Higher cigarette taxes make smokers happier Essay

Higher cigarette taxes make smokers happier - Essay Example Each year in the United States, more than 400,000 smokers die of smoking-related illnesses. Smoking kills more people than AIDS, car accidents, alcohol, homicides, illegal drugs, suicides, and fires combined! Diseases associated with smoking include heart disease, lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Smokeless tobacco is linked to oral cancers and can cause tooth abrasion, gum recession, and leukoplakia.Yet, despite these frightening and startling revelations, people still persists and the few that quit are replaced in many folds by new entrants. This inevitably leads to the question of what could be done to control cigarette consumption by Government in view of the challenges it poses to public health and the Nation manpower development. Government all over the world has toiled with the idea of levying high tax on tobacco products like cigarette in a bid to discourage its consumption.However, whether this has been achieved or not is evidenced in the increase turnover of Tobacco companies. Consider the scenarios below which tend to provide more insight into the effect of higher taxes on the average smoker. Adeolu is 47 years old. He has been smoking cigarette for the past 30 years.

MSc computer system security 'RFID' Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

MSc computer system security 'RFID' - Essay Example The prime advantage of RFID technology is its ease of use and minimalism. RFID replaces barcodes and is a time saving, effective and reliable alternative. That is the reason why it is adopted and deployed in multipurpose applications i.e. Supply Chain Management (SCM), Inventory Tracking, Theft Protection, Location based Services, Electronic Health Monitoring for health care systems, RFID integrated travel documents, payment systems and context-aware applications. In recent years, this technology is flourishing robustly due to its extensive usability in upcoming technologies i.e. Ubiquitous Computing, Pervasive Computing or Ambient Intelligence Solutions. RFID technology comprises of transmitters spreading electromagnetic technology in the environment to send and receive signals. The communication is conducted between two elements, transceiver and transponder. 2. Radio Frequency James Clerk formulated its principles in 19th Century [9]. The radio waves propagation is emitted the form of electromagnetic waves and promulgate in speed of light. The applications of radio waves consist of Radar systems, Fixed Mobile and Satellite Communication, Media Broadcasting and Computer Networks. Radio waves can utilize different band of frequencies measured in Hertz (Hz) which represents the natural process of oscillation in waves. RFID technology utilizes Low Frequency (LF), High Frequency (HF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) from the electromagnetic spectrum. Light waves have certain limitations when passing through objects. On the other hand radio waves travel through solid objects and opaque materials. The range of radio frequency waves which is currently used illustrates the following ranges; 30 KHz and 30 GHz [9]. Table 1 from [9] defines the bands in the electromagnetic spectrum. 3. Barcodes and RFID There is always a logical concept of analyzing RFID as a better substitute for the barcodes systems. However, the consideration of difference between these two technologies is imperative in order to deploy them successfully. Undeniably, RFID technology does not entail a line of sight to read the tags as compared to barcodes, where it is mandatory to identify the tag optically to scan it within a squat distance. Furthermore, in RFID technology, the space for data in a tag can be more than 100 bytes which is far greater than the maximum space available in barcodes. The available storage space provides the freedom to assign identification numbers not only to a brand but also to each item individually. The valuable functionality of identifying multiple tags concurrently enhances the efficiency in any operational environment employing this technology. On the other hand, RFID technology is prone in terms of attenuation and propagation problems hereditary from radio frequency, more specifically in the existence of metal or liquid. It is also a cheaper deployment as compared to barcode technology. Consequently, RFID industry stakeholders are working tirelessl y to minimize the cost of RFID technology. The efforts are making the component prices lower, which are vital in calculating a cost of any RFID solution. As per the report in 2006, the RFID tag price will be around five cents [10]. 4. RFID Privacy and Security The protection related to privacy and security incorporated with RFID technology cannot be rectified without analyzing causes and driving factors. While ease of use and cost are the most significant factors, accumulation of

