Life circle theory of saving Free Essays

The existence Circle Theory of Saving instructs about the modalities, rules, and methodologies in whichâ families, governments, foundations should spare, design and deal with their budgetary resources for length and cut over as long as they can remember time. On account of a family or family unit, it places on how they ought to deal with their money related resources in a transferable way to cut across various occasions throughout their life hover, taking into perception the need to spare and accommodate retirements, just as their children’s training, purchase protection, among different necessities. Agreeing toâ â Zvi, B, Jonathan, T. We will compose a custom article test on Life hover hypothesis of sparing or on the other hand any comparable theme just for you Request Now Wiillen P. (2004), this likewise identifies with an organizations evaluation concerning what to pick as the default resource portion for a mandatory retirement sparing arrangement. This hypothesis offers different conversation starters to individuals and manages such principal issues with respect to the amount of their earned pay they should put something aside for the future; how to contribute what they spare; the sort of hazard they should give insurance,â incase of any projection; are they to purchase a house or lease one; is it better to get a fix rate home loan or can foresee a flexible one. As Zvi B. (May 2007) watched, the hypothesis concerns families, yet government strategy producers and firms that give life circle serves, and even instructor who help counselâ people in general to settle on educated decisions. LIFE CIRCLE THEORY AND AGGREGATE SAVING IN AN ECONOMY This idea of life circle hypothesis is valuable in understanding the total sparing in an economy. As indicated by Hayashi, F. (2007), total sparing is determined as normal putting something aside for all age sections in the number of inhabitants in a specific country. This is relied upon to be the equivalent or equivalent to the total reserve funds in the national record. In useful terms, sparing is the distinction between discretionary cashflow and utilization. It in this manner goes that if family units can expand their total reserve funds they will be in a superior situation to spare and plan well for their life circle. Floden, M. (Date not accessible) characterizes total sparing in a general balance model in an economy, as a circumstance, â€Å"Where interminably lived families face unpredictable salary ways, holds a hazard free resource, and face a liquidity constraints†. In any economy, when singular salary, or hierarchical pay fluctuates, or contrasts, at that point the total balance capital will be bigger than when it is steady. He sets further that when salary is stochastic, the harmony capital stock is consistently bigger than when it is steady. National investment funds to a great extent relies upon the pace of development and advancement of national salary. In any case, the reason forever circle hypothesis isn't to give obvious answers, rather it is to give a system for people, strategy producers and monetary organizers to give answers for the inquiries acted like showed previously. The gigantic variety in family unit salary and in the total investment funds in the economy will decide how organizers (just as families) will tweak their encourage to suit whatever reason they need to serve. Meaning OF INCOME. The Wikipedia gave different meanings of pay, yet essentially, pay, characterized as a rule terms, is the cash that is gotten because of ordinary business exercises of an individual; or cash got from work by method of work by method of compensation, compensation, tips, just as benefits, profits from money related speculations, as premiums, capital additions, or different sources as in government disability or premiums. Pay additionally is the cash gotten from work, administrations rendered, offer of property or products or from speculation made. There are various expound meanings of pay, however we will manage with the above definition with the end goal of this paper. Changeless INCOME AND LIFE CIRCLE MODELS. In the perspective on Roberts, S. (date not accessible), this is where individuals base their utilization on what they accept to be their customary salary. In this way, they attempt to keep up a genuinely consistent and stable way of life, despite the fact that their profit may differ either on month to month or yearly premise. This occurs such that their spending design are genuinely consistent independent of increments or diminishes in their earned pay. This speculation was created by Miltonâ Friedman in 1957. In the event that individuals see that an adjustment in salary is impermanent, their spending may not change, yet on the off chance that they watch it is lasting, it might fluctuate somewhat overall. DEMOCRAPHIC FUNDAMENTALS AND FLOW OF SAVING The segment essentials as it identifies with stream of investment funds in life circle hypothesis depends on the reason that youngsters acquire cash, they moderately aged class set aside their cash, while the elderly folks individuals (old) run down or spend their savings.â Consequently, a country with enormous populace of middle age will have high reserve funds, particularly as individuals plan to resign. Concerning the connection between the segment basics and the security marker, when the investment funds flexibly is high because of the high populace of the middle age reserve funds, the cost of stocks and securities falls. Additionally, when the flexibly is low, yield similarly increments. Loan fee EFFECT ON SAVING AND LIFE CIRCLE MODEL. Normally, loan fee, which is the pace of the expense paid on acquired resource, would consistently change in accordance with level up with speculation and reserve funds. Increment in loan cost influences how much salary left for utilization. On the off chance that the financing cost is expanded it implies less cash for utilization and venture, while, it is improved there will be probability of slight increment or consistent degree of utilization and speculation. It goes in this manner to state that an ascent in sparing would realize a fall in loan cost, in this manner empowering venture. Motel life circle hypothesis, the lower the financing cost, the almost certain utilization will increment, just as venture. Both in people just as organizations. As per a broad survey by Modigliani, FF Albert, A. (Walk 2005), in a world congress of the Economic Society in Barcelona in 1990. In attempting to affirm an extensive and standard proof on sparing and development in a creating economy, he said that, â€Å"Both development and segment structures are ground-breaking indicators of national sparing, with practically no job for the degree of national income†. Riches EFFECT ON LIFE CIRCLE MODEL The degree of riches in an economy bears a straightforward connection to the length of the retirement range, which is the middle age, the very class that sets aside cash the most. It is additionally consistent with state that the utilization of a family unit is likewise needy exclusively on the current estimation of their lifetime pay. For instance, if two speculators independently have a similar complete riches (financial riches) working life, and are similarly eager of certain wellsprings of pay in their staying working life, their utilization choices will be comparative or same, not disapproving of their salary profile. REEFERENCE 1. Albert, A. Modighiani, F, (March 2005). The Life Circle Hypothesis of Saving: Aggregate Implication and Tests. American Economic Review. 53 (1) 55-84. Angus Deaton. â€Å"Research Program in Development Studies and Center for Health and Wellbeing. Princeton University. www.princeton.edu/ 2. Floden, M.www.ideas.repec.org/p/hhs/hastef/0591.html 3. Hayashi, F. (2007) Understanding Savings: Evidence from the United States and Japan. Mama. MIT Press, 55 Haywad Press. Page 305. ISBN-10: 0-262-08255-1 4. Zvi, B. Jonathan T. Willen P. (2004). The Theory of Life-Circle Saving and Investment. Open Policy Discussion Paper. No. 07-3 5. Zvi B. (May 2007) 6. www.wikipedia.com 7.Robert S. Lasting Income hypothesis,â distributed in www.wikipedia.org Step by step instructions to refer to Life hover hypothesis of sparing, Essay models

