Gang Activity in the United States Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Gang Activity in the United States - Essay Example Currently, youth gangs are difficult to define because the nature and behavior of gangs vary considerably from one geographic area to another. However, the term "youth gang" is used to distinguish it from "street gangs" who are groups of adults engaged in criminal activities. Youth gangs are generally a loose organization of three or four young people between the age of 12 and 24 who usually have a name for the gang as well as distinctive clothing and hand signs. Gang membership is more or less permanent and is often characterized by delinquent behavior. (Powell and Egley, 2007) Youth gang activities were surveyed between 2002 and 2005 and the average number of gangs is 25,000 nationwide. For this period, the National Youth Gang Survey Analysis came up with the following statistics: When adult supervision, traditionally found in the home or at school, is alienating, ineffective or absent, the chances are the youth will form into groups to establish some structure, usually at a common place of congregation such as the public park or community center. Many of these young people are left to their own devices and have much time on their hands. When a group of young people has few opportunities for future careers, this tends to solidify the group's identity into a gang. There is no nationwide trend for the surge or ebb of youth gang activity, although larger cities appear to have a stable, persistent problem with gangs while rural and suburban counties report variable bouts of gang problems. (Powell and Egley, 2007) The 2001 National Youth Gang Center (NYGC) reported that 67% of gang members in large cities (New York, Rochester, Washington, Denver, Colorado and Seattle) were 18 and older while 17% were under 14 years old. Most of the surveyed

Environmental Distractions to Study Habits Essay Example for Free

Environmental Distractions to Study Habits Essay Every student is required to study the lessons given by the teacher. By means of proper time management, a student becomes successful in his entire intellectual endeavor. But what if there are environmental distractions in his study habits? What will happen to his learning activities? Environmental distractions in study habits make a student at a disadvantaged position if it cannot be fully determined and avoided. Therefore, environmental distractions are a hindrance to the intellectual development of a student. Environmental Distractions In order to avoid environmental distractions, it is required that a student must identify the things that gives problems to his studies. After all, how could he be successful in avoiding environmental distractions if he may not be able to identify them? Hence, correct identification of environmental distractions that might hinder the student from studying should be done. The environmental distractions to study habits may include emotional, physical and external distractions. Learning Support Center Paradise Valley Community mentioned that physical environment of the study area of a student relates to external distractions (â€Å"Improving Your Memory†). In other words, if the environment is noisy and unorganized, study habits of a student may be hampered. Since we are aware that studying includes memorization, a student cannot effectively study when there television is opened or used within his environment, when there are any people chatting around him and when sound effects around him is very disturbing. Therefore, the best way for a student to avoid external distractions is to find a place conducive for learning like a noise-free room. Learning Support Center Paradise Valley Community also mentioned that the study area of a student must have quite surroundings or those places that really intended for studying (â€Å"Improving Your Memory†). Moreover, Glendale Community College stated that a good study environment must be free from distractions that might hinder memorizing and understanding reading materials (â€Å"Study Skills†). There should also be rules to follow like having a desk intended totally for studying; not using television, radio and telephone while studying; closing the door of the study room so that people passing by it cannot distract a students attention; the study area should not be cluttered and unorganized and that the study environment should be clean and spacious (â€Å"Study Skills†). If all these can be followed, there is no doubt that a student can study properly. Lastly, a student must not dwell long to problems of the family and friends and even personal situations that can surely affect study habits. The environment should be free from emotional distractions so that the mind of a student will remain fresh and able to absorb new ideas being studied daily. Conclusion   A student needs a study area that is free from environmental distractions. This paper mentioned that environmental distractions involved emotional and physical distractions as well as external ones. Emotional distractions include family problems while physical and external distractions include television, radio, noisy environment and unorganized study area. Finally, the best way to attain an environment that is free from distraction is to identify the things that can distract a student and avoid them all. References Glendale Community College. (2008). Study Skills. Retrieved August 14, 2008, from   http://www.glendale.edu/new/services/counseling/study.htm. Learning Support Center Paradise Valley Community. (2008). Improving Your Memory. Retrieved August 14, 2008, from http://www.pvc.maricopa.edu/lsc/services/tips _improving_memory.htm.

