Issues With Integrating Technology in the Classroom

Public Schools Vs. Non Profit Organization Essay - 1495 Words

define units), goals and policies, clearly defined rules and roles. The structural frame has a different ground of beliefs and principles dissimilar from the other four frames. Solely it based upon certain assumptions, predicated on the division of labor (also referred to as specialization) and deliberate coordination. There too lies in the belief hiring the right people for the right jobs with specialized defined roles and responsibilities, will they perform to their maximum capacity. Essentially, the structural frame is bounded on the principles of effectiveness and efficiency in addition to productivity. This is exactly why leaders whether in private or non-profit organization should always devise a mental model of the rational message they want to convey to the outside world about their infrastructure, especially when related to their goals and objectives. Newark Public Schools is a non-profit comprehensive community public school district that serves the children of Newark , NJ in the Essex County. A mission driven organization, its main motivation is not to increase but to achieve their service goal of preparing students to be productive citizens in the changing world. As one of the oldest school systems in the state of New Jersey, dating back to 1676, the Newark Public Schools is part of a special-purpose local government that performs many functions. It is at the helm of providing education to children from early childhood elementary, secondary to highShow MoreRelatedCapital Budgeting in Galaxy Science Centre Essay1403 Words   |  6 Pagescontrol their capital expenditure. By providing powerful reporting and analysis, managers can take control of their budgets. The purpose of this paper is to investigate capital budgeting decision under Galaxy Science Centre (GSC), which is non-profit organization. The need for such an analysis emerges from the case that only provides general information concerning the impact of capital budgeting decisions in the presence of strategic interactions among GSC. We are facing significant problems in differentRead MoreGalaxy Science Centre (Gsc) Essay1640 Words   |  7 Pagescontrol their capital expenditure. By providing powerful reporting and analysis, managers can take control of their budgets. The purpose of this paper is to investigate capital budgeting decision under Galaxy Science Centre (GSC), which is non-profit organization. The need for such an analysis emerges from the case that only provides general information concerning the impact of capital budgeting decisions in the presence of strategic interactions among GSC. We are facing significant problems in differentRead MoreEssay On Social Entrepreneur1602 Words   |  7 Pagesfocus on the product or service without due consideration to whether it addresses a real market problem with customers who would be willing to pay for it. Schumpeter (1965): â€Å"individuals who exploit market opportunity through technical and/or organization innovation† Drucker (1985): â€Å"the entrepreneur shifts resources from areas of low productivity and yield to areas of higher productivity and yield. Of course, there is a risk the entrepreneur may not succeed† In today’s shifting business and socialRead MoreHospitals and Long-Term Care Facilities1023 Words   |  4 PagesHospitals and Long-term Care Facilities Hospitals and Long-term Care Facilities: For a long period of time, hospitals have basically been established as nonprofit and for-profit facilities with several similarities and differences between these categories. Notably, these categories have minimal differences though its difficult to predict their quality based on their structures. The healthcare field has also been characterized by several trends in the past three decades in attempts to improveRead MoreOrganizational Development Case Study741 Words   |  3 Pagesdevelopment As a sophomore at UT, I saw a need to recognize and support Native American students and culture. With guidance from faculty advisors, we created founding documents for a new student organization. *Nonprofit leadership/management Multiple years of leadership roles in 6 nonprofits and over 10 organizations, I developed a team-oriented leadership style. This led to my nomination and induction into the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honors Society. *Interpersonal skills I excel atRead MoreThe Security Of Our Nation1359 Words   |  6 Pagesthem. People claim that as a consequence of The Twin Towers of the World Trade Center terrorist attack, and with advances in innovative technology, society needs to accept the unlimited mass observation that has that has portrayed this current organization s arrangements in the course of the last several years, and decrease its expectancies of privacy. The attacks of 9-11 tested our nation in new ways. In any case, maybe the greatest test was if people would defend both the nation and their ConstitutionalRead MoreReynolds Reynolds Team Selling1166 Words   |  5 PagesWhen a company decides to use a team-selling approach, there are several factors to consider: The size and diversity of the team. Rewards for each individual vs. rewards for the team as a whole. Strategic objectives involved with the decision-making process. Team selling should be used when there is a chance for high sales and profit. Firms must weigh the concept s pros and cons and base their decision on whether the approach matches the needs of the buyer. Advantages of Team Selling A teamRead MoreManaging Non Profit Organisations7701 Words   |  31 PagesManaging non-profit organisations: Towards a new approach Civil Society Working Paper 1 Helmut K. Anheier January 2000 Abstract This paper puts forth the thesis that the management of non-profit organisations is often ill understood because we proceed from the wrong assumptions about how these organisations operate. Based on this premise, this paper develops a model of the non-profit form as a conglomerate of multiple organisations with multiple bottom lines that demand a variety ofRead MoreBilingual Education : Different Cultures And A More Meaningful Education854 Words   |  4 Pageslimited-English-speaking children†, later explaining that this concept in widely used in public schools in the United States. While researching bilingual education, we found that there was a website about an organization called the National Association for Bilingual Education. The organization, founded in 1976, was created specifically to help language-minority students. The plan of this non-profit organization is to overall improve the abilities of culturally diverse students. The author states thatRead MoreHillary Rodham vs Michelle Obama Essay719 Words   |  3 PagesCompare and Contrast Essay Brian L. Marone Excelsior College maronebrian@gmail.com English 101 Instructor: BK Harvey 16 January 2013 Hillary Clinton Vs Michelle Obama Many people usually spend the majority their time comparing the past and present presidents against each other. They always talk about the things the presidents have accomplished leaving behind a great legacy, but they never consider the great women behind the man. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Michelle LaVaughn Robinson

Do Drug Testing Violate Civil Rights Essay Example For Students

Do Drug Testing Violate Civil Rights? Essay One of the weapons in the war against drugs is drug testing in the workplace. Many questions surround the legalities of drug testing, however, in some aspects it is a practical procedure. Frequently, especially in the case of public employees, the government declares special needs as a basis for drug testing which allows testing without a warrant and probable cause. I believe It is an infringement of the persons personal and civil rights when an individual is subjected to a drug test without the indication that they have even used drugs. Drug testing is practical when the safety of the public is at risk in jobs such as security and health care and also when all those that are nonusers dont mind taking them in order for the employer to discover those who are using. One argument in favor of random drug testing is that it will prevent illicit drug use and those problems associated with drug use in the workplace. I also think that testing is good and is not a violation when the government does it as an act to protect all citizens from the problems of drug use in positions such as the President. No one would want our country to be destroyed by the impaired decisions of a drug user. It can also be a good thing because it seeks out workers who may never get the help they need and never admit that they have a drug problem. Some drug users never appear to be impaired at work, even when drugs may be having a detrimental effect on job performance and adherence to safety standards.

Violence And Children Essays - Dispute Resolution, Parenting, Family

Violence And Children If you turn on the television at around seven-o clock at night, you will see plenty of violent shows. This violence on television affects the behavior of children, causing their play to become more aggressive. American parents do not exercise enough control over their child's television viewing habits, often using the television as a sort of electronic baby-sitter. Violence is everywhere in the world of entertainment. Most of the movies in the theaters contain at least a little bit of violence. Even the popular Star Wars series contains violent content, such as murder, torture, and dismemberment. Television cartoons also contain violence, such as Wyle E. Coyote getting run over by a truck and getting up unhurt, that affects the way children behave. When I was a child, my siblings and I watched about five to six of hours of television per week, but from the beginning, our parents explained to us the difference between reality and fantasy. We knew the real world was not the same as what we saw on television and at the movies. In contrast, my cousins now watch about an average of ten hours of television per week and their parents have not quite explained this concept to them very well. They have not quite grasped the concept of reality versus fantasy. I have four young cousins. Their ages are twelve, ten, eight, and seven years old. During the day, the two younger ones watch several hours of television. When the two older ones come home from school, they immediately park themselves in front of the television for the next two hours. Their younger brothers always join them. My cousins usually watch cartons that have fighting scenes. Sometimes they try to mimic what they see. So, they start fighting. At first, it is playful, after a while, the fighting gets a little more serious. At this point, I usually hear one of my cousins crying because someone hit him too hard. This happens almost every day. Their parents do not seem to notice what effect these television shows have on their sons. My four young cousins think that violence is the answer to all problems. For example, if they do not get what they want from another sibling, they sometimes hit or threaten to hit that sibling. They think that if they resort to violence, they will always get their way. I know of several solutions that will help parent`s control what and how much their child watches. First of all, they have to talk with their child about what the difference between reality and fantasy is. Understanding a childs grasp of reality versus fantasy will help parents decide what shows he or she is mature enough to watch. Secondly, there are other activities that a child should participate in besides watching television. For example, parents should encourage them to take up new hobbies to occupy their afternoons after they finish their homework. Children should also be encouraged to do more reading instead of watching television at night. Reading helps to expand a childs vocabulary and will help them do better in school. Thirdly, parents should buy a television that has a v-chip installed into it. By around the year 2000, most television will have this as a part of its standard feature. The v-chip locks out certain channels or shows that contains violence. Only parents can unlock this function by entering a special code. Some parents might argue that they would not have time to monitor their childs viewing habits because they work all day. Another argument might be that they do not have enough money to buy a television that has a v-chip installed in it. Another parent might argue about their child going over to their friend`s house to watch something that they are not allowed to watch at home. How can they keep their child from doing this? If I were a parent, I would be concerned about my childs future. If a child is aggressive as a child they will mostly be very aggressive as an adult. This is one reason why so many crimes are committed. Secondly, ever adult has authority over their child no matter how old. It just depends on the degree of authority. I think that children should not have too much freedom or else they can end up doing something that is harmful to their bodies and their minds. Watching too much violent shows on television does not help their development as a person. Therefore, it is imperative that their