Social Class and Inequality

Presentation There are a few mentalities that the white collar class and the rich have towards poor people. These perspectives originate from the conviction that the world is a simply spot and individuals get what they merit. On the off chance that one buckles down enough and endures the individual in question will be rich. Nonetheless, the destitute individual is in that state due to poor choices, for example, impropriety, wrongdoing and liquor addiction, absence of aspiration and perseverance.Advertising We will compose a custom paper test on Social Class and Inequality explicitly for you for just $16.05 $11/page Learn More These negative mentalities have made the white collar class and the rich separation themselves from poor people. The generalizing of the poor is the beginning of class separation. Poor people have been prohibited as the remainder of the country goes on with their lives. In this paper, I examine three articles on social class and disparity to see if the authorsâ €™ sees concur with mine on the negative perspectives towards the poor by the white collar class and the rich and the manner in which they have separated themselves from poor people. The war against the poor Herbert Hans, in his article the war against the poor rather than projects to end neediness is contending that administration authorities are not tending to destitution however rather making life hard for poor people. Government assistance costs have consistently been little anyway the spending plan is turning out to be increasingly prohibitive. Poor people are being blamed for getting a charge out of government assistance as opposed to searching for work and ensuring they stay childless all through their puberty. The white collar class and the rich feel they are buckling down and the poor are most certainly not. These needy individuals are lumped along with the crooks and blamed for making the boulevards hazardous. The poor have become a reason or substitute for the issues in the public eye. Rather than conceding the decrease in profound quality, the poor are blamed for being the main ones with unmarried darlings. When they get their life all together then they can get government assistance. They are being compelled to satisfy moral hopes that the common laborers and the rich talk yet don't rehearse (Hans, 2007, pg 506). Unmistakably class bias should be tended to. The poor have moral failings that are profoundly perceptible than the working class however it doesn't mean it is at a higher extent. The rich and white collar class approach directing offices to disclose to them their ethical failings is because of earlier maltreatment or disease.Advertising Looking for exposition on sociologies? How about we check whether we can support you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The poor would prefer not to wed the dads of their infants as they are jobless. There is really shortage of work; it isn't accurate that the poor would prefer not to work. The administration should address neediness through effectively captivating in work creation activities and guaranteeing the real wrongdoing of the poor doesn't fall underneath a specific rate. Scrutinize The author’s sees on class segregation concur with my perspectives. He agrees that making a decision about the poor brutally for their ethical failings and the capacity to make sure about an occupation isn't right. The white collar class and the rich additionally have moral failings and the working class has likewise been encountering joblessness as employments are rare. Wrongdoing and psychological instabilities ought to be seen as a portion of the impacts of destitution. It isn't that poor people and generally the Blacks have higher criminal propensities. The working class and the rich to quit oppressing poor people and having somebody to fault. The creator has additionally featured different worries that I concur with. Hans says that the administration, government officia ls and open are making life harder for poor people. I concur with Hans that the emphasis ought to be on production of occupations for poor people. On the off chance that the nation doesn't quit assaulting poor people, the resolve, personal satisfaction and financial seriousness will just go down. Center of the class The article Middle of the class distributed in the Economists is a factious bit of composing that addresses the supportability of the American Dream. America has consistently been characterized as a nation where anybody can get rich or affluent on the off chance that they simply buckle down. Shows like American Idol demonstrate this. The nation has had presidents from humble foundations like Benjamin Franklin who was the fifteenth offspring of a flame producer. Anyway the equity of chance in America for every one of its residents is quickly reducing. The creator gives the measurable figures on how the rich have gotten more extravagant while the poor have become considera bly more unfortunate augmenting the pay hole significantly more. Furthermore social versatility has gone down. A lower and lower level of individuals can change the social class they are in through increment in profit over a time of ten years.Advertising We will compose a custom article test on Social Class and Inequality explicitly for you for just $16.05 $11/page Learn More There have additionally been changes in the economy with a move towards specialized aptitudes requiring laborers who have a college degree. This has caused a high increment of the pay hole among school and secondary school graduates. It has gotten hard to ascend the company pecking order or change employments in the event that one doesn't have a college degree. The creator recommends that the American culture is turning into an instructive separated society as it were a meritocracy. The ascent in college training is additionally giving an obstacle to white collar class families to go to tip top colleges. The po rtrayal of the wealthy in these tip top colleges has expanded more than the portrayal of poor people. The mean pay of the families that have enlisted their kids in Harvard is $150,000(The Economist, 2007, pg 528). During the period 2001-2004, States wound up confronting a spending crush. They reacted by expanding the expenses of state schools where the white collar class take their kids to learn. This demonstrates the American framework is authorizing more pay imbalances through instructive contrasts. The rich kids are bound to get a degree than a kid from the base quarter pay level. There is additionally a stressing pattern in the general public that further bothers class and instructive separation. The odds of an individual gaining admittance to decent instruction, a great job and great possibilities in life is dictated by the family the individual is naturally introduced to. School graduates will in general wed school graduates. In this manner in the alumni home the profits of th e degree is twofold and their youngsters advantage significantly more with chances to go to better schools. There is in this manner incredible difficulty in being poor. In the event that in the American culture to be socially portable you should have an incredible training, an occupation and wedded with kids then the rich beginning off with higher focal points. There should be approach changes where the strategy by which schools are financed is changed and giving progressively government help to less fortunate universities. This will possibly happen when the American government officials and people in general perceive there is a problem.Advertising Searching for paper on sociologies? How about we check whether we can support you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Find out More Investigate The creator, similar to Hans agrees with my contention that poor people are being judged too brutally in the public eye. The explanation the poor can't bolster themselves isn't that they are sluggish or need aspiration. Or maybe there is a confinement on the balance of chance with regards to the white collar class and the poor in the corporate world. The nation is being influenced by globalization and innovation changes; in this way the necessity of a degree is getting obligatory. On the off chance that the stuff to prevail in the American corporate society is the fulfillment of a degree then the administration ought to guarantee that kids from every single social foundation approach this kind of training. Making instruction costs high doesn't help poor people and white collar class by any means. It just goes to irritate the existent disparities between the rich and poor people. As the creator has given insights, over the most recent couple of years the rich have been get ting more extravagant and the poor getting more unfortunate. The administration needs to step in and address the circumstance. At the point when Shelter Feels Like a Prison The two articles described on the generalizations held by society towards poor people while the article in the Economist talks about the enlarging hole between the rich and poor people. The two papers center around poor people. The third article composed by Charmion Brown recounts the author’s encounters experiencing childhood in a destitute haven. The genuine story further fortifies my contention on the removing of the poor by society. Considering her direct encounters in the spot she believes she can just look at it a jail. As a matter of first importance, the spot is confined with four lofts fitted in each small room (Browne, 2007, pg 531). There is definitely no protection. One needs to deal with their things or they will be taken. There is a line for nourishment for the destitute. The creator discover ed that on the off chance that you don't make the line two hours before the kitchen is open, one would miss food. There are no blinds in the restrooms yet the office is being shared by more than one hundred individuals. The creator felt like the spot was a jail. Scrutinize The author’s encounters in the asylum affirm my perspectives on the deserting of poor people and destitute in the safe houses. The creator describes how the social laborers are uncommon and lack the capacity to deal with them. It is a jail. The administration and open needs to quit forsaking the sanctuaries. The day to day environments should be improved. In my contention I had advanced the suspicions society has concerning the destitute individuals. They are not effective in light of the fact that they are sluggish. The creator alerts society and advises them that there were individuals from broken homes in the safe house because of medication misuse, AIDS and early pregnancy and not on the grounds that th ey are lethargic. The poor likewise need information on the most proficient method to improve their lives. End The three articles have gone further to strengthen my contention on t

a little bit of money can go a long way COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog

a little bit of money can go a long way COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog Students sometimes come to us asking for money to make up the difference between tuition and their savings.   Sometimes its as low as a few hundred dollars so wouldnt it be nice to know you have a scholarship to fill the gap? The American Foundation of Savoy Orders has called for applications for the 2014-2015 Savoy Orders Pigott Scholarships.   The scholarships are available for North American residents.   Three $2500 scholarships to full time undergraduate or graduate students majoring in the Humanities and Fine Arts or International Studies will be offered based on scholastic achievement and financial need. For students applying for the International Studies Scholarship, please note that students will be expected to periodically attend Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) briefings at sessions relating to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations with which the Savoy Foundation is registered as a NGO. Scholarship recipients will be required to write brief summaries of each meeting they attend. A Foundation representative will supervise and guide the student’s activities at the United Nations.   Enrollment in a college or university within reasonable proximity of the United Nations is required. Please click here for the scholarship guidelines and the application.   Application along with required materials must be completed and received on or before May 15, 2014 in order to be considered.   Incomplete applications will not be considered. The American Foundation of Savoy Orders, Incorporated will notify 2014-2015 Savoy Orders Pigott Scholarship recipients by July 30, 2014. Please direct all questions regarding the application process or candidate eligibility to:   amsavoy@aol.com  or by calling 212.922.1100, ext. 245.

How to Really Cut Government Spending

If the U.S. Congress is serious about cutting government spending, it must eliminate duplication, overlap, and fragmentation in federal programs. That was the message U.S. Comptroller General Gene L. Dodaro had for Congress when he told lawmakers that as long as it keeps on spending more money than it collects, the federal government’s long-term fiscal outlook will remain â€Å"unsustainable.† The Extent of the Problem As Dorado told Congress, the long-term problem has not changed. Every year, the government spends more money on programs like Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment benefits than it takes in through taxes. According to the 2016 Financial Report of the U.S. Government, the federal deficit increased from $439 billion in fiscal year 2015 to $587 billion in fiscal 2016. Over the same period, a modest $18.0 billion increase in federal revenue was more than offset by a $166.5 billion increase in spending, mainly on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, and interest on debt held by the public. The public debt alone rose as a share of gross domestic product (GDP), from 74%at the end of fiscal 2015 to 77% at the end of fiscal 2016. By comparison, the public debt has averaged only 44% of the GDP since 1946. The 2016 Financial Report, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) all agree that unless policy changes are made, the debt-to-GDP ratio will surpass its historical high of 106% within 15 to 25 years. Some Near-Term Solutions While long-term problems require long-term solutions, there are some near-term things Congress and the executive branch agencies can do to improve the governments fiscal condition without eliminating or severely cutting major social benefits programs. For starters, suggested Dodaro, addressing improper and fraudulent benefits payments and the tax gap, as well as dealing with duplication, overlap, and fragmentation in those programs. On May 3, 2017, the GAO released its seventh annual report on fragmentation, overlap, and duplication among federal programs. In its ongoing investigations, the GAO looks for aspects of programs that could save taxpayer money by eliminating: Duplication: circumstances in which more than one federal agency, or more than one organization within an agency, is involved in the same broad area of national need and opportunities for more efficient service delivery exist;Overlap: when multiple agencies or programs have similar or identical goals, engage in similar activities or strategies to achieve them, or target similar beneficiaries; andFragmentation: circumstances in which more than one federal agency is involved in the same broad area of national need. As a result of the agencies’ efforts to fix the cases of duplication, overlap, and fragmentation identified in the GAO’s first six such reports issued from 2011 to 2016, the federal government has already saved an estimated $136 billion, according to Comptroller General Dodaro. In its 2017 report, the GAO identified 79 new cases of duplication, overlap, and fragmentation in 29 new areas across the government such as health, defense, homeland security, and foreign affairs.   By continuing to address, duplication, overlap, and fragmentation, and without entirely eliminating a single program, the GAO estimates the federal government could save â€Å"tens of billions.† Examples of Duplication, Overlap, and Fragmentation A few of the 79 new cases of wasteful program administration identified by the GAO its latest report on duplication, overlap, and fragmentation included: Sexual Violence Data: The Departments of Defense, Education, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Justice (DOJ) currently manage at least 10 different programs indented to collect data on sexual violence. The duplication and fragmentation results on wasted effort and a lack of understanding of the scope of the problem in the United States.Federal Grants Awards: The National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Food and Nutrition Service, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lack processes to ensure that their grants do not fund duplicate or overlapping programs already being funded by other agencies.Foreign-Assistance Data Quality: As a key step to addressing the potential overlap in the collection and reporting of foreign-assistance information, the Department of State, in consultation with the U.S. Agency for International Development and OMB, needs to improve data quality to ensure consistency in publically available information on how foreign aid is distributed and used.Military Commissaries: By better managing and coordinating purchasing for it commissaries across all military branches, the Department ofDefense could save an estimated $2 billion.Storage of Defense and Commercial Nuclear Waste: By better coordinating the agencies collecting data and analyzing options for the permanent storage of military high-level nuclear waste and commercial spent nuclear fuel, the Department of Energy could potentially save tens of billions of dollars. Between 2011 and 2016, the GAO recommended 645 actions in 249 areas for Congress or executive branch agencies to reduce, eliminate, or better manage fragmentation, overlap, or duplication; or increase revenue. By the end of 2016, Congress and executive branch agencies had addressed 329 (51%) of those actions resulting in about $136 billion in savings. According to Comptroller General Dodaro, by fully implementing the recommendations made in the GAO’s 2017 report, the government could save â€Å"tens of billions more dollars.†