Latin America Essay Example for Free

Latin America Essay Nation states co-exist one alongside another, yet, their relations have not been perfect or devoid of discord. At the heart of this problem is that each nation state as a political and economic entity has its own interests. It is the pursuit of these interests that these states rub one another the wrong way, with the developed countries calling the shots, leading to an acrimonious disposition in international relations. This paper examines some of the facts by taking America, Cuba and Nicaragua as examples. Question 1 Part A The Cuba Revolution which took place in January 1, 1959 against President General Fulgencio Batista is highly esteemed by Latin Americans because it deposed the dictatorial President General Fulgencio Batista from rule. Part B Cuba occupies a special place in US policy makers’ minds both for historical and strategic reasons. The historical treason is that Nikita Khrushchev had at one time â€Å"poked US in the eye† after US had aimed missiles in Italy and Turkey at USSR. By planting other missiles in Cuba against the US, Khrushchev now had a more credible bargaining chip. America does not want a repeat of this. The Strategic reason is that Cuba at the moment is the only force standing in the way of the Caribbean domination by the US. Part C What prevented Cuba’s annexation by the US is Castro’s rule. This Castro has weathered all assassination and coup attempts that were staged against him at the behest of the US. Question 2 The main strategy that was used by Latin America against US hegemony was by forming an alliance with other socialist countries that posed antithetical stands against the US. It is through these alliances that Latin American states were able to realize the acquisition of arms and ideologies. Question 3 US has been at times responsible for the rise of military dictatorships in Latin America in its quest to annex these countries. In most cases, the US sponsored military coups both financially and militarily against legitimate governments (as it was seen in the case of General Fulgencio Batista when America wanted to oust Castro). Usually, these legitimate governments are conspired against by the US when they refuse to do US’ bidding. When these coups succeed, the leaders themselves turn into outright dictators. Commentary 1 It is true that Nicaragua looks up to Cuba positively since Cuba has been protecting her interests. Or instance, Cuba was instrumental in the 1990s in advising and helping Nicaragua to build closer ties with investors by working with them closely to reconstruct Nicaragua’s economic situation. What enhanced the credibility of Cuba’s economic advice and help to Nicaragua is that the latter witnessed Cuba’s proposals work out for the betterment of Bolivia, a country that initially was preoccupied with militarism. More Credit is being given to Cuba by Nicaragua because Cuba continues to protect Nicaragua’s trade and transport routes, of which the Trans Isthmian canal remains chief. Commentary 2 It is not sufficient to state that Nicaragua admires Cuba because of the protection it receives only. On the contrary, it is through this Trans Isthmian canal that Cuba protects, that the two economies are able to carry out bilateral trade. Cuba’s exports to Nicaragua are rice, sugar cane, medical products, hams and sausages, whereas Nicaragua exports veterinary products, pharmaceuticals, milk and milk products, meat and meat products, original perfume oil, pieces of ivory, among others, to Cuba. Conclusion It is therefore easier to see that because states exist juxtaposed to each other, there is no country that can exist on its own accord. This is why virtually all nations are players in international trade and diplomacy. The mandate therefore falls on the developed economies such as the US and the UK and other international organizations such as the UN to come up with policies that will foster egalitarianism and freedom for and among all states. References Blasier, C. (2005). Trade in Latin America. Ann Arbor: Michigan University Press. Callahan, M. (1999). A historical look at US relations with Cuba. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

