Role Model Review

For this assignment I have chosen a leader that is in charge of overseeing the over 300,000,000 people of the United States of America, (The World Fact Book, July 2010) the 44th President of The United States of America, Barack Obama. The primary duty of the president of the United States is to make sure that all United States laws are carried out and that the federal government is run effectively. Although the president may not introduce new legislation he does hold the awesome power to veto all bills that are approved by the legislature. In addition, the president has the weighty role of commander in chief of the armed forces. As the nation's chief executive, the president oversees foreign policy, making treaties with foreign nations and appointing ambassadors to other nations and to the United Nations. He also appoints members of the Cabinet, as well as Supreme Court justices and federal judges. As you can tell the job of the president of The United States is full of responsibilities and is a job that should not be taken lightly. When president Barack Obama was elected to office in 2008 it was an election of epic proportions. That year there was not only the first African American running for president, but also the first female. After the primary elections it was clear that the race for the 44th president was going to be between Republican candidate John McCain and Barack Obama. President Barack Hussein Obama II has a story that American dreams are made of. He claims to have been raised with values from the heartland, a middle-class upbringing in a strong family, hard work and education as the means of getting ahead, and the conviction that a life so blessed should be lived in service to others. He was born in Hawaii on August 4, 1961. His father was from Kenya and his mother was from Kansas. He was raised with the help from his grandparents. His grandfather served in Patton's army and his grandmother was a secretary at a bank. Barack worked his way through college with the help of scholarships and student loans. (whitehouse.gov) President Obama has claimed to be a Christian, but there has been many who would question this because of his Muslim roots. President Obama has been quoted as saying that he has attended the same Christian Church for the past 20 years. (The associated Press) This is after he was accused of being an Islamic terrorist because his father as well as his step-father were both Muslim. President Obama and his family were in fact members of The Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago until he had a disagreement with his pastor. (The associated Press) There are things that President Obama has endorsed throughout his campaign and throughout his presidency that I do not agree with. I do not agree with his issues on abortion, even though he did stop federal funding of it. I am also not a fan of his health care reform. I believe that there are other ways than what he is proposing to make sure that the American people have affordable health care and health care coverage As with any leader there will always be things that everyone dislikes and things that only some people like. This is after all a free country that is driven by freewill and democracy. Personally I can see why people would hold president Obama to the standards of a role model and even a hero. His story is truly amazing and is an example of the American dream. I however would not say that he is a perfect person to be a role model. As I mentioned before I do not agree with a lot of his policies or that he has a Muslim background. I also do not agree with the thought of a public official being thought of as a role model for children when he openly discusses his battle with nicotine. There are really none of us that are perfect, but as Christian's we are to strive to be Christ like. Throughout the past few years I have watched as president Obama has delivered public addresses and wondered if he were turning religion and faith into the same thing. The only way that he can talk about religion is to talk about his faith, but never specifically mentioning what he has faith in therefore turning faith into an irrelevant flourish of sentimentality that one can choose to wrap around social justice or dispose of completely. I feel that this is bringing religion down to the lowest common denominator. I cannot look at a man as a role model that tries to make Christianity politically correct.

Intercultural Conflict Analysis Essay

In the Southeast Asian region lays a body of water and islands which have been disputed about for the possession of them. This area by international term is known as the â€Å"South China Sea.† (Keep in mind that they do not have any correlations with China but it is rather just an international name.) This body of water runs along territories belonging to China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Philippines, and many other countries. Within this body of water, there are well over 200 islands which are un-inhabited by people and contain useful resources. Considering that the sea does not surround just one country which can claim authority over it, it is difficult to determine who has the right to these islands. There are no laws on who these islands belong to. This dispute brings into many questions about sovereignty, law of the sea, and resource ownership rights on an international level if more than one country surrounds the sea. This is also representative of the economic relation s among countries in the larger Asia-Pacific region, especially in the South China Sea area. Its dynamic and cooperative approach to economic matters has attracted more partnerships with various countries and organizations across the globe. The area is potentially rich in oil and natural gas deposits; however, the estimates are highly varied. The Ministry of Geological Resources and Mining of the People’s Republic of China estimate that the South China Sea may contain 17.7 billion tons of crude oil (compared to Kuwait with 13 billion tons) The South China Sea territorial dispute has become one of the most problematic issues in recent times. Current trends as well as complications resulting from China’s rise and its conflict with anxious neighbors have seemingly put any solution out of reach in the near future. However, there are still steps that rival claimants can take in order minimize the chance of major conflict. Before any international agreement is hastily signed, claimant countries must first resolve internal hindrances to treaties. This most especially refers to China. A good preliminary step for the country would be to strictly implement a more centralized command of its maritime law enforcement and administrative agencies. After it has done this, it can now proceed to engage in agreements with other nations without the high prospect of one of its own violating any treaty provisions. Additionally, all claimant countries should limit if not stop the negative propaganda surrounding thedispute. The South China Sea issue is better perceived by people if it is seen as a source of cooperation rather than competition. Disproportionate national sentiment stemming from negative propaganda about the disputes allows less room for movement for government officials, and makes diplomacy difficult. Claimant countries can choose to coordinate a joint exploration of resources in order to arrive at a win-win scenario, instead of insidiously encroaching their way into oil sources, and ending up having to forfeit them when other claimant countries cry foul. Lastly, all countries involved must work to deescalate tensions and strive for resource sharing and regional cooperation. This could be done by making and implementing a legally binding code of conduct with legitimate mechanisms for settling disputes. If these steps can be done, then probably, the prospect of a stable multi-polar world is not that far off. References: 1.http://www.crisisgroup.org/~/media/Files/asia/north-east-asia/223-stirri†¦ 2.http://csis.org/files/ts120912_glaser.pdf 3.http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142412788732385490457826151182756471†¦ 4.http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-19754353