Essay on Undisclosed Desires for Nellie Washington

It wasnt too hot or too cold, it was the perfect weather. I lifted my hands over my head and took a deep breath. The grass was slightly moist from the rain last night. I stepped out into the bright sunlight, urging my muscles to wake up. Fall was literally around the corner and I was trying to enjoy the last few days of summer before the leaves started turning brown and everyone brought out the pumpkins and turkeys. I glanced at my watch and read the time. I had thirty minutes before school and I hadnt done anything to get ready. I hadnt even brushed my teeth yet or made my bed. I woke up, rubbed my eyes and came out onto the front porch. I had a valid excuse for waking up and going outside though, I wanted to catch her†¦show more content†¦Car troubles? Id say just to break the ice. Nellie would look at me and smile. Youre an angel, Ian! She would say in delight or something like that. And in my fantasy, shed have on a skirt that showed off her killer legs. No, I was not some pervert. I just thought Nellie Washington would look sexy in a skirt. Since I had never seen her in one, I couldnt really picture her as well as I wanted to. But this was not fantasy, it was reality and in reality Nellie was wearing grey skinny jeans and a grey t-shirt with some weird blue police box on it. It was the kind of shirt you saw on comic book nerds. As this is reality, and Nellie is a very responsible girl for her age, her car came to life and I was instantly disappointed. She pulled out of her garage and onto the empty street after she look both ways five times. I watched as she zoomed off down the road and headed over to the mailbox. There was nothing inside for me. Most of it was for my dad, a couple were for my mom and there was one for Matt, my younger twin brother. I hoped he hadnt gotten the last bit of Nutella. Matt was sitting at the kitchen table shoveling spoonfuls of cereal, muffins and cups of orange juice in his mouth when I walked in. Damn. He muttered as a bit of orange juice fell on him. Good thing youreShow MoreRelatedStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesMichigan State University Philip Roth, Clemson University Dale Rude, University of Houston Holly Schroth, University of California at Berkeley Jody Tolan, University of Southern California Debra Schneck, Indiana University Marilyn Wesner, George Washington University Over the last editions this text has grown stronger with the contribution and feedback of the following instructors: David Abramis, California State University Chris Adalikwu, Concordia College Basil Adams, Notre Dame de Namur University

Why I need a degree in Christian ministry Free Essays

I am a devoted Christian with a calling to serve human kind so as to convert as many people as possible to Christianity.   For me, nothing makes more sense that preaching the word of God.   Although I believe that Christianity is a matter of spirituality and the Holy Spirit is largely responsible for teaching Christians and especially preachers and ministers the word, I appreciate the role of studying the Christian ministry. We will write a custom essay sample on Why I need a degree in Christian ministry or any similar topic only for you Order Now With an increasingly elitist society, more people turning lukewarm to the word of God, with an increasingly rebellious youth and society, it is the high time that Christian ministers changed their approach in preaching and teaching the word of God so as to address the emerging situation. Preaching the word of God today is different from what it used to be in the past three decades or so. The preaching of the word of God requires a combination of spiritual knowledge and formal knowledge acquired through studies. A lot of contemporary issues affecting today’s churches such as high rate of divorce and infidelity even amongst Christians is a cause for worry.   Even amongst the top leadership of churches, Christian leaders are often differing in the open on some issue affecting the society something which is threatening to tear apart the church. There is a need for church leaders to be equipped with leadership skills; these are only attainable through further studies. An issue such as the accommodation of homosexuals in the church is an example of an emerging challenge for the church leadership.   To handle the fresh challenges, a quality education and training in the word of God is very important.   Leading the church today needs managerial qualities as much as the spiritual issues. Studying a degree in Christian ministry combines teachings of the bible with other contemporary issues such as leadership.   A degree in Christian ministry is ideal for a church minister in that, a sense of management skills as well as leadership skills has become a necessity in the management of modern institutions. For me a chance to pursue a degree in Christian ministry will grant me the opportunity to gain the management and leadership skills.   These management skills gained in education helps a lot in the management of churches; some of which are big enough and have congregations of tens of thousands with a network stretching many countries. I am already a Christian and I really need the training given the fact that I am planting a church in Haiti, a foreign country, with different culture from mine and under a totally different environment.   I need a combination of skills so as to be able to lead the new church into prosperity.    In preaching, it has become very important for the preachers to balance the sermons in order to meet the diverse needs of the congregation.   For instance, there could be some members of the congregation who are faced with parenting problems, others who are faced with financial challenges and others could be faced with marriage problems. The congregations look up to the ministers for hope, inspiration and for assurance.   To meet the needs such as those mentioned above, preachers must be competent in such matters.   This requires training and for me; the need for a degree in Christian ministry. Additionally, it has become very important for preachers to change the approach in missions.   For example, taking the example of nations where Christianity has not yet reached everybody or is faced with stiff opposition, there is a need for preachers to use the professional approach.   For instance, there are countries whereby a Christian teacher can not be allowed to preach. If one is trained and they have a degree, such a preacher can go into that country not necessarily as a preacher but an employee of non-profit making organizations. Once already in the areas where preaching is forbidden, it is very easy to preach in a work station.   Therefore a degree in the Christian ministry allows an individual to fit in many situations where the services of a minister are needed. A lot of scholarly materials have been discovered in the course of time which has served to fortify the belief and faith of Christians.   The best place to learn about historical discoveries on Christian issues is in the university. A degree in Christian ministry gives the student good background knowledge on topics surrounding the church, which become very useful in the conversion process whereby converts may question some teachings.   For preachers who have been through the university, they are better placed to solve such issues. Conclusion I am a devoted Christian, a Sunday school teacher and a traveling missionary with an aim of reaching the unreached and delivering the good news to those who have not has the wonderful opportunity. I really would love to pursue a degree in Christian ministry if I am granted the opportunity. References Barkley, Nella, and Sandburg, E. (1995).   Taking Charge of Your Career.   New York:   Workman How to cite Why I need a degree in Christian ministry, Papers

Memoir Taylors Darkness Essay Example For Students

Memoir Taylors Darkness Essay Cigarette smoke has always been a comforting smell to me. My grandfather smoked for 50 out of the 75 years of his life, and he was what I associated that smell with; which was safety, love, and comfort. But, as this disgusting specimen blew his cheap menthol smoke into my direction I wasnt comforted. I was forced to stand by the door, and watch Taylor move all of her stuff into boxes, while this idiot rambled on about the stupid landlord, and everyone else being the problem. I had been to this place many times. It was our crash spot after parties so our parents wouldnt find out we had been drinking. In the morning, when they had left for work, we would all go back to our normal suburban life, and sleep until the next party. All of us, except Taylor. She lived in that crash spot. No parenting, no rules, no curfew; we all told her she had the perfect situation. Little did we know, it was all vacant. Freedom always comes with a price, and no one understood that better than her. But now, that crash spot was being taken away, her whole life ripped out from under her because of a stupid financial mistake. And her home on Anderson Street was moving all the way to Fort Worth, then later Michigan. However, she wasnt invited to the final crash spot with her former family in Michigan, and all of a sudden, I gained a new roommate, a sister, and a best friend. It was really hard trying to understand why Taylor was the way she was. We were polar opposites. Me, the average middle class white kid that lived with overbearing parents and a spoiled rotten younger sibling; and Taylor, the tossed around lower class black girl with a rotten attitude and a tendency to show up to class stoned. I dont know how we managed to come together, but something connected us in a way no one will ever understand. We formed a group, her and I. We were full of rebellious teenagers trying to fill a void with drugs and alcohol. What that void was from, I still dont know. But we bonded, nonetheless. And who I thought I was would change the day she moved in with me. I was excited; I had always wanted a sister. My brother never wanted to talk to me, and I never got to have that kind of a bond with anyone. Sure, it was a little cramped sharing an eight foot by ten foot room with someone, but I wanted to make it work. And hell, she was my best friend right? It would be like a slumber party every night of the week, we would be able to do homework together, nothing would slow us down. We had all the same friends, it would be fun right? Weve never fought before, so what could go wrong? Slowly, but surely, our differences decided to catch up with us. Our daily routines, the way we do laundry, what time we go to bed and what time we wake up, all decided to rub together and cause a big irritation that spread around the house. I’m a sensitive soul, everything I do I try to do to make people happy. Taylor, on the other hand, could not care less about what anyone thought or thinks about her. She does things to make herself and the people she cares about happy, and anyone that tries to get in her way, she takes down as quickly as they tried to stand up. One thing that tended to make Taylor happy, or at least dilute her feelings temporarily was alcohol. She had a strong aching for it all throughout high school, and quite a few times, brought me down that road with her, and put us both in a good amount of danger. .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1 , .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1 .postImageUrl , .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1 , .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1:hover , .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1:visited , .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1:active { border:0!important; } .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1:active , .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1 .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ucdb3e2540d54bf2e3edb7f8bf1942dd1:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Meliville Sophocles Discussion EssayI liked to drink, because it drowned out the pressure I felt every day from my mother as she was vicariously living through me. Medical school, scholarships, perfection, were all topics I had to be lectured about daily so I wouldnt turn out like her; the school teacher married to a redneck with a drinking problem in the same boring job he would have for the rest of his life. That was her opinion she portrayed about herself unfortunately. I thought that we had it pretty good. We loved each other, we took care of each other, and we didnt have to worry much about whether we were going to make it or not. But that never seemed to be enough. A lot of pressure has been dumped on me. Everyone seems to think that they need something better than they already have. They dont appreciate what they have while they have it. Taylor needed to drink. She needed to escape from herself, and I was beginning to see that. She had a dark past, but a really bright future she was creating aside from the incessant drinking and smoking she was doing. As soon as I realized what was really happening, and what we were doing to our chances at a better future, I tried to be the influence that would bring her to see that she is so much better than her past, and she didnt need those things to be a successful person. For a while, and the year and a half that she was living with us, it worked. We went to school, the occasional party, but mostly we did what we needed to do to get ourselves through school, and be successful. In the end, Taylor’s darkness dominated the positive influence I had put upon her. My functional yet dysfunctional family life was too â€Å"boring† for her, and this summer she distanced herself from us, and left the life we had tried to give her for something that she thought better suited her. Sometimes I blame myself for not telling her how much we truly loved her, and how much she meant to us. But truly, the miscommunication was in our personalities, and in our souls. We are two different people, with two different goals for ourselves.