Snakehead Hype essays

Snakehead Hype essays The snakehead fish should not be completely prohibited. I believe it would be better to restrict it than completely banned. The media is using this small story and blowing it way out of proportion. They are taking advantage of the fact that most of the United States knows very little or nothing about fish, let alone snakeheads. With the media hyping up this story that forces the government take have to take action. So with the war on terrorism and the problems on Wall Street, the United States decides to declare war on the snakehead. I agree that the snakehead fish is a danger to our ecosystem, and if there are too many in the wild, they could extinguish lots of our native species because they have no natural predators here. If so, say the alarmists, we've got cause to worry. The snakehead can exceed 3 ft. in length and will eat pretty much anything that can fit into its jaws. What's more, the Patuxent River is only 75 yds away, and the fishwith an air sac in its digestive system that allows it to absorb oxygen, and the ability to flop its way across small stretches of muddy landcould soon wriggle into the nation's waterways. It is true that the snakehead fish can live on land for a short while, but it prefers not to. Snakeheads are nothing more than common swamp fish. In Southeast Asia, where they originate, they live in irrigation ditches and rice paddies, thriving there until the dry season, when their pools shrink and they squirm along to the next pocket of water. Such clumsy locomotion does not lend itse lf to wanderlust, and snakeheads in a good pond are likely to stay there forever. "Snakeheads are extremely lazy and sedentary," says Hawaii biologist Ron Weidenbach. Nor do they much care for airat least not the way they're said to. Reports had it that they can live on land for up to three days, but the best they usually seem to manage is several hours under wet burlap in open ...

Reading Comprehension When Applying for a Job

Reading Comprehension When Applying for a Job The perfectly composed resume will fail to impress an HR professional unless it underscores the skills and experience your prospective employer needs. To determine what the company is looking for, you must learn how to search for the clues in the job posting. Then, you can tailor your resume and cover letter.   To test your job post comprehension  read the following advertisements and answer the questions below: Needed: Full-time secretary position available. Applicants should have at least 2 years experience and be able to type 60 words a minute. No computer skills required. Apply in person at United Business Ltd., 17 Browning Street.Are you looking for a part-time job? We require 3 part time shop assistants to work during the evening. No experience required, applicants should between 18 and 26. Call 366 - 76564 for more information.Computer trained secretaries: Do you have experience working with computers? Would you like a full-time position working in an exciting new company? If your answer is yes, give us a call at 565-987-7832.Teacher Needed: Tommys Kindergarten needs 2 teacher/trainers to help with classes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Applicants should have appropriate licenses. For more information visit Tommys Kindergarten in Leicester Square No. 56.Part Time work available: We are looking for retired adults who would like to work part-time at the weekend. Responsibilities include answerin g the telephone and giving customers information. For more information contact us by calling 897-980-7654. University positions open: The University of Cumberland is looking for 4 teaching assistants to help with homework correction. Applicants should have a degree in one of the following: Political Science, Religion, Economics or History. Please contact the University of Cumberland for more information. Comprehension Questions Which position is best for these people? Choose ONLY ONE position for each person. Jane Madison. Jane recently retired and is looking for a part-time position. She would like to work with people and enjoys public relation work. The best job for Jane is _____Jack Anderson. Jack graduated from the University of Trent with a degree in Economics two years ago. He would like an academic position. The best job for Jack is _____Margaret Lillian. Margaret is 21 years old and would like a part-time position to help her pay her university expenses. She can only work in the evenings. The best job for Margaret is _____Alice Fingelhamm. Alice was trained as a secretary and has six years of experience. She is an excellent typist but does not know how to use a computer. She is looking for a full-time position. The best job for Alice is _____Peter Florian. Peter went to business school and studied computer and secretarial skills. He is looking for his first job and would like a full-time position.​​ The best job for Peter is ____Vincent san George. Vincent loves work ing with children and has an education license from the city of Birmingham. He would like to work with young children. The best job for Vincent is _____ Once youve found the best job for each person, check your answers below. Answers Which position is best for these people? Jane Madison. Jane recently retired and is looking for a  part-time position. She would like to work with people and enjoys public relation work. The best job for Jane is  5Jack Anderson. Jack graduated from the University of Trent with a degree in Economics two years ago. He would like an academic position. The best job for Jack is  6Margaret Lillian. Margaret is 21 years old and would like a part-time position to help her pay her university expenses. She can only work in the evenings. The best job for Margaret is  2Alice Fingelhamm. Alice was trained as a secretary and has six years of experience. She is an excellent typist but does not know how to use a computer. She is looking for a  full-time position. The best job for Alice is  1Peter Florian. Peter went to business school and studied computer and secretarial skills. He is looking for his  first job  and would like a  full-time position. The best job for Peter is  3Vincent san George. Vincent loves working w ith children and has an education license from the city of Birmingham. He would like to work with young children. The best job for Vincent is  4

Theory and practice of Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Theory and practice of Leadership - Essay Example pper and Lipshitz (1993) have defined leadership is a way to motivate people to perform with the help of non-coercive means while other research scholars like Alas et al. (2007) have stated that leadership depends on personal traits of a individual such as behaviour, relationship with subordinates, interaction pattern with subordinates, influencing capability, ability to motivate people to perform well, influence on culture of the organization etc. Vardiman et al. (2006) have argued that leadership is a process of influencing others to accomplish predetermined objectives rather than characteristics of individual. According to Vardiman et al. (2006) leadership is dependent on the dyadic relationship between leader and follower which is independent of the macro and micro environmental conditions. Day (2002) has defined leadership in terms of transformational leadership theory which states that individual characteristics of leaders decide the dynamics of leadership. Various research sch olars such as Johnson (2000) and Howell & Costley (2001) have stated that organizations need to develop leadership skill among employees in order to provide direction, commitment and engagement to their work effort. Morrison et al. (2003) have stated that leadership is basically the ability of individuals to understand and implement contemporary management theories to real life problems. Popper and Lipshitz (1993) have indicated that there are three pillars for successful leadership characteristics, 1- building self efficacy, 2- motivating others to perform well and 3- developing specific skills to influence the followers. Steers et al. (1996) have also stated that leaders must the ability to motivate employees in workplace. Groves (2007) has proposed that systematic effort is needed in order to develop leadership quality among individuals. Deci and. Ryan (2000) has revealed that social-contextual conditions boost psychological development and self-motivation and these two factors

See attched below Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

See attched below - Essay Example ment would therefore be one which has been used by a particular party for a long time and where such long term use will allow him a proprietary right of usage over the easement, even if it is situated on land that belongs to the dominant land which is owned by someone else. On the basis of this, a legal easement is one that is legally enforceable in a court of law while in the case of an equitable easement, it must be registered under the Land Charges Act if it is to be enforceable. (b) In the case of Norman’s property, there are two easements that are under consideration (i) the lane at the rear that accesses the property and (ii) the road from Acacia road that leads over his property. Therefore, if another party acquires the title to the land at the rear of the property, the issue of legal versus equitable easement will arise in determining access and use of both these easements. In the first case, i.e, the lane at the back, Norman will still have the right to use it by virtue of it being an equitable easement, while in the case of the road in the front, the new owner will not have the right to use it without permission by virtue of its being a legal easement. The rationale for this conclusion is given below as follows: (i) Norman is currently the freehold owner of the land at the rear and has been enjoying the right to use the lane at the back for several years by virtue of his legal interest, since it was not in fact an easement at all but a part of his property. However, when the question of its sale arises, then this lane at the back of the property will be described as â€Å"appurtenant to† the dominant land,2 which belongs to Norman. When the land is transferred under Section 187(1) of the Law of property Act of 1925, then this easement will pass with it.3. But the easement must accommodate the dominant land because what is passed is only to ensure normal enjoyment of the land rather than to provide any undue advantage.4 An easement is a right of way

William Hazlitt Essay Example for Free

William Hazlitt Essay Money isn’t everything, but for English writer William Hazlitt that saying couldn’t be farther from the truth. The essay he has chosen to write is a list of contradictions given to show the reader why the true purpose in life is money. Hazlitt conveys his thoughts on money to persuade others that money is everything. To persuade his reader he uses specific syntax, tone and diction to convey this message. William Hazlitt begins his passage with stating â€Å"literally and truly, one cannot get on well in the world without money† (1). By starting the essay like this his stance whether or not money is everything is clear. As the passage develops you find that he is trying to persuade people who think money isn’t everything by belittling this with statements like â€Å"to be a burden to your relations† (39-40) to make the reader second guess them self. Also by him addressing â€Å"yourself† (45) in the passage he is directing it at a particular person or group of people. By doing these things he creates an informal essay with little detail. Hazlitt expresses a contemptuous tone throughout the essay. In his essay he compares having no money to â€Å"laborious employment† (16) and â€Å"thrown into†¦ a gaol,† (33) these are all situations that a majority of people dislike or do don’t want out of life. He uses this to persuade readers into his way of thinking. Hazlitt uses one huge compound sentence combining many contradictions. This compound sentence takes up lines 2-47 which is the majority of this passage; overwhelming readers by also adding intricate diction like â€Å"gaol† (33) â€Å"acquirements† (8) all to enhance his point by still using an informal tone. In conclusion William Hazlitt attempts to persuade his non-believer readers about the advantages of money and why it is truly everything. Whether it is by burdening your family or â€Å"sitting at a desk† (17) is condemns the reader and uses negative connotations. This strikes a reader and shows reasons why money is truly everything.

