. For majority of adolescents the need to belong to a particular peer group is an achievement of self-actualization and an attainment of the so called â€Å"maturity† and establishment of identity (Benthin, Slovic & Severson, 1993 cited in Smith, 2001).ConclusionBased from the facts that were presented in the study, it is apparent that peers play a si gnificant role in the lives of adolescents. Peer groups provide teenagers the feeling of belongingness and security. The influences of peers among adolescent could bring about positive end results which are actually important for the development of young individuals. Such positive influences from peers create a ground for adolescents to become well rounded people.Nonetheless, peer could also encourage negative influences among adolescents. The negative influences of peers may take the form of risky behaviors such as engagement in sexual activities, substance abuse and crime activities. It is also important to note that adolescents who are vulnerable to the negative influences of peer groups are those individuals that are not able to form connection with positive peer groups.Therefore, it is suggested that young individuals who encounter failures with forming bonds with peer groups should be taken into consideration in order to know the factors that affect their social involvement wi th other individuals. Moreover, it is also suggested that further analysis regarding the impact of peer influences should be investigated in order to further understand some of the points that were not presented in the study.

Friday, November 8, 2019

12 Good Friday Quotes

12 Good Friday Quotes Good Friday is the day Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the triumph of good over evil. It is a day to reflect on spiritual thoughts, the Bible, and the meaning of sacrifice and salvation. These Good Friday quotes explore the meaning of the day. Bible, 1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self-bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. John Ellerton Take with you the joy of Easter to the home, and make that home bright with more unselfish love, more hearty service; take it into your work, and do all in the name of the Lord Jesus; take it to your heart, and let that heart rise anew on Easter wings to a higher, a gladder, a fuller life; take it to the dear grave-side and say there the two words Jesus lives! and find in them the secret of calm expectation, the hope of eternal reunion. Charles Wesley Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia! Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia! Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia! Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia! Madame Anne Sophie Swetchine Death is the justification of all the ways of the Christian, the last end of all his sacrifices, the touch of the Great Master which completes the picture. Augustus William Hare The cross was two pieces of dead wood; and a helpless, unresisting Man was nailed to it; yet it was mightier than the world, and triumphed, and will ever triumph over it. Thomas De Witt Talmage We see that brow bruised; we hear that dying groan; and while the priests scoff and the Devils rave and the lightning of Gods wrath are twisted into a wreath for that bloody mount, you and I will join the cry, the supplication, of the penitent malefactor, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. Martin Luther Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone but in every leaf in springtime. At Sussen, the Devil carried off, last Good Friday, three grooms who had devoted themselves to him. Bible, Isaiah 52:13 See, my servant shall prosper, he shall be raised high and greatly exalted. Bible, John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Frederic William Farrar By the cross, we, too, are crucified with Christ; but alive in Christ. We are no more rebels, but servants; no more servants, but sons! Let it be counted folly, says Hooker, or fury, or frenzy, or whatever else; it is our wisdom and our comfort. We care for no knowledge in the world but this, that man hath sinned, and that God hath suffered; that God has made Himself the Son of Man, and that men are made the righteousness of God. Phillips Brooks We may say that on the first Good Friday afternoon was completed that great act by which light conquered darkness and goodness conquered sin. That is the wonder of our Saviour’s crucifixion. There have been victories all over the world, but wherever we look for the victor we expect to find him with his heel upon the neck of the vanquished. The wonder of Good Friday is that the victor lies vanquished by the vanquished one. We have to look deeper into the very heart and essence of things before we can see how real the victory is that thus hides under the guise of defeat.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Article Questions Example

Article Questions Example Article Questions – Article Example Program Supervisor’s 2 March Article questions Necessity of change for an international organization It is necessary for an international organization to change because of the dynamic and competitive nature of the global environment. Benefits of effective change management also make change necessary. In addition, change leads to cost effectiveness of an organization towards competitiveness because of lower prices. It also offers efficiencies for other advantages over competitors. Change is therefore necessary for an international organization for efficient and effective operations towards competitive advantage (Project Management Institute 5). Requirements for change within an international organizationOne of the requirements for an international organization to change is well-defined objectives. This establishes standards for performance before and during a change process and motivates stakeholders to support the change. Commitment by the senior management, application of sta ndardized management practices, and effective communication with stakeholders; before, during and after change, are necessary (Project Management Institute 6). Recommended steps to manage people through organizational changeAs a CEO, I would recommend two steps to my organization for managing people through change. The first step is development and implementation of â€Å"project and program management culture† in the organization while the second step would be development of positive attitude among employees towards the organization and its change initiatives (Project Management Institute 9).Opinion on permanent change sustainabilityContrary to the article’s position that change should be sustained permanently, I believe that change should only be sustained while it is relevant. This is because of the dynamic environment that may render a change ineffective after some time. Thoughts about effectiveness of organizations’ adeptOrganizations’ adept at the i terative process of change cannot necessarily enable longer-term sustainable change because of dynamic forces affecting change, such as effects of technology and factors around employees utility. This perspective is consistent with the above opinion that identifies significance of the dynamic environment.Works citedProject Management Institute. â€Å"Enabling organizational change through strategic initiatives.† Project Management Institute. March, 2014. Web. March 3, 2015. .