How to Motivate Your Employees

Introduction Employees form the most important part of any organization. According to Chopra (2002), employees are the most important assert within an organization. Employees will determine success or failure of an organization based on the approach they give to the various tasks assigned to them.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on How to Motivate Your Employees specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Employee motivation is therefore, very important in ensuring that employees achieve desired result in various tasks assigned to them in order to ensure an overall success of the firm. Motivated employees tend to give their best effort in all that they do. The work with very little supervision, and do not wait to be directed to perform given tasks. They work with the vision of the organization in their heart, always determined to see success in all that they do. It is because of this that various firms have come to appreciate the need to have a group of motivated employees. Firms are currently struggling to ensure that they offer their employees the best working environment that will ensure that they are constantly motivated. Employees’ motivation always has a direct impact on the success of the firm in the given industry. This paper focuses on ways in which employees of a given firm can be motivated. The Need for Employee Motivation For a long time, labor has not been given its rightful position in many organizations. Many of the managements have not thought of viewing their employees as very important asserts. However, the happenings of the recent past have proven that labor force is one of the most important asserts to any given organization. When the management lays down objectives to be achieved, it is always the employees who are expected to implement the policies that would bring the desired results. It is this work force that would be expected to turn the policies from paper to reality. Th erefore, retention of employees is very important. Employees should be retained within the organization to ensure that the firm’s operations are consistent. High turnover rate of employees is not healthy for the firm’s prosperity (Anderson, 2004). This is because it does not only affect the smooth implementation of policies within the firm, but also leads to increased cost of training new employees. It is even worse that the employees would go away having learnt the strategies of the firm, making the firm vulnerable to its competitors. The management should therefore device methods of hiring qualified employees and retaining them within the firm. One of the best ways to achieve this is through motivation. It is through motivation that employees will feel attached to the firm and therefore feel committed to the firm.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Relationship between Employee Motivation and Success of a Firm Armstrong (2002) says that employees are the implementing arm of the organization. While the top executives formulate the policies to be implemented by the organization, most of their tasks always end in the paper. It is upon the employees to make these blueprints a reality. In his words, employees are the engine of the organization. When well taken care of and put in a proper condition, they would always give the best of the results to the organization. However, when they are neglected and left to ‘rust’ they will always give leap service and the output will be very disappointing. Motivating employees within the organization is very important. There is a direct link between employee motivation and success of a firm. It is very important that a firm increases the rate of employee motivation because of a number of reasons. In most of the occasions, policies are always developed to last for one whole year. However, these p olicies are always units in the larger vision of the firm. A vision may be developed to be achieved in a time span of say thirty year or so. This duration is long and the firm may not take a direct approach towards achieving this vision. It therefore has to split this vision into yearly strategic objectives. When the year begins, the firm would plan with its current work force. When some of the employees leave along the year because of lack of motivation, it would be a blow to the success of that year’s strategic objectives. The firm would be forced to look for a replacement and train them and make them understand the objectives to be achieved (Barrows Powers, 2008). This is time consuming and costly venture that would reduce the success of the organization. Changing the employees on a yearly basis is not good either. This is because in so doing, the vision of the firm will be lost. It will not be possible to realize the vision because every year, the firm would be forced to start with new employees who may not understand the vision, and how it was developed in the first place. This minimizes chances of achieving expected goals within the organization. Retaining employees through proper motivation is another way of cutting cost. It is always necessary to train new employees to the firm on how to manage various forces that affect the organization. It would cost the management time and money to ensure that new recruits understand the working environment and are able to perform what is expected of them. Retaining employees would eliminate this cost.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on How to Motivate Your Employees specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is also easier to form a community that understands itself with a workforce that last for over five years within the firm. Everyone would know exactly what is expected of him or her, and therefore the task of directing them would be much easi er. This can only be possible if the employees feel motivated within the firm. Employee Motivation in the 21st Century The core of this research is to determine how best a firm can motivate its employees. Having categorically looked at the importance of motivating employees, it is prudent to determine ways through which a given firm can ensure that its grip on its employees is not shaken. However, there are some factors that must be considered before determining how best a firm can motivate its employees. It is an acceptable fact that for a firm to motivate employees, it must start by employing some of the best talents that would help it achieve its goals. As such, it is important to understand how best a firm can recruit new employees. After recruiting the best of the employees, as per the measures that have been put in place, it is also important to appreciate that not all of them would leave up to the expectations (Chuang Liao, 2010). As such, it would again be appropriate to de termine who to retain because a firm can only retain the best of the workforce in order to be in a position to achieve the maximum. It is upon the determination of the best workforce to retain that a firm can now develop the best ways to motivating such employees. Strategies of Employee Motivation To ensure that there is a constantly motivated workforce, it would require the management to employ the right strategies that would ensure that it succeeds in this. It may appear as a simple task of making employees happy. However, it goes beyond this. To motivate employees within the firm, there are a series of strategies that a firm should employ in order to ensure that employees are constantly satisfied. The secret behind this retention lies in ensuring that the employee is satisfied and feels challenged with the present task. This will cause the drive in him to want to come tomorrow and beat the challenge. The recommendations below gives a detailed strategy of how to employ the right i ndividuals to the firm, and how such individuals should be retained, once employed.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Recommendations on How to Motivate Employees This has been the core of this research. The researcher was interested in determining how best to motivate employees within a given firm. According to Griffin and Moorhead (2009), the secret behind the motivation of employees within a firm is through understanding their special needs. Human being by nature wants to be appreciated. This way, they feel that their effort is recognized. They feel motivated, and this way, they are in a position to perform better within the firm. Motivation comes in various forms. Promotion in the place of work. People always feel so much appreciated if they are made to raise a step or two in their workplace. However minimal this rise may be, it would be appreciated by the employees and this would make them work harder in order to be given even higher ranks the firm. They would remain in the firm with the hope that one day they would rise to the highest position in the firm Giving employees financial incentive s. Although there are many factors that would encourage an individual to get employment, the ultimate goal is to earn good salaries that would enable him or her be in a position to take good care of the family. Financial incentives are some of the best ways through which a firm can ensure that they make employees feel that their efforts are appreciated. It would motivate them to work harder and will not make them think of leaving the firm. Personal appreciation from the management team would be a high motivation to the employee. It would go a long way in ensuring that the employee is motivated within the firm. Public praises. It is important that when an employee performs exceptionally well, the management should praise such employees publicly. Such public praises will make the employees attached to the firm. High involvement and clear communication. The management should always ensure that employees are involved. They should be made to feel that they are responsible for every task they have to undertake. This way, they would always want to see their departments excel, a fact that may make them stay motivated within the organization. Team building seminars. One of the best way of motivating employees and ensuring that they work as a team is by organizing team building seminars. Though such seminars, employees would form very strong bonds amongst themselves and with the firm. As such, they would not think of leaving the firm for another because the bond would always keep them together. The management should also foster trust. The employees should have trust in employees. They should be made to feel that the management is caring. The management should always ensure that they keep trust by always honoring their promises. Challenging experience. Human being, under a normal circumstance, work best when provided with challenging tasks. They feel that they have something to accomplish tomorrow, because they feel that today’s work is not satisfactory. Such an e mployee would always be thinking of ways to beat the deadlines other than engaging in unconstructive tasks because of lack of motivation. Conclusion Employees are very important to an organization. Success of organization will start by having employees who feel that there is need to succeed. Success can be achieved with motivated employees. Motivated employees will always work as a team and be committed to their tasks in order to foster success to the organization. There are various ways of ensuring that employees are constantly motivated within the organization. One of the ways through which this can be achieved is through promotion at workplace. The employees feel that they are valued in the firm. Another prominent way of motivating employees is through good remuneration. This makes them feel that the firm cares for their families. There are many other motivational methods that ensure that employees work within the expected limits. References Anderson, T. (2004). Research Methods in Human Resource Management. London: Chattered institute of Personell Management Publishing. Armstrong, M. (2002). Employee Rewards. Trowbridge: CIPD Publishing. Barrows, C., Powers, T. (2008). Introduction to Management in the Hospitality Industry. Hoboken: John Wiley and Sons. Chopra, S. (2002). Motivation in Management. New Delhi: Sarup Sons. Chuang, C., Liao, H. (2010). Strategic Human Resource in Service Context: Taking Care of Business by Taking Care of Employees and Customers. Personell psychology , 63(1), 153-196. Griffin, R., Moorhead, G. (2009). Organizational Behavior: Managing People and Organizations. Mason: Cengage learning. This essay on How to Motivate Your Employees was written and submitted by user Davis Livingston to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Free sample - The Texas State Board of Education curriculum. translation missing