The political decision-making process Essay Example for Free

The political decision-making process Essay The political decision-making process BY Mrcheeks707 The political decision-making process is so irrational that a completely rational approach to health policy-making can hardly be achieved. Support, debunk or provide alternative paradigms or approaches to this statement, focusing on the development of a particular policy area you are familiar with, and using analytic tools and frameworks in health policy analysis. This paper will begin by briefly examining the role of the state in health and how the state or political system is structured to meet this obligation. It will then describe the types of policy, the stages of policy aking, and the uniqueness of health policy making. Having provided a solid foundation for understanding the political and policy making system, in the context of the Trinidad and Tobago scenario, it will delve into analyzing the policy making process, and directly answer the central question of the rationality of policy making in an irrational framework of government structure. Weather policy is taught of as an intent, strategy, hypothesis, objective, goal, principle, or a learning process, it should include what governments say they will do, what they actually do and what they ecide not to do (Walt, 1994). Buse, Mays Walt, (2005 cited in Gilson L, ed. 2012, p. 28) went on to say that health policy also includes decisions made by the private sector and other actions taken outside of the health system, which can have influence on diverse aspects of citizens health. Lipksy (1980 cited in Gilson L, ed. 2012, p. 8) also argue that Health public policy, the term used to differentiate from the broader public policy, is essentially the routinely daily practices of policy actors and their decisions that have been translated from the formal documents, which may ometimes be far removed from the original intent. Regardless of whether the broader objectives focused on in macro/systemic polices of high politics or the finer special interests objectives being met in mic ro- sectoral polices of low politics, there is a general public policy process that should be followed (Evans and Newnham, 1992). To fully appreciate the impetus for health policy making in the public sector, one must understand the role of the state in formulating polices. As most develop and developing countries had been steered to accept the Keynsian philosophy, that f assuming the dominant responsibility in the provision of health services to the public amongst other social services (Walt, 1994), by the 1980s most states were beginning to relinquish its role in the direct provision of services. Despite governments continued attempts to divest the provision of health services to the private sector, urged in part by the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the diminishing resources of individual states, the critical health concerns of a nation will always mandate that some aspects of health care are treated at a central level. The complexities of health professionals training, controlling the spread of HIV and AIDS, and immunization of children, are too critical for a state to leave totally in the hands of private interest. So who or what is this state that has been entrusted with this responsibility of developing public policy, which ultimately impinges on every facet of citizens lives. This state, a subset of the wider political system, is composed of all the authoritative decision-making bodies of the society that maintains law and order while extracting and utilizing revenue, to provide services ncluding health ). Thus, based on the scarcity ot state resources, governments have no choice but to ration goods and services, even values, to varying and competing interest groups. This however, highlights the major flaw of the system model, in that it adopts the position that the state is impartial, and will distribute resources according to need rather than to the clout of interest groups. For one to fully understand the processes of policy making, one must examine it through the lens of policy theories. As macro theories place heavy emphasis on power in political ystems, which its effects are more systemic in nature than micro theories. While the more obvious internal political structure of a nation can facilitate or hinder participation in the policy making process, exogenous factors are a major yet less discernible factor. Therefore, it is dependent on the particular aspect of control that policy health actors are faced with, will direct the type of policy development processes undertaken. If the policy is within the control of Health, involves input to cross portfolio policy development, or involves input to intergovernmental policy evelopment. Amongst the many structures used to describe