Abelard And Heloises Love Letters

Abelard And Heloises Love Letters The letters sent between Abelard and Heloise discuss many controversial characteristics of their time period. They converse about sex, virginity, a womans role in the society, and punishment which in turn shows the ethics, religious views, and morals of their time. In contrast to these topics it also portrays the problems the church and society had when faced with these ideas that did not follow along according to the Bible. The ethics and rules of living were heavily connected to the church in Abelard and Heloises time unlike modern times. In this society the clergy was the most respected albeit feared power in the land. As such people were expected to follow and adhere to everything said in the Bible. They were supposed to live their lives accordingly to the Bible. Any knowledge was supposed to be used to further exemplify God and never to be used to refute God, his rules, or his teachings. If it were to be used as such then people were as saying heresy and excommunicated from the church and scorned by others. Every aspect of this time period and society were centered around the church. In this highly restricted society the letters sent between the two lovers allows us insight into the topics of the sanctity of virginity, sex once married, the penalties for sex without marriage, and the roles women were expected to play without any complaints or persuasion in the society of Abelard and Heloise. The sanctity of virginity was a great prize during Abelard and Heloises time, around the twelfth century. It was prized and held to high esteem but for the wrong reasons. Many believed the longer a woman held onto her virginity the closer she would become to God. Abelard reckons that, The more God is pleased by the abstinence and continence which women have dedicated to him, the more willing he will be to grant their prayers.(123) Men of this society believe virginity should be in devotion to God but Abelard believed it was to please society that many women did it, not to please God. While Heloise does agree she says Men think being pure of flesh, a virgin, is a virtue. She also believes that that virtue comes from the soul not from the body. Being a virgin was considered something we as humans do to please God when in fact it is actually more of a spiritual or religious trait. Society only placed a value upon outward appearances as a virgin but allowed lustful temptations to be thou ght as long as it was not acted upon. Abelard considered virgins not pure if they thought dirty because the body and soul are one and the same. Society respected the display of virginity but cared little if a person actually believed in what they were doing or if a person actually wanted to do what they were doing. Not only were people curious about virginity but they were also clueless about the relationship once sex is permitted after marriage. Many believed God has allowed sex once one is married to the one they have married. Even though Abelard does believe this he still feels animosity while having sex with his own wife especially during the days of Our Lords Passion (147). Although sex is to be allowed after marriage the church did have rules as to when a couple could be together. Sex altogether is accepted during Abelard and Heloises era but it hinted at as being bad since the church must regulate it. Since the church can say when it alright and not alright to have sex then t his associates that there must be some type of evil or ungodliness regarding sex. Abelard never admits that he agrees with what the rabble think of him and Heloise he does say that the people think it was desire, not affection which bound you to me, the flame of lust rather than of love (116). Abelard does not know why he has transgressed what he has, taking Heloises virginity and having sex on holy days, so like any person he has to place the blame on someone or something else so he blames it on the emotion of lust which leads him to give up his love of Heloise though she still loves him. Due to their society ingraining in them the ever powerful rule of God, Abelard and Heloise expect God to punish them for their sins. Abelard accepts Gods punishment without any hassle and does not question it. Heloise on the other hand goes on to say that all the laws of being equal under the eye of God were reversed when it came to