Comparing Wiesners The Three Pigs and Scieszkas True Story of the Thr

David Wiesner's The Three Pigs and Jon Scieszka's The True Story of the Three Little Pigs "Three pigs...Straw, sticks, bricks...Huffs and puffs...You probably know the rest. It's an old story, and every time someone tells it the same thing happens. But who says it's suppose to? Who's in charge of this story? Who gets to decide? Has anyone asked the pigs? No? Well, it's about time someone did" (Wiesner). Well... "...I'll let you in on a little secret ...nobody has ever heard my side of the story. I'm the wolf. Alexander T. Wolf...Al...This is the real story" (Scieszka). The well-known fairytale of The Three Little Pigs has changed directions a little over the centuries. No longer is the simple story of three pigs, a wolf, and a little "huffing and puffing" enough. Both Jon Scieszka and David Wiesner have added different twists to the all too familiar tale. By adding creativity, imagination, and perspectives, these men have developed a whole new adventure that takes the characters and readers for a ride. "Hey! He blew me right out of the story!" "Come on - it's safe ... Comparing Wiesner's The Three Pigs and Scieszka's True Story of the Thr David Wiesner's The Three Pigs and Jon Scieszka's The True Story of the Three Little Pigs "Three pigs...Straw, sticks, bricks...Huffs and puffs...You probably know the rest. It's an old story, and every time someone tells it the same thing happens. But who says it's suppose to? Who's in charge of this story? Who gets to decide? Has anyone asked the pigs? No? Well, it's about time someone did" (Wiesner). Well... "...I'll let you in on a little secret ...nobody has ever heard my side of the story. I'm the wolf. Alexander T. Wolf...Al...This is the real story" (Scieszka). The well-known fairytale of The Three Little Pigs has changed directions a little over the centuries. No longer is the simple story of three pigs, a wolf, and a little "huffing and puffing" enough. Both Jon Scieszka and David Wiesner have added different twists to the all too familiar tale. By adding creativity, imagination, and perspectives, these men have developed a whole new adventure that takes the characters and readers for a ride. "Hey! He blew me right out of the story!" "Come on - it's safe ...

Case study for Wilkerson Company Essay

1. According to the case, if using ABC, Wilkerson should pool overheads into five activities: machine-related expenses, setup labor cost, receiving and production control cost, engineering cost, and packaging and shipping cost. The cost pool/cost driver information for an Activity Based Costing (ABC) system for Wilkerson has already provided by table 2. Based on the information on table 1 and four exhibit in case, we can figure out that the total cost per unit of valves, pumps and flow controllers are $46.17, $58.20, and $115.38, respectively, by using the Activity Based Costing system. Computation Process shows on table 3. After computation, the gross margin % for each product using ABC shows on table 4. The actual gross margin % for valves, pumps and flow controllers are 46.30%, 33.10% and -9.90%, respectively. 5. The difference in the gross margin for flow controllers when the Traditional Cost System is used and when the ABC Cost System is used is caused by the different allocation approach of overhead, increasing manufacturing overhead from $30.00 to $83.38 significantly. Flow controllers were low volume products, but they required more resource. Due to the fact that flow controllers required not only more components and more labor, than pumps or valves, for each finished unit, but also more production runs and shipments, these operating process contributed substantial overhead costs. These overhead costs, however, were not be allocated in the traditional cost system. Compared to the traditional cost system, in which the overhead costs just were allocated to products as a percentage of production-run direct labor cost easily, the ABC cost system provides more accurate information about overhead costs. 6. In order to maintaining Wilkerson Company’s market share of valves and pumps, they have the room to reduce valves and pumps’ price, although they may do not need to reduce their price. Meanwhile, they should increase the price of flow controllers to increase gross margin of these products. The reason that the company raised flow controller prices recently with no apparent effect on demand because the products were underpriced. They should deal with the negative profitability immediately. For the long run, probably the company needs to review their manufacturing operation process. They may have ability to reduce their production runs by innovation. Moreover, they can increase shipping batch size by negotiating with customers to increase order size, which will reduce the number of shipments to saving costs. These approaches  will reduce their overhead costs, increasing their profitability.

Daylight saving time Essay

Daylight savings time, it happens two times a year, causing a multitude of occurrence, some of these being good, while some are not so good. However, it has been a hot topic for debate recently. To keep daylight savings time, or to kick it to the curb is the question many congressmen are asking themselves. Keeping daylight savings time allows the people of the United States to continue with years of tradition implemented during war time that has been a part of their daily lives ever since which is irrelevant to today’s standards. Being first put into action by President Roosevelt during the Second World War to save energy that the war effort needed, some of the states decided to keep a version of this, but only during the summer (Source A). Thinking this movement would save the American population not only the artificial lighting energy, but also it would save them money. However, nowadays the average savings per household during daylight savings time is about four dollars (video) and the â€Å"corresponding national savings of forty to fifty megawatt hours per day† (Source D). These numbers seem to be miniscule compared to how it could affect their lives. If it only saves an average of four dollars per year, DST is really useless. Considering it was added during a war time and its original purpose was to save energy and get people outside more, there is no need for it now with the more efficient light bulbs we now have and the heating and cooling machines that are saving more money than DST ever could. Daylight savings time affects the natural rhythm of sleep that humans have, not only causing them to be less productive on the job but also it’s a health problem. As O’Connor said people tend to sleep on standard time, not DST. Now daylight savings time is affecting our sleep along with our health. The video which was viewed in class went into greater detail stating that the Monday after DST there is a higher percent of heart attacks and suicides. From personal account, Mondays are no fun but with more suicides†¦that’s a little extreme. So, DST is a very serious issue if there are more heart attacks and suicides. And as stated above the body sleeps on standard time, so DST causes sleep deprivation. This in turn causes there to be less productivity on the job, the week after daylight savings time happens there is an estimated $480,000,000 lost businesses (Video). Daylight savings time just seems like one problem after another when looking at the big picture and how everything affects the other. Not only are people more tired, there are serious health risks associated with it, and the lack of productivity might just be the wakeup call big businesses and the government are look for. It’s essentially screaming that DST needs to be ended. Daylight savings time is something that is outdated, and was used for a war ear. As a country there is no need for it anymore. It is costing the country more than it’s saving it, along with causing more stress put on business leaders. Really, there is no use for it, and this shouldn’t even be a debate. The answer is clear, DST is a thing of the past and that is where it should stay.

Web editing essays

Web editing essays One of the major tasks of the editorial staff is, the capture of the customer wishes provides by the Key account manager, media-fair verbally to move. This contains material search and text conversion for the specific needs of a multimedia product. By a completely different behavior of utilization of the users in comparison with haptic publications like books, magazines and newspapers the editor must understand a huge number of Guidelines to be active successfully in the specific situation multimedia. People don't read websites the same way they read print material. There are three typical key characteristics that affect how web users react to online content: Web users are active, not passive like book readers The longer the text, the less likely they are to read it The user want to get answers to his questions quickly Good copy is essential to ensuring that the targeted reader audience and the customers can understand how the website works and what benefit it holds for them. 1.2. Tasks of the multimedia branch 4 2.1.2. Separation of text and context 7 2.2. Book culture versus Web culture 7 4.2. Principles of copywriting for the web 14 The multimedia branch in general is not easy to class, because the whole branch is very fast and the single commercial fields are fanned out very broadly and change in the course of the time. However, the concept Multimedia encloses in the narrow sense the following main business fields: E marketing, Internet, Intranet, Extranet, services in the B2B marketplaces, web presences, Content management systems, Customer Relationship management systems, E-Commerce and online marketing activities. Multimedia applications have to be more differently (text, photo and graphic arts) and more dynamically (audio, animation and video) than other media types, because of the possibility of the interactive use. The tasks of the multimedia branch is made up of the following 4 ...

Green Card Program for Rich Foreigners is Fraud Risk, GAO Says

Green Card Program for Rich Foreigners is Fraud Risk, GAO Says A federal government program that helps wealthy foreigners get temporary U.S citizenship â€Å"green cards† is a bit too easy to trick, says the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). The program is called the EB-5 immigrant investor program. The U.S. Congress created it in 1990 as an economic stimulus measure, but legislation funding the program is due to expire on December 11, 2015, leaving lawmakers scrambling to revise and revive it. One proposal would raise the minimum required investment to as much as $1.2 million, while retaining same the job creation requirements. To qualify for the EB-5 program, immigrant applicants must agree to invest either $1 million in a U.S. business that is to create at least 10 jobs, or $500,000 in a business located in an area that is considered rural or has an unemployment rate at least 150% of the national average rate. Once they qualify, the immigrant investors are eligible for conditional citizenship status allowing them to live and work in the United States. After 2 years of living in the United States, they can apply to have the conditions for legal permanent residency removed. In addition, they can apply for full U.S. citizenship after 5 years of living in the United States. So, What Are the EB-5 Problems? In a report requested by Congress, the GAO found that efforts by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) detect and prevent fraud in the EB-5 visa program have been lacking, thus making it hard to determine program’s actual positive impact on the economy, if any. Fraud in the EB-5 program ranges from participants overstating job creation figures to applicants using illegally gained funds to make their initial investments. In one example reported to the GAO by the U.S. Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate, an EB-5 applicant concealed his financial interests in a number of brothels in China. The application was ultimately denied. Drug trade is one of the most common sources of illicit investment funds used by potential EB-5 program participants. While the GAO gave no details for reasons of national security, there is also a possibility that some applicants for the EB-5 program may have ties to terrorist groups. However, GAO reported that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, a DHS component, relies too heavily on outdated, paper-based information, thus creating â€Å"significant challenges† to its ability to detecting EB-5 program fraud. The GAO noted that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission reported getting more than 100 tips, complaints, and referrals related to possible securities fraud violations and the EB-5 Program from January 2013 through January 2015. Overstated Success? When interviewed by the GAO, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reported that from 1990 to 2014, the EB-5 program had generated more than 73,730 jobs while contributing at least $11 billion to the U.S. Economy. But the GAO had a major problem with those figures. Specifically, the GAO stated that â€Å"limitations† in the methods Citizenship and Immigration Services uses to calculate the program’s economic benefit may cause the agency to â€Å"overstate some economic benefits derived from the EB-5 Program.† For example, the GAO found that the USCIS’s methodology assumes that all immigrant investors approved for the EB-5 program will invest all the money required and that that money will be spent totally on the business or businesses in which they claim to be investing. However, GAO’s analysis of actual EB-5 program data revealed that fewer immigrant investors successfully and fully completed the program than were approved in the first place. In addition, â€Å"the actual amount invested and spent in these circumstances is unknown, noted the GAO.