the policy processes Walt (1994) describes the most commonly used framework as a four step continuous cycle that moves through (1) problem identification and issue recognition/definition, (2) Policy formulation with clarification of policy issues and preferred options, (3) policy implementation (4) policy evaluation and review. Consultation occurs throughout this cycle. This was expanded upon in the NSW Health Department State Health Publication (1998) to include; a release of formal discussion paper and the evelopment of final policy paper, as two separate activities coming after policy formation. These two additional steps have become necessary, as the intended policy must be available to the general public and special interest groups, to illicit their views before it is adopted and sent before cabinet for approval. NSW Health Department State Health Publication (1998) provided twelve guidelines that will further assist in the rational process of a sound policy development process and promote the production of effective and high quality policy documents. These ecommendations places emphasis on the need to have prompt Justification about the reason for the policy, unambiguity as to who holds power over the final document to initiate the policy development process, and selecting appropriate person(s) and resources to undertake the process effectively within the required timeframe. There must also be consistency between micro and macro policies of the Government. NSW Health Department State Health Publication (1998) also urges that not only there should be timely participation of affected government stakeholders, there should be he lively discussion with Health Services and other key external stakeholders. Another area where Trinidad and Tobago can benefit greatly from is the recommendation that adequate testing be given for relevant options before implementation. Head (2008) would argue that for a truly rational approach to health policy making to occur, it must be centered on Evidence-based policy (EBP) making. This concept of EBP sits squarely in the Rational or Synoptic model, and reflects more of an aspiration that a state should acquire, rather than an accomplished outcome hat could be examined. The only way decision makers can realistically and comfortably make sensible selections would be through adopting EBP as a measure to guarantee dependability ot intormation regarding the efficiency and ettectiveness of adopting a particular course of action over other possible alternatives. It was under Prime Minister Blair, the then British Government saw the need for a more rational approach to policy making. They encouraged employing EBP as key trait in the new strategy to develop a logical method to policy development that will bring ncreased policy capability (UK Cabinet Office, 1999a cited in Head, 2008 p. 15). In Australia, Prime Minister Rudd (2008 cited in Head, 2008 p. 15-16) understood for there to be successful governance, decisions must hinge on ESP. In his 2008 address to the Heads of Agencies and Members of Senior Executive Service, he stated The Government will not adopt overseas models uncritically. Were interested in facts, not fads. Australian policy development should be informed by the best of overseas experience and analysis. Other measures include identification and resolution of inancial and staffing implications of policy. Consideration and response to consultation, communication, industrial and implementation issues. Provide for effective implementation and evaluation with performance targets, planning requirements and accountability arrangements identified. Effective use of Cabinet, Budgetary and Legislative processes of Government where required. Having reviewed these many components, hindrances, and best practices of rational policy making, tackling the fundamental question of the reality for there to be a rational approach to health policy-making? And is evident in Trinidad and Tobago, the answer will have to be no. This has become clear as in many instances the required processes that need to be undertaken are not always available to the policy makers. Issues with fully adopting a rational approach begin to surface almost immediately. From simply identifying what exactly the health system is faced with, to defining goals to address those problems, a plethora of impediments already exists to derail the intended logical policy process. Making rational decisions are also constrained by the decisions made by past administrations. This can be seen with the previous administration in Trinidad and Tobago, with the introduction of the CDAP. With such a program providing free prescription drugs for chronic diseases, often benefiting lower income groups, it would have been almost impossible for the new administration to reverse it, even after making negative statements towards such a program while in opposition.