Caroline Kennedy - Japan National Press Club Address

Ambassador Caroline Kennedy Address at the National Press Club of Japan delivered 17 December 2015, Tokyo, Japan All my senior colleagues from the U.S. Government [off mic, removes translation headset] head over to the Press Club at some point during their visit, and are grateful for the warm welcome, the frank discussion of issues, and the opportunity you provide for us to communicate with the people of Japan. Democracies cant function without a strong relationship between a free and independent press, and a transparent and accountable government. Im continually impressed by the serious coverage, and the wide variety of media outlets that exist here in Japan. And one of the good things is that, unlike at home, I cant understand most of what you say. Preparing for the opportunity to speak with you has given me the chance to reflect on my two years in Japan and on the year ahead and I’d like to share some thoughts with you today. First and foremost, the U.S.-Japan alliance is as strong as it has ever been. Just last weekend, the Yomiuri/Gallup poll showed that U.S.-Japan relations were in better shape than at any time since the poll was first taken 15 years ago. Thanks to the efforts of generations of Japanese and Americans in government, business, science, architecture, anime, martial arts our two countries have created a partnership that not only enriches the lives of our citizens, but plays a critical role in addressing global challenges. Our bilateral partnership is now at the center of powerful multilateral coalitions. Smaller more vulnerable countries need our help to succeed, and sometimes to survive. Problems like climate change, terrorism, poverty, disease, and nuclear non-proliferation cannot be addressed by any one country acting alone. They are global concerns that need international action. The U.S. and Japan are called upon not just to engage, but to lead. As two of the most powerful democracies in the world, we must never forget that our shared values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law are our greatest strength. There are countless examples to prove this point, but let me mention some from just the past few weeks: Five days ago, JAXA and NASA astronauts landed safely after six months together on the International Space Station. Last month, the U.S. government began exploring the possibility of bringing Maglev to Maryland. And just last weekend, our countries were leaders at the historic COP21 talks where we committed to double our R budget[s] for renewable energy over the next five years. Each of these initiatives is built on our shared commitment to innovation and building a better, safer world. Thats why other countries look to the United States and Japan for advice, investment, and security. Two years ago when President Obama appointed me to this position, he said he wanted to send a strong message that the Rebalance to Asia was a core element of the U.S. foreign policy, and that it is built upon the unshakeable foundation of the U.S.-Japan alliance. On his State visit here in 2014, the President reiterated that the United States is a Pacific nation, that we are committed to the defense of Japan. He emphasized that this is a transformational moment for the alliance and we need to make the most of this once-in-a-generation opportunity. The President knows Prime Minister Abe to be a dynamic leader with a forward-looking vision for his country. Hes impressed with the Prime Ministers economic revitalization program and commitment to the empowerment of women. President Obama also stressed that improved relations between Japan and its neighbors is in the national interest of the United States and asked me to help move this process forward. As the first working mother to serve as U.S. Ambassador here, the President asked me to reach out to Japanese women and families to share the U.S. experience. And he asked my children to encourage their generation to invest in the future of this critically important alliance. The President hoped that sending the daughter of a Pacific War veteran to serve as Ambassador during this 70th anniversary year would remind people in both countries of the power of reconciliation and the possibilities for peace. Ive been profoundly moved by the special place that President Kennedys memory holds in the hearts of the Japanese people. Im inspired that his call to service resonates so deeply here. The warm welcome that my family has received has deepened our commitment to live up to this legacy and do our utmost to bring our two great nations even closer. Over the past two years, thanks to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ive welcomed former American POWs to the Embassy. Theyre about the same age as my father would be, and they bring the same message of reconciliation. Whether they were captured in China, survived Bataan and Corregidor, or were shot down over Tokyo despite their suffering, they also tell of kindnesses received from Japanese soldiers who shared food with them and took great risks to help them survive. For me, personally, the most powerful moment of last year was in March when I met the family of the captain of the Japanese destroyer that sank my fathers PT boat. Like my father, Captain [Kohei] Hanami went home after the war to enter public service serving as the mayor of his town in Fukushima. Seeing the photo from the 1950s that my father inscribed, To Captain Hanami late enemy, present friend was a powerful reminder that even during times of conflict, we have more in common than divides us. And only a few weeks later in April, on a grand and public scale, I watched Prime Minister Abe deliver an historic address to a Joint Session of Congress after laying a wreath at Arlington Cemeterys Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the World War II Memorial. That eloquent speech made a powerful impression on the American people. In it, the Prime Minister called our relationship an alliance of hope. And I have been struck in the recent months by the ways in which thats true. In the area of security, the passage of the Peace and Security [Preserved] Legislation and the revised Defense Guidelines1 have provided a strong foundation for our future cooperation in an increasingly tense regional environment. America has forward-deployed its most advanced radar, ships, and aircraft. Our dedicated service men and women are stationed here to put their lives on the line for the defense of Japan. And yesterday our two nations advanced an agreement in principle on a new Host Nation Support package. This five-year agreement represents another significant achievement for the alliance. The United States appreciates the support and cooperation which will underscore the Rebalance to Asia and demonstrate the enduring strength of our alliance. At joint-use bases in Misawa and Sasebo, and joint exercises like Yamasakura, I have seen the mutual respect our forces have for each other. Their strong real-world relationship is nowhere more in evidence than during the humanitarian missions weve conducted in the Philippines and Nepal. This cooperation has its roots in Operation Tomodachi, conducted in Tohoku after the tragedies of 3/11. And now, the United States and Japanese forces are working to save lives and bring hope to other countries suffering from natural disasters. In addition to bilateral security challenges, our governments must confront 21st century issues of terrorism and cybersecurity, and we must prevent the militarization of space. Were expanding our security cooperation to include regional partners like Australia and India who share the same democratic values. Strong ties between Japan and Korea are also critical to these efforts. Yet even as we increase our security cooperation and expand its scope, were mindful of its impact on local communities particularly in Okinawa.2 Thats why we have worked with the Government of Japan to develop and implement the Okinawa Consolidation plan3 which, when complete, will result in the strategic realignment of our forces across the Pacific region, the return of 68% of the land south of Kadena, and 4,000 additional hectares of environmentally pristine land, almost 20% of the total U.S. holdings. The West Futenma Housing Project, returned last March, is being developed into a state-of-the-art medical facility. And just about 10 days ago, we announced the early return of three parcels of land in Naha that will accelerate that process and reduce traffic congestion. We are going to keep working at this because we are grateful to the people of Japan for welcoming generations of U.S. service members, and we strive to be good neighbors in return. In the area of economics, our countries are closer than ever. The United States is the Number One foreign direct investor in Japan, and Japan is the second-largest investor in the United States. Companies like Boeing, Sandisk, and 3M perform state-of-the-art manufacturing here, and Apple is building a major research center in Yokohama. Together, we are expanding the frontiers of knowledge in brain science, regenerative medicine, and robotics. Disney Princesses and baseball are big business in both countries. Our strong bilateral relationship is now going global as our two countries led the region to conclude the largest, most far-reaching, high-standard trade agreement ever negotiated: TPP. This agreement will create good jobs and export opportunities for our farmers, manufacturers, and small businesses. It will lift millions out of poverty and into the middle class on both sides of the Pacific. It will promote our core values by banning child workers, raising labor standards, and requiring state-owned enterprises to compete fairly. TPP will stimulate invention and creativity in all 12 countries by protecting intellectual property. And it has strong, enforceable provisions to prevent wildlife trafficking, illegal fishing, and preserve biodiversity. As other nations join TPP and these provisions also become part of upcoming agreements with Europe, our shared values will define the economic architecture of this region and the world for years to come. And to anyone who wants to ask the follow-up question, I can answer that right now: Yes, Congress will pass TPP. Looking ahead, perhaps the most important issue for our countries to tackle together is climate change. As President Obama said of the historic agreement reached in Paris, We met the moment. But he acknowledged that our work is just beginning. The U.S. and Japan must be leaders in the movement toward a low-carbon future and help developing countries do the same. Clean and renewable energy will provide millions of jobs in a market with an estimated nine billion users by 2020 [2030?]. American and Japanese companies are already developing the cars, batteries, and power-grids of the future. As Secretary Kerry said, How we implement this agreement, how we set our targets and build it out, will determine whether we are able to address one of the most complex challenges humankind has ever faced.4 We have the solutions and the capital to implement and scale game-changing solutions right now. It makes business sense; it makes environmental sense; and its the right thing to do. In order to tackle this issue, and so many others, we need to enlist the next generation. They need to understand why their parents and grandparents invested so much in the U.S.-Japan alliance, and see it as something amazing they want to be part of. The best way to recruit them is to provide opportunities for them to get to know each other, to discover and explore life in each others countries. At the U.S. Embassy, we are making an all-out effort to meet the goal set by President Obama and Prime Minister Abe of doubling student exchange numbers by 2020. We conduct outreach programs at high schools and universities. We have a college advising system across Japan. We are energizing Japanese alumni of U.S. schools as the best advocates for study abroad. And were trying to reach out to younger students in new and different ways and involve them in issues they care about. (Im not supposed to go too fast.) [Pauses for possible translation lag] For example, Im now working with high school students in Tokyo, Okinawa, Korea, and the South Bronx in a teleconference exchange where students share their fears, hopes, and dreams for the future. We also connected an elementary school in Kyoga Misaki with one in Manchester, Massachusetts. Theyre collaborating through technology on the study of an unusual natural resource that they have in common a beach with Singing Sands. We hope both these efforts, along with more traditional ones, will inspire young Japanese and Americans to explore the wider world as they get older. The Japanese government has made significant resources available for study abroad, but we need the business community and academic institutions to keep pushing forward on this agenda.5 I know the world today can seem like a daunting place, and there are people in both our countries that would rather turn inward and stay focused at home. But we need to show our children that thats not who we are. As Japan assumes a seat on the [United Nations] Security Council for the 11th time and prepares to host the G-7, 2016 promises to be a a year when our two nations can work even more closely on our shared priorities. We are the largest contributors to the United Nations and the largest donors to the Green Climate Fund. Our healthcare experts coordinate closely in West Africa to battle Ebola. Last March, our First Ladies announced a partnership between the Peace Corps and JPOV [Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers] to educate girls in Southeast Asia. Our diplomats worked closely in recent months to implement the Iran nuclear agreement. Together, were combating terrorism and helping millions of desperate refugees build a better life. We are the people who step up. We shoulder the burdens of leadership because we have benefitted from the dialogue, partnership, and rules-based order that emerged from World War II. Prime Minister Abe calls it a proactive contribution to peace. President Obama laid out his vision at the United Nations when he said, To believe in the dignity of every individual, to believe we can bridge our differences, and choose cooperation over conflict that [is] not weakness, that is strength. It [is] a practical necessity in this interconnected world. Americans and Japanese can take great pride in the U.S.