Economic growth Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Economic growth - Essay Example However, the index is limited in that it ignores the relationship of the attributes that are used to construct it. As such, two countries can have the same HDI but have different levels of education standards or health care. In order to eliminate the limitations of the HDI and traditional models that are used to measure human development, the article proposes a new model. The model is constructed based on stochastic dominance. The stochastic model used compares different variables according to the preferences of rational economic decision makers and ordering them in a stochastic manner. The model has not been used because it can only be tested pair-wise. The article contends that the stochastic model weights are explicit which leads to the creation of the scenario that represents the most optimistic development. The model gives more weight to the dimension that is realized much higher in the countries than other dimensions. The article uses the HDI index as a benchmark and uses the stochastic dominance model to get weights that are assigned to the sub-indices. The article asserts that this move helps to maximize the distribution distance which occurs between the used indices. As such, the article uses stochastic dominance to measure the factor that has the major contribution to the development using the HDI index. The article uses the biased literature review which reveals the weakness of the traditional methods of measuring development. GNP and GDP are cited as the main traditional methods of measuring development. The articles espouses that GDP and GNP per capita uses the income to analyses development while there are other factors that cannot be owned or produce by individuals that lead to the development. HDI was development to remedy these shortcomings, however, HDI is criticised in using poor source of data to construct its constituents. There is also a lack of conserves

Case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Case study - Essay Example This has necessitated the establishment of marketing communications plan aimed at rekindling the interest of the customers who have deviated their loyalty to other in hotels (Kenneth & Baack 67). For this to happen the marketing and advertising team have to establish the internal and external causes of the customers deviation of loyalty then find a plan to reverse this process in a manner that will benefit both the hotel and its customers. Situation Analysis A SWOT analysis was conducted and the following was ascertained: the strengths of the hotel related to the predicament included; it is among the units of the third most dominant hotel chain in the globe and the most important strength is that the hotel has an unsurpassed marketing and advertising team and vast pool of resources. This gives the hotel an added advantage in the cutthroat competition. The weakness is that the expendable funds had been already allocated to another project thus leaving the marketing communications plan with a limited budget. The opportunity that presented itself is that the city where the hotel is located was recently made the headquarters of an international body and that meant that a lot of foreign dignitaries would be coming to the city and this was a big potential market for the hotel. Finally, the threat was that the rival hotels were really stiffening the competition and to add salt to the injury even more hotels of the same kind were being established. Alternatives The team came up three different sets of solutions to counter the predicament that the hotel had suddenly found itself in. the first alternative was to change the format the hotels rooms and facilities so that the hotel could have the ability to accommodate the customers who want a budget accommodation and those who want a luxurious experience. This would be a good strategy for getting customers want to save a buck and get good accommodation and those who want to spend an extra buck to get an extremely luxurious experience. It would also enable the hotel to get back the customers it had lost for either of the reasons stated above. However, the trick would be to craft an advertisement of this strategy in a manner that wouldn’t drive away the customers because the advertisement pastes a picture of the hotel either as a cheap or an extremely expensive or a contradiction of both. Creating a new way to bring back the customers who had deviated to other hotels by introducing a system of rewarding loyalty was the second plan. This would not only bring old customers back but also introduce a new customer base. The problem in this is that it would limit the profits of the hotel but if well executed the small incentives given to the loyal customers wouldn’t matter because the new customers would improve the profits of the hotel. The final plan was to tap into the newly established market of foreign dignitaries. The advertisement strategy would be to come to an arrangement with several airline industries so that the hotel could advertise itself to any persons coming to the city from another country. This would give the hotel a head start in getting the foreign market interested in it but this would have a negative impact on the demand of the local market. Recommendation The marketing and advertisement committee suggested the best way forward was an execution of alternative two. This is because a proper execution would enable the hotel

Business Execution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Business Execution - Essay Example Thus, execution is a key to organizational success. Without a careful, planned approach to execution, strategic goals cannot be attained. I believe that business execution is one of the cornerstones of a business organization's success. Business plans and strategies are useless unless they are executed. The realization of the company's goals is almost fully dependent on the execution of its plans. However, it should also be noted that execution in business is often tedious and complicated. For one, the plans being executed should always be modified in order to cope with the changes and developments in the environment. Execution is also a matter of coordinating everyone in the company to carry out their specific functions as planned. I would also like to stress that execution is only as good as the plan and strategy created. Even if the firm has been very good in putting its plan into action if the plan is not efficient, it will still be far from realizing its goals and objectives.