Value Engineering Management Executive Summery Construction Essay

Value Engineering Management Executive Summery Construction Essay Value Management is structured and systematic process of team based decision making and professional team may involve to the workshop by decision making as per the current situation, condition or issue. VE is a speculated cost control techniques performed by an independent group of experienced professionals. The technique involves an intensive, systematic and creative study to reduce cost while enhancing reliability and performance. Most of investors enthusiastic to have best value for their investment by implementing Value management/ engineering process, through life cycle of the projects. As a result of unstable world economy and political conditions, Al Maya Resident Complex project (Including with 25 no stories and car park in three story basement) client was unable to find necessary funds required for the project. Therefore the cost of construction should reduce as much as possible. Hence it is necessary to carry out a value engineering workshop to find out possible ways to reduce the cost of construction by maintaining the required level of quality, performance and functional requirement. ACKNOWLEDGMENT INTRODUCTION Value Management is well established methodology which can use for maximizing the value for money. Value management strategies can apply at any stage of the life cycle (project from inception to the demolition) of a project. By applying value management strategies since the conception stage of a project, the client will be able to achieve a better value for his investment (money) by providing required level of quality, performance and all necessary functions. The client can carry out Value management / engineering work shops while construction is ongoing also by considering market conditions, economy conditions, political conditions, environmental conditions etc to seek better value for money by finding alternative methods, do changes as necessary etc. MAIN BODY DISCUSSION What Is the Value Engineering/ Value Management? Concept of Value Engineering When study about concept of VE, Lawrence Miles who is the founder of VE in 1940s a purchase engineer with the  General Electric Company  (G. E. C). Miles observed that many of the alternates were providing equal or better performance at a lower cost and from this changed the first definition of value engineering, as per the article of WBDG National Institute of Building Sciences by Scott Cullen (12-15-2010). Value Management Process Value Management is structured and systematic process of team based decision making and professional team may involve to the workshop by decision making as per the current situation, condition or issue. There are few stages in decision making such as; Information phase. Objective phase. Functional analysis phase. Creativity phase. Evaluation phase. Development phase. Reporting and recommendation phase. What Is the different of VE and VM? VE Consider from a tactical point of view, VM consider from the strategic point of view. In simple terms VM address WHY? And VE address HOW? What Is the Value Engineering? The Value Engineering for Wastewater Treatment Works of USA- EPA, noted in it, VE is a speculated cost control techniques performed by an independent group of experienced professionals. The technique involves an intensive, systematic and creative study to reduce cost while enhancing reliability and performance. Why Is it used? To establish the best design alternatives for Projects. To reduce unnecessary cost on the Projects. To improve quality, increase reliability and availability, and customer satisfaction. To improve schedule. To reduce risk. To identify problems and develop recommended solutions. Generally value engineering process can be apply at any point/ phase in a project, However, usually if use in early stage of the project life cycle, will have sufficient benefits on investment. There are three main stages of VEs application, those are describing as below. Planning Phase Planning stage is pre-study preparation phase of VE; there are additional benefits to be resulted from a Value Engineering Workshop. Therefore independent team can be: Review the program. Perform a functional analysis of the facility. Obtain the owner/users definition of value. Define the key criteria and objectives for the project. Verify/validate the proposed program. Review master plan utility options, Offer alternative solutions. Verify if the budget is adequate. Graph showing the potential savings from VE applications Graph 1.1 VE application This graph shows very clear VE benefits of VE application furthermore. (Extracted from Value Engineering for Wastewater Treatment Works of USA- EPA) VE Workshop Phase This is the most important phase of the VE process, generally address as VE workshop, required at least one workshop, typically 40- hour workshop session. As well as, client and designer whom they are decide the location