Pro Immigration Law

The Supply and Demand for Immigration Laws! One of the most controversial political and economical issues facing the United States today is immigration. The rules against illegal immigrants coming into the United States should be stricter along with the number of legal immigrants we allow into the United States lowered. The reason for these stricter laws and smaller amount of foreigners is due to the drastic increase violence due to immigrants, they also bring in a plethora of diseases while increases the cost of health care and degrading health care service. Immigrants whether legal or illegal should be under harsher rules and should be constantly observed. Sister Helen Chaska was walking around in her hometown of Oregon doing missionary work when Maximiliano Esparza—illegal immigrant for Mexico—raped her and then strangled her with her rosary beads (Crime Victims). In another cases three young boy s, two of age 9 and the other age 10, were brutally killed by two illegal immigrants. One of the young boys was beheaded while the other two almost beheaded; the children also suffered from blunt force trauma and asphyxiation (Crime Victims). Immigrants such as Esparaza and the killers of the 3 young boys have no compassion or care for Americans i. e. 9/11. A majority of the violence that occurs in cities is committed by immigrants but once they are caught they are deported back to their country of origin. Once legal immigrants are able to receive their green cards they must be immunized and screen to assure the American government and citizens that they are not bring any diseases over to the USA. Chagas Disease, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis, Swine flu, Leprosy, and Dengue are example of diseases that began in other countries and were bought over to the United States by Immigrants (Engler). In the past 40 years the United States only had 900 cases of Leprosy but it was reported in 2003 that 7,000 people were infected with the disease. Leprosy was first bought over to the United States by illegal from Brazil, Mexico, India and the Caribbean. We also cannot forget the Hepatitis outbreak in Pittsburgh; the outbreak was caused by a Mexican restaurant shipping food from Mexico to United States (Engler). When illegal immigrants come over to the United States they do not care about what type of sickness they could be bringing over to the United States. A majority of Immigrants whom come over are uninsured. Forty-three percent of immigrants that come to the United States under the age of 65 have no health insurance. That equals out to 9. million uninsured immigrants and not including the illegal ones whom are unaccounted for. The cost of medical care for the uninsured immigrants is passed over to taxpaying citizens. Immigrants also use hospitals, clinics and emergency services twice the rate of U. S. born citizens. This causes long lines and over capacity health care faculties which results in the patients being rushed in and out. A California study showed that U. S. tax payer dollars continuously goes to the delivery of babies from illegal alien mothers. In one year 74,987 babies were delivered and it cost the taxpayers around 215 million dollars (Illegal Immigration). We have neglected areas in our economy where taxpayers’ dollars should be spent rather paying for illegal immigrants. The statue of liberty was not built to welcome and greet the worlds’ tired and huddled masses. The actually purpose of the Statue of Liberty was to symbolize the French-American friendship and the underlying political message of America supporting and helping Third Republic of France. Furthermore, the statue of liberty has nothing to do with freely allowing immigrants into the United States (The History). The French initial intent of Lady Liberty is to inspire many culture and countries around the world to emulate the enlightened United States such as the Sculptor of Lady Liberty, Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, hoped to glorify the United States in the republic of French (The History). The message of the Frederic Bartholdi was not intended to be a welcome mat as many immigrants argue but encourage citizen other countries to admire America. Illegal immigrants are a burden to our country. They blatantly bring in foreign diseases, which could kill of half of our population. When the Immigrants come over here they also commit horrid crimes that are unthinkable in America but are common in their countries. Most of the crime that is actually reported here in the United States is committed by Immigrants. Due to the abundance of immigrants the cost of health care is increasing drastically and the quality of health care is decreasing. Therefore, the U. S. overnment should implement stricter rules and enforcement around our borders and we should decrease the amount of immigrants we allow in the states. Works Cited â€Å"Crime Victims of Illegal Immigrants. † Immigration Human Cost. Web. 14 Nov. 2009. Engler, Robert. â€Å"Immigration And Disease: It’s Enough to Make You Sick. † American Daily. 21 Nov. 2003. Web. 14 Nov. 2009. â€Å"Illegal Immigration and Public Health. † Federation For American Immig ration Reform. Web. 15 Nov. 2009. â€Å"The History of the Statue of Liberty. † The Statue of Liberty- Ellis Island Foundation, Inc. Web. 13 Nov. 2009.

Cognitive Dissonance in Marital Satisfaction Essay

Most people get married because they love their partner. They like the way they are with each other, honest, loving, understanding, fun, etc. Some are arranged marriage as they are unable to find the love of their life. However some get divorced as they are no longer compatible and they get turn off very easily. They are frustrated and bored. For those who want to continue to stay in an unhappy marriage due to many reasons such as the kids, their reputation, family, etc. as an alternative to divorce will ignore their feelings and convince themselves that the marriage is working well. They tend to adopt a cheerful attitude. They offered patience and understanding to make it appear as if the marriage was happy. Cognitive Dissonance is a feeling of discomfort caused by performing an action that is inconsistent with one’s belief (Franzoi, 2009, p.162). Basically it is a disagreement between one’s personal beliefs and one’s actions. It is the difference between how they would like to be and how they are. Cognitive dissonance is an aversive drive that causes people to (1) avoid opposing viewpoints, (2) seek reassurance after making a tough decision, and (3) change private beliefs to match public behavior when there is minimal justification for an action. Self-consistency, a sense of personal responsibility, or self-affirmation can explain dissonance reduction. (Socio-psychological tradition) (Festinger, as cited in Griffin, 2011) How can we observe â€Å"cognitive dissonance† in Marital Satisfaction? In Marital Satisfaction, we can observe cognitive dissonance in 3 different areas: Behavioural, Mental & Emotional. Behavioural Observation There will be marital stress. They wear ‘masks’ at home and they will feel exhausted as they struggle with their life. Their journey will be full with pain and grief. They pretend things are okay in their marriage when there is distance. They say nothing is wrong when their feelings are truly hurt. They don’t necessarily lie to their spouse; they just shade part of the truth. They don’t feel comfortable being their true self with their spouse because they are afraid of judgment or mockery. They will purchase self-help books, confessed their feelings to a marriage counsellor or friends that they can trust. They offer patience and understanding to the spouse to make it appear as if the marriage was happy. They will smile and put on a happy face especially in front of the children to avoid them from knowing but will let out their true feelings and cry it out at night. They will lay awake at night and try to rationalize things that they have done so that it is acceptable. Their physical health will be affected as they are facing with too much stress in their life. They too may run into problem as they seem to be lying to themselves. Even though cognitive dissonance can resolve internal anxiety, it can also reinforce future bad decisions or behaviours e.g. lying Mental Observation Their mind will be filled with thoughts of whether they are doing the right thing. They feel turned off with what they are doing. They could not be themselves and their anxiety in wanting to be themselves and do what they like to do increases. They have sleepless nights thinking the sacrifices that they have made to make others happy when they themselves are not happy.. The dissonance caused by such contradictions will also create an unpleasant mental tension, which can range from minor irritation to deep pain as long as it continues. They are unable to relax and feel comfortable until they have been able to eliminate the dissonance or at least reduce it considerably. They can use Self-justification to escape from the discomfort. This is also a major threat to marital satisfaction because both partners tend to justify their behaviour in a way that allows them to be right while either explicitly or implicitly making their partner wrong. Emotional Observation They will be unhappy or semi-happy. They are unwilling to admit their frustration, acknowledge their crumbling marriage and obtain a divorce due to their culture, religion or the children. They constantly experienced a lingering feeling of doubt about the relationship. With that, they attempt to change their opinions to coincide with the behaviour they felt was expected of them and adopted a cheerful attitude towards their marriage to convince themselves that the marriage is working well. On the other hand, this can also make them become stronger in facing any challenges in their life. If they are optimistic, they will make the best of the marriage as the decision is in their hands. They are not able to be the person that they are but who they are might not be the best person. Cognitive dissonance can also reinforce future good decisions or behaviours e.g. more understanding, patient, increase communication between spouse, etc. Conclusion Successful marriage is not about getting their partner to do what they want; it’s about being who they are. This aspect of cognitive dissonance isn’t bad; it can act as a motivation to be true to their deepest values, by making them behave in more loving and compassionate ways. It can help them change the unhealthy attitudes and behaviours. However, cognitive dissonance is most painful to people when some significant part of their beliefs about themselves is threatened. This usually occurs when they have done something that is inconsistent with their image of themselves. If a person has a fairly positive self-concept, believing herself reasonably smart, competent, and moral, she will use self-justification as a way to preserve her positive self-image.