-Japan alliance. Its been built through countless acts of reconciliation and friendship. Its sustained by respect and hard work. It brings knowledge and opportunity. Our countries have distinct national cultures, myths, and traditions. These differences make the closeness of our partnership even more remarkable in todays fragmented world. Together, our nations demonstrate the power of history to bring hope, the power of knowledge to bring progress, and the power of freedom to bring peace. As citizens of the U.S. and Japan, weve been given great gifts. I hope to be worthy of them as we build the alliance of the future. Thank you. Chairman Nishimura [as translated]:6 Thank you very much, Ambassador. You touched on the 70th anniversary, TPP, and youve already answered one of the questions, the follow-up questions, so thank you very much for covering diverse topics. And we have collected many [question] cards and representatives are now checking them to ask questions to you now. Question [as translated]: [inaudible self identification] newspapers. Our time is limited, so lets start with a hard question. I would like to ask you about politics and security. This year happens to be the 70th anniversary ofthe end of World War II, and you participated in memorial services in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, so I would love your comments on visiting those two [cities.] And the G-7 will be hosted in Japan this year, so what do you think about President Obama visiting those two cities? Would you recommend the President to visit those two cities? Thank you very much. Ambassador Kennedy: Visiting Hiroshima and Nagasaki I think is one of the most powerful experiences anyone can have. I first came there in 1978 with my uncle, Senator Kennedy, and now I visited with my children, and I had a chance to walk through the Peace Park, which I hadnt been able to do at the larger ceremonies. President Kennedys proudest achievement was the limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, so it has a great personal meaning for me as well. I know that President Obama is also committed to a world without nuclear weapons, and I think anyone who goes there feels like a renewed commitment to work for peace in any way that we can. As far as the Presidents visit there, I as you know, presidential scheduling is extremely complicated, and thats many months away, so I really cant really speculate on what would be possible. Question [as translated]: Thank you. Next on Okinawa, [an] Okinawa newspaper is asking me to ask [about] Okinawa. As as you referred to in your presentation, you talked about the return of lands south of Kadena, and you also participated in the memorial service this year. Okinawa has a unique history compared to other parts of Japan and has a high concentration of U.S. bases. So what do you think about this reality? Okinawa is opposing the landfill project and relocation of Futenma, so what do you think about this point? And if Japan were to propose a Plan B alternative to the Henoko plan, is the U.S. going to consider it? Thank you. Ambassador Kennedy: Well, Okinawa the United States, first of all, is works very hard to be a good neighbor, and we are very grateful to the people of Okinawa for the support that they have given to generations of U.S. service men and women. I visited there four or five times now, and Im always struck by the strength of the communities and as well as the commitment of our service men and women. We are working hard to reduce the impact of the bases. We understand how important this is. People worked very hard, considered many options, and developed this plan that I think is the best of any other plan that was considered. And I believe that we are at a turning point, and that once the next few years will be critical and once we are able to move MCAS Futenma out of Naha, that the situation will improve. And were committed to doing that. We are working hard to do it as fast as possible. We have taken these early land return steps, as you know, and we are working to give to return additional lands as well as to realign our forces. So I think the future will be better, and I think that that plan is the plan that we should implement as fast as possible. Question [as translated]: Next question, on refugees, Syrian refugees are flowing into Europe, and there was a terrorist attack in Paris, and even in the presidential election campaign, the refugee issue is under the spotlight right now. It is a political issue in Japan as well, so I would appreciate your perspective on the refugee issue. Thank you very much. Ambassador Kennedy: I think anyone who has turned on the television can see that this is becoming the humanitarian issue of our time. I mean, this is a huge crisis, and the United States is is working hard, and so is Japan. Were grateful for the major contributions that Japan has made to improve the lives of the refugees and support them. President Obama has been very clear that we are committed to destroying ISIL and that we must also welcome refugees into the United States and and not discriminate against any Muslim-Americans that are that are our neighbors and our friends. And so I think that this issue is going to be with us for some time, and all countries have an obligation to solve the underlying conflict that is causing this crisis as well as to help the families who are forced to leave their homeland. Question [as translated]: One last question: This year happens to be the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, and Prime Minister Abe made a statement. And Ambassador, you expressed disappointment when Prime Minister Abe visited Yasukuni Shrine, but what do you think about his statement this year? Ambassador Kennedy: Well I was here for the year, and I watched the process that the prime minister conducted with a panel and discussion, and I thought that the the United States government welcomed the statement that he released, and it had a strong expression of remorse for the past suffering that was caused by Japan as well as a commitment to uphold previous government statements. So I think that the United States and all countries recognize that Japans record over the last 70 years has really been a model for all nations. Its contributed to peace and stability and played a great role internationally, and so I think that that the U.S. government, the President, and Secretary Kerryall issued statements of support for the prime ministers statement. Question [as translated]: Thank you.On TPP I have two questions. You said the Congress will pass TPP for approval, but the U.S. is heading towards the political season, and both parties are opposing the TPP. So why are you so optimistic about TPP? Next, on Japanese agriculture, Japanese farmers worry about losing markets against cheap foreign produce including [from] the United States, but there are some options for Japanese farmers to export overseas, so do you have any tips for Japanese farmers so that their produce may be welcomed in the United States? Thank you. Ambassador Kennedy: Well, if I can take the second question first, Japanese farmers produce the most amazing products among the most amazing products in the world, so no one but Japanese farmers could produce the peach-flavored strawberry in the winter. And I have met young Japanese farmers. I work with the EnGei Agricultural high school, and I see the young people there who are committed to careers in agriculture. They have They also take care of bonsai plants at the Embassy that they are lending to me. And Ive met with Future Farmers of Japan and [Future Farmers of] America, and I know that these partnerships have been going for 50 years or more. And so I have no doubt that Japanese farmers will succeed in within the TPP context. And there will be, you know, challenges, but I visited farms where many generations are working together and growing amazing things. Theyre selling directly to consumers. Theyre selling their products, you know, in innovative ways, so and I think that what they what they produce is so exceptional that Im confident that they will be successful. As far as TPP goes, trade agreements are never easy to pass, but the American they always do, and President Obama is absolutely committed to this agreement, and he has a very strong record of achievement on things that he cares deeply about, and so I have no doubt that when this all comes together that TPP will pass. As far as politics, thats something else. Question [as translated]: Thank you. Next, on women: So you said that you have been asked by the President to share your experience with the Japanese people, and when you look at the gender gap index, Japan is below 100th in the world. Bu what do you think could be the breakthrough for Japan to move forward with womens advancement in society? Thank you. Ambassador Kennedy: Well, the first of all let me say that this is an issue that the U.S. has to work on as well. We have not solved this problem. Its still too difficult to balance work and family in the United States, but I think that by sharing our experiences we all can hopefully do better. I dont think theres one thing one breakthrough. I think this is going to take a sustained effort, and its going to have to involve men, women, children, businesses, academia and I think that this is certainly something that is in the the long-term interest of Japan and the short-term interest of its families and workers. And I think the prime minister has set forward many of the measures that need to be implemented. People know what they are revisions in the tax code, legislation, flexibility in the labor market there are many, many things that we that we could name, but I think the main thing is the commitment to steady progress, and I the women that I have seen in Japan are so dynamic, and and I think that they really have the power to transform anything they set their mind to. So I am eager and hopeful that this will be a successful initiative. Ive seen progress since Ive been here, and Im, you know, honored to be a part of it and to to watch and cheer from the sidelines. Question [as translated]: Thank you. Ambassador, you touched upon student exchange. So some Japanese young people are inward-looking, so could you explain to them what could be the merits of studying in the United States or U.S. colleges? Ambassador Kennedy: Well, I understand why they dont want to leave Japan. Its really wonderful here, but I will say that I think that studying in another country is one of the most transformative experiences you can have, and everyone that Ive spoken to myself included who have spent time studying in another country find that it changes your life. It gives you great perspective on your home as well as the country in which youre studying, and it opens up possibilities for your future that you would have never considered. And I think that that its also true that more Japanese women than men study abroad, so I think and as companies globalize and the worlds more interconnected, I think that that Japan should take advantage of this great resource as well. I think for the for kids and for parents theres this is really a great adventure, and one of the things thats exciting about having children is is being part of their adventure, and I think that they usually come home, so I always say to parents not to worry. But to the kids I think its its really one of the greatest experiences you can have, and you will come home and find opportunities and success that you that are much greater than you would have had you not taken that chance. And so I think businesses really need to work on this and convince kids that they wont lose out in the job-recruitment cycle. And I think that universities need to work on it to make it easier for students to go back and forth. And I think were working at the Embassy to partner working with MEXT to create partnerships between institutions that will make it easier for students to transfer credits, to go back and forth, to have internships. And I think that what were seeing is that there are people who are interested in doing this, but we need to make it easier easier for them. And I would like to say that there are record numbers of Americans coming to Japan in the last few years, so we need to work on the Japanese numbers, but at least our message is getting through in the United States. [Formal presentation of gift to Ambassador Kennedy] Book/CDs by Michael E. Eidenmuller, Published by McGraw-Hill (2008) 1 PDF of Guidelines here (Source: www.us.emb-japan.go.jp) 2 There is considerable controversy, regionally and beyond, concerning U.S.-Japan consolidation efforts within the Okinawa Prefecture; see, for example, here, here, here, and here. 3 Consolidation Plan for Facilities and Areas in Okinawa.pdf (Source: www.mofa.go.jp) 4 Inexact quotation, provided the reference is to Secretary Kerrys COP21 Plenary Session remarks which ran how we implement our targets, how we build this agreement, how we build it out for each of our nations and how we strengthen it in the time ahead that is what will determine whether we’re actually able to address one of the most complex challenges humankind has ever faced. A Google search did not locate any alternative content attributable to Secretary Kerry which as closely resembled the comments cited by Ambassador Kennedy. Both sets of remarks, however, are substantially similar in meaning. 5 See, for example, these resources 6 Q transcription at this point forward from Japanese to English only is a combination of the above in-video recording translation and a translation provided by japan.usembassy.gov See also (offsite): The U.S.-Japan Alliance: Review of the Guidelines for Defense Cooperation.pdf (INSS Strategic Perspectives 18 March 2015) Audio Source: DVIDShub.net Image of Kennedy Source: japan.usembassy.gov Audio Note: AR-XE = American Rhetoric Extreme Enhancement U.S. Copyright Status: Text of address QA excluded and audio = Property of AmericanRhetoric.com. Image = Uncertain. [Chairman Nishimuras introductory remarks and formal introduction of Ambassador Kennedy] Ambassador Kennedy: Good Afternoon. Thank you for inviting me to this gathering. Id like to thank Managing Director [Yoshinori] Nakai for welcoming me here today and Chairman [Yoichi] Nishimura of the planning committee for serving as the moderator. And thank you all for coming.