as convenient of them. The first step is prepare of agenda including; Introduction, Briefing of value engineering, Presentation of Project design by project designer, Outline of the project Constrains, Question by VE team members for the designer, Methodology and Approach There are particular identify five-step during the actual Workshop of job plan of the VE study, as prescribed by article of Value Engineering; by Scott Cullen in WDBG program. Information Phase The Value management facilitator gives brief explanation to all participants about the value management process, project and study objectives; roles and rules of the exercise. Information about the project objectives, critical issues and constraints identified at the Strategic Diagnosis meeting, etc. Speculation (Creative) Phase Collecting of creativity ideas from each team member and analyze them to identify which idea is worthy, which one should improve to use, which one not worthy or additional study required to evaluate, etc. Judgment (Evaluation) Phase By evaluating all creativity ideas with cost benefits etc the decision making team will take the final decision about each idea / proposal to incorporate to the final report. Development Phase (Value Management Proposals) In this phase VE team prepare alternative designs with capital and life cycle cost comparison of original design and proposed alternative. And all recommendation supplements with written descriptions, sketches, basic technical information and cost summaries. Presentation Phase (Report/Oral Presentation) In this phase VE team present the summery of it s finding to the owner and designers, explaining the basic ideas of alternatives. Post Work shop phase The Value management Facilitator prepares and presents a report for key stake holders of the project which includes Summary of each phase, decisions made and actions to be taken, alternative methods and materials etc. which provide a complete audit trail. Then client and designers will consider the VE recommendations. Value Engineering Workshop Report of Al Maya Residential Complex Project Introduction This Dubai base multi story residential Complex project; Client is a one of the reputed experienced person in the Construction industry. According to the requirement of the client, he anticipate to reduce the unnecessary cost in the project if available, without touching or disturbing to the original quality, value of the project that planned at the began. This workshop was held in client office and all expenditure bared by client as own budget. Hence Value management and value engineering workshops are conducted according to the following principles: The workshop is held to reduce the cost of the project. All participants are stakeholder of the project. All participants take part and are able to put forward ideas and suggestions. The study was facilitated by Mr. Susan Ali and Mr. Smith De Silva of Sullivan of PMP Pty Ltd in accordance with the requirements of AS/NZS 4183:1994 (Value Management). Project details Type of the project Al Maya Resident Complex including with 25 no stories and car park in three story basement. Participants Client Mr./Ms Al Suwahdi Mohomad Civil Engineer (Contractor) ASCON Construction LLC Project Manager- ALEC Project Management LLC Architect- Design Group LLC MEP Designer- ASCON Construction LLC Quantity Surveyor- TEAMS Consultant LLC Safety Manger- ASCON Construction LLC Value Engineer Team- PMP Value Management LLC Location of the Project Zone 452/5, Block No.115, Emirate garden, Al Kahweenj, Dubai Duration of Construction 24 Months (18 Months remaining for Construction) Agreed Cost of the Contract AED 30.5 million agreed sum Current Issue Reduction of Unnecessary construction cost of the Proposed Resident Complex project through without touching or disturbing the required level of quality, functions and value due to lack of allocated finance. Agenda of Value Engineering Workshop Project: Al Maya Resident Complex including with 25 nos stories and car park in three story basement. Subject: Reduction of Unnecessary construction cost of the Project due to lack of allocated finance. Location: On 12th Nov. 2012 at the Park Building, Dubai. One day basis No. Events Person From To 1. Introduction Clients representative 9.00 am 9.15am 2. Briefing of VE VE Team leader 9.15 am 9.45am 3. Presentation of the Project details Designers 9.45am 10.15am 4. Tea Break 10.15am 10.30am 5. Outline the Project constrain Project Manager 10.30am 11.00am 6. Questions by Value Manger VE member 11.00am 12.00pm 7. Lunch 12.00pm 12.30pm 8. Information Phase VE member 12.30pm 1.30pm 9. Speculation Phase VE member 1.30pm 2.00pm 10. Judgment Phase All Individual members (VE members) 2.00pm 3.00pm 11. Development Phase VE member 3.00pm 3.30pm 12. Tea Time 3.30pm 3.45pm 13. Presentation Phase 3.45pm 4.30pm The VE workshop This Value Engineering Workshop occurred according to the five-stage of job plan that recommended by New Zealand standard (AS/NZS 4183: 