You Suck: A Love Story Chapter 19~20

Chapter Nineteen Our Dead Homeys The vampires sat side by side on the bare futon frame, watching as a five-legged bug limped up the big front window of the loft. Tommy thought that the rhythm of the bug's steps made a for a danceable backbeat – thought he might be able to set music to it, if he knew how to write music. Suite for Angst and Limping Bug, he'd call it. â€Å"Nice bug,† Tommy said. â€Å"Yeah,† Jody said. We should save it for Abby, Jody thought. She was feeling guilty about having bitten the girl – not so much because of the violation, because obviously the kid had been willing, but because she felt as if she really didn't have any choice. She had been injured and her predator nature told her to survive, whatever the cost, which is what bothered her. Was her humanity drifting away? â€Å"The Animals are going to come for us now,† Tommy said. He was feeling angry, betrayed by his old crew, but most of all he felt separate from them now. He felt separate from everyone. Tomorrow was Christmas and he didn't even want to call his parents because they were a different species now. What do you buy for an inferior species? â€Å"It's just the Animals,† Jody said. â€Å"We'll be safe.† â€Å"I'll bet that's what Elijah thought, too, and they got him.† â€Å"We should go get him,† Jody said. She imagined Elijah Ben Sapir, standing in the full sun by the Ferry Building, tourists passing him, wondering why someone would put a statue there. Would the brass protect him? Tommy checked his watch. â€Å"We'd never get there and back in time. I tried that yesterday.† â€Å"How could you do that to him, Tommy? He was one of us.† â€Å"One of us? He was going to kill us, if you remember. He kind of did kill us. I resent that. Besides, if you're covered in bronze, what does it matter if you're underwater? I was just trying to get him out of sight so we could think about our future without him being part of it.† â€Å"Right. Okay,† Jody said. â€Å"Sorry.† Future? She'd lived with a half-dozen guys, none had ever willingly talked about the future before. And she and Tommy had a supersized buttload of future ahead of them as long as someone didn't catch them sleeping. â€Å"Maybe we really should leave the City,† she said. â€Å"No one would know about us in a new city.† â€Å"I was thinking we should get a Christmas tree,† Tommy said. Jody looked away from the bug. â€Å"That's a thought, or we could put some mistletoe up, put on Christmas carols, and stand outside waiting for Santa until the sun comes up and incinerates us. How's that sound?† â€Å"Nobody appreciates your sarcasm, missy. I'm just trying to get a handle on normal. Three months ago I was stocking groceries in Indiana, looking at community college, driving around in my crappy car, wishing I had a girlfriend, and wishing that there was some potential for something to happen beyond getting a job with benefits and living the same life as my dad. Now I have a girlfriend, and superpowers, and a bunch of people want to kill me, and I don't know how to act. I don't know what to do next. And it's going to be that way forever. Forever! I'm going to be scared out of my mind forever! I can't deal with forever.† He'd been barking at her, but she resisted the urge to snap back. He was nineteen, not a hundred and fifty – he didn't even have the tools for being an adult, let alone being immortal. â€Å"I know,† she said. â€Å"Tomorrow night, first thing, we'll hire a car, go get Elijah, and pick up a Christmas tree on the way back. How's that sound?† â€Å"Hiring a car? That sounds exotic.† â€Å"It'll be like prom.† Was she being too patronizing? â€Å"You don't have to do that,† he said. â€Å"I'm sorry I'm acting like a weenie.† â€Å"But you're my weenie,† Jody said. â€Å"Take me to bed.† Still holding her hand, he stood, then pulled her up into his arms. â€Å"We'll be okay, right?† She nodded and kissed him, feeling for just a second like a girl in love instead of a predator. She immediately felt a resurgence of shame over feeding on Abby. The doorbell rang. â€Å"Did you know we had a doorbell?† â€Å"Nope.† â€Å"You can't beat a dead whore in the morning,† said Nick Cavuto cheerfully, because apparently, everyone loves a dead hooker, despite what certain writer types might think. They were standing in the alley off Mission Street. Dorothy Chin – short, pretty, and whip-smart – snorted a laugh and checked the thermometer probe she'd stuck in the deceased's liver like a meat thermometer into a roast. â€Å"She hasn't been dead four hours, guys.† Rivera rubbed his temples and felt his bookstore slipping away, along with his marriage. He'd known the marriage had been going for a while, but he was feeling a little brokenhearted about the bookstore. He figured he knew, but he asked anyway. â€Å"Cause of death?† â€Å"Toothy blow job,† Cavuto said. â€Å"Yes, Alphonse,† said Dorothy with a tad too much sincerity, â€Å"I'd have to concur with Detective Cavuto, she died of a toothy blow job.† â€Å"It just pisses some guys off,† Cavuto added, â€Å"a professional without skills.† â€Å"Guy just snapped her neck and took his money back,† said Dorothy with a big grin. â€Å"So a broken neck?† said Rivera, mentally waving goodbye to a whole set of first-edition Raymond Chandlers, ten-to-six workdays, golfing on Mondays. Cavuto snorted this time. â€Å"Her head's turned around the wrong way, Rivera. What did you think it was?† â€Å"Seriously,† Dorothy Chin said, â€Å"I have to do the autopsy to be sure, but offhand that's the obvious cause. I'd also say she's probably lucky to go that way. She's HIV positive and it looks like the disease had developed into full-blown AIDS.† â€Å"How do you know that?† â€Å"See these sarcomas on her feet.† Chin had removed one of the hooker's shoes – she pointed to open sores on the corpse's foot and ankle. Rivera sighed. He didn't want to ask, but he asked anyway, â€Å"What about blood loss?† Dorothy Chin had done the autopsies on two of the previous victims and cringed a little. It was a pattern. They'd all been terminally ill, they'd all died of a broken neck, and they'd all shown evidence of extreme blood loss, but no external wounds – not even a needle mark. â€Å"Can't tell out here.† Cavuto had lost his cheery manner now. â€Å"So we spend Christmas day canvassing dirtbags to see if anyone saw anything?† At the end of the alley, uniforms were still talking to the grimy homeless man who had called in the murder. He was trying to get them to spring for a bottle of whiskey – because it was Christmas. Rivera didn't want to go home, but he didn't want to spend a day trying to find out what he already knew. He checked his watch. â€Å"What time was sunrise this morning?† he asked. â€Å"Oh, wait,† Cavuto said, patting down his pockets, â€Å"I'll check my almanac.† Dorothy Chin snorted again, then started giggling. â€Å"Dr. Chin,† Rivera said, tightening down now, â€Å"could you be more precise about the time of death?† Chin picked up on Rivera's tone and went full professional. â€Å"Sure. There's an algorithm for the cooling time of a body. Get me the weather from last night, let me get her back to the morgue and weigh her, and I'll get you a time within ten minutes.† â€Å"What?† Cavuto said to Chin. â€Å"What?† This time to Rivera. â€Å"Winter solstice, Nick,† Rivera said. â€Å"Christmas was originally set at the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. It's eleven-thirty now. I'm betting that four hours ago the sun was just coming up.† â€Å"Uh-huh,† Cavuto said. â€Å"Prostitutes have shitty hours – is that what you're saying?† Rivera raised an eyebrow. â€Å"Our guy didn't travel far after sunrise, is what I'm saying. He's going to be around here.† â€Å"I was afraid that's what you were saying,† Cavuto said. â€Å"We're never going to get the bookstore open, are we?† â€Å"Tell the uniforms to look anywhere it's dark: under Dumpsters, in crawl spaces, attics – anywhere.† â€Å"Getting warrants on Christmas day might be a problem.† â€Å"You won't need warrants if you get permission from the owners – we're not looking to bust anyone living here, we're looking for a murder suspect.† Cavuto pointed to the eight-story brick building that composed one wall of the alley. â€Å"This building has something like eight hundred ministorage units in it.† â€Å"Then you guys had better get started.† â€Å"Where're you going?† â€Å"There was a missing person report on an old guy in North Beach a couple of days ago. I'm going to check it out.† â€Å"Because you don't want to go Dumpster diving for v – â€Å" â€Å"Because,† Rivera cut him off before he could say the V-word, â€Å"he had terminal cancer. His wife assumed he just wandered off and got lost. Now I'm not so sure. Call me if you find anything.† â€Å"Uh-huh.† Cavuto turned to the three uniforms who were interviewing the bum. â€Å"Hey, guys, have I got a merry Christmas detail for you.† The Animals decided to hold a small memorial service for Blue in Chinatown. Troy Lee was already there, as was Lash, who wouldn't go home to his apartment until Blue's body was removed, and Barry, who was Jewish, would be coming there for dinner with his family, as was the tradition in his faith. Plus, the liquor stores in Chinatown were open on Christmas, and if you slipped some money under the counter, you could get firecrackers. The Animals were fairly sure that Blue would have wanted firecrackers at her funeral. The Animals stood in a semicircle, beers in hand, on a playground off Grant Street. The deceased was being honored in absentia – in her place was a half-eaten pair of edible panties. From a distance, they looked like a bunch of wastrels mourning a Fruit Roll-Up. â€Å"I'd like to start, if I may,† said Drew. He wore a long overcoat and his hair was tied back with a black ribbon, revealing the target-shaped bruise on his forehead where Jody had hit him with the wine bottle. Out of his coat he pulled a bong the size of a tenor sax, and using a long lighter designed for lighting fireplaces, he sparked that magnificent mama-jama up and bubbled away like a scuba diver having an asthma attack. When he could hold no more, he raised the bong, poured some water on the ground, and croaked, â€Å"To Blue,† which came out in a perfect smoke ring, the sight of which brought tears to everyone's eyes. â€Å"To Blue,† everyone repeated as they placed one hand on the bong and tipped a bit out of their beers. â€Å"To Broo, my nigga,† said Troy Lee's grandma, who had insisted upon joining the ceremony once she realized there would be firecrackers. â€Å"She will be avenged,† said Lash. â€Å"And we'll get our fucking money back,† said Jeff, the big jock. â€Å"Amen,† the Animals said. They had decided on a nondenominational ceremony, as Barry was a Jew, Troy Lee was a Buddhist, Clint was an Evangelical, Drew was a Rastafarian, Gustavo was a Catholic, and Lash and Jeff were heathen stoners. Gustavo had been called in to work that day because someone had to be in the store as long as the front was only boarded up with plywood, so in deference to his beliefs, they had bought some incense and holders and placed a picket fence of smoldering joss sticks around the edible panty. The incense also worked within Troy and Grandma's Buddhist tradition, and Lash pointed out during the ceremony that although they have their differences otherwise, all gods like a good-smellin' ho. â€Å"Amen!† said the Animals again. â€Å"And they're handy for lightin' firecrackers off of,† added Jeff as he bent over an incense stick and set a string cracking. â€Å"Hallelujah!† said the Animals. Each offered to share some kind of memory of Blue, but all of their stories quickly degenerated to orifices and squishiness, and no one wanted to go there in front of Troy's grandma, so instead they threw firecrackers at Clint while he read from the Twenty-third Psalm. Before they cracked the second case of beer, it was decided that after dark, three of them – Lash, Troy Lee, and Barry – would take Blue from Lash's apartment, load her into the back of Barry's station wagon, and take her out in the middle of the Bay in Barry's Zodiac. (Barry was the diver of the bunch, and had all the cool aquatic stuff. They'd used his spearguns to help take down the old vampire.) Lash braced himself as he opened the apartment door, but to his surprise, there was no smell. He led Barry and Troy into the bedroom, and together they wrestled the rolled-up rug out of the closet. â€Å"It's not heavy enough,† Barry said. â€Å"Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit,† Troy said, trying furiously to unroll the rug. Finally Lash reached down, grabbed the edge of the rug, and whipped it up over his head. There was a thudding sound against the far wall, followed by the jingle of metal, like coins settling. The three Animals stood and stared. â€Å"What are those?† Asked Barry. â€Å"Earrings,† answered Troy. Indeed, there were seven earrings settling on the hardwood floor. â€Å"Not those. Those!