Career Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Career Development - Essay Example There are numerous causes behind the cognitive development that ultimately affects self-efficacy. A growing body of research has shown that there is a significant positive relationship between the self-efficacy beliefs of students and their academic performance. Self-efficacy influences the activities that students select, the amount of effort they put in, persistence in difficult times as well as difficulty in set goals. Therefore, the goal of this task is to increase own self-efficacy and check the accomplishment after specified period of time. It must be borne in mind that people having low self-efficacy tend to avoid the task while those having high self-efficacy not only attempt the task but work harder and persist longer in times of difficulties. The personal development plan provided above has been constructed in order to enhance own self-efficacy skills. It is required to enhance self-efficacy skills in three areas including academic performance, self-confidence, and employability skills. Certain activities are needed to be performed in order to improve in each of the mentioned areas. For instance, in order to perform better in academics one needs to alleviate the impact of past failures. Past performance has huge impact on the beliefs of getting success or failure in the future. Therefore, the impact of previous failures must be minimized. Also, strategies for achieving good grades must be situational that is, urgent tasks need to be done first. Along with that, learning must be acquired through every possible source. Apart from course books, newspapers, magazines, documentaries, and informational apps contribute a great deal in improving the learning process. In addition, instead of receiving rewards on final success, sm all rewards must be given to own self after accomplishing small goals. Self-confidence has a lot to do with self-efficacy so it is required to enhance self-confidence