1994). The aim of this value Engineering workshop consist of identifying unnecessary cost, developing alternatives, enabling decisions to be made without touching or disturbing the required level of quality, functions and value. Information phase Particularly in this phase of the workshop, client shared relevant information with workshop members, mainly objective of the workshop to ready all participant for ask questions, begin to develop ideas and suggestions and challenge ideas already on the table. The ideas are being to promote innovative alternatives and ideas that may lead to better value outcomes for the project. All participant were presented they ideas asking question at this stage therefore this very important stage of the VE workshop for clearly make understand of the objective further. Client Agent He explained the project background and objectives for all participants clearly, and his expectation getting of workshop finally as unnecessary cost reduction of the project without touching or disturbing the project original scope. Civil Engineer He explained the existing situation of construction and agreed with some proposals given by VE team. Such as local made sanitary fittings and accessories, wall floor tiles, etc. due all make under UK standards Project Manager He explained possibility of mange for all ideas Architect He very much concerned about change of tile and local made sanitary items, eventually, he satisfy and explain those are under similar quality of original design. MEP Designer He explained the possibility of change of lighting system inside the all room without harm to the original quality and value. Quantity Surveyor He explained cost effective for all participant ideas, Safety Manger He explained concerning the safety side for all new ideas, potential incident in future as well as some changes by recommended. Value Engineer Team They explained the their proposals Speculative phase This step of the VE workshop concerned developing creative ideas, the VE team trace all possible methods of providing the required functions within the project at a lower cost to the owner, many of the ideas were generated during the function analysis by detraining the worth of Collecting of creativity ideas from each team member and analyze them to identify which idea is worthy, which one should improve to use, which one not worthy or additional study required to evaluate, etc. Hence, all ideas given by the Value engineering team are as follows, and also the Quantity Surveyor provided possible cost saving by each idea. N Specified work items in Contract Proposed Ideas Comments Original Cost Proposed Cost Potential Savings 1. Important sanitary fittings and bath room accessories UK made as specified. locally made Similar quality instead of import from UK Cost saving, not effect to the quality. AED 4.2 million AED 3.1 million AED 0.9 million 2. 9 cement blocks for internal walls. 4 cement block for internal walls. Cost saving and not change the quality. AED 8.5 million AED 6.1 million AED 1.5 million 3. 100 Lux Normal Incandescent Lights bulbs for all rooms and out sides 100 Lux energizer bulbs instead of specified Incandescent Lights bulbs. Cost saving but the change will effect to the appearance AED 11.0 million AED 8.0 million AED 1.0 million 4. Cast in-suit concrete floor and guard wall of Car park. Precast concrete for car park floor slab and guard walls. Cost saving Possible time. AED 5.5 million AED 5.5 million 5. Electrical panel boards and accessories units import from UK. Electrical panel boards and accessory units should import from china instead of UK made. Cost saving and might not high standard with compare of UK made. AED 10.0 million AED 10.0 million 6. 9 inch thick internal block wall as specified. For all 9 inch brick internal wall should be changed to 4 inch block walls. Cost saving, AED15.0 million AED15 million All participants were noted down the ideas but not judge them at this stage. Later in the workshop all participants would be given the opportunity to judge all proposals for worth and assess whether can be implemented to archive the aim of the VE workshop, hence at the Judgment Phase each of the ideas was evaluated for worth. JUDGEMENT PHASE In this phase the whole group judged the speculative ideas for merit; the purpose being to identify ideas that are likely to reduce cost of the project. Evaluation The following table lists the ideas submitted by participants and they were evaluated in accordance with the following rating system: Each Idea has rated by each participant as how it is effecting to the time, cost and quality of the project. Then it is possible to put rates at the opportunity column according to the given points by professionals. Then the Value Engineering Coordinator can select which proposal should develop, which proposal should reject and also which proposal can directly push for the action, etc. Company: PMP Value Management LLC. Project: Al Maya Residential Complex Project,( 25 storey and Car park in basement) Held on : 05-10-2012 Table of Impact of VE workshop Summary No Description Impact Opp. Action Remarks T C Q 1. Locally made Similar quality instead of import from France made sanitary fittings accessories. 