The Texas State Board of Education curriculum. The Texas State Board of Education curriculumThe communication triangle Referential: Between the student (writer) and the topic Interpersonal: Between the student and the instructor (reader) Directive: Between the instructor and the topic The workplace continues to experience change due to rapidly changing technology and global economic forces. These transform the work requirements of students that necessitate them to graduate ready to perform work that require strong academic skills and application of essential skills such as critical thinking, literacy and analytic capabilities, as well as increased proficiency in math and science. The graduation requirements for secondary school should therefore reflect the changes in the workplace. The promotion of the curriculum ensures that more students enter college or workforce when they are ready to succeed. This move is an effort to ensure that students gain necessary skills for college and work. The curriculum prepares students for post-secondary success. Students at all levels, including those who may not want to go to college, benefit from the curriculum. The performance in the courses has a startling effect on the students’ readiness for college. The costs associated with training students who are not ready to go to college is high, and this may be higher when they are unprepared for work. The curriculum is designed to ensure that each student enters work or college with a higher probability of success. The curriculum in high school should ensure development of a talented labor force that is economically competitive in the world. The curriculum provides better and more rewarding quality of life for the citizens. The courses are the gatekeepers to well-paying jobs. Preparation for work and college consist of courses that are taken in high school, which is the foundation The more rigorous courses the students take enable them to persist and obtain a degree at the end. They have higher rate of staying persistent on the academic track as compared to students who did not take such coursework. These students stay enrolled and work for a degree. Students’ outcome will always be related to the type and quality of available curriculum. Rigorous courses such as have positive effects on college graduation as well as on earnings later in life. Not all rigorous courses are equal (Rose Betts 33). Students who pass through a rigorous curriculum in high school can immediately enter a dual enrolment program in colleges (Ravitch 355). These students leave school much further along. This reduces cost as well as time for a post secondary degree. Students may not be ready for college unless they take additional courses from the traditional core. The content and quality of the core courses need to be improved through additional courses that students take, and this reflects how rigor the curriculum is. The courses enable all students to have equal opportunities to be prepared for post secondary education. Many students who take the core curriculum are unprepared for college and work challenges. Positive outcomes can be achieved through rigorous courses as qualified and professional teachers are recruited to teach. Thus, the schools are able to assign teachers to courses that they can handle best. The content of the rigorous curriculum can be taught and learnt effectively. Students in rigorous schools improve their ACT test scores in mathematics. Most students do not take the right number and kind of courses they need to be ready for college and work. The requirements for graduation must be aligned with readiness expectations of college and work. These courses cover what students ought to know and are capable of doing in their high school courses in specific subject areas. As such, students can have solid foundation to begin next courses. The courses will improve teacher support in education and preparation, which are crucial to the success of students in classroom. The quality of courses can be enhanced through hiring of qualified teachers and provision of training or professional development support to the existing teachers. The teachers are assigned on the basis of their qualification to handle a subject area. Inexperienced teachers are not allowed to teach the students who need best teachers. The rigorous courses must be offered under high quality standards so that students are prepared for work and college education. The students are frequently monitored so that they are able to learn what they are needed to learn. In such cases, interventions can be made to improve students’ progress as required. Conclusion The global economy is technology based and students are in danger of competing in international arena if the vigor of the courses is not raised. The students’ competitiveness in the world must be raised and maintained. It is also important to strengthen the high school curriculum to improve the readiness of students for college. Substantial proportion of students has not been offered education they deserve in order to receive boost to be ready for college and success after graduation. The nation is at risk of losing to the better prepared international students who take technology-based and other courses oriented at overcoming global challenges. Works cited Ravitch, Dianne. Brookings Papers on Education Policy. Brookings Institution Press, 2003. Rose, Heather and Betts, Julian R. Math matters: the links between high school curriculum, college graduation, and earnings. Public Policy Institute of CA, 2001

The Advantage of Knowing the Business Environment Research Paper

The Advantage of Knowing the Business Environment - Research Paper Example As the discussion highlights  information technology has been the driving force of economic development, while reformist asserts that government contributes to changes in the environment through their monetary and fiscal policy. Government legislates regulation that the companies are mandated to follow such as labor codes, and health and sanitation; hence, the firms’ movement is restricted. Moreover, they are subjected to international and local policies that may alter their business strategies. Although globalization has been associated with the trends in technological innovation, it also signifies the penetration of an international firm to local markets. Business sectors that aim to expand their market size are governed by the political, economic, and social norms.This paper stresses that the view of Keynesian on the role of government is significant in studying the market. Government shapes the operation of a globalized firm. However, with the integration of the internet , global marketers have reached their prospect consumers where no boundaries are set. An example of a global firm is KFC, an American fast-food sector that successfully integrates the Chinese market.  Marketing research is the strategy used by firms to gather relevant information as their basis in devising a marketing plan. The purpose of marketing research is to gain competitive advantage and reduce uncertainty. Competitive Advantage Marketing research aims to study the environment of a particular area. The environment contains factors that can affect the business operation. In studying the local market, STEP analysis is employed. STEP stands for social, technological, economic, and political factors that are relevant in determining the success of a company. Social factors refer to the demographics (e.g. age, gender, and education), class, values, and etc. To effectively capture the target market of KFC, they must research on the lifestyle, values, and other social attributes necessary in formulating a marketing strategy. The target markets of KFC are younger generation, since they are opened for foreign influence compared to older people. Moreover, technology is utilized in selling products and services. For an instance, KFC must determine the number of households with online access and their pattern of using the internet to become their basis of choosing a medium for adverts. On the one hand, the economic and p olitical factors are relevant in shaping the marketing strategy of a firm. They are concerned with the macro and micro economics that may affect the stability of a company. Thus, the information gathered are compiled and studied to construct a comprehensive plan in winning the market. Gould (2008, p.4) suggests another method of ensuring the company’s success is through SWOT analysis. This analysis is centered on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in the external and internal environment of firms. The company enables to know their weaknesses and devise a ‘defensive’ strategy to counteract the ‘offensive’ strategy of the competitors. Thus, if the competitors strike, the company

Discussion topic Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Discussion topic - Assignment Example Then the researcher randomly select study subjects proportionally from these different strata or subgroups. For example, if a researcher wants to know the performance rate between male and female in a nursing class he/she shall divide the population of the class into two genders, which is male and female. Then the researcher shall select proportional number randomly from the two gender groups (strata) and calculate the rate of performance. This method of sampling techniques involves arranging the study subjects in an orderly manner and then selecting from the subjects at a stated regular interval. Even though this technique has got a random start, but it follows a sequence after the start. For example, when a nurse wants to carry out a study in a medical ward he/she can state that she/he will select a patient on every third bed from the previously selected. A heterogeneous population that is having homogeneity between clusters mean is divided into different groups/clusters in this sampling technique. Then a simple random technique is used to select the study subjects from different clusters. For example, when one wants to study knowledge of hand washing among public primary school children. They shall be divided into different proportionate clusters/groups and then simple random sampling employed to choose the required sample size from the clusters. This is a method of sampling whereby the study subjects are selected because they are easily available or volunteer. For example a nurse performing a study in a hospital, that is near his/her residential