Research into the history of klinefelters syndrome

Research into the history of klinefelters syndrome Many chromosomal abnormalities occur early in development and involve the sex chromosomes. Klinefelters Syndrome falls directly into this category. Klinefelters Syndrome is a genetic condition affecting the male population. The following information observes who discovered Klinefelters Syndrome and when it was first diagnosed. The etiology or genetic and environmental factors of the condition are discussed as well as complete description of the disability and the clear diagnostic criteria. The affects of Klinefelters Syndrome are more recognized in adulthood, when it is typically diagnosed. Many Klinefelters patients live out their entire lives without ever knowing they have the condition. Upon conclusion, there should be an adequate amount of information that will give you, the reader, valuable knowledge into the diagnosis and treatment of Klinefelters Syndrome. History Klinefelters Syndrome was first diagnosed in 1942 at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston Massachusetts (Schoenstadt, 2006). Dr. Harry Klinefelter was completing his fellowship at the Massachusetts General Hospital when he was assigned to work with Dr. Fuller Albright, also known as the father of endocrinology (Bock, 1993; Klinefelter Syndrome, 2006). Dr. Klinefelter came to examine nine adult men that had a common set of symptoms during the course of his fellowship (Klinefelter Syndrome, 2006). Dr. Klinefelter organized a case study that involved these nine men and their similarities and was encouraged by Dr. Albright to lead the study (Klinefelter Synrome, 2006). The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology was published in November of 1942 with the completed case study of these nine mens similar qualities, which Dr. Klinefelter identified as Klinefelters Syndrome (Klinefelter Syndrome, 2006). The report written by Dr. Klinefelter on these men described them as having testicular dysgenesis, elevated urinary gonadotropins, eunuchoidism, azoospermia, and gynecomastia, all of which have an effect on the underdeveloped size of the testes, the lack of the amount of testosterone produced by the testes, and infertility (Schoenstadt, 2006; Visootsak Graham, 2006). These adult males also exhibit enlarged breast and sparse facial hair (Schoenstadt, 2006). Two groups found out fourteen years after Dr. Klinefelters original description of the syndrome, that the buccal mucosal cells contained an extra chromatin mass or that the cells were chromatin positive (Klinefelter, 1966). Although the patients were described as having a positive female sex chromatin, Dr. Klinefelter states that the patients are phenotypic males and should never be considered otherwise (Klinefelter, 1996). Fourteen years after Dr. Klinefelter first diagnosed Klinefelters Syndrome, another case study was performed to further understand the characteristics that define the condition (Klinefelter Syndrome, 2006). In 1956, Dr. Joe Hin Tjio and Dr. Albert Lavan took the research further to determine the factors that made those men with Klinefelters Syndrome dissimilar from normal adult males through genetic research (Klinefelter Syndrome, 2006; Schoenstadt, 2006). With the advanced experimental methodology available, Dr. Joe Hin Tjio and Dr. Albert Lavan found that humans had 23 pairs of chromosomes, confirming 46 chromosomes, which prior to this time there was thought to be 48 chromosomes (Bock, 1993; Klinefelter Syndrome, 2006). This clarification by Dr. Tjio and Dr. Lavan is the basic foundation for modern cytogenetics, the study of chromosomes and diseases originating from numerical or structural abnormalities in chromosomes (Klinefelter Syndrome, 2006). Dr. Tjio and Dr. Lavan discovered that men with symptoms of Klinefelters Syndrome had an extra sex chromosome that created the chromosomal arrangement of XXY, which is distinct to the normal male chromosomal arrangement of XY (Klinefelter Syndrome, 2006; Schoenstadt, 2006,). Klinefelter Syndrome was still believed to be an endocrine disorder of unknown etiology at this time (Visootsak Graham, 2006). In 1959, just three years after Dr. Tjio and Dr. Lavan made their historical discoveries, an English researcher by the name of Dr. Patricia Jacobs and her associate Dr. J. A. Strong published a study supplementing earlier studies (Klinefelter Syndrome, 2006; Noble, 2003). Dr. Jacobs and Dr. Strong found the link between the endocrinal disease and the extra X sex chromosome (Noble, 2003). Dr. Jacobs linked forty-seven chromosomes in Klinefelters Syndrome males and determined it to be the X chromosome, which she considered an aneuploidy defined as an unusual number of chromosomes and labeled 47, XXY (Bock, 1993; Klinefelter Syndrome, 2006; Schoenstadt, 2006). The 1970s brought forth a larger examination of males born with Klinefelters Syndrome (Bock, 1993). During this time doctors began screening newborn male babies for the extra chromosome (Bock, 1993; Visootsak Graham, 2006). The most significant of the studies done at this time was sponsored by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) whom examined over forty thousand infants for this extra chromosome (Bock, 1993; Visootsak Graham, 2006). This study was important for the reason that most studies done prior to the 1970s were biased and primarily done on adult males in mental institutions and the penal system (Visootsak Graham, 2006). At this time is when the prevalence of Klinefelters Syndrome was noticed as frequently as one in five hundred to one in one thousand male newborns (Bock, 1993; Visootsak Graham, 2006). Also observed in this study was the reduction in speech and language abilities as well as decreased reading and spelling achievement (Bock, 1993; Visootsak Graham, 2006). Along with these disabilities, Klinefelters patients are characterized by an increased tendency towards fertility, endocrinal, and psychiatric disorders (Noble, 2003). This study demonstrated that most but not all of these males born with the extra chromosome will have these characteristics, and many demonstrate varying degrees of the characteristics (Bock, 1993; Visootsak Graham, 2006). Based on this research it has been found that the extra X chromosome that causes Klinefelters Syndrome is very common, however, the symptoms and characteristics that are most recognizable are quit uncommon (B ock, 1993). Most males are not diagnosed as having Klinefelters Syndrome until they reach adulthood, and many that have the syndrome are never diagnosed as having this chromosomal defect at all (Bock, 1993). One pediatrician at the University of Colorado Medical School in Denver and the director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) during the major screening research referred to these newborn males as not having Klinefelters Syndrome because of the possibility that the characteristics may not develop into a syndrome (Bock, 1993; Visootsak Graham, 2006). Etiology and Genetic Factors Every normal human cell has 46 chromosomes that are made up of 23 pairs (Stewart, 2007). Of these 23 pairs, there are 22 that are exactly the same in both males and females called autosomes (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2010). The 23rd pair of sex chromosomes is what makes males and females different in that the male will have only one X and Y chromosome whereas the female will have two copies of the X chromosome (Stewart, 2007; U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2010). During the formation of the egg and the sperm, or gametes, the chromosomes are halved through a process called meiosis (Stewart, 2007; The Dorsey, 2009). Cells that carry a single chromosome such as the X or Y chromosome are called haploid cells (The Dorsey, 2009). When the egg and sperm join carrying 23 chromosomes each they create the fertile egg, or zygote, which has two haploid sets of chromosomes (The Dorsey, 2009). Therefore, the baby receives two copies of each chromosome, 46 total chromosomes, just like the parents (Stewart, 2007). The extra X in Klinefelter Syndrome is caused from either nondisjunction or anaphase lag. Nondisjunction occurs when the chromosome pairs do not separate as they are intended in the meiosis I or meiosis II stage (Pineyard Zipf, 2003; Stewart, 2007). When this happens there may be a chromosome pair with 24 chromosomes instead of the 23 chromosomes (Stewart, 2007). If this chromosome pair of 24 joins with an egg or sperm with 23 chromosomes then it results in a karotype with 47 chromosomes (Stewart, 2007). In this case there will be three copies of chromosomes rather than the usual two copies of chromosomes (Stewart, 2007). The sperm or egg may donate the extra X chromosome at conception causing a chromosomal abnormality (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2008; Stewart, 2007). This forms the XXY chromosomal formation, which is diagnosed as Klinefelters Syndrome. At least half of 47, XXY conceptions are spontaneously aborted (Pineyard Zipf, 2003). The chromosomal abnormality is random and not known to be caused by any environmental factors (Genetic Science Learning Center, 2010; Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2008; National Institute of Health, 2007). This anomaly happens entirely by chance and is unrelated to family history prior to the male childs birth (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2008). This is to say that the male embryos likelihood of being born with Klinefelters Syndrome is not increased or decreased by what the parent does or does not do (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2008). Klinefelters Syndrome is not affected by race (Chen, 2010). This is a completely random occurrence of the sex chromosomes not successfully separating during the formation of the egg or the sperm (Genetic Science Learning Center, 2010). Once this occurs the extra chromosome is then copied into every cell of the embryo (Genetics Science Learning Center, 2008). There are extremely rare cases when there may be three or four extra X chromosomes in all copies of the cells known as 48,XXXY or 49, XXXXY (Stewart, 2007). The 49, XXXXY mosaic is also known as Fraccaros Syndrome and is the most rare form of Klinefelters Syndrome (Duenas et al., 2007). This rare chromosomal abnormality results in more exaggerated features of Klinefelters Syndrome (Stewart, 2007). There are instances where an extra X chromosome is found in only some of the cells (Stewart, 2007). This can be found as two different chromosomal patterns (Stewart, 2007). One pattern occurs when some cells have 46 chromosomes and some have 47 chromosomes (Stewart, 2007). The other pattern is called the mosaic XXY syndrome, or chromosomal mosaicism, and affects approximately six percent of these cases, with the most rare cases being the 48, XXXY or the 49, XXXXY, or other arrangements of X chromosomes (Stewart, 2007). The mosaic XXY syndrome occurs only after conception from a mistake in cell division (Stewart, 2007). Anaphase lag is a result of a gamete lacking a sex chromosome (Klinefelter, 1966). When this chromosome lags it is not incorporated into the new cell during the mitosis stage (Kinefelter, 1996). Anaphase lag is thought to be a reason for the mosaic variations of Klinefelters Syndrome (Klinefelter, 1966). Although the chromosomal abnormality of 49, XXXXY is considered to be a variant form of Klinefelters Syndrome, it appears to have a very independent, distinct phenotype (Duenas et al., 2007). Males that show the 49, XXXXY chromosomal structure have much more severe clinical features than that of a Klinefelters Syndrome male (Duenas et al., 2007). This is the most rare of the Klinefelters Syndrome variants and has been reported in over one hundred cases with the frequency being approximately 1 in 85,000 newborn males (Duenas et al., 2007). There have been reports of an even more extreme variant of Klinefelters Syndrome mosaic in newborn males (Duenas et al., 2007). This variant is a 47, XXY/48, XXXY/49, XXXXY mosaicism and has only been reported in three cases according to a researcher in Mexico (Duenas et al., 2007). This means that the male newborn would have the whole spectrum of XY variations. Another variant that affects only males is the 46, XX chromosomal variation (Bock, 1993). This condition occurs when individuals have two X chromosomes in each cell, but are male in appearance. These individuals have male external geniltalia. These individuals also have small, undescended testes possibly along with an urethra opening on the underside of the penis. A small amount of 46, XX Males have external geniltalia that dont clearly resemble either male or female genitalia. These individuals are typically raised male. Phenotypically, there are three groups of these sex-reversed individuals. The first group includes phenotypically normal XX Males, the second group includes the males with genital ambiguities, and the third group is the true hermaphrodites (Bock, 1993). Description of Characteristics or Traits Klinefelters Syndrome has only one constant physical description and that is the small testicular size (Visootsak Graham, 2003). Boys with Klinefelters Syndrome have variable phenotypic characteristics with no obvious facial dysmorphology (Visootsak Graham, 2003). The presence of gynconemastia, or enlarged breast, and other findings of eunuchoid body habits and sparse body hair vary (Visootsak Graham, 2003). Eunuchoid or eunuchoidism is defined as an abnormal condition in males, characterized by underdeveloped reproductive organs with some female characteristics, such as a higher voice or the lack of facial and body hair that results in the lack of male sex hormones (Eunuchoidism, n.d.). Gonadotropins are produced by glands, such as the pituitary, and can result in sparse body hair when not produced adequately (Gonadotropin, 2010). The medical dictionary states that eunuchoidism is marked by a deficiency of sexual development with the persistence of prepubertal characteristics, and often has the presence of characteristics that are typical of the opposite sex (Eunuchoidism, n.d.). Another likely characteristic is azoospermia (Schoenstadt, 2006; Visootsak Graham, 2006). Azoospermia is defined as having little or no sperm count (Azoospermia, 2010). Testicular dysgenesis, or gonadal dysgenesis, is another characteristic of Klinefelters Syndrome (Schoenstadt, 2006; Visootsak Graham, 2006). Testicular dysgenesis is considered a reproductive system developmental disorder that causes a progressive loss of primordial germ cells, or cells that create gametes, in the developing gonads of an embryo (Gonadal dysgenesis, 2010). This gonadal dysgenesis can lead to the extremely hypoplastic, or underdeveloped, and disfunctioning gonads mainly composed of fibrous tissues (Gonadal dysgenesis, 2010). Most infants and children with the 47, XXXY chromosomal abnormalities go through normal growth stages. It is not until puberty that the Klinefelters Syndrome characteristics or traits become more prevalent and noticeable (Visootsak Graham, 2003). There is a significant increase in height between the ages of five and eight (Visootsak Graham, 2003). Another characteristic of Klinefelters Syndrome is the elongated length of arms and legs (Klinefelter, 1966). There is a decrease in androgen production that causes the secondary sexual characteristics to not fully develop (Visootsak Graham, 2003). An androgen is any substance such as androsterone or testosterone that supports male characteristics (Androgen, n.d.). Typically Klinefelters males are infertile (Visootsak