† Barry nodded toward two clear, cantaloupe-sized, gelatinous lozenges that quivered on the floor like stranded jellyfish. Lash shivered. â€Å"I've seen them before. My brother used to work in a plant in Santa Barbara that made them.† â€Å"What the fuck are they?† Said Troy, squinting through a drunken haze. â€Å"Those are breast implants,† Lash said. â€Å"What are those wormy things?† asked Barry. There were two translucent sluglike blobs of something stuck to the rug near the edge. â€Å"Looks like window caulk,† said Lash. He noticed that there was a fine blue powder near the edge of the rug. He ran his hand over it, pinched some on his fingers, and sniffed it. Nothing. â€Å"Where'd she go?† asked Barry. â€Å"No idea,† said Lash. Chapter Twenty It's a Wonderful Life Gustavo Chavez had been born the seventh child of a brick maker in a small village in the state of Michoacan, Mexico. At eighteen he married a local girl, the daughter of a farmer, herself a seventh child, and at twenty, with his second child on the way, he crossed the border into the United States, where he lived with a cousin in Oakland, along with a score of other relatives, and worked grueling, twelve-hour days as a laborer, making enough to feed himself and send more money home to his family than he could possibly have made in his father's brickyard. He did this because it was the responsible and right thing to do, and because he had been raised a good Catholic man who, like his father, would provide for his family and no more than two or three mistresses. Each year, about a month before Christmas, he would sneak back across the border to celebrate Christmas with his family, meet any new children that might been born, and make love with his wife, Maria, until they were both so s ore it hurt to walk. In fact, the vision of Maria's inviting thighs would often begin haunting him around Halloween and the hapless night porter would find himself in a state of semiarousal as he swung his soapy mop, to and fro, across fifteen thousand square feet of linoleum every night. Tonight he was in the store alone, and he was feeling far from aroused, for it was Christmas night, and he could not go to mass or take Communion until he confessed. He was feeling deeply ashamed. Christmas night and he hadn't even called Maria – hadn't spoken to her for weeks, because like the rest of the Animals, he had gone to Las Vegas, and had given all his money to the blue whore. He had called, of course, after they'd first taken the vampire's art and sold it for so much money, but since then, his life had been a fog of tequila and marijuana and the evil attentions of the blue one. He, a good man, who cared for his family, had never hit his wife, had only cheated with a second cousin and never with a white woman, had been undone by the curse of the blue devil's pussy. La maldicin de la cocha del diablo azul. This is the saddest, loneliest Christmas ever, thought Gustavo as he dragged his mop past the canvas doors leading into the produce-department cooler. I am like the poor cabrn in that book The Pearl, where by simply trying to take advantage of some good fortune, I have lost all that I care about. Okay, I did get drunk for a week and my pearl was a blue whore who fucked the chimichangas out of me, but still, pretty sad. He thought these things in Spanish, so they sounded infinitely more tragic and romantic. Then there came a noise from the cooler, and he was startled for a second. He wrung out his mop, so as to be ready for anything. He didn't like being in the store by himself, but with the front windows broken out, someone had to be here, and because he was far from home, had nowhere else to go, and the union would see that he was paid double time, Gustavo had volunteered. Perhaps if he sent home a little extra, Maria might forget the hundred thousand dollars he'd promised. There, something was moving behind the plastic doors of the cooler, which were waving slightly. The stout Mexican crossed himself and backed out of the produce department, swinging his mop now in quick swaths, leaving barely a hint of dampness on the linoleum. He was by the dairy case now, and a stack of yogurts fell over inside the glass doors, as if someone had shoved them out of the way to look through. Gustavo dropped the mop and ran to the back of the store, saying a Hail Mary peppered with swearwords as he went, wondering if those were footsteps he heard behind him, or the echoes of his own footfalls resounding through the deserted store. Out the front door and away, he chanted in his head. Out the front door and away. He nearly fell rounding the turn at the meat case, his shoes still wet from the mop water. He caught himself on one hand and came up like a sprinter, while reaching back on his belt for his keys as he went. There were footfalls behind him – light, slapping – bare feet on linoleum, but fast, and close. He couldn't stop to unlock the door when he got there, he couldn't look back, he couldn't turn to look – a second of hesitation and he would be lost. He exhaled a long wail and ran right through a rack of candy and gum by the registers. He tumbled over the first register in an avalanche of candy bars and magazines, many of which displayed headlines like I MARRIED BIGFOOT, or SPACE ALIEN CULT TAKES OVER HOLLYWOOD, or vampires hunt our streets, and other such nonsense. Gustavo scrambled out of the pile and was crawling on his belly like a desert lizard scrambling to get across hot sand, when a heavy weight came down on his back, knocking the air out of him. He gasped, trying to get his breath, but something grabbed him by the hair and yanked his head backwards. He heard crackling noises in his ear, smelled something like rotten meat, and gagged. He saw the fluorescent lights, some canned hams, and a very happy cardboard elf making cookies as he was dragged down the aisle and through the doors into the dark back room of the deli like so much lunch meat. Feliz navidad. â€Å"Our first Christmas together,† Jody said, kissing him on the cheek – giving his butt a little squeeze through his pj bottoms. â€Å"Did you get me something cute?† â€Å"Hi, Mom,† Tommy said into the phone. â€Å"It's Tommy.† â€Å"Tommy. Sweetheart. We've been calling all day. It just rang and rang. I thought you were going to come home for Christmas.† â€Å"Well, you know, Mom, I'm in management at the store now. Responsibilities.† â€Å"Are you working hard enough?† â€Å"Oh yeah, Mom. I'm working ten – sixteen hours a day sometimes. Exhausted.† â€Å"Well good. And you have insurance?† â€Å"The best, Mom. The best. I'm nearly bulletproof.† â€Å"Well, I suppose that's good. You're not still working that horrible night shift, are you?† â€Å"Well, sort of. In the grocery business, that's where the money is.† â€Å"You need to get on the day shift. You're never going to meet a nice girl working those hours, son.† It was at this point, having heard Mother Flood's admonition, that Jody lifted her shirt and rubbed her bare breasts against him while batting her eyelashes coquettishly. â€Å"But I have met a nice girl, Mom. Her name is Jody. She's studying to be a nun – er, teacher. She helps the poor.† It was then that Jody pantsed him, then ran into the bedroom giggling. He caught himself on the counter to keep from tumbling over. â€Å"Whoa.† â€Å"What, son? What's the matter?† â€Å"Nothing, nothing, Mom. I just had a little eggnog with the guys and started to feel it.† â€Å"You're not on the drugs, are you, honey?† â€Å"No, no, no, nothing like that.† â€Å"Because your father has rehab benefits on you until you're twenty-one. We can have one of those interventions if you can find a cheap flight home. I know that Aunt Esther would love to see you, even if you are strung out on the crack.† â€Å"And I her, and I her, Mom. Look, I just called to say Merry Christmas, I'll let you – â€Å" â€Å"Wait, honey, your father wants to say hi.† † – go.† â€Å"Hey, Skeeter. Frisco turned you into an ass bandit yet?† â€Å"Hi, Dad. Merry Christmas.† â€Å"Glad you finally called. Your mother was worried sick about you.† â€Å"Well, you know, the grocery business.† â€Å"You working hard enough?† â€Å"Trying. They're cutting back on our OT – union will only let us work sixty hours a week.† â€Å"Well, as long as you're trying. How's that old Volvo running?† â€Å"Great. Like a top.† The Volvo had burned to the wheels his first day in the City. â€Å"Swiss sure can build some cars, can't they? Can't say much for those little red pocketknives they make, but sonsabitches can build a car.† â€Å"Swedes.† â€Å"Yeah, well, I love the little meatballs too. Look, kid, your mother's got me deep-frying a turkey out in the driveway. It's starting to smoke a little. I probably oughta should go check on it. Took an hour to get the oil up to speed – it's only about ten degrees here today.† â€Å"Yeah, it's a little chilly here, too.† â€Å"Looks like it's starting to catch the carport on fire a little. Better go.† â€Å"Okay. Love you, Dad.† â€Å"Call your mother more often, she worries. Holy cats, there goes the Oldsmobile. Bye, son.† A half hour later they were sipping coffee laced with William's blood when the doorbell rang again. â€Å"This is getting irritating,† Jody said. â€Å"Call your mom,† Tommy said. â€Å"I'll get it.† â€Å"We should get some sleeping pills – knock him out so he doesn't have to drink all that booze before we bleed him.† The doorbell rang again. â€Å"We just need to get him a key.† Tommy went to the console by the door and pushed the button. There was a buzz and the click of the lock at street level. The door opened – William coming in to settle on the stairs for the night. â€Å"I don't know how he sleeps on those steps.† â€Å"He doesn't sleep. He passes out,† said the undead redhead. â€Å"Do you think if we gave him peppermint schnapps the coffee would have a minty holiday flavor?† Tommy shrugged. He went to the door, threw it open, and called down. â€Å"William, you like peppermint schnapps?† William raised a grimy eyebrow, looking suspicious. â€Å"You got something against scotch?† â€Å"No, no, I don't want to mess up your discipline. I was just thinking of a more balanced diet. Food groups, you know.† â€Å"I had some soup and some beer today,† William said. â€Å"Okay then.† â€Å"Schnapps gives me mint farts. They scare the hell out of Chet.† Tommy turned to Jody and shook his head. â€Å"Sorry, no way, minty farts.† Then to William again: â€Å"Okay then, William. I gotta get back to the little woman. You need anything? Food, blanket, toothbrush, a damp towelette to freshen up?† â€Å"Nah, I'm good,† William said. He held up a fifth of Johnny Walker Black. â€Å"How's Chet doing?† â€Å"Stressed. We just found out our friend Sammy got murdered in the hotel on Eleventh.† Chet looked up the stairwell with sad kitty eyes, which he sort of always seemed to have since he'd been shaved. â€Å"Sorry to hear that,† Tommy said. â€Å"Yeah, on Christmas, too,† William said. â€Å"Hooker got killed across the street last night, same way. Neck was snapped. Sammy has been sick for a while, so he splurged on a room for the holiday. Fuckers killed him right there in bed. Just goes to show you.† Tommy had no idea what it went to show you. â€Å"Sad,† Tommy said. â€Å"So how come Chet's stressed but you're not?† â€Å"Chet doesn't drink.† â€Å"Of course. Well then, Merry Christmas to you guys.† â€Å"You, too,† said William, toasting with his bottle. â€Å"Any chance of a Christmas bonus, now that I'm a full-time employee?† â€Å"What'd you have in mind?† â€Å"I'd sure like a gander at Red's bare knockers.† Tommy turned to Jody, who was shaking her head, looking pretty determined. â€Å"Sorry,† Tommy said. â€Å"How about a new sweater for Chet?† William scowled. â€Å"You just can't bargain with The Man.† He took a drink from his bottle and turned away from Tommy as if he had something important to discuss with his huge shaved cat and couldn't be bothered with management. â€Å"Okay then,† Tommy said. He closed the door and returned to the counter. â€Å"I'm The Man,† he said with a big grin. â€Å"Your mom would be so proud,† Jody said. â€Å"We need to go see about Elijah.† â€Å"Not until you call your mom. Besides, he's waited this long, it's not like he's going anywhere.† Jody got up and came around the breakfast bar and took Tommy's hand. â€Å"Sweetie, I need you to play what William just said back in your mind, really slowly.† â€Å"I know, I'm The Man!† â€Å"No, the part about his friend being killed by a broken neck, and how he has been sick, and how someone else was killed the night before, also by broken neck. I'll bet she was sick, too. Sound like a pattern you've heard before?† â€Å"Oh my God,† Tommy said. â€Å"Uh-huh,† Jody said. She held his hand to her lips and kissed his knuckles. â€Å"I'll get my jacket while you fluff up your little brain for traveling, ‘kay?† â€Å"Oh my God, you'll do anything to get out of calling your mom.†