Oxycodone Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Oxycodone - Research Paper Example OxyContin is a brand for single-ingredient oxycodone with time-release mechanism. OxyContin was approved by U.S. Food and Administration in 1995 and became available in the market in 1996. Oxycodone belongs to the Schedule II class or controlled substance which means it has high abuse potential. It causes physical and psychological dependence that people often misuse the drug. Oxycodone is a potent pain killer similar to heroin. It elevates dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain that causes pleasurable experiences or euphoria. It also creates artificial endorphins, a chemical that binds receptors in the brain that gives one a â€Å"feel good† effect. It causes elation because the body cannot properly absorb the drug. Some illicit users abuse this drug to experience this euphoric high. Oxycodone is misused in different ways: snorting the powder by crushing the pill, chewing it, and injecting the solution by crushing and dissolving the tablets in water. These methods defeat t he time-release mechanism in OxyContin that causes the active ingredient to take full effect after ingestion. This dramatically increases the risk for overdose. Like other opiates, oxycodone has side-effects that can impair both mental and physical abilities. Common side-effects include nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, seizures, constipation, blanking of emotions, and mental clouding. Acute overdose also can produce irregular breathing or respiratory depression, respiratory arrest, skeletal muscle flaccidity, low blood pressure and heart rate, coma, and death due to cardiac arrest or slowed breathing. For the last 20 years, oxycodone has been the most abused prescription drug. Oxycodone is highly addictive because use over a long period of time (from several weeks to months) leads to tolerance and the need for higher doses to reach desired effects. Because of its affects similar to morphine and heroin, oxycodone appeals to morphine and heroin users. Some even call it hillbilly he roin. When users stop taking oxycodone, they can experience withdrawal symptoms. These include anxiety, insomnia, nausea, fever, and flu-like symptoms. Like other narcotics, oxycodone is regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). It is an expensive drug when acquired illegally on the black market. Prices may range from $25-50 for a 50 mg. tablet. However, with more generic brands becoming available, it may cost $5-10 per pill. To prevent abuse or excessive use and decrease toxicity, new formulations are being developed. Currently undergoing clinical trials is a new drug called Remoxy. Drug users will go through great lengths to get the drugs. People would sometimes steal the drugs if they didn’t have the money to buy them. There was an incident in South Berwick, Maine, where someone got arrested for robbing three pharmacies for OxyContin. Sometimes, people would get illegal prescriptions of OxyContin. Doctors can also be part of this crime. In Winnepeg, a physici an’s license was revoked for recklessly prescribing OxyContin and Percocet. To satisfy his own addiction, he used his patients to acquire large quantities of narcotics. One woman in Florida was arrested for 23 counts of doctor shopping. She obtained 69 prescriptions from six different doctors who