Graham, 2003). However, there have been cases of impregnation without the assistance of medical technology (Visootsak Graham, 2003). Autoimmune diseases such as juvenile arthritis can also be present in Klinefelters adolescents. Whereas boys with Klinefelters Syndrome are generally tall with long limbs and remain thin until puberty, they tend to suffer from obesity latter in life. Neurocognitive effects of Klinefelters Syndrome may be more subtle than that of the physical stigmata. Klinefelters males have been found to have relative deficits on verbal IQ subtests and have verbal IQ scores around 20 points lower than those of unaffected siblings. There are also deficits in articulation, word finding, phonemic processing, verbal memory, language comprehension, oral expression problems, as well as linguistic processing speed. It seems that the speech/language problems and some motor deficits are most common in Klinefelters males that have an extra X chromosome. Ninety-two percent of individuals with Klinefelters Syndrome confirm difficulty learning to read. Seventy percent had reading achievement discrepancies or absolute reading deficits on standardized testing. A group of boys with mental retardation and suspicion of fragile X were subject to a genetic screening and the results showed that eight of these boys had Klinefelters Syndrome. Most of the more extreme verbal, visuospatial, and motor skills, such as found in mental retardation and fragile X syndrome are typically spa red. However, some boys with Klinefelters Syndrome suffer from poor manual dexterity and are commonly found to be clumsy and below average in sports (Wodrich Tarbox, 2008). There are many different factors that may underlie linguistic and reading problems. One possibility is a dysfunction of the left hemisphere that may be related to diminished gray matter or a lack of hemispheric asymmetry, or both. It is also possible that executive and frontal deficits may be a cause (Wodrich Tarbox). There is evidence that language is a fundamental issue for Klinefelters children and this can result in further scholastic issues. This problem seems to manifest as dyslexia as defined by poor reading in the setting of normal intelligence. Klinefelters males have also been observed to have difficulties with arithmetical functions. The deficits in auditory processing and verbal memory are the two key cognitive processes that underlie these difficulties. These deficits are also true for normal chromosomal children with dyslexia. The findings are supportive of the concept that defects in frontal systems seem to be caused by a language-based, left frontal-systems problem (Geschwind Dykens, 2004). Adult Klinefelters males have reported to have difficulties with mental flexibility (Wodrich Dykens, 2004). Even with these studies, it should be noted that not all adults that have Klinefelters Syndrome show these classic patterns of verbal deficits that are observed in children (Geschwind Dykens, 2004). However, these findings are not appropriate for all Klinefelters males, many of which complete high school and move on to post-secondary education successfully (Wodrich Tarbox, 2008). Two characteristics that has been falsely associated with Klinefelters males in the past, is sociopathy and criminal behavior. There is, contrary to this belief, fewer psychiatric problems reported among these individuals. However, there are commonly traits of introversion, unassertiveness, and a paucity or lack of ambition. There are also possible traits of impulsivity and social inappropriateness (Wodrich Tarbox, 2008). A Reiss Profile of Fundamental Goals measurement was used to assess the degrees of which Klinefelters males were motivated in 15 domains (Geschwind Dykens, 2004). The Reiss Profile generates a profile that is based on the motivational sensitivities across the domains of aversive sensations, citizenship, family, curiosity, honor, independence, food, order, physical exercise, rejection, power, sex, social contact, vengeance, and social prestige. The Reiss Profile is a well-established psychometric measure that is being used more and more to assess people with and without mental retardation (Geschwind Dykes, 2004). The results suggested that the Klinefelters male group was not particularly motivated by the need for social prestige, independence, or the desire to seek vengeance. This group was also not motivated to avoid physical pain. The general motivator for all the Klinefelters males in this group was curiosity. There were no age effects to this study (Geschwind Dykes, 2004). Characteristics in Adulthood There is a persistent deficiency of androgen in adulthood that can result in the loss of libido, decreased muscle bulk and tone, decreased bone density, a propensity for thromboembolism (an obstruction in a vein or artery from a blood clot), and an increased risk of mortality from cardiovascular and diabetic complications. A common characteristic for Klinefelters adults is gynecomastia (Wattendorf Muenke, 2005). Gynecomastia involves the risk of developing breast carcinoma. There is 200 times more of a risk for Klinefelters males to develop breast carcinoma than other karyotypically normal individuals. This may be a result of the estradiol (the prominant sex hormone in females) to testosterone ratio being so much higher that karyotypically normal men. Another possibility is that it is caused by the increase of peripheral conversion of testosterone to estradiol (Visootsak Graham, 2006). There are different views as to whether Klinefelters adult males are more aggressive or have a greater chance of psychological issues depending on the resource. One study describes the differences as relative to individual testosterone levels and the age at which they received the diagnosis (Morris, Jackson, Hancock, 2009). Equally, there is an impact from the way the diagnosis is reacted to by the Klinefelters male, the family, and friends or peers. The seven major themes that emerged from this study were the diagnosis, the testosterone treatments, health care problems, appearance, self-identity, relationships, and school and education. Of the Klinefelters adults studied, 60 % reported clinical levels of anxiety and 34% had clinical levels of depression. The results of this study show that a prolonged lack of testosterone can have far reaching negative effects on the Klinefelters adult (Morris, Jackson, Hancock, 2009). The historical studies show a disturbingly increased risk for psychiatric disturbance, criminality, and mental retardation. However, these results are outdated and extremely questionable given the initial examinations were given to institutionalized populations (Chen, 2010). Differential Diagnosis Classic Klinefelters Syndrome, 47, XXY, cases make up approximately 80-90% of all Klinefelters diagnosis. There are approximately 6-10% of these cases that are mosaics, which are the cells with 46, XY/47, XXY; 46, XY/48, XXXY; and 47, XXXY/48, XXXY (Chen, 2010; Visootsak Graham, 2003; Visootsak Graham, 2006). In 5% of the cases there are two X chromosomes without a Y chromosome or 46, XX (Visootsak Graham, 2006). The other cases were karyotypes 48, XXXY, 48, XXYY, 49, XXXXY, and 49, XXXYY (Visootsak Graham, 2003). Approximately 1% of these cases are due to a structurally abnormal X with a normal X and Y chromosome described as kayotypes 47, X,i(Xq)Y and 47, X,del(X)Y (Chen, 2010). Klinefelters Syndrome variants occur much less frequently than the classic 47, XXY chromosomal abnormality (Bock, 1993; Visootsak Graham, 2006). Klinefelter variant 48, XXXY is characterized by being average or tall stature with ocular hyperterlorism, which are widely spaced or deep set eyes; flat nasal bridge; curving of the fifth finger, or clinodactyly. Other characteristics are small penis and testicles with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, which is the absence or decrease in function of the male testes. Theses individuals intelligence quotients range from 40-60. Variant 48, XXYY is characterized by having a tall stature, an eunuchoid habitus with long legs, sparse body hair, small testicles and penis, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and gynecomastia. These individuals intelligence quotients range from 60-80. Males with variant 49, XXXXY are severely affected. They have smaller than average head circumference also known as microcephaly, short stature with ocular hypertelorism, flat nasal bridge, and upslanting palpebral fissures. Cleft palates are present along with small geniltalia and a heart defect known as patent ductus arteriosus. These individuals intelligence quotients range from 20-60. (Visootsak and Graham, 2003). Klinefelters Syndrome 47, XXY, has no major physical signs, which explains why it may go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed throughout an individuals life. Also with no physical signs, it is truly only diagnosed when genetic testing occurs for a variety of unrelated reasons. Klinefelters Syndrome may be diagnosed prenatally or during early childhood, as an adolescent during puberty, or as an adult when there are recognized fertility problems (Bock, 1993). Klinefelters Syndrome can be diagnosed prenatally through amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (Bock, 1993). These tests are normally done if the pregnant woman is older than 35, if there is a family history of genetic defects, or when other medical indications exist (Bock, 1993). A pediatrician may suspect a male child as having Klinefelters Syndrome if there are delays in learning to talk or difficulties in reading and writing as well as physical abnormalities during adolescence (Bock, 1993). Treatments and Interventions All hope is not lost when it comes to the treatment and interventions of the undesirable traits and characteristics that males diagnosed with Klinefelters Syndrome may display or develop. It is recommended that Klinefelters males have a comprehensive neurodevelopmental evaluation as soon as they have been diagnosed. A multidisciplinary developmental evaluation can determine the appropriate treatments during infancy and early childhood. These treatments may include physical therapy, infant simulation programs, and speech therapy (Wattendorf, 2005). If the language difficulties are detected in childhood, then there is more of a possibility for intervention. The language barriers that Klinefelters males may have to cope with can not only affect their academics, it can obstruct their building of social relationships and learning social skills necessary for these relationships. Here is where the Klinefelters child could benefit from a social skills training program. In a social skills training program, the Klinefelters child will be able to practice talking and listening, observing childrens making friends processes, sharing of information, attitudes, and beliefs. This will also assist them in proper classroom behavior and playground behavior. Language disabilities and barriers can prevent Klinefelters males from fitting in socially, so this kind of intervention and assistance can benefit the child greatly. Hearing can be an issue if frequent ear infections occur. Hearing test and screens should be done to ensure that a hearing impairment is not a part of the language difficulties. If the Klinefelters child is not communicating effectively with single words by the ages of 18 to 24 months, then consultation with a speech and language pathologist will be very beneficial (Klinefelter Syndrome Information, 2002). Teachers should be informed of the difficulties that a Klinefelters child may be dealing with in the classroom. A teacher may consider the Klinefelters child to be lazy and daydreaming and a teacher may even forget the child is even in the room. This can result in the Klinefelters child falling behind and eventually being held back a grade. Under the Public Law 94-142, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, adopted by Congress in 1975, all children with disabilities have a right to a free, and appropriate public education (Klinefelter Syndrome Information, 2002). Once the Klinefelters male reaches puberty there is usually an inability to produce a normal amount of testosterone. This along with hypogonadism can result in impaired bone mineral density and skeletal muscle development. Also associated with testosterone deficiency is a decrease in libido and energy (Wattendorf Muenke, 2005). Androgen therapy or Testosterone Treatment should begin by time the Klinefelters male reaches middle school, approximately 12 to 14 years of age, based on the level of pubertal development (Klinefelter Syndrome Information, 2002; Wattendorf Muenke, 2005). Testosterone Treatment will ultimately increase the muscle size and strength, as well as, promoting the growth of body and facial hair. It must be noted that Testosterone Treatments can also bring on psychological changes. It is important to adequately inform the parent(s) and the child of these changes so that they can make the most informed decision (Klinefelter Syndrome Information, 2002). There are diff erent ways to receive Testosterone Treatment and that is through injections, transdermal (patches, gels, or creams), orally, or implantation. The kind of testosterone injection will depend mainly on the dosage used and the country in which you receive the injections. Some injectable testosterone esters are Testosterone enanthate, Testosterone cypionate, Sustanon, Testosterone propionate, Testosterone phenylpropionate, Omnadren, and Aqueous testosterone suspension. Types of transdermal patches are Androderm and Testosterone TTS. Two different kinds of testosterone gels and creams are Androgel, and Testim. A few oral supplements include Methyltestosterone and Testosterone undecanoate. The last form of Testosterone Treatment is the Subcutaneous testosterone pellet, which is delivered by implanting a pellet of pure, crystalline testosterone under the skin of the buttocks or abdomen (Testosterone Types and Delivery, n.d.). Adult males with Klinefelters Syndrome usually develop gynecomastia which predisposes men to breast cancer. Therefore, it is important that Klinefelters males do monthly breast examinations. If gynecomastia causes psychological or physical problems, then possible treatment would be cosmetic surgery to remove the breast tissue (Wattendorf Muenke, 2005). Swerdlow et. al (2005) stated that men with Klinefelter Syndrome have elevated risks of several cancers. Prostate cancer, along with breast cancer was more prevalent. Men with Klinefelter Syndrome are also at a substantially higher risk for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and possibly lung cancer. Breast cancer risk is higher in 47, XXY mosaics. Adult males may face possible infertility issues due to the lack of testosterone production, but if diagnosed early on, this can be minimized and they will be able to reproduce without outside assistance. Summary Klinefelter Syndrome is one of the more recently discovered medical syndromes. Klinefelter Syndrome is not one that causes major dysfunctions and is usually only discovered during genetic testing for infertility or during prenatal testing due to maternal age or prior genetic issues within the family. Because Klinefelter Syndrome has not had a lot of research until the last few years, there is no federal funding set aside for this syndrome. Families with sons that are found to be affected by it have no real support system that is knowledgeable of this syndrome and have to research on their own and create resources to fit their situation as none are available in most areas.