Analysis of Article about Aspects of the Media Essay

Analysis of Article about Aspects of the Media - Essay Example The two articles argue that in most cases, the content that is produced by the media is bias. This is the main point that the two articles seek to make. The claims that are made in the articles are however very different. Feldman is of the opinion that media bias has come up in recent years and as such, the consumer is now exposed to biased content as opposed to earlier years when the media had a tradition of ensuring objectivity in their reporting. Bias is, therefore, a product of contemporary media. Boring, however, is of the opinion that the media has never at any point tried to avoid bias, and has indeed always promoted it. According to him, bias is in the nature of media from the beginning. The two writers do agree that there is a presence of bias in the media. However, the article by Feldman asserts that the bias that is in the media news and reports is over and that the audience that is the consumer of this news is more likely to perceive host bias as well as story bias in the opinionated news of the media that they perceive in the non-opinionated news. The article by Boreing, on the other hand, promotes the opinion that the bias in the content of the media is in such a way that the consumer does not notice it as it is geared towards influencing his thoughts and actions. The two writers disagree on different points. The main point of disagreement is on when biased reporting in the media began. Boreing asserts that right from the beginning; the media has always been biased and has never actually made any attempts at objectivity. Feldman, on the other hand, suggests that bias in the media has come up in recent times as a result of changes in the presentation style of the cable news that has seen the news depart from the tradition of being objective. Lack of objectivity in the media is, therefore, a recent phenomenon according to Feldman. The lack of objectivity in the media according to Feldman has been promoted by the use of the cable news. This has seen the rise in the expression of explicit personal opinions and bias in the news coverage.  

Romanticism Or Postmodernism Arts Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Romanticism Or Postmodernism Arts - Assignment Example The paper "Romanticism Or Postmodernism Arts" states the romanticism and postmodernism arts. Some artists popular in the postmodern movement are Chris Burden, Marcel Duchamp, Andy Warhol, James Rosenquist, Roy Lichtenstein, Barbara Kruger, Rene Magritte, and Umberto Boccioni. There are several arts pieces that fall under the postmodernist art category. Some personal favorites are that of Chris Burden's â€Å"The Reason for the Neutron Bomb,† which is made up of 50,000 nickels topped with matchsticks that represent the Soviet tank buildup in Europe. Another art piece under this category is that of Barbara Kruger entitled â€Å"Your Body is a Battleground,† which is a feminist take and critique on how media creates an idealized version of beauty. There is also James Rosenquist's â€Å"President Elect,† which is actually a campaign poster turned into a commentary about consumerism and commodification. It is said that postmodern art actually began after the WW1. Peop le have tried to believe and push for a better future. The views that tradition and anything linked to the past restricts freedom caused the evolution of the belief that changes can be done and that human destiny can be influenced through art. However, after the WW2, it is understandable how people felt it is almost impossible to sustain this ideal. Furthermore, with the Cold War and the continuous threats about mass destruction, an optimistic view of the future seems impossible. It seems now that the future is no longer the goal of art.

Toulmin Argumentation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Toulmin Argumentation - Essay Example The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is an example of the steps that the government has made in order to broaden the workforce in the military. It is an act requiring all public school teachers to be highly qualified by way of showing subject knowledge for their teaching level (Berkhart 104). While this act seems to be a very objective and a well-structured plan, the news regarding the number of students who are passing the military exams are alarming. According to Fox News, one in every four students who took the basic military exam – which is basic math, science and reading questions – has received a failing mark. It is for this reason that the military should be allowed, and thus, intensify their efforts of trying to recruit high schools in military. Also, Amy Wilkins, the vice president of the nonprofit Education Trust, such incident only gives us the chance to take a look at the civilian workforce. The result of the exam only shows that if the students were not rea dy for the military jobs, then they are most likely not also ready for the work in the civilian community. At this rate, the military should really be alarmed most especially if the choices they have are slowly diminishing by the number. With the concern of the student’s welfare, however, some are saying that the military has become more violent in pushing the students to apply for the Army. While on the other hand, some are saying that the military are only there, giving them the opportunity to guide them on what path to take. There are still some schools that are very professional when it comes to the area of recruitment (Trousdale 42). It can also be stated that the reason why some students feel that they are being pushed by the military is because they are not yet really ready to be of service to the Army. Being in high school, they still want to experience the freedom, and be carefree in anything they do. And to most students, being in the military is like imprisoning yo urself to so much discipline that the only way to become free again is to quit. But then again, as what Amy Wilkins has stated, if high school students are not yet ready for the challenges that the military is offering, then they are not even more ready for the challenges in the real world. Recruiting is a part of every organization. Of course, in order to maintain a number of members, recruitment is the key. And in this case, military serves as the national defense of the community. They are the ones who will fight for the country’s safety, and thus, their numbers should be tightened, let alone be increased. And not only that, the Army really needs a workforce that is educated and motivated so that they can defend the country real well. Recruiting is not about forcing these kids to go into war, but rather, opening their minds to the possible career opportunity in the military world. In fact, getting into military might be the best way to get them a college education. Another benefit from recruiting is that they implement motivation for the students to strive and work hard. They also encourage them to be disciplined by telling their own stories. By this, anyone can clearly see that the students are not being forced to join the military but is only facilitating the possibility of them joining the Army. After all, every one of us has their own free will and kids nowadays are smart enough to know what they really want in their life. It is never wrong to

Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Autism Spectrum Disorder - Research Paper Example ASD varies in individuals concerning its onset, with cases that are from birth while others develop in later life. In the area of learning, impairment makes the affected child who could be, for example, be in the fifth grade, to have the reading level of a second grade level child. In the area of socialization, other children start to portray withdrawal symptoms, where they prefer to be alone, and seem uninterested in the games or activities of the people around them. This affects their communicational development and their learning ability (Tidmarsh and Volkmar, 2003) because socialization is a very important aspect of childhood development, since children learn some aspects of behavior through imitating what other children are saying or doing (Tidmarsh and Volkmar, 2003). These children with ASD lack this chance of developing if the situation is not addressed through encouraging them to interact with other children (Volkmar, 2012). Some children with ASD also show signs of uncontro llable fits of temper, great resistance to change and are oversensitive or under sensitive to sounds or sights, while others too are prone to epileptic seizures and fits, anxiety and depression. Others will portray the lack of interest in the people around them, avoiding eye contact and probably only showing interest in toys and other objects or in a certain subject. Some of the victims of ASD speak very few or no words at all, but use pictures and signs to communicate, while others are preoccupied with certain objects or items. Many victims of ASD portray a consistent adherence to some specific rules and rituals . It is also worthwhile to note that autism affects boys more than girls with the ratio being that out of every five people with the disorder, four are male (Volkmar, 2012). Research on the possible causes of autism has been done extensively and is continuing, but no clear causes have been established but scientists have been able to identify some various types of genes tha t are associated by the disorder and there also have been noticeable relationship with the disorder among close family members, indicating that genetics is a major factor (Tidmarsh and Volkmar, 2003). Research has shown that an identical twin has a 90% chance of getting ASD if the other twin has the disorder, further advancing the theory about genetics (National Institute).It has also been observed that due the presence of high levels of serotonin and other transmitters of information to the brain, ASD could be caused by their interfering with normal brain formation starting from fetal stage to later life. These substances have been found to occur in higher than normal levels in people with ASD. ASD has no known cure but therapeutic and behavioral interventions can be and have been used to bring a remedy to some of the specific symptoms observed and, where applied there have been great improvements. While symptoms may vary, it is very important that they be noted as early as possibl e so that ways to manage the disorder can be enhanced earliest possible (Tidmarsh and Volkmar, 2003). The following methods would be helpful to assist or educate a victim of ASD in the best way possible. I would emphasize on the screening and proper diagnosis of his

Dimensions of Intercultural Communication in Organizations Essay

Dimensions of Intercultural Communication in Organizations - Essay Example Japan, having a population of about 127 million people, is well-known for its business skills all around the world. Japan is the territory of peace and harmony that maintains to progress in an affirmative amalgamation of tradition and renovation. By means of its sophisticated and vibrant history and culture, Japan has shaped an individual form of hierarchy, respect and protocol that is still revealed in numerous social and business experiences at present. If some organization plans to do business with Japan, prospective victory lies under an understanding of this ethnically influenced protocol. The literacy rate in Japan is around 100 percent and 95 percent of the Japanese people have a high school learning. Japan is a dynamic, wealthy and thriving state, with the world's second largest financial system. Japanese consumers pay out hundreds of billions of dollars on foodstuff, outfits, tour, leisure and a broad range of further consumer supplies and services every year. The top Japanese companies are along with the most competent and unbeatable firms in the globe. Joblessness is down to approximately 4.1%, lesser than in most industrial nations. The standard Japanese household has above $100,000 in reserves, and disposable earnings of around $4,000 for each month. The majority of Japanese managers think that their ... Therefore, Japanese employees look for opportunities to take part in the management procedure. Resembling their workers, Japanese managers acquire a participatory approach. Participative Japanese leaders exercise a combination of both task centered and people centered perspectives to direct subordinates. Owing to this participative attitude, Japan is frequently used like an illustration of William Ouchi's Theory Z administrator Theory Z administration consists of the following Japanese management features. 1. Leaders and workers are equally motivated by a prevailing sense of commitment for their organization. 2. Workers look for responsibility and struggle for opportunities to progress in an association. 3. Groups are pleased with themselves when they contribute to managerial accomplishment by teamwork. 4. Japanese organizations offer a lifetime job security which develops strong relationships of sincerity among the workers and managers. Japanese managers distinguish with Theory X administrators like those from Middle Eastern states or Indonesia who think that their employees are naturally indolent. Theory X managers are strict, and hence exercise force and pressure of penalties to complete the task properly (Hodgetts & Luthans, 2003). Theory Z managers as of Japan are also dissimilar from leaders in China, Europe and North America who normally track the more paternalistic Theory Y perspective. In Theory Y, managers believe that employees will struggle and look for increased challenge and accountability counting on the rewards related with task attainment. Since Theory Z is participative, Japanese associations

Economics Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Economics - Assignment Example Instead of closing out contracts with cash settlements, a common procedure on the commodities market, the Hunts took delivery on silver. They then stockpiled this silver and used their large cash reserves to buy up even more futures. The billions in demand triggered the rise of silver to more than $50 per ounce.† (Beattie, 2010) If speculation can have this much of an impact on the price of a fixed commodity – and the silver price plummeted when the Hunt brothers’ market corner was toppled – then the market cannot be totally reliable for an egalitarian distribution of resources. In this instance, a small minority with excess capital reserves could easily create massive market movements in price. It is the same with any commodity if a large capital interest takes hold in the sector and accumulates not from the need of supply, but based on speculation, then the aspects of banking and finance can come to determine even the price of coffee and tea. A free market based upon supply and demand and a free market fueled by speculation may not function in the same manner in determining market prices. If one reviews the ability of a group of brothers like the Hunts to move prices in silver, what could a nation-state, for example, accomplish if it were to try to monopolize a sector of commodities, or accumulate from a perception of scarcity. One example of this would be the Chinese State-owned and financed oil companies or loans being given to businesses by State-sponsored banks to buy commodities like copper, driving up the price. Q.2 - In free market economics, government interference and influence in the economy is rejected, in favor of the pure dynamics of supply and demand being determinant in driving prices, investment, capital flows, and other aspects of trade, manufacturing, and business activity. In this theory, the market operates naturally and

Describe either a good or a bad experience with a sales person. What Essay

Describe either a good or a bad experience with a sales person. What made it good or bad - Essay Example I received a call from the holiday promoters that I had won a short holiday to a beach resort, and to avail this prize I had to visit their office. As advised, I reached their office and received a warm welcome by the marketing agent. Before explaining about the prize that I won, this agent started explaining about their company and various products they offered. The bottom-line information was not being provided. I had to intervene and ask specifically about the product because I did not have the time as well as patience to listen about something that I was not really interested. Upon interrupting, the agent started explaining about the prize, which was a holiday to a beach resort. When I confirmed that I would be interested to go on a holiday by using this prize, I was shown a very different picture. The agent then started explaining the process of availing this, so called, prize. I then realized this was not a prize, but a marketing and sales promotion activity. To avail the holiday, I had to spend money and would be given stay at subsidized rate, and hence was not free of cost; the rest of the costs had to be borne by myself. This was totally shocking and displeasing experience as I was not ready for such risky expenses at that time. Upon learning about my low level of interest in this scheme, the agent put me through his marketing manager. This manager, indeed, continued with the sales promotion of the holiday package and also tried to meet his other targets by promoting products like ‘life-time’ holiday membership to various destinations across the world and so on. The initial holiday package, which was promoted as a lucky prize was a trial sales purchase promotion that did not impress me and also did not seem genuine. Although this attempt from the hotel company was an attempt to reach customers, the sampling and proposed contests did not cohere with my requirements, interests and situation. Moreover, the entire process

Why do I have to take economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Why do I have to take economics - Essay Example The main question is that why should I take economics as a course? There are a lot of reasons supporting the cause. First of all the world relies on economics. All the activities and happenings in the world are based on economics. Economics is the mother of all social sciences. Although the subject is lengthy but still it’s interesting and gives you a clearer view about what is happening around you. For example you are watching BBC, or reading a news paper suddenly you come to the business section. You see that price of a share is increasing or decreasing, you get curious about the factors causing the price to rise or fall but you don’t know about it. Taking economics will give you a basic idea about the business world and how it operates. Microeconomics, as the name suggests, deals with the basic concepts like demand and supply, elasticity, returns and more basic things. The change in price of a product due to a shift in demand is a basic thing. One other point in favo r of opting economics as a summer course is that the student gets to know about the working of an economy.