Critical Thinking and Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Critical Thinking and Ethics - Essay Example However, personal ethics can change with a period of time and changing experiences though the morals and values forming the foundation of ethics may continue to be the same. Social responsibility is concerned with the behavior considering the society as well as variables surrounding the individual e.g. drinking or smoking decisions, decisions on bribery, decisions on city cleanliness etc. ("Personal Ethics and Life") Since, man is a social animal and cannot be divided from the society, it would be correct to say that the personal ethics need an evaluation as well as a serious thought for linking them with social responsibility. One needs to be very clear as to how personal ethical standards are related with the social background. It is necessary to analyze personal ethics as the actions of an individual in a wider context do have an indirect impact on the society at large. These are established in life's earlier stages from home, school, and church and later in life they influence the work place, city and nation too. Therefore, it is essential not to mistake personal opinions with universal principles in the light of thoughtful and socially accepted personal ethical standards. Here in this brief write up we would take an example that a project manager (PM) faces in his day to day life. Such an issue cannot be solved conveniently on the basis of theory or formal academic approach. It needs prudence, situational approach and morality to arrive at a solution which is ethically correct. Now, what is morality differs from person to person and is a debatable topic. Let us view the situation and the possible action as well as the basis for the action. Suppose the PM is uncomfortable as international project requirements contradict the domestic customs and laws, while they are well accepted in the foreign country. This leads to contradiction with the permissible practices in domestic environment. Here, the PM needs to decide what correct is ethically and what is not. Would the payment made to foreign officials be considered a bribe or "facilitation o0f business processes". Here is a way to solve the ethical dilemma. One can check himself on the ethics yardstick by setting out some standards to decide a right approach. Are the rules that are followed by you, usually understood as a part of the task Do you have sufficient comfort defending your action personally in front of public Would you be comfortable if your friends, relatives, and family are aware of your action Would you be ok if somebody does this same act with you or your loved ones Would the impact of a similar action be positive on the society, if everyone starts following the same practice Is the act not resulting in harm to any part, if not doing positive If the answers to all the above questions are yes, then the act can be considered ethically correct. (The manager and the negotiator) Conclusion The writings of "Critical Thinking and Ethics; From Theory to Application" give an insight on the ethical aspects of psychology. These writings highlight the importance of self evaluation and analysis of personal behavior with respect to the social circumstances making

Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle - Essay Example Aristotle rejected Plato's notion and brought about the foundation of modern logic, which is syllogism. Aristotle did not accept that something was true just because someone said so. He was interested in why it was true. From Aristotle's complex system of inquiry have evolved the tools of modern logic and empirical study, using both induction and deduction in the material world. To Aristotle, nothing can be more than what it is designed to be. Socrates was the consummate lover of the soul. He abhorred the senses, discounting them as biological demands standing in the way of the attainment of true knowledge. His concern was focused on enlightenment rather than inquiry, since the senses could not be trusted to yield anything unbiased. Plato took these concepts and added the components of mathematics and astronomy as the keys to true knowledge. Plato's love of mathematics, astronomy and geometry led him to believe that the pursuit of these subjects was fundamental to any other instruction. His methods for acquiring knowledge did not include empirical observation; rather, he favored abstract concepts. Aristotle agreed with Plato to a point, but took it a step further in adding the necessity of gathering data and empirical study. He is credited with being the founder of modern methods of scientific research. Socrates held fast to the idea that the highest love is personal

Final Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Final - Term Paper Example international market regions of Europe, it had to bear varied types of challenges and issues such as barriers in international trade, mitigation as well as investment (Beall, 2010). But due to the support of municipal government, all such international barriers reduced significantly that amplified its position and brand image in the entire globe among other rival players such as General Motors, Toyota etc. As a result of which the total sale and profitability of the organization enhanced that proved effective for the government of the Europe among other neighboring nations. The economic condition of the country enhanced as well as the rate o unemployment and poverty reduced to a significant extent (Ford.com, 2014). Other than this, at the time of expansion in the new market region of Europe, the organization of Ford Motors had to analyze the taste and preferences of the customers so as to improve its prosperity and portfolio in the market (Bradley, 2012). Moreover, due to the active participation of municipal government, the policy related issues such as tariff barriers, subsides to local firms etc reduced significantly that amplified its reputation and market share in the markets of Europe among others (Ford, 2014). The organization of Ford Motors had to bear varied types of political challenges such as tariff rates, trade restrictions due to political instability in the nation of Europe. As a result of which, the brand image and competitiveness of the organization of Ford Motors attained a serious set-back (Kazmi, 2010). Economic factors: inflation is one of the important causes that hindered the total sale and prosperity of the organization of Ford Motors within the region of Europe as compared to many others. As a result, the organization had failed to enhance its profit margin and demand of the products that hindered its portfolio and prosperity in the market among others. Social factors: as the preferences of the customers are changing at a rapid pace so

Human Resources Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Human Resources Management - Essay Example He planned to hire an office administrator, two route drivers, and a warehouse worker. Beginning in the third quarter of 2009, he toyed with the idea of hiring an operations manager who could handle some of the day-to-day tasks that were starting to drain him professionally and personally. â€Å"There was no one to take work off Mark’s plate,† said Dan Price, who is founder of  Gravity Payments, a credit card processor, and has served as an informal adviser to Mr. Sims through their chapter of  Entrepreneurs’ Organization. â€Å"A first senior hire is daunting for an entrepreneur,† Mr. Price said. In fact, the prospect of carving out time to make hires was daunting to Mr. Sims. He recalled spending three days sorting through resumes when he could have been out getting business. With the unemployment rate high, the number of job applicants has surged, making screening even more time-consuming. â€Å"I get resumes for driver positions from applicants wh o don’t even have a license,† he said. In addition, Mr. Sims conceded that he did not have the best record of accomplishment when it came to hiring. Last year, for example, he brought on employees who seemed â€Å"fine† but did not last. A driver he found on  Craigslist  wrecked a new vehicle. ... Sims considered running ads and browsing resumes posted on state employment agency Web sites. At first glance, this seemed the least expensive way to go. However, after factoring in the time for culling resumes, Mr. Sims was less convinced that this was the best way to find candidates, particularly a strong No. 2. His other option was to hire a recruiter, at least to find the operations manager. However, Mr. Sims was not enthusiastic about spending that kind of money — typically, 20 to 30 percent of the hire’s six-figure salary. He had worked previously with a recruiter who had charged much less ($1,500 per placement), but offered little value. THE DECISION  In consultation with Mr. Price, who had taken his own company to 53 employees, from 10, in the previous four years, Mr. Sims decided to use a recruiter to find his operations manager, beginning the process last November. The agency began by interviewing Mr. Sims, who said he was surprised to realize during the con versation just how much he disliked operations. Once the agency understood his needs, it sent him the resumes of 12 candidates. Of those, Mr. Sims selected six and spent a day interviewing them back-to-back. He then ranked them and scheduled second interviews with the top two — a former chief financial officer and a former tech entrepreneur who had built a business from three to 35 employees before selling it. Mr. Sims, Mr. Price and a human resources employee from Gravity Payments conducted second interviews at the agency. The process took half a day. Mr. Sims interviewed one candidate, while Mr. Price and his colleague interviewed the other, and then