their judgment. Heloise is confused because God did not punish her and Abelard while they were committing the sins of sex before marriage but instead decided to punish them after they became married. She considers it reversed because while they did the bad deed no bad befell them but once they had obeyed Gods rule the punishment fell upon them harshly. Heloise complains to Abelard about how harsh Gods punishment is on them but Abelard believes it was all part of Gods will. He believes that Heloise was sent to him by God to cause him to be castrated forcing him closer to God. This shows that in this society people were confused and had very different views on Gods punishment but even so they did accept it. Throughout their letters Abelard is quick to remind Heloise about her place in society reinforcing the role women played in this society. The most obvious role of women in this society was that women were secondary to men. Heloise further reinforces this patriarchy upon herself when she notices Abelard places her name first on the letter before his own. Heloise tells him that it should not be so and that she is inferior to his since she is a women and as such his name should come before his (127). Abelard does agree and states that that is the natural order of the world. As common practice in this society women are underneath men and wives are expected to always, always serve their husbands. A women has many other expected roles too. Above all, and the most degrading of all she is expected to be good in bed. Another expected role from a women is to always make her husband happy. Many times Abelard says things like a good wife makes her husband a happy man. All in all society only wan t and believe a woman should make a man happy, love him, and serve him. Even with all of this women can still be viewed as evil or corruption in this society. Heloise says men are most easily brought to ruin through their wives (131) Heloise never objects to the views Abelard projects onto her or other women in this society. Heloise perfectly shows way of thinking of a typical women in this society. She says that she will change her clothes, her mind, and her body all to prove Abelard as the one owner of her body and will. She even goes on to say she wants nothing but Abelard and that she looked for no marriage-bond, no marriage portion I prefer love to wedlock and freedom to chains (113). She would give up her life and everything she has for Abelard. These letters above all else show the corruption and the influence of man upon the church of God. Heloise states that if man does not offend or deny the opinions of clergy men they will receive the highest of praise. Any form of thinking that disrupts or goes against what the church is preaching is branded as heresy and usually leads to the threats on the persons life or even the death of the person. Many people decide which verses and tenets of the Bible to follow and ignore the ones that do not benefit them in the short or long run. The clergymen in Abelard and Heloises era and our era flaunt their wealth even though the Bible tells about modesty they choose to ignore it. Abelard thinks this is wrong in the churches of his time. Another fault that is prominent in this society but not thought upon as evidenced in the absence of Abelards thoughts upon it is racism. Abelard says Ethiopian women are not as pretty as white women but they are better in bed. And he also says that the colo r of the Ethiopian women are a disfigurement (140). The discussions had through letters between Abelard and Heloise about virginity, sex, marriage, Gods punishment have allowed us sight into the twelfth centurys morals, ethics, and it truly highlights the problems within the church that have continued on until this modern day. While virginity is cherished, sex after marriage is allowed by the Bible, the punishment of God is expected when a sin is committed, and the roles of women are enforced in this society there are many flaws. Virginity is prized only on the outside, sex is allowed after marriage but still regulated by the church, punishment is expected but viewed differently by each person, and society treat women second to men. Even though Heloise questions Gods punishment and is confused about it she never once questions her role in society she accepts it. This goes to show how strong a society can impact a single person.