Monday, November 4, 2019

My experience of significant stressor Assignment

My experience of significant stressor - Assignment Example Panic is one outcome of a stressful situation that numbs down any feasible accurate responses and overcoming it can be a challenge in itself. I was to catch a local flight from Bali to Jakarta and then fly back home through an international one. I arrived at the airport on time and since there was time left for the boarding side to open, I ended up reading a book on a nearby bench. Time went by and I was so consumed in the book that the boarding opened and I could not check in on time. I kept looking at the desk side but since there was no sign put up, I missed my chance to get the boarding pass. When I noticed that an awful lot of time had passed by and I checked with the main counter, I was told that the flights boarding was now closed and I had n option but to wait for the next flight available. I panicked and my heart beat went up. My stomach started to churn in an uncomfortable manner and I had no idea what to do. Even in an air conditioned airport, I felt like I was sweating and my palms were wet. My breathing was high and being clueless, I felt miserable. I gathered enough courage to have some water and calm my nerves. After settling down, I went to the help center to ask for the list of flights but unfortunately there were none available since it was a weekend and the flights were full. My immediate response was to inform my family back home and then to prepare myself for the delay. I managed to email my father about what had happened and then I kept checking the help desk to see if any flights had seats available. I managed to catch a flight to Jakarta but the situation that was created at that time was an unforgettable one. The stress that I faced during that time when the lady at the help desk informed me that there were no available seats for the next two days was unexplainable. After panicking for a while, I ended up thinking clearly and behaving accordingly instead of giving up and taking an incorrect

Friday, November 1, 2019

Reigious Toleration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Reigious Toleration - Essay Example Jonathan Spence’ presentation of Emperor Kangxi’s views on religion articulates in English the thought processes and rationale given by Kangxi to justify his policies. Emperor Kangxi is one of the great kings of the Qing dynasty that ruled China for several centuries. Under Emperor Kangxi’s rule, the kingdom reached unprecedented expansion of territory and power. It is assumed that the audience for this retrospective lecture is all the subjects of his empire as well as foreign diplomats, merchants and missionaries. Defined narrowly, Emperor Kangxi’s policies toward Western religious missionaries are generally intolerant. But his rationale for taking certain decisions in this regard are well thought out and well expressed. One of the worries expressed by the Emperor is how foreigners, especially from the West, who visit China for temporary reasons – either commercial or cultural or religious – are a drain on the spirit of authentic Chinese tra ditions. He feels that such visitors leave China exploited of wealth and culture. As he reasons it out to the Christian Missionary Charles-Thomas Maillard de Tournon: â€Å"Hereafter we will permit residence in China to all those who come from the West and will not return there. Residence permission will not be granted to those who come one year expecting to go home the next – because such people are like those who stand outside the main gate and discuss what people are doing inside the house. Besides these meddlers there are also those out for profit, greedy traders, who should not be allowed to live here†. ... As he reasons it out to the Christian Missionary Charles-Thomas Maillard de Tournon: â€Å"Hereafter we will permit residence in China to all those who come from the West and will not return there. Residence permission will not be granted to those who come one year expecting to go home the next – because such people are like those who stand outside the main gate and discuss what people are doing inside the house. Besides these meddlers there are also those out for profit, greedy traders, who should not be allowed to live here† (Kangxi 639). The emperor’s strict stance toward de Tournon and his ilk is quite legitimate when one considers the fact that the latter actually tried to prohibit converted Chinese Christians from practicing local Chinese customs or assimilate Chinese language phrases in Biblical renditions. Seen in this context, Emperor Kangxi’s stance is a protest against religious intolerance that his people have suffered under the decrees of the papacy. So, while outwardly stringent and intolerant, Emperor Kangxi’s position is actually fair and balanced. Galileo Galilei’s makes an impassioned defence of scientific advancement in his letter to the Grand Duchess Christina of Tuscany. Written in 1615, this letter captures the essence of the perennial battle between religious fundamentalism and scientific discovery upsetting the dogma. It is important to remember that Galileo was a religious man. He never saw his controversial scientific discoveries as subverting or disproving the Christian faith. Instead, he saw as part of the conscientious Christian mission to promote scientific enquiry alongside following the Christian doctrine. He quotes the words of St. Augustine’s views on truth and epistemology to back up his own position. Moreover,