Poems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Poems - Essay Example The first main image that Bishop shows is stated by the narrator with losing some of the small things in life. Bishop states, â€Å"Lose something every day. Accept the fluster / of lost door keys, the hour badly spent. / The art of losing isn’t hard to master† (lines 4 – 6). These lines show the image of losing keys and present an image that relates to one looking for something that can’t be found. Bishop is able to expand on this image of losing names, watches and other smaller items. After this, there is a transition with the images as the center movement. The first image is of losing a continent, with the main image of the rivers that divide the regions. This all ties into the idea of losing â€Å"you,† which is the person that the narrator is speaking about. The main theme is related to the concept of losing another person and how this is similar to the images of losing smaller things. Bishop is able to create a sarcastic approach to the art of losing, specifically when it comes to losing another loved one. The poem, â€Å"Bully† by Martin Espada, also shows specific images in the poem to represent the bully. The main theme in this particular poem is to show how those in the current day forget about the past and become bullies to what has occurred. The first image described by Espada is the statue of Theodore Roosevelt, described with the nostalgic look and the horse that follows. The image that follows states â€Å"Puerto Rico has invaded Roosevelt / with its army of Spanish – singing children / in the hallways† (lines 8 – 10). The invasion and image that Espada creates shows how there is a loss of the past because of the children. The words used such as army and invasion work with the image to present this main concept. This leads into the last section, with the images â€Å"now children plot to spray graffiti / in parrot – brilliant colors / across

Toyota Motor Corporation Essay Example for Free

Toyota Motor Corporation Essay In a business organization, the organization is composed of systems that concentrate on overall efficiency. A systems approach is essential whenever something is being designed, redesigned, implemented, improved, or otherwise changed. It is important to take into account the impact on all parts of the system. Consider owning and operating an automobile. It has many parts and systems that can malfunction; some of these are critical. The automobile would not function or would be dangerous to operate without them. The Toyota Company seemed to have missed the importance of the impact on all parts a system as they came under scrutiny with the largest recall of vehicles in the United States in 2009-2010. These recalls were triggered by a car collision in August 2009 that took the lives of four people. This assignment will look at what barriers caused the systems to fail within the Toyota Company that subsequently changed the attitudes of their consumers and their trust towards Toyota. Toyota Motor Corporation The Toyota Motor Corporation was established in 1933 as a division of Toyoda Automatic Loom Works under the direction of Kiichiro Toyoda. In 1934, the company produced its first Type A engine at the encouragement of the Japanese government, and two years later the company produced its first passenger car, the Toyota AA and in 1937 was established as an independent company. In 1957 Toyota established its first sales, marketing, and distribution subsidiary in the U.S., called Toyota Motor Sales Inc. In 1982, Toyota Motor Corporation formed a joint venture with General Motors, called New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. and began production in the U.S. in 1988 establishing new brands for this market. In 2009, Toyota employed more than 8,900 people and supervised 14 regional offices throughout the 50 states. Toyota produced 5.2 million cars in 58 production sites in 2000, and by 2009 they had the capacity to produce 10 million cars and had added 17 production sites. Toyota had added the capacity of a Chrysler-sized company. (Greto et al., 2010). In January 2010, Toyota suspended sales of eight recalled vehicle models to fix accelerator pedals with mechanical problems that could cause them to become stuck. In December 2012, Toyota announced an agreement worth more than $1,000 million to settle a lawsuit involving unintended acceleration in some of its vehicles (Slobe, 2010) Existing Processes According to Greto et al.(2010) the Toyota company incorporated a philosophy known as the Toyota Way. This set of principles was to bring about approaches that called for continuous improvement, which encouraged teamwork, respect, and value for people. The Toyota Way was to encourage employees to strive for perfection. Another key process to mention is the Toyota Production System (TPS). It was designed to remove all unnecessary waste from the production and manufacturing process. More than just waste avoidance, it aimed to eliminate any excess interruption, misalignment, unnecessary work, or redundancies in the production process that add no value to customers. Specifically, TPS addressed seven kinds of waste: overproduction, operator motion, waiting, conveyance, self-processing, inventory, and correction (rework and scrap). Through TPS, Toyota had been able to significantly reduce lead-time and production costs (p 4). Importance to Toyota These processes both posed of great importance to the Toyota Company because when you value and respect your employees and external constituents it brings about a level of trust and cohesiveness in the work place and your company gains loyalty from the customers. When everyone is operating as a team, any challenges that exist are met with courage and this creates a level of motivation within the company to bring about improvement. In regards to the having a production system that will bring to the forefront at the onset any issues, it eliminates wasted time, production costs, and manpower. It builds a foundation to where employees are reliable where they embrace the philosophy of quality at the start. It also creates a learning environment where leaders who carefully understand the philosophy, will teach it to others. This grows the company and builds it up for success. Scope: Breadth of its reach The scope of its reach can be throughout the global market. Not only within the automobile industry but because Toyota diversified into several nonautomotive businesses, it can also affect industries in aerospace, higher education, robotics, finance, and agricultural biotechnology (Greto et al., 2010). Parties involved: customers as well as internal and external suppliers. When there is a breakdown in these processes, it impacts the employees and all external stakeholders. For example, when a breakdown occurred in the lines of communication between the Japan and U.S. offices, in responding to the issues with the faulty accelerators, not only was customers affected, stockholders were affected. When the reputation of a company is tarnished, it affects the stockholders and they stand to lose money they invested in the company. Supply vendors are also affected when these processes breakdown because they lose business as well. Competitors can also be positively affected by this. They gain the customers who choose to no longer do business with Toyota. Priority: the timeliness or urgency. Timeliness is important to any business as this attributes to the quality of service a company provides customers, to employee concerns, matters concerning supply vendors and stock holders to name a few. Toyota did not readily address the concerns of their customers initially until it became more in the public eye. This takes away from the value of the company and it certainly affected customer loyalty and satisfaction to say the least. The company stock value went down and it suffered millions of dollars in lost. Timeliness is certainly a priority for any business. Overall impact or benefits of improvement to Toyota The overall impact for Toyota led to someone dying while driving a faulty vehicle therefore all the millions of dollars they were fined still does not make up for the loss of a person’s life. This goes down in Toyota’s history book as it cost them their reputation. The benefit is that can take place is to push management to take a look at their overall company operations and break down the areas that need improvements; identify additional defects and restructure their operational systems. If changes are to occur, Toyota has the opportunity to make changes, manufacture more innovative vehicles, and create initiatives that involves the communities they do business with as a way to build trust and their reputation. Cost to Toyota if the process is not improved The cost to Toyota if these processes are not improved could mean failure with a loss of market. The business can go bankrupt; offices close down, excessive inventory, stock price decreases, and employee layoffs that add to the unemployment rate.