Why Should People Choose a Healthy Lifestyle Essay -- Healthy Lifestyl

You are driving in your car when suddenly your stomach rumbles. You are hungry. Do you decide to pick up some fast food or go home and spend the time to make yourself a meal? Let us assume we do not have the time to create our own meal. When you get to the restaurant of your choice, do you park in the closest parking spot to the door or do you simply use the drive-through? What do you choose to eat? Is it something processed and frozen or do you choose something made fresh? After eating your food you decide to go to the mall. You pass advertisements of smiling thin happy models. You need to get to the second floor. Do you take the elevator, the escalator, or the stairs? These are choices we face every day that can impact our lives today, tomorrow, and even further into our future. Children follow our examples. If we are faced with these choices daily so are they. How can we make our lifestyle more healthy not only for ourselves, but also future generations? A more healthy lifestyle i s established through balanced priorities, strong mental health, and good role models. Priorities throughout life whether financial, educational, or physical help to create a longer and more balanced lifestyle. With so many false pictures portrayed around the world through the Internet and social media of how a body should look, it is not surprising that many individuals pay more attention to the weight on the scale, than they do to muscle mass and other factors that may more significantly impact their overall health. Photoshopped billboards and fashion models lead to an impossible expectations unrealistic of how a â€Å"normal† human body should appear. As Natasha Turner said, â€Å"It’s not your actual weight on the scale that matters most for overall healt... ... Student Research Center. Web. 9 Nov. 2015. Kane, Anthony. â€Å"A Parent’s Job As A Role Model.† Healthy Place 2011: n.pag. Web. 14 Nov. 2015. â€Å"Nutrition & Weight Control for Longevity.† (2012): 1-46. Student Research Center. Web. 29 Nov. 2015. â€Å"Poverty Kills: Health Depends on Wealth.† Huntsville Forester 26 Sept. 2013: n.pag. Student Research Center. Web. 1 Nov. 2015. Richardson, Vanessa. â€Å"A Fit Body Means A Fit Mind.† Edutopi. The George Lucas Educational Foundation. n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2015. Small, Gary. â€Å"Can Exercise Cure Depression.† Brain Bootcamp Sept. 2010: n.pag. Psychology Today, 2013. Web. 5 Nov. 2015. Tecco, Armand. â€Å"Why is Exercise Important.† Health Discovery, HealthDiscovery.net, 2013. Web. 13 Nov. 2015. Turner, Natasha. â€Å"Are You Skinny Fat?† Chatelaine 86.10 (Oct. 2013): n. pag. Student Research Center. Web. 2 Nov. 2015.

E-Marketing Essay

Considering the current volume of internet marketing business, it’s hard to believe how young the internet marketplace is. While the timeline of internet marketing has been short, the cumulative events leading up to where we are now have impacted the entire globe faster than any marketing revolution in history. Today, it’s hard to believe in having an organization which doesn’t have some kind of online presence. When the internet was first introduced in the early 90s, the internet was treated as a tool for exchanging emails and digital information, but wasn’t yet considered valuable for reaching customers. Soon, companies which had been spending huge chunks of their marketing budget on offline list building, begin to realize that they could accomplish the same thing via email and for much less. Whatever the case may be, Nepal is still in the early phase of e-marketing and e-commerce. Only few people have access to internet, among those, very few use internet for business purpose. Most of the people who have web access are keeping themselves busy on social networking sites. But the positive aspect is that the number of people realizing and using internet as an e-commerce are continuously increasing. Human behavior and natures are so dynamic. We constantly want to change and our likes and preferences changes with time, trend and technology. Realizing this nature of human being and large increment in the number of internet users in Nepal, the founder of hamrobazar.com saw an opportunity and founded hamrobazar.com seven years ago. Hamrobazar.com is free online site which enables individuals as well as companies to sell wide variety of new or used product online. Hamrobazar.com is a site that has created a platform where both seller and buyers can interact with each other to buy and sell products and services. Hamrobazar.com is an e-commerce company based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Hamrobazar is one of the popular sites in Nepal for free selling and purchasing of variety of new or used products. It offers its users an easy and trendy way to purchase wide variety of new or used goods online. A buyer can choose a suitable product from the list of a large product variety and can purchase from the seller. People buy new products everyday or every week. All of us are buying new things every week. It can be a car, a book, a music CD, a DVD, mobile set, mobile accessories, services, toy and many more. But as time and technology changes, the products we purchase may get outdated or we may wish to buy a different product. The reason to buy a new product or buy a different products could be several, change in technology, age of the product, malfunctioning of the product, wish to get updated with new product in the market, bought a product earlier that is not suitable and the list for reasons can continue. For all those who wish to sell their product and for all those who wish to purchase a new or a used product hamrobazar.com is the perfect answer. The best thing above all, it is for free. Hamrobazar member can login and sell their products for free. Hamrobazar.com is free online classified which enables individuals as well as companies to sell wide variety of new or used product online. Hamrobazar is visited by around 50,000 unique visitors who use the site for buying and selling purpose. Compared to newspaper classifieds, hamrobazar.com will provide more comprehensive detail and pictures thus enabling consumer to choose better. Hamrobazar.com has created such platform where both seller and buyers can interact with each other Mission Statement and stated goals of hamrobazar.com Hamrobazar.com does not appear to have a predetermined mission statement, nevertheless, the basic mission and goals of the Company is to provide a perfect solution for selling the products for free. It also believes that internet is a great promotional vehicle as well as communication channel for connecting buyers and sellers. In general, hamrobazar.com has communicated that its mission is to influence technology and potential to provide the best buying experience on the Internet for free. Business Philosophy of hamrobazar.com Despite its increasing popularity, hamrobazar.com remains unremittingly focused on the costumers. Since, the main philosophy of hamrobazar.com is to help the web users to sell their products for free. It is constantly focusing on the customer friendly interface so that customers can enjoy their purchase on a trendy and an easy way.