Essay Comparing Macbeth and Lady Macbeth -- comparison compare contras

William Shakespeare’s Macbeth tells the story of a general who commits regicide in order to become king. Early in the play, Macbeth is conflicted as to weather or not he wants to kill his kinsman the king. In the first two acts Macbeth is not portrayed as a ruthless killer; he is a sympathetic character who succumbs to the provocation of his wife and a prophecy foretold by three mysterious witches. In contrast, Lady Macbeth is a manipulative, immoral woman. Her ambition is so strong that she is willing to do anything to see her husband succeed. However, in the third act things begin to change. The death of the king and lord and lady Macbeth’s rise to power catalyze profound transformation in their personalities.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Before Macbeth enters the stage his reputation as a prestigious general is established. In the second scene of the play men who have fought with Macbeth rant about his courage in battle. The first account of Macbeth’s bravery comes from an injured captain. He says: â€Å" But all’s too weak/for brave Macbeth (Well he deserves that name)/ Disdaining fortune, with his brandish steel/. (1.2.17) The rest of the scene consists of other recounts of Macbeth’s success; the thane of Ross informs the king that Macbeth has successfully suppressed the joint efforts of the thane of Cawdor, and the king of Norway. Furthermore, in this scene the king announces that Macbeth is to be promoted as the new thane of Cawdor. In this scene Macbeth is portrayed as a mighty, patriotic, warrior and a loyal subject to the king. However as the play progresses Macbeth deviates from these traits. Macbeth’s encounter with the three witches c onfuses him. He begins to decide on a course ... ... to kill Banquo he says â€Å" Not I’ th’ worst rank of manhood say ‘t And I will put that business in your bosoms†(3.1.115) This was the same technique that Lady Macbeth used when she was persuading Macbeth to kill Duncan; she questioned his manhood. While Macbeth is loosing his morals, Lady Macbeth is developing hers. After Macbeth reveals his plot to kill Banquo she is reluctant to add another murder to those already committed: â€Å"You must leave this†(3.3.40)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In act three another prophecy foretold by the witches comes true. The paradox â€Å"fair is foul and foul is fair† characterizes the changes the protagonists undergo in acts one, two and three. Throughout the play Macbeth, the â€Å"fair† one, becomes overcome by guilt and becomes â€Å"foul†. While Lady Macbeth who was â€Å"foul† in her instigations becomes â€Å"fair†. Essay Comparing Macbeth and Lady Macbeth -- comparison compare contras William Shakespeare’s Macbeth tells the story of a general who commits regicide in order to become king. Early in the play, Macbeth is conflicted as to weather or not he wants to kill his kinsman the king. In the first two acts Macbeth is not portrayed as a ruthless killer; he is a sympathetic character who succumbs to the provocation of his wife and a prophecy foretold by three mysterious witches. In contrast, Lady Macbeth is a manipulative, immoral woman. Her ambition is so strong that she is willing to do anything to see her husband succeed. However, in the third act things begin to change. The death of the king and lord and lady Macbeth’s rise to power catalyze profound transformation in their personalities.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Before Macbeth enters the stage his reputation as a prestigious general is established. In the second scene of the play men who have fought with Macbeth rant about his courage in battle. The first account of Macbeth’s bravery comes from an injured captain. He says: â€Å" But all’s too weak/for brave Macbeth (Well he deserves that name)/ Disdaining fortune, with his brandish steel/. (1.2.17) The rest of the scene consists of other recounts of Macbeth’s success; the thane of Ross informs the king that Macbeth has successfully suppressed the joint efforts of the thane of Cawdor, and the king of Norway. Furthermore, in this scene the king announces that Macbeth is to be promoted as the new thane of Cawdor. In this scene Macbeth is portrayed as a mighty, patriotic, warrior and a loyal subject to the king. However as the play progresses Macbeth deviates from these traits. Macbeth’s encounter with the three witches c onfuses him. He begins to decide on a course ... ... to kill Banquo he says â€Å" Not I’ th’ worst rank of manhood say ‘t And I will put that business in your bosoms†(3.1.115) This was the same technique that Lady Macbeth used when she was persuading Macbeth to kill Duncan; she questioned his manhood. While Macbeth is loosing his morals, Lady Macbeth is developing hers. After Macbeth reveals his plot to kill Banquo she is reluctant to add another murder to those already committed: â€Å"You must leave this†(3.3.40)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In act three another prophecy foretold by the witches comes true. The paradox â€Å"fair is foul and foul is fair† characterizes the changes the protagonists undergo in acts one, two and three. Throughout the play Macbeth, the â€Å"fair† one, becomes overcome by guilt and becomes â€Å"foul†. While Lady Macbeth who was â€Å"foul† in her instigations becomes â€Å"fair†.