Kishwar Naheed Essay Example for Free

Kishwar Naheed Essay She conveys that women were unwanted and were not cared for. In particular female infants were seen as a financial burden to an Indian family as they were discriminated from working and were not allowed to have an education. Naheed emphasises that she felt as if she was in the family for no purpose. Male infants were seen as the family gaining prosperity, they were celebrated and it was a gift to be proud of. The opening of the stanza Brash with glass immediately tells the reader that this is a luxurious place or arrogant. The word Brash is ironic as it can mean white faced. The harsh vowel of the assonance helps the reader to suggest the poets anger. The simile and alliteration of the phrase flaring like a flag conveys the idea that the restaurant asserts itself, even in its name. The word flag suggests that the people who set up a flag, have conquered someone elses land. This highlights the idea of when the whites stole the land of South Africa. Flaring suggests that the whites are bragging to the masses (blacks) about their superior lifestyle and it conveys Afrikas anger as this links to the image of heat used earlier in stanza two anger of my eyes. The simile guard at the gatepost suggest that the restaurant is reserved exclusively for white people. The guards are threatening the masses (blacks. ) He explains that even though there is No sign displayed outside the whites only inn and Apartheid was supposed to be put to an end. The guard is replaced instead of the sign as they block the masses (blacks) from entering the haute cuisine. Therefore, Afrika gives a clear image to the reader that Apartheid still exists. In I am not that woman Kishawar Naheed attempts to redefine the man-woman relationship; and address the situation she faces in her everyday life of exploitation and oppression. It is illustrated in the words Now it is time for me to flower free. The alliteration gives the impression that she wants to fight back and does not want to live restricted anymore. The words Now and free shows when she wants to redefine the man-woman relationship. Moreover, she explains how she wants to live like. Naheed wants a life with no restrictions and for men and women to be treated equally. The message in the poem is that men and women are not always treated equally; and how there is still sexism and discrimination. In particular, women are not dominated by men and men are treated with prestige and power. The poem helps her express her thoughts and feelings. Afrikas words are ambiguous we know where we belong. This perhaps emphasises that the masses (blacks) know that they are discriminated from entering the inn as there is a guard at the gate post. The use of the pronoun we emphasises that he believes that his identity belongs with the masses (blacks.) The single rose on each table contrast with the working mans cafe. As a single rose symbolises high quality lifestyle or perfection. It could also mean the arrogant wealth that was amongst the mass poverty at the time. In the words My motherhood Naheed conveys that women were born to nurture and care. On the other hand, the men in her society have stolen this substantial and amazing gift from them. Instead women are forced to be voiceless, obedient and were unfairly treated as servants due to the male dominance. My loyalty suggests that her husband and her father took away her loyalty and treated her unfairly. Naheed is aware that she has the right to achieve her loyalty again. In the fifth stanza the poet uses the words bunny chows to convey the masses (blacks) poor lifestyle in the working mans cafe. Bunny chows was cheap at the time and a common local snack of a poor mans hamburger; it is a stark contrast with haute cuisine. In the restaurant there are plastic tables top, this suggests the poor lifestyle the masses had. The plastic tables top suggests that there is no tablecloth and they felt incomplete, empty and it must have been uncomfortable to eat on. Wipe your fingers on your jeans gives the impression that there is nowhere to wash ones hands after eating or a tissue to wipe hands. Afrika uses direct imagery to show the life of the masses (blacks. ) Kishwar suggests that women do not have self respect. This is evident in The woman on the poster half naked. Naheed is commenting on how men view women as objects or for sexual pleasure. She wants this view to change. The tone No, no I am not that woman! emphasises that Naheed is not a woman who is obedient, subservient and does not want to avoid any arguments or disagreements with anything the men verbalize. The repetition of no shows that she is certain on her actions and strongly disagrees with how many women in the Asian culture are living. Afrika uses the words boy again to show that the appearance of District six brings back memories of his childhood when the Apartheid system existed. He does not feel independent as he feels like a boy and believes he is following the whites like how a child is with their parents. Hands burn emphasises his anger against the system and his urge to destroy the symbol of segregation. Afrika repeats the title Nothings changed at the ending of the poem. He conveys that even though Apartheid has been Abolished, the masses (blacks) are still treated inferior. The final stanza shows his anger and disappointment of the economic division between the whites and the masses (blacks) and conveys that the society has not changed at all. The layout of Nothings changed is set out in eight short lines in each of the six stanzas. The layout creates a sense of control as he is clear on what he is feeling and no sudden rage is introduced at any point in the poem. His anger increases gradually within each line. The poet makes his argument straight forward by emphasising his feelings in a calm manner. In the first stanza the use of imagery makes the reader feel as if they are in the poets shoes. This makes it clear and easy to imagine how life was like for Tatumkhulu Afrika. This is illustrated in the words Small round hard stones click under my heels. It makes it easy to imagine the masses (blacks) unpleasant and unfortunate lifestyle. The structure of I am not that woman is informal. The layout of the stanzas do not fit in a regular pattern and none of the words rhyme with each other. The free flowing structure shows how determined Naheed is about her argument. This conveys that nothing can change the way she is and nothing will hold her back. Even by the simple rules of poetry. It emphasises how infatuated she is towards emancipation. Furthermore, she is protesting about women having access to equal opportunities and rights as men; and women should not be treated as if they are worthless or disempowered. It is seen in the words my loyalty. The tones between Nothings changed and I am not that woman are very different. Kishwar Naheeds tone in I am not that woman is very calm, but firm. Her steady tone conveys that she has control over what is being said by repeatedly claiming I not that woman. Tatumkhulu Afrikas tone contrasts compared to Naheeds. In Nothings changed the poet seems to be increasing his rage within each line as he sees more things that have not changed even though Apartheid was abolished. Moreover, he is feeling angry because he had not been to District six for many years. In-conclusion, I believe that Kishwar Naheed in I am not that woman argument is stronger as the poem relates more to her lifestyle, cultural beliefs and traditional values about what she has experienced as a woman herself. Naheed clearly explains that wants equality between men and women. Moreover, she does not want to live a typical lifestyle of an asian; and leaves the reader in hope that there is a chance of change. However I believe that Tatumkhulu Afrika argument in Nothings changed. Is not as strong as Naheeds as he leaves the reader feeling helpless and has not attempted to change his lifestyle as much as Naheed has in nothings changed. Afrika has allowed the whites to treat the masses (blacks) unfairly; because he was not as determined or eager as Naheed. He mainly just agreed how nothings changed however, Naheed believes that no one can stop or change her views. This is why I strongly believe Naheedss argument is more effective. I believe that Naheeds argument will become more powerful if the majority of women did not accept the cultural beliefs of a submissive Asian housewife and they were all determined to fight for equality. By women taking action as a group by giving their views and speaking; the men may realise that women are treated unfairly, and their lifestyle may change once they have taken action.