Implementation Of Harm Reduction Strategies Criminology Essay

Implementation Of Harm Reduction Strategies Criminology Essay The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) identifies five categories for illicit drugs: narcotics, stimulants, depressants (sedatives), hallucinogens, and cannabis. These categories include many drugs legally produced and prescribed by doctors as well as those illegally produced and sold outside of medical channels (CIA World Fact Book, 2012). In the United Kingdom, the term illicit drugs is used to describe those drugs that are controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Globally, the illicit drugs trade (also referred to as the illegal drugs trade or drug trafficking) is one of the largest businesses and some 210 million people use illicit drugs each year, and almost 200,000 deaths can be attributed as a direct result of these drugs (UNODC, 2011). Illicit drugs are a substantial threat to the public good, not only because they adversely affect public health, but also because they can generate crime, disorder, family breakdown, and community decay (Strang et al., 2012). } Proportion of 16 to 59 year olds reporting use of any drug by age group and sex in the last year, 2010/11 BCS CHAPTER 2 EPIDEMIOLOGY AND REIVEW OF THE LITERATURE 2.1 Epidemiology of illicit drug use Drug misuse is a global social problem and, along with poverty and infectious disease, is one of the most challenging issues for personal and community health in many parts of the world (Donmall, 2001).The task of drug abuse epidemiology is to better understand patterns and trends in drug use, such as the characteristics of persons abusing drugs and how this may change over time. Drug abuse epidemiology is one of the more challenging areas of epidemiology. One of the basic reasons for this is the nature of substance use and the circumstances around it- the illegal nature of most drug abuse means that it remains hidden from view to some extent, and thus difficult to quantify (Donmall, 2001, WHO, 2000). Since the 1980s there have been major changes in trends and patterns of drug use including: global increases in the production and use of drugs; new forms of old drugs (eg. smokeable crack cocaine); changes in way drugs are taken (eg. transitions from opium smoking to heroin injection); and the introduction and proliferation of new drugs (eg. MDMA ecstasy and other amphetamine-type stimulants)(WHO, 2000). Drug use behaviours range from occasional, sporadic or experimental use, through regular low risk recreational use, to high risk, daily dependence that is often associated with a variety of financial, health and social problems (Donmall, 2001). However not all drug use is equally harmful, just as not all drugs have the same negative effects. This creates another challenge for drug abuse epidemiology- not all behaviours or substances pose the same risk. However, it has been recognised that drug injection is of specific importance as it has become a major transmission route for HIV (WHO, 2000). 2.2 Illicit drugs In the United Kingdom, the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, with amendments, is the main law regulating drug control UK. It divides controlled substances into 3 Classes (A, B, C) based on harm, with Class A being the most harmful. An overview of the main drugs are found in table 1, along with their classification. Table 1: Drug classification Source: Home Office 2011 The detailed information on the different drugs found below is derived from the following sources: World Health Organisations Guide to Drug Abuse Epidemiology (2000), DrugScope (2012) and the Talk to Frank Home Office initiative (2012) to provide accurate and reliable information on drugs for young people (WHO, 2000, DrugScope, 2012, FRANK, 2012). Cocaine Cocaine and its derivative crack cocaine provide an example of both the globalization of substance use and the cyclical nature of drug epidemics. Traditionally coca leaves have been chewed by people in the Andean countries of South America for thousands of years. The main alkaloid of the coca leave, cocaine, was isolated relatively recently in about 1860. Cocaine was then used in patent medicines, beverages and tonics in developed countries in Europe, North America and in Australia until the early 1900s. Laws restricting the availability of cocaine saw a decrease in consumption in these countries until the 1960s. From that time cocaine use became popular among certain groups of young people in some developed countries and in the producer countries of South America. Cocaine became widely available in North America in the 1970s and Europe in the 1980s (WHO, 2000). Ecstasy Ecstasy is an illegally manufactured drug that usually comes in tablet or capsule form. The chemical name of pure ecstasy is 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) (DrugScope, 2012). Ecstasy is a stimulant drug which also has mild hallucinogenic effects. It has been described as being like a mix of amphetamine and a weak form of LSD. The effects of taking a moderate dose start after 20-60 minutes (longer if on a full stomach) and can last for up to several hours. Ecstasy was first made by two German chemists in 1912 and patented in 1914, in case it turned out to be a useful drug. It didnt. During the 1950s, the American military experimented with a whole range of drugs, including ecstasy, for use in chemical warfare, to extract information from prisoners and to immobilise armies. In the 1960s, the drug was rediscovered by an American research chemist Alexander Shulgin who experimented with it on himself (DrugScope, 2012). LSD Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is an hallucinogenic drug that is derived originally from ergot, a fungus found growing wild on rye and other grasses. It is a white powder, but as a street drug, it is a liquid either on its own or absorbed into paper sheets. The sheets are cut into tiny squares like postage stamps or transfers and often have pictures or designs on. LSD is also sometimes dropped on to sugar cubes or formed into tablets or small capsules (DrugScope, 2012). Magic Mushrooms Psilocin-based magic mushrooms (PBMMs) in prepared forms (e.g. dried or extracted) have been illegal in the UK since the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act. But fresh or unprepared PBMMs were legal to possess and traffic until the 2005 Drugs Act, UK (Riley, 2010). Meth Methamphetamine (crystal meth) is a central nervous system stimulant with a high potential for misuse and dependence. A synthetic drug, it is closely related chemically to amphetamine (speed) but produces greater effects on the central nervous system. Cannabis Cannabis is a Class B drug derived from the cannabis plant, a bushy plant found wild in most parts of the world and easily cultivated in Britain. There are three varieties of the plant, Cannabis sativa, indica and ruderalis. In Western countries it is generally used as a relaxant and mild intoxicant. In the UK, cannabis is generally smoked with tobacco in a joint or spliff, but can also be smoked in a pipe, brewed into a drink or cooked into food (DrugScope, 2012). Poppers Poppers are usually found in the form of a liquid chemical (a nitrite) sold in a small bottle. Commonly, the chemical is alkyl nitrite. Other nitrites like amyl nitrite (and butyl nitrite and isobutyl nitrite) have also used been used. Nitrites dilate the blood vessels and allow more blood to get to the heart ((FRANK, 2012). Heroin Heroin use has become increasingly common in North-America and Europe since the 1960s. Increases in heroin use are often cyclical in these countries. In the United Kingdom, for example, there was a well reported heroin epidemic in the mid-1980s, following a period in the 1970s when the heroin using population was generally stable and ageing (Power, 1994). The UK epidemic in the 1980s was in part the result of the availability of cheap, high purity heroin from South-west Asia notably Pakistan. This form of heroin could be smoked and became attractive to young non-injecting users (Pearson, 1987).(WHO, 2000) Since heroin is commonly used by injecting, the health risks including that of HIV and hepatitis transmission are substantial. A number of drugs used commonly for their therapeutic efficacy in health care are also being abused all over the world. These include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, other sedatives and some stimulant drugs .The epidemiology of this use is difficult to study, because of difficulties in distinguishing medical and non-medical use (WHO, 2000). 2.3 Data on Drug users United Kingdom In the United Kingdom, primary sources of information about prevalence of illegal drugs among the adult population are derived from representative household surveys. In England and Wales, the British Crime Survey (BCS) has been a continuous survey since 2002 (EMCDDA, 2012). The BCS collects a rich set of information on the personal, household, area characteristics and lifestyle factors of respondents that can be used to explore differences in drug use. This information, together with other information from representative surveys feeds into the latest report on the statistics of drug misuse in England and Wales (NHS Information Centre, 2011). The following data is extracted from the 2011 report Statistics on Drug Misuse: England published by the NHS Information Centre and the 2011 Home Office report on Drug misuse in England and Wales (Home Office, 2011, NHS Information Centre, 2011). According to this report, the prevalence of ever having taken illicit drugs in England and Wales has increased from 30.5% in 1996 to 36.3% in 2010/11. As can be seen in figure 1 in 2010/2011, 12 per cent of men, versus 5.7 per cent of women reported using any type of drug in the last year. There is a clear downward trend in any drug use in the past year as age increases for all adults. Specifically for Class A drugs, there is a slight increase in use for the 20-24 age group, after which use decreases with age as well. Figure 1: Proportion of adults reporting use of the most prevalent drugs in the last year, by age, 2010/11 BCSBCR home office drugs.PNG Source: Home Office 2011 A total of 8.8 per cent of adults had used one or more illicit drug within the last year (figure 1), compared with 8.6 per cent in 2009/10, which indicates a slight increase in any drug use for adults in the past year. However, as can be seen in figure 2, there has been a general downward trend in the use of any drug in the past decade, whereas there has been little change in the percentage of any Class A drugs used by adults in this same time period. Figure 2: Proportion of 16 to 59 year olds reporting use of any illicit drug or any Class A drug in the last year, 1996 to 2010/11 BCS Source: Home Office 2011 drugs 2.PNG The prevalence of young adults (16-24 years) ever having taken drugs has decreased from 48.6 per cent in 1996 to 40.1 per cent in 2010/11. Findings from the 2009/10 BCS suggest that falls in illicit drug use have occurred in the youngest age groups (16-29 year olds), where use is highest. For example, around one in three (31.6%) of 16-19 year olds used an illicit drug in the last year in 1996 compared with around one in five (22.3%) in 2009/10. Figure 3: Proportion of adults reporting use of the most prevalent drugs in the last year, by age, 2010/11 BCS As can be seen in figure 3, in 2010/11 cannabis is the type of drug most likely to be used by adults (6.8%) followed by powder cocaine (2.1%), which is consistent with findings from previous years. Similarly, for young adults (16-24 years) cannabis is the most prevalent drug followed by powder cocaine and ecstasy. The 2010/11 BCS reported that single adults had higher levels of any (18.1%) or Class A (6.5%) drug use in comparison with all other marital groups (for example, 2.7% and 0.6% were the equivalent figures for married adults). In addition, adults from a White ethnic group had higher levels of any (9.4%) or Class A (3.2%) drug use than those from a non-White background (that is, ethnic groups other than White; 5.1%, any drug use; 1.0% Class A). Adults living in a household in the lowest income group ( £10,000 or less) had the highest levels of any drug use (12.9%) compared with all other income groups (e.g. 7.7% of adults living in a household with an income of  £50,000). In addition, a clear urban-rural disparity exists, with 9.3 per cent of adults in urban areas had taken any illicit drug in the last year compared with 7.0 per cent of those in rural areas. This was the case for both Class A drug use as well as any other drug use among adults (Home Office, 2011). Similar to the data collected by the British Crime Survey , the NHS also collects data on smoking, drinking and drug use among secondary school pupils aged 11 to 15(NHS, 2011). Overall, this report shows that drug use has declined since 2001. In 2010, 18 per cent of pupils said they had ever dused drugs, 12 per cent had taken any drugs in the last year and 7 per cent had taken drugs in the last month (compared to 29 %, 20 % and 12% respectively in 2001). This decreasing trend can be seen in figure 4. Girls were less likely than boys to have taken drugs in the last year (odds ratio= 0.74), the odds of having taken drugs in the last year also increased with age (odds ratio=1.13 for each additional year) (NHS, 2011). In terms of ethnicity, pupils of Asian ethnicity were more likely to have taken drugs in the last year than white pupils (odds ratio= 1.13). As is not unexpected, both smoking and drinking alcohol were associated with drug use in the last year. When looking at the type of drugs used, cannabis is the most prevalent- 8.2 per cent of pupils reported taking it in the last year. This compares with 8.9 per cent in 2009 and continues the decline seen since 2001. As can be seen in figure 5, 3.8 per cent of pupils reported sniffing collative substances such as glue, gas, aerosols etc, which shows a decrease from 5.5 per cent in 2009. Sniffing poppers has fallen from a high in 2007 to 1.5 per cent in 2010 (NHS, 2011). Figure 4 Source: NHS 2011 Figure 5 Source: NHS 2011 A team of researchers recently found higher than expected rates of HIV and hepatitis C infection in a study in London. They suggested that this was due to high risk injecting practices, associated with newer injectors and the injection of crack (Judd et al. 2005).4 They found higher rates of hepatitis C in their sample than in many other cities internationally (Hope et al. 2001). 2.4 Country comparison Compared to Scotland, data from 2010/11 show that illicit drug use ever among 16-59 year olds was lower in Scotland (33.5%) than in England and Wales (36.4%). Whereas the percentage taking any illicit drug in Scotland in the last year (9.8%) or last month (5.8%) was higher than across England and Wales (8.6% in the last year and 5.0% in the last month.) Another barrier to the accuracy of survey estimates is that household and school surveys are likely to miss those people who are amongst the heaviest users of illicit drugs: the homeless, prisoners and school truants. Dependent users of cocaine and heroin may also be of unstable residence, and less likely to be found in their residence at a given time (reuter). 2.3 What is harm reduction Three separate facets of physical harm can be identifi ed. First, acute physical harm-ie, the immediate eff ects (eg, respiratory depression with opioids, acute cardiac crises with cocaine, and fatal poisonings). Second, chronic physical harm-ie, the health consequences of repeated use (eg, psychosis with stimulants, possible lung disease with cannabis). Finally, there are specifi c problems associated with intravenous drug use.