5 5 4 5 A Cost saving 2. 4 cement block for internal walls. 5 4 5 5 A Cost saving 3. 100 Lux energizer bulbs instead of specified Incandescent Lights bulbs. 5 3 3 4 R Effect to Appearance 4. Precast concrete for car park floor slab and guard walls. 5 5 5 5 D To be identify possible areas 5. Electrical panel boards and accessory units should import from china instead of UK made. 3 5 4 4 A Cost saving but should order again 6. For all 9 inch brick internal wall should be changed to 4 inch block walls. 3 5 5 5 A Cost saving but design to be done back Code of Rating Opp = Opportunity, Impact= T Time, C Cost, Q Quality Rating of Impact = 1 Possible/Low, 5-Very Possible/High Action=A (Accept), D (Develop), R (Reject) This identified ideas with the potential of cost saving or improvements to the project shall be identified for further development under development phase. DEVELOPMENT PHASE In this phase participants have the opportunity to make specific recommendations and proposals based on outcomes of the earlier phases. Workshop outcomes and a specific action plan are also produced pending the post workshop report. EVALUATION OF THE PROPOSAL The proposal was supported by participants because it: Support to local traders, Improves efficiency of lighting system, Provides safety of workmanship during the construction, Provides an alternative energy savings, and environmental safe. Issues that detract from the proposal It requires more evaluation for life cycle cost of maintain period and functioning, as well as it does not include infrastructures work review. CONCLUSION/ RECOMMENDATION Value Management strategies can apply for any stage of any project. It is very much use full to apply Value Engineering/ Management strategies since the connectional stage of a project. Also these strategies can be applying to any project till the demolition phase its, thus for the life cycle of the project. Any client can have a great value for his investments by applying Value management/ engineering strategies for his/ her investment. It is highly recommended to carry out the proposals which proposed by the vale management team and also it is highly recommended to carry out further value management workshops to find out further more possible ways to reduction the construction cost.

Clapham Junction By Paul Theroux :: essays research papers

*Meaning of the title: A junction is a place where roads come together or such as in this story break up in different directions. This regers to the end, where Mrs. Etterick asks for 'one single and one return to Sunbury, please'. Mrs. Etterick is going to drop her retarded daughter, Gina, at a special institution in Sunbury for Christmas. She doesn't want her daughter around: their ways are separated in the station (although Mrs. Etterick travels with Gina to Sunbury). 'Clapham' is a word that is often used by Theroux (the writer) in his other short stories (not in this book). Narrator: The narrator is an omniscient and unintrusive narrator: he knows everything but he doesn't give a comment. Hints in the story: * In the beginning they are talking about Gina and Mrs. Etterick says that 'hers is not the sort of affliction that can be cured in a place like Sunbury'. We don't know what's in Sunbury but we know that there's something with Gina that cannot be cured there; she has a disease. * Cox asks Mrs. Etterick 'Are you going away for Christmas?' and a bit further he asks 'So you might be alone?' and she answers 'I'm not sure'. * p.111 They hear Gina's present: a transistor. Mrs. Etterick explains it 'I decided to give Gina her present early' characters: All the characters (4-Mrs.Etterick/Rudge/Cox/Gina) are telling stories but the important thing is that they don't listen to each other, they constantly interrupt each other; they 're very selfish in a certain way but they apparently work in the same company/building: Cox says that 'When I didn't see you in your office (p.111) ...' And Rudge said that is was 'a party with all the secretaries'. Another similarity is that they sill don't know what they're going to do with Christmas (where/with who?). Mrs. Diana Etterick: She has a daughter, Gina who is nearly thirty but she's retarded. She lost her husband Richard (who works at the university) in Thailand (while they were living there) to a twenty-one year old Chinese girl, who was determined to leave China. They're both now in Australia while she's alone (except for now). She's very cynic avout that - p.112 Rudge asks 'Was it a tropical disease?' 'Yes', replies Diana 'she was about 21...' She hates Christmas: she didn't went to the par ty at work and on p.112 she says 'In Bangkok, you never know it was Christmas' and 'I'd like to spend the next eight days in bed,watching rubbish television.