Hersey Blanchard Situational Leadership Management Essay

Hersey Blanchard Situational Leadership Management Essay The term leadership is a word taken from the common vocabulary and incorporated into the technical vocabulary of a scientific discipline without being precisely redefined. As consequences, it carries extraneous connotations that create ambiguity of meaning (Janda, 1960). Additional confusion is caused by the use of other imprecise terms such as power, authority, management, administration, control and supervision to describe similar phenomena. An observation by Bennis (1959, p. 259) is as true today as when he made it many years ago: Always, it seems, the concept of leadership eludes us or turns up in another form to taunt us again with its slipperiness and complexity. So we have invented an endless proliferation of terms to deal with it. and still the concept is not sufficiently defined. Most definition of leadership reflect the assumption that involves a process whereby intentional influences is exerted over other people to guide, structure, and facilitate activities and relationsh ips in a group or organisation. The numerous definitions of leadership appear to have little else in common. They differ in many respects, including who exerts influence, the intended purpose of the influence, the manner in which influence is exerted, and the outcome of the influence attempt. The differences are not just t a case of scholarly nit picking; they reflect deep disagreement about identification of leaders and leadership processes.(Gary Yukl, 2010) Theories of leadership: Douglas McGregor described Theory X and Theory Y in his book, The Human Side of Enterprise. Theory X and Theory Y each represent different ways in which leaders view employees. Theory X managers believe that employees are motivated mainly by money, are lazy, uncooperative, and have poor work habits. Theory Y managers believe that subordinates work hard, are cooperative, and have positive attitudes. Theory X is the traditional view of direction and control by managers. 1. It is the nature of average human being who dislikes doing work and will avoid if he or she can. 2. Because of this human characteristic of dislike of work, most people must be controlled, directed, and threatened with punishment to get them to put forth adequate effort toward the achievement of organizational objectives. 3. The average human being prefers to be directed, wishes to avoid responsibility, and has relatively little ambition, wants security above all. Theory Y is the view that individual and organizational goals can be integrated. 1. The expenditures of physical and mental effort in work are as natural as play or rest. 2. External control and the threat of punishment are not the only means for bringing out effort toward organizational objectives. 3. Commitment to objectives is a function of the rewards associated with their achievement. 4. The average human being learns, under proper conditions, not only to accept but also to seek responsibility. 5. The capacity to exercise a relatively high degree of imagination, ingenuity, and creativity in the solution of organizational problems in widely, not narrowly, distributed in the population. 6. Under the condition of modern industrial life, the intellectual potentialities of the average human being are only partially utilized. Fred E. Fiedlers contingency theory postulates that there is no best way for managers to lead. Situations will create different leadership style requirements for a manager. The solution to a managerial situation is contingent on the factors that impose on the situation. For example, in a highly routinized (mechanistic) environment where repetitive tasks are the norm, a certain leadership style may result in the best performance. The same leadership style may not work in a very dynamic environment. Fiedler looked at three situations that could define the condition of a managerial task: 1. Leader member relations: Compatibility between the manager and the employees? 2. The task structure: Is the job highly structured, fairly unstructured, or somewhere in between? 3. Position power: How much authority does the manager possess? Managers were rated as to whether they were relationship oriented or task oriented. Task oriented managers tend to do better in situations that have good leader-member relationships, structured tasks, and either weak or strong position power. They do well when the task is unstructured but position power is strong. Also, they did well at the other end of the spectrum when the leader member relations were moderate to poor and the task was unstructured. Relationship oriented managers do better in all other situations. Thus, a given situation might call for a manager with a different style or a manager who could take on a different style for a different situation. Another aspect of the contingency model theory is that the leader-member relations, task structure, and position power dictate a leaders situational control. Leader-member relations are the amount of loyalty, dependability, and support that the leader receives from employees. It is a measure of how the manager perceives he or she and the group of employees are getting along together. In a favorable relationship the manager has a high task structure and is able to reward or punish employees without any problems. In an unfavorable relationship the task is usually unstructured and the leader possesses limited authority. Positioning power measures the amount of power or authority the manager perceives the organization has given him or her for the purpose of directing, rewarding, and punishing subordinates. Positioning power of managers depends on the taking away (favorable) or increasing (unfavorable) the decision-making power of employees. The task-motivated style leader experiences pride and satisfaction in the task accomplishment for the organization, while the relationship-motivated style seeks to build interpersonal relations and extend extra help for the team development in the organization. There is no good or bad leadership style. Each person has his or her own preferences for leadership. Task-motivated leaders are at their best when the group performs successfully such as achieving a new sales record or outperforming the major competitor. Relationship-oriented leaders are at their best when greater customer satisfaction is gained and a positive company image is established. Hersey-Blanchard Situational Leadership The Hersey-Blanchard Situational Leadership theory is based on the amount of direction (task behaviour) and amount of socio-emotional support (relationship behaviour) a leader must provide given the situation and the level of maturity of the followers. Task behaviour is the extent to which the leader engages in spelling out the duties and responsibilities to an individual or group. In task behaviour the leader engages in one-way communication. Relationship behaviour is the extent to which the leader engages in two-way or multi-way communications. This includes listening, facilitating, and supportive behaviours. In relationship behaviour the leader engages in two-way communication by providing socio-emotional support. Maturity is the willingness and ability of a person to take responsibility for directing his or her own behaviour. People tend to have varying degrees of maturity, depending on the specific task, function, or objective that a leader is attempting to accomplish through th eir efforts. To determine the appropriate leadership style to use in a given situation, the leader must first determine the maturity level of the followers in relation to the specific task that the leader is attempting to accomplish through the effort of the followers. As the level of followers maturity increases, the leader should begin to reduce his or her task behavior and increase relationship behaviour until the followers reach a moderate level of maturity. As the followers begin to move into an above average level of maturity, the leader should decrease not only task behaviour but also relationship behaviour. Houses Path-Goal Model The path-goal theory developed by Robert House is based on the expectancy theory of motivation. The managers job is viewed as coaching or guiding workers to choose the best paths for reaching their goals. Best is judged by the accompanying achievement of organizational goals. It is based on the precepts of goal setting theory and argues that leaders will have to engage in different types of leadership behavior depending on the nature and demands of the particular situation. It is the leaders job to assist followers in attaining goals and to provide direction and support needed to ensure that their goals are compatible with the organizations. A leaders behaviour is acceptable to subordinates when viewed as a source of satisfaction and motivational when need satisfaction is contingent on performance, and the leader facilitates, coaches and rewards effective performance. Path goal theory identifies achievement-oriented, directive, participative and supportive leadership styles. In achievement-oriented leadership, the leader sets challenging goals for followers, expects them to perform at their highest level, and shows confidence in their ability to meet this expectation. This style is appropriate when the follower suffers from lack of job challenge. In directive leadership, the leader lets followers know what is expected of them and tells them how to perform their tasks. This style is appropriate when the follower has an ambiguous job. Participative leadership involves leaders consulting with followers and asking for their suggestions before making a decision. This style is appropriate when the follower is using improper pr ocedures or is making poor decisions. In supportive leadership, the leader is friendly and approachable. He or she shows concern for followers psychological well being. This style is appropriate when the followers lack confidence. Path-Goal theory assumes that leaders are flexible and that they can change their style, as situations require. Effective leaders clarify the path to help their followers achieve their goals and make the journey easier by reducing roadblocks and pitfalls. Research demonstrates that employee performance and satisfaction are positively influenced when the leader compensates for the shortcomings in either the employee or the work setting. Leadership plays an important role in ones life. If one is a business owner he needs to be a leader in the field of your business. To be a successful leader, one must demonstrates some or all of the following characteristics: 1. The ability to listen: Most leaders do too much talking but not enough listening. Feedbacks to a persons company services or products are important to that person as they demonstrate the customers needs. 2. The ability to acknowledge and change: This is probably the hardest part to do. People often refuse to change. They believe their services or products are the best, which, theres nothing wrong with that. But when there are feedbacks coming from customers you have to listen, then acknowledge them and make changes to provide better customer service. 3. The ability to form one-on-one relationships: People will need to be able to reach you. If you are just starting a business its especially important for you to be able to spend some time to get to know your customers, and/or employees. If you do that, over time, you will develop a strong trust between you and your customers. 4. Successful people make sure they surround themselves with like-minded people. Im not saying millionaires should just ignore the poor. But you need to spend time to communicate with like-minded people. You cannot survive by yourself, and by interacting with others you can motivate others or give others a chance to motivate you. 5. The ability to know yourself: It is very important to know what youre best at, and what your weaknesses are. A business is a team sport. Often one cannot handle all the aspects of a business and need to know when to seek for assistance. 6. Successful people refuse to let other people dictate how they should do certain things. We are not living under someone elses shadow. We must take control and ownership of our lives and careers and never let go. 7. The ability to communicate: Communication is really very important. Even if you are running a home online business and you use email as a communication channel. Down the road, you might want to do a video to promote your company. You might receive TV interviews. Its never too late to practice your presentation and communication skills. 8. Successful people display high levels of optimism and confidence. They believe in themselves and they are not afraid of failures. They see every obstacle as a stepping-stone to their success. They turn challenges into motivators and become their advantages. 9. People who are successful are the ones who are passionate at what they do. 10. People who are successful are the ones who develop high levels of patience and dedication to see the results. http://ezinearticles.com/?Top-10-Characteristics-of-a-Successful-Leaderid=1552997 Characteristics of Successful and Effective Leadership It is not only inborn personality traits that are important but also styles and behaviours that a person learns. Strong autocratic leaders set their goals without considering the opinions of their followers, and then command their followers to execute their assigned tasks without question. Consultative leaders solicit the opinions and ideas of their followers in the goal-setting process but ultimately determine important goals and task assignments on their own. Democratic or participative leaders participate equally in the process with their followers and let the group make decisions. Extremely laid-back leaders, so called laissez-faire leaders, let the group take whatever action its members feel is necessary. A research team at the University of Michigan, inspired and led by Renis Likert, studied leadership for several years and identified two distinct styles, which they referred to as job-centered and employee-centered leadership styles. The job-centered leader closely supervises subordinates to make sure they perform their tasks following the specified procedures. This type of leader relies on reward, punishment, and legitimate power to influence the behaviour of followers. The employee-centered leader believes that creating a supportive work environment ultimately is the road to superior organizational performance. The employee-centered leader shows great concern about the employees emotional well-being, personal growth and development, and achievement. A leadership study group at Ohio State University, headed by Harris Fleishman, found similar contrasts in leadership style, which they referred to as initiating structure and consideration. The leadership style of initiating structure is similar to the job-centered leadership style, whereas consideration is similar to the employee-centered leadership style. It was the initial expectation of both research groups that a leader who could demonstrate both high initiating structure (job centered) and high consideration (employee centered) would be successful and effective in all circumstances. Many students of leadership today believe that there is no one best way to lead, believing instead that appropriate leadership styles vary depending on situations. Fred Fiedler (1967), for instance, believes that a task-oriented leadership style is appropriate when the situation is either extremely favorable or extremely unfavorable to the leader. A favorable situation exists when the relationship between the leader and followers is good, their tasks are well-defined, and the leader has strong power; when the opposite is true, an unfavorable situation exists. When the situation is moderately favorable, a people-oriented leadership style is appropriate. Some theorists suggest that situational factors-the type of task, nature of work groups, formal authority system, personality and maturity level of followers, experience, and ability of followers-are critical in determining the most effective leadership style. For instance, when followers are inexperienced and lack maturity and respons ibility, the directive leadership style is effective; when followers are experienced and willing to take charge, supportive leadership is effective. (http://www.answers.com/topic/leadership)