(Nutt et al., 2007) Harm reduction refers to policies and programmes that aim to reduce the harms associated with the use of drugs (Power, 1994). One widely-cited conception of harm reduction distinguishes harm at different levels individual, community and societal and of different types health, social and economic (Donmall, 2001). These distinctions give a good indication of the breadth of focus and concern within harm reduction. As such, harm reduction should not be considered as a service type, or something delivered within a single tier, but should be subject to a whole system approach to reduce or eliminate the harms associated with drug use (NHS, 2009/10). Health related harm resulting from the use and abuse of drugs vary. This is dependent on the type of substance being used, its frequency, its dosage and circumstances of use (Department of Health and National Treatment Agency, 2011b, Department of Health and National Treatment Agency, 2011a). There is a wide-ranging group of health related harms associated with high levels of illicit drug use and misuse. These include, but are not limited to drug dependence (psychological and physical); withdrawal syndromes; tolerance; substance related deaths which can result from poisoning/overdose, violent attacks, and suicides; as well as the development of other medical illnesses such as HIV/AIDS or hepatitis (AGENCY, 2007, Equal Partners: Health and Human Rights, 2007). At the community level, drug use can cause nuisance as a result of people discarding drug related litter such as used needles and syringes (Power, 1994). High levels of drug use and drug dealing can contribute more generally to problems in neighbourhoods and communities with little cultural capital and high levels of poverty, and considerable affects crime levels (Power, 1994).The economic burden of health harms related to drug use and misuse is alarming with the National Health Service (NHS) spending close to  £500 million annually on drug misuse associated harms and drug related crime costing the country an estimated  £13.32 billion (Department of Health and National Treatment Agency, 2007). Recent trends among drug users, particularly injecting drug users (IDU), suggest that drug-related harms have increased in recent years. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) report, Shooting Up: Infections among injecting drug users in the United Kingdom 2006, an update: October 2007 (Pearson, 1987) describes the high levels (48%) of sharing injecting equipment amongst current injecting drug users, with mixing containers such as spoons being the most commonly shared items (NHS, 2011). 2.4 What is health related harm Some of the main concerns about health related harm and drug use related to blood borne viruses, such as hepatitis and HIV. Hepatitis C is the most significant infection affecting injecting drug users (IDUs) with 41% of IDUs having been infected. There is marked regional variation with a prevalence of 22% in the North East to a prevalence of 57% and 60% in London and the North West regions respectively. Alcohol use and misuse is the single biggest contributory factor to those with hepatitis C infection developing fatal liver disease (NHS, 2011, Pearson, 1987). In the UK, hepatitis B is usually acquired in adulthood, with sexual activity or injecting drug use being the most commonly reported routes of infection. Infection with the hepatitis B virus typically causes an acute infection, with a small number of those infected going on to develop chronic disease. Infection with hepatitis B is preventable using a safe and effective vaccine, but continues to cause serious ill health in IDUs and their communities. In 2005, the percentage of IDUs with evidence of past or current hepatitis B infection was 19% (613 of 3,175), which is similar to rates since 1995. There is substantial variation between regions, with North West having the highest rates of 31% (221 of 777), and the lowest in the Yorkshire and the Humber region at 5.5% (14 of 253) (NHS, 2011, Pearson, 1987). HIV infection among drug users remains relatively uncommon in the United Kingdom but there is some evidence of both increasing prevalence and transmission. The prevalence of HIV infection in current IDUs in England and Wales in 2005 was 2.1%, the highest prevalence ever seen. In London the prevalence in current IDUs was 4.3%, which is similar to recent years, but elsewhere in England and Wales the prevalence in current injectors was 1.6% which is more than double the prevalence in 2004 (Pearson, 1987, NHS, 2011). In addition to the infectious diseases mentioned above, site infections are also considered health related harm. There are continuing problems with infections associated with injecting including tetanus and wound botulism. These can result from poor skin hygiene, environmental conditions, and/or poor injecting practice (NHS, 2011, Pearson, 1987). 2.5 Role of community pharmacy and needle exchange Open access drug services, such as needle exchange, can provide a crucial interface with drug users who are not currently engaged in structured drug treatment and who are often, by definition, at greater risk of drug-related harm (NHS, 2009/10). For this reason, this aspect of drug-related harm reduction is highlighted here. In recent years, there has been an increased awareness of the rising levels of hepatitis (B and C), thus increasing the recognition of the need for better distribution of clean injecting equipment (Matheson et al., 2007). The model of delivery for needle exchange (specialist centre based, detached, outreach or pharmacy-based) will vary according to locally defined need (NHS, 2009/10). Community pharmacists play an important role in the UK in the provision of harm reduction services and in the treatment of drug misusers. They distribute clean needles through exchange or sale and dispense substitute drugs (primarily methadone) for maintenance and detoxification, often supervising the self-administration in the pharmacy to ensure it is taken by the intended person (Matheson et al., 2007). Participation in needle exchange at pharmacy level in Scotland has increased overall but more so in some NHS areas than others. It is still relatively low having only increased from 9.7 to 12.5% compared with England where 19% of pharmacies provide this service (Matheson et al., 2007, Sheridan J, 1996) As discussed above, needle exchange and open access services offer an opportunity not only to provide access to safer injecting materials but also to engage with service users who are not in contact with more structured services. They provide health promotion advice, information and materials, brief interventions, healthcare checks, and referral on to other specialist services (NHS, 2009/10). Increasing the number of pharmacy schemes is likely to offer the best opportunity for the rapid expansion of distribution sites, especially for out of hours cover, supported by robust local co-ordination and monitoring of needle and syringe exchange programmes (NHS, 2009/10). Closely connected to such needle exchange programmes are community-based outreach programmes, with which they are sometimes linked. Without necessarily distributing needles and syringes, these aim to obtain face-to-face contact with IDUs, provide literature about HIV risk reduction, distribute condoms and bleach for disinfection of needles and syringes (especially where needle exchange programmes are not operating), promote teaching and modelling of HIV risk reduction by network leaders, referral to services, improve access to risk assessment and HIV testing, provide counselling and support community organising (Hunt, 2010). It has been shown that such community-based responses can be an effective component of the overall drug response (Hunt, 2010). 2.6 Methadone and other replacement therapies Methadone maintenance treatment is the most researched treatment currently available for people who are dependent on opioids. Its use is supported by an evidence-base developed over almost 40 years and from across many different countries. It retains patients in treatment for longer than any alternative, non-replacement therapy, and has a superior effect on the reduction of heroin use and crime associated with opioid dependence (Power, 1994). 2.7 Historical perspective and the policy development The first controls of drug possession were introduced in the First World War, and in the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1920 (Stimson, 2010). At this time, prescribing heroin and morphine was considered legitimate medical treatment for people who would otherwise be unable to withdraw- a very similar concept to the harm reduction strategy known today- and thus helping the patient lead a useful and fairly normal life. The harm reduction approach to drug use first developed among Dutch heroin users in the 1970s. The original Junkiebond (users union) of Rotterdam spread fast into a national federation which successfully negotiated substantial decriminalization, the prescription of methadone, and the provision of clean needles and syringes. The new approach rapidly spread through Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the UK, France, and other northern European countries (Des Jarlais, 1993, Van Solinge, 1999, Gowan et al., 2012). CHAPTER 4 POLICY ANALYSIS 4.1 Drug Policy Despite the long-standing political prominence of the problem, relatively coherent strategies and substantial investments, the United Kingdom has the highest level of dependent drug use and among the highest levels of recreational drug use in Europe (Reuter, 2007). There are vast arrays of different policies and programmes working towards solving problems related to drug use and drug related harm at all levels, and they vary considerably in their effectiveness. In this chapter, policies in the United Kingdom in general and England in particular will be considered. The United Kingdom consists of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, within which England accounts for 85% of the UK population (Office for National Statistics, 2012). A number of powers have been devolved from the UK Parliament to Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, but each has different levels of devolved responsibilities. The United Kingdom Government is responsible for setting the overall strategy and for its delivery in the devolved administrations only in matters where it has reserved power (Department of Health, 2011). In the United Kingdom, illicit drug policy and attitude towards harm reduction strategies has shifted with government changes. Between 1987 and 1997, there was a public health approach. The aim was to help problem drug users to lead healthier lives, and to limit the damage they might cause to themselves or others (Stimson, 2000). Harm reduction developed in a context of a healthy policy although there were hitches in getting it accepted, for the most part it was well integrated into an amenable existing framework (Stimson, 2000). In 2002 the Liberal Democrats launched new drug policy in which it was proposed that imprisonment should no longer be a punishment option and cannabis should be legalised. The Lib Dem policies were evidence-based, rejecting artificial distinctions between the harm caused by legal and illegal drugs, and rejecting enforcement and prison as primary policy tools based on evidence of ineffectiveness. Unsuccessful in promoting their policies in 2002, in 2011, experts backed calls to be made at the Liberal Democrats conference for the decriminalisation of all drugs, saying it would not lead to a surge in drug use (Travis, 2011). This call came not long after the launch of a new drug strategy, launched in December 2010, replacing that of the previous Government. The 2010 strategy sets out a fundamentally different approach to preventing drug use in communities, and in supporting recovery from drug and alcohol dependence. Some of the main aspects include the responsibility it puts on the indi vidual to seek help and overcome dependency as well as providing a more holistic approach, by addressing other issues in addition to treatment to support people dependent on drugs or alcohol, such as offending, employment and housing. The 2010 strategy aims to reduce demand and takes an uncompromising approach to crack down on those involved in the drug supply both at home and abroad. With the devolution of power, it puts accountability in the hands of local communities to tackle drugs and the harms they cause. The coverage of the new strategy is as follows: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ health, education, housing and social care confined to England à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ policing and the criminal justice system England and Wales à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ the work of the Department for Work and Pensions England, Wales and Scotland (Home Office, 2012) The Scottish Government and Welsh Governments national drug strategies were published in 2008 and all three strategies aim to make further progress on reducing harm and each focuses on recovery (Department of Health, 2011). The changes in the Governments drug policies have not gone without remark. In response to the change in Government strategy, the recently published document Charting New Waters from the UK Drug Policy Commission examined potential threats to drug services. The radical shift from centralised oversight toward local control of commissioning services, raised concerns and questions about whether the changes will deliver the outcomes that people need or help control public expenditure. The report concludes that the new policy is a major social experiment, the outcomes of which are uncertain (OHara, 2012). Research by the UK Drug Policy commission has shown that in addition to the reforms to police, justice, health and local council services in England, these systemic changes together with the budget cuts risk reducing the ability of local areas to respond effectively to problems caused by illicit drug use (Beck 2012). 4.2 UK policy approach As is the case in most European countries, drug-related deaths, infectious diseases, co-morbidity and other health consequences are key policy issues within the United Kingdoms drug strategies (EMCDDA, 2012). Interventions include information campaigns on the risks associated with drug use for different target groups, as well as information on safer injecting and safer sex practices, needle exchange schemes, infection counselling, support and testing, and vaccinations against hepatitis B. In most parts of the United Kingdom, particularly in England, there is a four-tier system of treatment for drug abuse. Tier 1 refers to generic interventions such as information and advice, screening and referral to more specialist services. Tier 2 refers to open-access interventions, such as drop-in services providing advice, information and some harm reduction services such as syringe exchange. Tier 3 services are specialist community services and include prescribing services, structured day programmes and structured psychosocial interventions, such as counselling and therapy and community-based detoxification. Tier 4 services are inpatient services, including detoxification and residential rehabilitation. The majority of structured treatment is delivered at Tier 3, predominantly through community-based specialist drug treatment services (EMCDDA, 2012). 4.3 Drugs and the law The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, with amendments, is the main law regulating drug control in the UK. Drug use per se is not an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971: it is the possession of the drug which constitutes an offence (EMCDDA, 2012). The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 divides controlled substances into 3 Classes (A, B, C) based on harm, with Class A being the most harmful. The classification of a drug has several consequences, specifically in determining the legal penalties for importation, supply, and possession, as well as the degree of police effort targeted at restricting its use (Nutt et al., 2007). The actual classifi