Commentary on a Newspaper Article by Russel Brand

The English society today is affected by big social differences, which results in a very sharp and clearly defined divided class society, where social mobility is not very easy ore even almost not existing. The lower range haven’t got a place to fit in, and many youngsters from these social lower classes, young people with no education, young people with bad family backgrounds, often feel out of the community, they are not getting any recognition and the politicians have ignored them and the fact of it way too long! In an article published on The Guardian’s website in august 2011, the author Russell Brand pin down some of these conflicts and problems. The author is more explicitly commenting on the riots that happened last year in England. The article’s receiver could be intellectual people, people who have an interest in politics and in society, certainly the working-class, also students as elders, the article is mainly directed to leftist, as the guardian is a traditional left- winged newspaper and the paper stand in opposition to the ruling government. Inasmuch the article is a website article, the audience properly is a bit broader than its ordinary audience is, also assuming readers from the right- wing would have an interest in reading the article, they may even get into a debate on the internet side, fighting and arguing for their point of view. The article very much invites the readers to an open debate. In this next part, I am going to comment and analyze Russel Brand’s commentary, and I am going to comment on his writing style and his attitude to the subject. The article written by Brand’s, is as I have mentioned, a comment on the Riots of 2011 that took place last year in England. Brand points out that the riots says more about the society’s condition than any other thing and that the government should do something about the problem, instead of calling the actions egoistic material gains. He does not think that these young people are mindless as everybody, inclusive the politicians, are calling them. Brand considers the problem much deeper and declares that the government is marginalizing the young people, and says that we ought to ask why the government sweeps the problem away under the carpet. He declares that these young people don’t have a suitable community because the politicians haven’t been given them one and he claims the problem is a consequence of the conservative politics which the government has been carried out the last decades: â€Å"These young people have no sense of community because they haven't been given one. They have no stake in society because Cameron's mentor Margaret Thatcher told us there's no such thing. † All of these very strong points and opinions are of cause wrapped up in a very well written commentary. Brand starts the whole article telling his reader why he should not comment on this case at all, and by doing this, he has pre-empted and prevented that this kind of criticism would come his way. His reasons why he shouldn’t write about the topic in the first place, are very paradoxical which makes it very comically, and at the same time it gives him some kind of credibility cause the reader feels comfortable when a writer dares to look critical at them self and especially when they are also, like Brand, knows how to express a good portion of self-irony . Brand’s writing style is very fluent, he distinctly uses humor as a very well working poetic- device, such as sarcasm and irony. It makes the text much lighter and much more consumable, even though the topic is a tough one. He has a special talent of setting up scenes in his reader’s mind, which also makes the text very alive. The text’s composition has kind of the same setup as a standup comedy show, and Brand sets up several scenarios and merges them well together, connecting the dots all the way through the article with just the right flow. He tells about some personal happenings, which he makes a point with, again with a good portion of self-irony, for example, when he tells his audience about his own rebellion time, and then connects it to today’s youngsters and compares the two episodes to make his point. He uses a great deal of sarcasm, an example for his sarcasm is, the part he writes about, that some may say the real victim is the conservative politician, that had to shorten her holidays and then came out saying the behavior were â€Å"unjustifiable† and â€Å"unacceptable: his comment to this is : Wow! Thanks guys! What a wonderful use of the planet's fast-depleting oxygen resources. Now that's been dealt with can we move on to more taxing matters such as whether or not Jack The Ripper was a ladies' man? † He also uses some metaphors, such as the reality show Big Brother. The Big Brother episode described in the article is a criticism of the TV station because they censured an unfavorable episode, the purpose by using the episode is to set up a mirror reflecting the riots. Brand is actually implying that the government aka Big Brother, does not have the nerves to face reality, which must make the reality show a fake, aka the government is a fake they won’t face reality. Brand claims they are ignoring society’s real big problems by sweeping them under a carpet – that is why Big Brother isn’t watching you – as the title of the article claims. This way of using a known episode as a metaphor, is very effect full, and many people can relate to it and have a opinion and attitude about it. In the last part of the comment, Brand changes from using â€Å"I† to using â€Å"we†. From now on, the article directly speaks to the reader. Brand claims he does not know anything about politics and tells why he clearly can’t have a solution or answer to this issue – again his rhetorical trick is a good portion of self-irony and he closes the paragraph by quoting Gandhi: â€Å"Be the change you want to see in the world. † For some readers this may seem too much, and for others it would be very powerful. I think the quote has a well-functioned purpose in the text – these accurate words shows the reader Brand’s solution to the main problem even though he claims he doesn’t know anything. From here on Brand gets more serious and more poetic in his language use, his syntax, and sentence structures. He clearly wants to make a statement by moving his reader. He is appealing with pathos, and emotional words and you can see he uses a very well-known rhetorical technique, called an Anaphora often used in speeches, which is a repetition of a word or a phrase. â€Å"We must include them, where they feel represented, we must represent them and where they feel love and compassion for their communities then we, the members of that community, must find love and compassion for them† It often gives a very good outcome to repeat word ore sentences, because it supplies the text a consonants, and the reader is seduced by this way of using the language – and I must say, Brand uses the technique so its outcome gets very effective. The last passage sums the whole commenting on the subject up, into some few poetic phrases. Brand clearly comes out with his point of view and attitude – he want his reader not to close their eyes for what is happening – he requests them not to sweep away these problems even if they are not out in the open. I must say Brand is a very talented writer with brilliant skills that touches a broad audience. Besides an observable writing talent, his writing contains a strength approaching a serious problem using humor. Brand’s word combinations makes his text easy to read and he has an adventurous natural flow, which makes it very exciting. However, most important in this commentary, is the attitude to the problem. Brand’s article contains a strong cultural and social criticism and he expresses his wish for individuals to face the injustice unequal society. He encourages his reader to not only leaving it all up by voting on the right party, and not only by leaving it all up to our politicians – who apparently aren’t doing anything about these problems – he encourage his reader to sweep away the carpet and face the problem right out there in the blue by giving the young people what they really need!! Very well said Mr. Russell Brand – I couldn’t agree more!

The eNotes Blog A Library of Irish Gold Contemporary IrishAuthors

A Library of Irish Gold Contemporary IrishAuthors This St. Patricks Day  bring on the corned beef and cabbageand books! In honor of this wonderful holiday, we thought wed focus on literature from Ireland. Even if  youre familiar with books that hail from the Irish lands,  hopefully youll learn something new about these authors and the  origins of their works. So sit back, pour yourself a cuppa, and learn about some truly intriguing these Irish lads and lasses. Maeve Binchy (Also  known as Binchy-Snell) Until her passing in 2012, Binchy was an influential Irish novelist, poet, playwright, columnist, public-speaker, and short-story writer (that is quite a list!). Binchy was best known for the skill with which she portrayed Ireland in a sympathetic and often humorous manner, including the oft-seen occurrence of a welcome twist ending. The New York Times once reported that Binchys writing career began on accident in the early 1960s, after she spent time on a kibbutz in Israel. Her father was so taken by her letters home that he cut off the Dear Daddy bits, Ms. Binchy later recounted, and sent them to an Irish newspaper, which published them. Dont we all wish for a long and successful career that starts on accident? Binchy published sixteen novels, four short-story collections, a play, and a novella.  For obvious reasons, including her addition to Oprahs Book Club and appearances on the New York Timess Bestseller List on multiple occasions, Binchy is still remembered as one of Irelands more influential writers. Some of Binchys best known works are her novels  The Glass Lake, Scarlet Feather,  and Quentins. John Boyne A rather well known author, Boyne has been fortunate enough to see his work translated into forty-eight languages around the world. Much of this fame stemmed from what could arguably be considered his most famous work,  The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. In producing  content for both young and adult readers, Boyne reaches into his depth of creativity and knowledge about his homeland in Ireland (he was born and raised in Dublin). Throughout his career, Boyne has received (and likely will continue to receive) a number of critical acclaims, such as the Hennessey Literary Award and his 2015 award for the Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of East Anglia. To look into his work beyond  The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (which actually if you havent read, you really should- its fabulous), you could check out titles such as  A History of Loneliness and  This House is Haunted. Marian Keyes Keyes is best known for her work in womens literature, some going so far as to hail her as a pioneer of womans lit. All in all, Keyes had something of a tough time of it; after graduating from Dublin University and moving to London to take on a post at an office job she fell into a deep depression that led her to a period of severe alcoholism (Keyes writes quite frankly about this time in her history, as it is relevant to her later work). Though this time in her life was painful, Keyes manages to work this darkness into her novels, turning her more or less comedic stories into deeper narratives that draw on lifes hardships. Keyess debut novel  Watermelon became a landslide success which eventually opened the door to her continuation as an author. Other popular works by Keyes include  Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married and  This Charming Man. Tana French If youre a fan of modern-day mystery novels set primarily in Ireland and the UK, then French is the author for you. Actually, chances are youll be a big fan of French regardless to where you prefer your mystery novels to be set! Though she started out as an actress training at the Trinity University Performing Arts school, French also went into her career with a strong working knowledge of literature. Couple her writing skills with the experience of growing up in numerous countries around the globe and you have a recipe for a talented storyteller. French began her debut novel  In the Woods during lulls between casting. Almost immediately upon the novels publishing, it became a critically acclaimed hit, topping charts around the world and taking a firm place on the New York Times Bestseller list. Since then, French has published four more novels (sequels to  In the Woods) and has another on the way with an assumed publishing date in August of this year. With only five books currently under her belt, French has already sold over one million copies of her work, so we have to assume shes doing something right (though you could also figure that out by reading one of her novels- The Likeness  and Faithful Place  are  just fabulous). Frank McCourt Now there are some people who have had tough lives, and then there are people who have had  tough lives. Well, Mr. McCourt is without a doubt one of the latter. Born in 1930 (yep, during the Great Depression), in the boroughs of New York, McCourt lived out some of his younger years with his family (his father being ex-IRA and his mother a devout Catholic) in what can only be described as a slum. After mourning the loss of newborn siblings, the family returned to Ireland where they continued to live in absolute squalor. After being abandoned by his father, McCourt was kicked out of school at age thirteen and turned to stealing odd bits of food and change in order to feed his remaining family members. Eventually, McCourt saved the money required to move back to New York where eventually he managed to weasel his way into New York University and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in English. McCourt became an English teacher and overtime saved the money needed to assist his family members in their immigration to the States. In 1997, McCourt won the Pulitzer Prize for Autobiography and Biography for his work  Angelas Ashes, a memoir written about the struggle of his family, and particularly the strength of his mother. Though it has been criticized as being too harsh to Ireland,  Angelas Ashes remains an incredibly influential and powerful story that earned the author international recognition.