Computer Security And The Threat Of Hacking Computer Science Essay

Computer Security And The Threat Of Hacking Computer Science Essay Computer security is a safety operating system that is an important feature to install on a computer. It ensures safety and protection from unknown users and threats. If a safety operating system is weak, unknown users, or hackers, are able to break into the database and install harmful viruses, as well as steal personal information. Computer security and hacking can have both disadvantages and advantages. Computer security has evolved from early on to being a key component to own. Hacking, as well as computer security, has developed into a more harmful and dangerous activity. Currently, security programs have been developed to stop hacking and viruses from encroach onto a users computer. Computer security and hacking have had impact on society today, globally and locally. Users use computer security to their benefit when keeping personal information stored on their database. Hacking can destroy a users identity, or possibly their reputation. Businesses and organizations have benefit ed from security, by its protection of information and protection from outside harm. Hacking can be used as a good way to check a computers sustainability to dangers through networks and the internet. Computer security and hacking are two important issues discussed and recognized today. Computer Security is an important element of safety precaution when using a computer. These operating systems run on computers to ensure the safety of personal and financial information, along with protection. Computer security can be a very useful component to acquire [1]. If an unknown user tries to access a computer database, computer security will ensure that that user will not be let in [2]. Besides keeping unknown users out of others computer databases, computer security also provides protection from harmful threats and viruses. Once these viruses find their way onto a users computer, information and control access can be stolen [3]. There are significant advantages and disadvantages of having a strong computer system, one advantage being protection from viruses and other harmful attacks [4]. Hacking has found its way into the world of computers. Hacking can be destructive, harmful, and can have some bad impact on peoples lives. If a computer system is not protected by a security operating system, hackers can find their way into that database easily. Once in, hackers can obtain personal, financial, and important information [5]. This can cause ruin in a users business and personal life, and much more. While being branded a bad thing, hacking can help many as well. Some hackers are able to test the reliability of a computers security system, to find weak spots in the barrier [6]. Like computer security, hacking can have both costs, but benefits too [2]. The purpose of this report is to allow computer users to gain insight on the aspects of computer security and the ethical issue of hacking. Computer security can allow users to feel comfortable knowing their personal information is being kept hidden. But even with a high-level computer security system, one is still vulnerable to a hacking intrusion. A computer users private information, such as social security, credit card numbers, passwords, email addresses, and other information is at risk to being taken. There are a number of objectives covered in this report. First, computer security is used to keep personal, financial, and other private information kept confidential. Second, computer security blocks viruses and attackers from encroaching on ones computer. Third, even with this security, one is still susceptible to a hacking attack. And lastly, hacking can be easily hurtful, but could in some cases be just as helpful for users. The main contents of this report include computer security, and the issue of hacking. Computer security is described as a protection technique for personal information, and for blocking unwanted threats from the internet. Hacking is described as being a harmful way to obtain information from other users databases. Viruses and threats are each described in order for other users to know the differences between them all. Also in this report are ways to check a computers security and ways to keep it protected from harm too. 2 Background 2.1Computer security is an operating system used on computer databases to protect and provide safety to users. Besides preventing unauthorized access, computer security provides protection for personal, financial, and classified information [1]. One type of this security system requires a validation of a username and password provided by the user, in order to gain access into the computer database [2, pg.267]. Besides validating who the user is, it also confirms that the user is not trying to attempt an unlawful operation [2, pg.31]. As shown in Figure 1, computer security requires a key, or username and password, in order to access the database. Many businesses and organizations have benefited greatly from this operating system, because it allows their private information to stay confidential and secret [1]. http://comtrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Computer-Internet-Security.jpg Figure 1 Picture representing the security operating system, with the binary representation inside a computer. Computer security had begun physically in the 1950-60s. Computer systems then were guarded by security officers, to stop the attempt of gaining unauthorized access. Later on in the 60s and 70s, access could be granted over telephone lines, which caused a change in the way computers were externally guarded [2, 266-7]. By the 90s, companies sprang up to provide a more modern way of securing computer systems. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) was developed by Netscape Communications, (which was an early web browser) to get secure transfer of info when buying online. By 1999, the Transport Layer Security (TLS) had been developed, and was very similar to the Secure Sockets Layer, but with a few important improvements [2, 350-1]. Hacking can be defined as the encroachment of ones personal or business computer system by an outside source [7]. Hackers, or the outside sources encroaching on the personal computer, can have many motives to these intrusions. Some hackers have admitted to only wanting to enjoy the challenge of overcoming a security system [8]. Other hackers have admitted to wanting private or financial information for their own personal gain [7]. There are different ways a computer can be hacked into. These ways include: through downloads, internet-based programs, and through fraud emails. Through these, hackers can plant viruses and attacks which make it possible to overcome a security system [3]. A hacker has had many definitions from early on. In the Middle Ages, a hacker was in the business of creating tools known as hoes. Later on into the 17th Century, a hacker had become a strong worker that handled a hoe. Today, a hacker has nothing to do with an actual tool, but is capable of being a strong worker, when it comes to intruding upon anothers computer system [2, pgs.657-8]. The earliest form of hacking was known as phreaking. This involved hacking using telephone lines [9, pgs.12- 13]. 2.2There are a number of advantages and disadvantages when it comes to computer security. Some advantages include: greater storage space, resource and file sharing, an increase in cost efficiency, and security of private information. Some disadvantages include: the expensive cost, it could have a number of weak spots, and some security issues [4]. Hacking has some important costs and benefits when it comes into play. Some costs include: the owner loses control over his or her information, harmful viruses and threats on users computers, and loss of data either being intentional or unintentional by hacker. An important benefit is ethical hacking, because users can determine where the weak spots in their system are [2, pg.659]. 2.3 There are some theories to deciding whether hacking can be good or bad. In some ways, it can be dangerous, hurtful, and devastating. Many can lose their personal information, such as social security, credit card numbers, emails, addresses, and much more, and can be left with nothing. In some ways, hacking could be a good thing. This is true because many hire ethical hackers to test their computers security strength to find weak areas in their systems. It is an undecided theory, because hacking can be labeled good and bad, and each argument can be supported [2, 659]. 2.4 A class for viruses, threats, worms, Trojans, spyware, and other forms of attacks is known as malware. [7]. A small portion of software that can enter a users computer secretly and in other easy ways is known as a virus. Trojans are similar to a virus, but different in the fact that once installed, it allows the Trojan horses creator the ability to see everything on the users computer. Spyware is capable of being installed within a users database with or without the user having knowledge of it [3]. These types of threats and attacks are hidden within programs that come as fake emails, internet-programs, and downloads. Figure 2 below demonstrates all the different types of harmful threats that can be uploaded onto your computer by hackers. http://www.dreamstime.com/computer-and-network-security-hand-thumb4123007.jpg Figure 2 This is a collection of all the different types of viruses and threats that can be harmful for a users computer. 3 Computer Security and Hacking 3.1Society has been impacted by computer security in a number of ways. Computer security ensures users that their personal, financial, and other information will be kept secret from the eyes of others. It impacts businesses and organizations by keeping their confidential data safe from view and harm and helping them in staying successful [1]. It allows users to share files and resources, an increased amount of storage space, and an increase in cost efficiency [4]. As well as protecting information, computer security has impacted users and their computers from nasty viruses, threats, and malware as well [3]. Computer security is an important piece of technology that has impacted society since its beginning. Hacking is impacting society today in many ways. Hacking impacts users by taking their personal information, and could possibly display it over the internet [7]. It is causing an increase in cost for companies and organizations to fix their computer systems after a security breach, and to obtain better security. There has been recent documentation dealing with an increased amount of threats found in web sites that can easily be uploaded onto databases. [10]. Hacking impacts businesses and organizations if these do not have a strong security system. Hacking can have a number of impacts on society, especially taking personal information from other users [5]. 3.2 Computer security involves another component, called a firewall. This component, software or hardware, is made to block unwanted threats and viruses from a users computer. A firewall is used to prevent the intrusion of hackers, viruses, and many other threats from gaining access and information onto a computer [11]. An example of a strong firewall that provides protection and dependability is the Cisco PIX Firewall [10]. A well-known security system used by many is called Symantec. Symantec had originated in 1982. It has become the worlds largest software company, with business internationally, and with over 17,000 workers. Symantec ensures security of the computer, its infrastructure, and all the components within it. Symantec has a research lab where new technologies are developed to ensure even more security [12]. Norton AntiVirus is Symantecs current security program. Norton provides safe networking, protection online, and a scanner to check for viruses and threats. Norton is a very trusting program, because it ensures safety for users and for their computers. Figure 4 is a picture of the program Norton AntiVirus. Figure 5 represents the Norton program at work. This main screen alerts the user if their system is not secure, and what types of protection the user would like to be on or off. [12] http://www.amitbhawani.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Norton360-Box-Package.png http://www.windows7hacker.com/wp-content/uploads/blog/DownloadNortonAntivirus2010BetaonWindows_E88F/NewNortonAntiVirus.png Figure 3 Picture of the Norton Figure 4 This figure represents the Norton AntiVirus program AntiVirus main screen 3.3 Even though hacking is labeled as dangerous, some have found hacking to be a blessing. Some computer users hire ethical hackers, which are those who imitate an actual attack onto a users computer system, in order to test that computers security system and its blocking power. While imitating this attack, ethical hackers are also looking for weaknesses within the system, and what could be stolen in a real hacking attack [6]. Another way to check a networks security is by sending a vulnerability scanner over the computer. Like ethical hacking, a vulnerability scanner will check for weaknesses in the security, and will increase the security as well. Besides scanning for weaknesses in the security wall, users should consistently be checking their computers for any type of threats or attacks. If these threats or attacks are not resolved, all types of malware could corrupt the database [10]. 4 Conclusion Computer Security is described as being a protection mechanism for computer databases. This mechanism can come in different shapes, styles, and forms [1]. One of the types of computer security is a validation code. The user of the computer must provide his/her own username and password to access the database [2]. Another type is AntiVirus security, such as Norton AntiVirus by Symantec. This program will provide protection from harmful threats and viruses, and hackers as well [12]. Computer security has provided many with comfort knowing that their private and financial information will be kept safe from other eyes on their computers. Big companies and organizations have benefited from computer security, because with it they have a comforting feeling that their important information will be kept safe [1]. Hacking is a dangerous and unfortunate activity that occurs on vulnerable computers [7]. Hackers find their way into other users systems, and depending on what they want, credit card numbers, social security, or anything of the like, they are likely to succeed in getting [5]. Hackers can plant harmful viruses and threats into a users system with or without that user knowing [7]. It can be a very upsetting and unlucky event to happen, because users are susceptible to having their personal information stolen or revealed to the public [2, pg.659]. But in the light of things, hacking could be a good thing for some users. Ethical hacking can be a useful method for checking a computers security barrier. It finds the weak spots that a computer hacker, virus or threat could enter the database through [6]. There are ways to improve computer security and to keep hackers and viruses out of computer systems. Ethical hacking could be a method used to find the vulnerable areas in the security, which would inform the user that better security is needed [6]. Similar to ethical hacking, a vulnerability scanner runs over the system scanning for weak spots, and improves security too [10]. Certain antiviral programs could be purchased and installed to increase security. Such programs as Norton AntiVirus will alert the user of any threats, scans the system, and will keep a computer safe [12]. There are conclusions Ive drawn from researching computer security and hacking. First, computer security is a very important component to have on a computer. Businesses and companies have impacted from it, because they are able to keep valuable information stored on their computers. Without it, users should not be on the internet or network at all. Hacking can be a very uncomforting and hurtful activity to users and their computers. Users can have their private and financial information taken from them, as well as being made public. There are many types of viruses and threats that can harm users computers, especially the ones thought to be low risk. The reason I drew these conclusions is because they are important things to know and understand. If one is naÃÆ'Â ¯ve to the risks of the internet and hackers, their computers, as well as themselves are in peril. There are some issues that I would like to address in future studies. I would like address the issue of weak spots in a computers security. I would like to see this security to not have these weak spots, and to fix them before using them on computers. Second, I want users to realize how dangerous it is to not have a computer security operating system, before they find it is too late. I would like to see programs such as Facebook and MySpace not allow users to put as much information as they allow now. Because of this displaying of information, many are susceptible to danger. I would like these issues to be addressed in future studies.