Education Reform in China :: Schooling Teaching Essays

Education Reform in China In order to realize the Four Modernization of Industry, Agriculture, Science and Technology, and National Defense Modernization, China began its economic system reform in 1978. The reform was referred to as marketization, commodification, and socialization. From then on, the market-oriented system has been gradually established to replace the planned economic system, which was adopted for several decades (Information China, 1989: 468), and â€Å"the economy has grown at an astonishing annual rate of nearly 10%† (Lin, 1997: 66). Following the success of the economic system reform, Chinese education system is being changed. Historically, â€Å"the Chinese always put strong emphasis education†(Lin, 1997, 69). For a long period, after the founding of the People’s Republic of China, to promote the idea of â€Å"serving the people† and to fulfill the goal of â€Å"the education must serve proletariat politics,† indicated by Mao Zedong, the Chinese government mainly relied on policies and administrative decrees to guide and administer educational activities (Wei, 1995:12). For example, â€Å"the basic task for Chineae higher education to implement the state’s educational guidelines and produce specialized manpower of various kinds in a planned way so as to satisfy the needs of socialist construction† (Information China, 1989: 954). Based on the public ownership, all schools were public schools. The government provided educational funds, including higher education. In addition, the government obligated mandatory-assigned jobs system (Zhou, 1995:15). This education system was suited to the highly centralized planned economic system, but was divorced from economic development. Because of the high speeding of economic development, the Chinese industry impacted on the Chinese education system. Pushed by the economic reform, the Chinese education system started its reform in the mid-1980s. The relaxation of government’s control and the change of the goal in education The reform of the Chinese economy changed the planned-economy perceptions first. The concepts of social planning from planned economic system which was based on the public ownership was replaced by the ideas of the market-oriented economic system. New value ideas were accepted. The â€Å"new value stressed personal interests, material incentives, differential rewards, economic efficiency, marked distribution, and competition†(Mok,1997: 262). So the government changed its function from controlling public activities to providing comprehensive service.

Truth, Honesty, and Integrity

Truth, Honesty, and Integrity By: Alexis Woodward Some of the basic fundamentals for creating a meaningful life are those of truth, honesty, and integrity. In order to maintain a quality of purpose in life we need to base our actions of the things we know are right and avoid doing any of those that are wrong. Truth allows for us to be relaxed in our lives creating a more security and less anxiety. If you do not need to worry about what you told each person you do not need to constantly being thinking about what response you need to appropriately give.In order to for us to have a true sense of self you have to be as honest with admitting the truth to yourself as well as to others. Integrity is telling the truth to oneself in the purest form possible. Honesty is how much of the truth you allow yourself as well your truth to other people. The truth is what cannot be swayed. Without others being truthful we would not be able to efficiently cohabitate together. Without integrity we would never be able to appreciate ourselves for our qualities and effectively work to fix our flaws. Honesty and integrity are of the higher forms of our value system.We all seek for the truth both within who we really are as well as in others. True honesty is not just telling the truth but feeling the truth. If you say one thing but feel another you are not being honest with your integrity. Feel better about your accomplishments when you can know what you truly accomplished. We prosper in our development as individuals through truth. Honesty creates a natural peace in the heart. Honesty and integrity when involved with our values generate power and success. Life benefits from being honest with others and ourselves.When I went through recovery the number one thing that was necessary was integrity of being able to be honest with myself and with others. To accept things for what they really are and stop trying to hide from the pain and learn to face and concur it. This allowed for me to mak e the appropriate changes in my life that were necessary for the success in my future. Although truth contains mostly positive results, there can also be negative side effect to being honest. Things like rejection, isolation, hostility, jealousy, animosity and hurt feelings can also stem from too much honesty.Whether something is true or not is irrelevant to whether it is something that should be brought to the light of attention. People tend to avoid hurtful truths so they do not need to face not so desirable aspects of life. However, if you allow the truth through honesty and integrity, it will all link back to positive repercussions. You will find that people will hold you with a great deal of respect, more peace of mind, strong self-belief, and what I find to be the most important aspect of all, strong relationships with others.