Good People in Cannery Row Essay

John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row, on its surface, is a very simplistic book in which its plot does not have any significant impact on its universe, let alone its characters. However, if one might delve deeper into Steinbeck’s clever subtext and rich overtones, a world of bliss and beauty can be found. Cannery Row, is a book where its characters are self-described as â€Å"Whores, Pimps, gamblers, and sons of bitches† and yet called â€Å"Saints and angels and martyrs and holy men† on the very same page (405). The point of these contradictions is to comment on society’s view of Morality. This is specifically noted when one of the main Characters, Doc, says â€Å"It has always seemed strange to me†¦The things we admire in men, kindness and generosity, openness, honesty, understanding and feeling, are the concomitants of failure in our system. And those traits we detest, sharpness, greed, acquisitiveness, meanness, egotism and self-interest, are the traits of success.† When referring a group of Former homeless men called Mack and the boys (505). Mack and the boys are a group of bums that live in the row, and often do nothing but drink alcohol. These men never do anything necessarily heroic, or daring, or even Courageous, but these men are the most moral individuals in the entirety of Cannery Row. Through the Scenes following Mack and the Boys, John Steinbeck develops Idea that despite their lack of ambition, they are viewed as morally upstanding individuals, who have a positive impact on society. With their happy go lucky nature, and simple needs, these men can achieve the impossible. One might think that they are very unintelligent individuals due to their standard of living, but that couldn’t be farther than the truth. Time and time again they prove themselves to be people that are not only capable, but show extraordinary prowess in certain fields. One of these men, for instance was gay. When referring to his mechanical ability, Steinbeck narrates â€Å"Indeed there are men near   Whom a car runs better. And such a one was gay. His fingers on a timer or a carburetor adjustment screw were gentle and wise and sure.† The way he listens to the ills of automatons, it is of no impossibility he could have become a wealthy mechanic, fixing cars in a garage of his owning. Gay Instead enjoys his time at the flop house, drinking and talking the day away. All Gay really wants, is to have a good time, and for the others around him to do the same. This is a key component of why gay is a moral citizen of society. Gay is often able to do wrong, but never is willing. Gay lives with an abusive Wife, which constantly beats him. He never wants to, but occasionally he has to return the favor. He used to get thrown into jail because of this, but that he liked the conditions in jail, so his wife beats him while he sleeps instead/ Gay, specifically, is an interesting case, because he has a life in which is deeper than one might believe. he is the only one to have a life of suburbia waiting for him. Gay lived a world in which he had a house and a loving wife. Through another lens, Gay was trapped in a cage with a woman that beats him so much that being put in jail is sweet relief. Despite this, Gay eventually always choses to go back to his wife. He believes that he is wrong in the situation and returns to his wife trying to be a better man. That truly is the reason why he is an upstanding person. He’s a very humble and simple creature, who just wishes to enjoy life. Another Example of such ambition would the leader of the group, Mack. Mack is by far, is the flop house’s driving force. When leading the group, he is a moral center, and the speaker of wisdom; when alone, he is a very tragic man. Throughout the book, Mack and the boys only ambition was to throw a party for Doc, a local good Samaritan. When this ambition ends in failure, he proclaims: It don’t do good to say I’m sorry. I’ve been sorry all my life†¦I had a wife†¦same thing. Ever’thing I done turn sour. She couldn’t stand it no more. If I done a good thing it got poisoned up some way†¦I don’t do nothin’ but clown no more. Try to make the boys laugh. (496) Mack seemingly is the only one who doesn’t lack ambition by choice. Whilst in with the other, Mack often is the one to set goals, albeit small ones. This is where the true tragedy of his character comes in. No matter what he does, or hard he works, all of his plans inevitably turn to failure. Mack is a man of good intentions, and made of good morals, but he is seemingly cursed with bad luck, and the world reacts as such. One of Mack’s greatest qualities is his way with words. A lesser person might use his power of speech craft to control the populace, and shape the world in his image, but Mack just wants to have fun. Whenever he uses this sort of power, he is always talking about doing something for someone else. The adventures of Mack and the boys is filled with irony: Gay having a wife that beats him, Hazel likes conversation, but hates talking, or having a party for someone who doesn’t attend. Perhaps the most ironic of all is that despite their lack of ambition and lazy attitude, their actions Influence everyone around them. All throughout cannery row, people would look on to these men, and get inspired in some way. One of the greatest examples of such inspiration is the aforementioned Doc. Even though Mack and the Boys destroyed his home by throwing a party for him, without him, he still holds them in high regard. â€Å"The sale of souls to gain the whole world is completely voluntary and almost unanimous—but not quite†¦You know how they tried to give me a party and it went wrong. But they wanted to give me a party. That was their impulse. â€Å"(505). What Doc is saying here, is that he respects the lifestyle that Mack and the Boys have chosen, and thinks of them as moral even though things don’t go their way. This is  Implied in a number of ways. Initially, he denotes the idea of throwing the party was on a whim of theirs. This is a Reference to the continuing notion of their lack of aspiration. Mack and the Boys don’t do things for certain reasons, they just decide to act whence they get the inspiration. Furthermore, he begins with a metaphor comparing the Consumerist system, a place where you have to work for a place you often hate, to selling your soul, giving away your humanly essence and personality. This metaphor works well contrasting with the boys, to those who seemingly suffer from working into monotony. Doc is implicating that their way of spontaneity is a way wherein they have the capability to do good. Steinbeck often uses these sections with Doc to illustrate the importance of the boy’s actions. Whenever Doc speaks of them, he outlines how â€Å"[business] men are sick men†, and how the boys are â€Å"healthy and strangely clean† (504). Mack and the boys don’t have that thirst that humans often have. That hunger for Silver stitching and velvet bed sheets. Steinbeck uses a group of happy homeless men as a symbol for the importance of caring for one another, while living in the moment. Mack and the boys outline how to do well in life, without selling one’s soul for wealth and power. Morality is often a tricky subject to tackle – and often when it is tackled, it’s not done well—But Steinbeck has it pegged. One might think that things such as be considerate of one another and be humble would be simple Ideologies for a book to go behind, Steinbeck does it justice. Cannery Row Shows just how people react to good deeds, as misguided as they are. John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row, on its surface, is a very simplistic book, but it is so much more.