Themes of Shelleys Frankenstein Essays -- Mary Shelley

Mary Shelley discusses the themes of birth and creation, appearance and the necessity of companionship, love and acceptance in her novel Frankenstein. The themes that are explored in Frankenstein are relevant to today’s modern world. Shelley challenges readers by endorsing and confronting attitudes and values in her text through the events, circumstances and outcomes that take place in the novel, thus causing the reader to reflect upon their own lives and in turn the society around them. Shelley raises in her text an issue that is on the forefront of discussion in the modern world, that of man taking the place of God and the role of woman in the creation of life. The modern world is currently grappling over the concerns of cloning, genetics and stem cell research, questioning the ethics and morality of man playing God. Shelley’s novel challenges readers to consider the consequences of this through the horrific outcomes resulting from such actions. Victors consuming passion and motivation to create life is â€Å"A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me. No father could claim the gratitude of his child so completely as I should deserve theirs.† Pg47 Here Shelley challenges those seeking to pursue such actions to consider their motivations as the later discussion shows the terrible result of such pursuits. Shelley’s suggestion that Victor has attempted to usurp the role of w oman as the bearer of life are also suggested as Victor likens his descriptions of creating the creature as to that of a woman’s pregnancy. â€Å"After so much time spent in painful labor† â€Å"winter, spring and summer passed away during my labors† This allusion to the seasons representing the duration of a woman’s pregnancy. One is lead to consider the contrast between Frankenstein’s description of his own childhood â€Å"My mother’s tender caresses and my father’s smile of benevolent pleasure while regarding me are my first recollections† , that of God and his creation Adam â€Å"He had come forth from the hands of God a perfect creature.† Pg. 135 and in contrast that of Frankenstein’s creature â€Å"I beheld the wretch- the miserable monster whom I had created.† Through presenting Frankenstein’s creation and the tragic outcome and comparing it with that perfect and beautiful creation of Adam and Frankenstein, Shelley challenges modern so... ...athies necessary for my being.† pg 153 However, it can be seen that the creature is never successful in his attempts to have companions, love and be loved. Time and time again he is rather, rejected and alienated by man. The similarities are clear as due to Andy Williams and the creatures lack of companionship, guidance and love they are driven to convening such disastrous deeds. The values of society today of friendship, love and the negative attitude towards rejection and loneliness are evident, as one is lead to sympathise with the creature and Andy. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is not ‘irrelevant and outdated’ rather it is evident that the issues of birth and creation, appearance and acceptance and the necessity of love, companionship and guidance are all relevant to today’s world. Through the creatures horrific and fatal outcome, Mary Shelley’s novel provides a challenge and perhaps even insight into the consequences and outcomes that could result if modern man attempts to play God and fails to provide love, guidance and companionship to those around them. Reference Shelley Mary, Frankenstein , Barnes and Noble books, Sandstone publishing, 2008 Time, March 19, 2007

Upcoming Initiatives within the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit A

Legal Advice: Upcoming Initiatives within the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) 1. Describe the company and the major initiative(s) they have planned for the next five years: In 1967, within the Washington DC metropolitan area, Congress authorized a government agency, created through an interstate compact, known as WMATA, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Since its start in 1976, WMATA has grown into five rail lines with over 106 miles of tracks, 1,500 buses, and 86 different stations, which provides services to a population of 3.4 million within a 1,500 square mile jurisdiction. (WMATA, 2012) Commonly known by many of the District of Columbia area residents as Metro, we rely on WMATA to provide alternative modes of transportation throughout much of the District, suburban Maryland, and northern Virginia areas, which include Metrorail, Metrobus, and MetroAccess services. In a 2008 WMATA News Release, Metro planners predicted there would be a 42 percent increase in consumer use within the next 25 years. (WMATA, 2008) In order for supply to meet demand, Metro officials have constructed an extensive six year Capital Improvement Pl an (CIP) that began in 2010 and will expire in mid-2016. Several constituents the CIP will cover includes: implementing past National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) safety recommendations, purchasing new system software and track maintenance equipment, new and/or rehabilitated rail cars and lines, and replacing several bus facilities. (Kissal, 2011) 2. Determine which elements of administrative law will be most relevant to the upcoming initiatives and what the impact of those laws will be. In the wake of the 2009 tragic accident and... ...have to worry so much about product reliability. References: Access Board, The United States. (n.d.). The United States Access Board. Retrieved February 25, 2012, from Access-Board.Gov: http://www.access-board.gov/about/laws/ada.htm Bagley, C. E. (2009). Managers and the Legal Environment. Mason: Cengage Learning. Kissal, C. D. (2011). Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2011. Washington DC: WMATA. WMATA. (2008, April 18). Metro details improvements to meet future capacity needs. Retrieved February 24, 2012, from WMATA: 2. http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=2064 WMATA. (2010). August 13 2010 Response to FTA. Washington DC: Dougherty, James. WMATA. (2012). Metro - Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Retrieved February 24, 2012, from WMATA: http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/