Licensure and Certification Requirements in the State of Florida Essay Example for Free

Licensure and Certification Requirements in the State of Florida Essay [emailprotected]: Dr. Darlene DanekerAbstract This paper will discuss the licensure and certification requirements for the state of Florida for mental health counselors. It will discuss whether a mental health counselor needs to; hold a license, credential, certification, or some other designation to practice independently as a professional counselor, it will define the laws that regulate and impact the credentialing, certification, and/or licensing of counseling professionals working within mental health counseling, and it will discuss three key content areas that are included in your state laws as they relate to professionals in mental health counseling. Licensure and Certification Requirements in the State of Florida for Mental Health Counselors This paper will discuss the licensure and certification requirements for the state of Florida for mental health counselors. It will discuss whether a mental health counselor needs to; hold a license, credential, certification, or some other designation to practice independently as a professional counselor, it will define the laws that regulate and impact the credentialing, certification, and/or licensing of counseling professionals working within mental health counseling and it will discuss key content areas of; educational requirements, fieldwork and supervision requirements, licensure requirements, specific required examination requirements, and continuing education that are included in Florida state laws as they relate to professionals in mental health counseling. In order to practice mental health counseling in the state of Florida it is a requirement to hold a license for mental health counseling In order to receive such license one must have completed the application for mental health counselor, taken, and passed the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination. However, before endeavoring  on the path of licensure one must also have taken required courses within their graduate program which include (1) Counseling Theories and Practice, (2) Human Growth and Development, (3) Diagnosis and Treatment of Psychopathology, (4) Human Sexuality, (5) Group Theories and Practice, (6) Individual Evaluation and Assessment, (7) Career and Lifestyle Assessment, (8) Research and Program Evaluation, (9) Social and Cultural Foundations, (10) Counseling in Community Settings, (11) Substance Abuse, and (12) Legal, Ethical, and Professional Standards Issues. In addition, the graduate program for which one hales from must be accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); carrying a minimum of sixty semester hours in the areas listed above or a minimum of eighty quarter hours of clinical and didactic instruction, including a course in human sexuality and substance abuse CITATION Flo131 \l 1033 (Department, 2013). Fieldwork and supervision are also a requirement of the laws in order to be licensed in Florida; one must have the â€Å"equivalent of at least 1,000 hours of university-sponsored supervised clinical practicum, internship, or field experience as required in the standards for CACREP accredited mental health counseling programs† CITATION Flo131 \l 1033 (Department, 2013). The state of Florida strictly follows the CACREP accreditation practices for licensure acceptance. In addition, the requirement for two years of post-master’s supervised experienced under the supervision of a licensed mental health counselor or equivalent who is deemed qualified by the Florida Board of Professional Regulations and the â€Å"supervision experience must have consisted of at least 1,500 hours providing psychotherapy face-to-face with clients for the profession for which licensure is sought† CITATION Flo131 \l 1033 (Department, 2013). Finally, the applicant must pass the national clinical mental health counseling examination (NCMHCE) developed by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), and complete an eight-hour laws and rules course from an approved provider, complete a two-hour prevention of medical errors course from an approved provider, complete a three-hour course on human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome within six months of licensure, and complete a two hour domestic violence course from a board approved provider within six months of licensure. The state of  Florida requires its licensed Mental Health Counselors to continue their education on a bi-yearly basis. In order to follow this guideline one must; Licensees must complete 30 hours of approved continuing education (CE) within the two year licensure period (biennium) to include the following: a two hour course relating to prevention of medical errors, a three hour course in ethics and boundary issues, a two h ours of CE on domestic violence must be completed every third biennial licensure renewal period. These two hours shall be part of the 30 hours otherwise required for each biennial licensure renewal, and may be taken at any time during the six years preceding the renewal for the biennial in which the credit is due CITATION Flo132 \l 1033 (Statue, 2013). In order to remain current in all aspects of licensure requirements one must know their renewal date, know their biennial date and the clear and precise steps to timely complete the process in which one is expected. Florida offers a concierge system to track continuing education mandated courses. Utilizing this and an organizational calendar will allow one to keep up with their requirements. Staying apprised of legislation through the state of Florida medical quality assurance website will allow one to be updated as well as sign up for emails that will trigger one to review new laws and legislation regarding their licensure. References BIBLIOGRAPHY \l 1033 Department, F. H. (2013, August 24). To be licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in Florida. Tallahassee, Florida, United States. Florida, C. (2013, July 20). Clinical Social Work, Marriage Family Therapy Mental Health Counseling Statutes and Rules. Retrieved from Florida Department of Health: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/491/soc_statutes.html Statue, F. (2013, August 24). Continuing Education. Tallahassee, Florida, United States http://doh.state.fl.us/mqa/continuingeducation/ce_licenseeinfo.html.

Infidelity In Marriages | Analysis

Infidelity In Marriages | Analysis Introduction Infidelity is perhaps the most complex issue faced by spouses in the marital relationship. Usually, when the discovery of an affair is done, it can be very annoying for the person on the receiving end of the case. Obviously the blame on oneself is the primary response after the information and facts are understood and then the person must be willing to understand that he / she has failed to respect the other person to take this step. This results in a lot of pain, confusion and emotional problems for people that are involved in such a relation. This can affect the person and make him very depressed and even become suicidal. A person may lose confidence in future relationships and also the ability of having faith in people because of the enormous injustice caused by infidelity. Maybe this can lead to a process of divorce and custody battles cruel and endless tension. Barta and Drigotas (2001) defined infidelity as a partners violations of norms regulating the level of emotional and physical relationship with people out side the relationship. Moreover, it is a breach of trust or an act of disloyalty in a committed relationship. In this modern era where a lot of facilities are available in the shape of mobile telephone and Internet chatting, it is greatly accessible and easier to make any kind of relationship and stay in regular contact with them. Hence, it may result in shortage of time for one to spend with his or her spouse and greater contact with outsiders. In short, it can occur abruptly and unexpectedly by intention, incidence or chance or can extend over a long period of time. They can proceed for a very short time or a life span. This is one of the key reasons for enhance in extra marital affairs and its following adverse impact on the rate of divorce and suicide. Types of Infidelity Buss and Shackelford (1997) report that there are two types of infidelity exist: sexual infidelity, emotional infidelity or both. Sexual infidelity is consisting of sexual contact such as kissing, touching, oral sex, or physical contact. on the other hand, emotional infidelity includes the creation of emotional affection or warmth for another individual, and can involve the actions as flirting, dating, lovely talk, feeling interest towards some one else, or falling in love. Pittman (1989) marriage includes the hope of primariness and assurance of both partners to remain loyal with each other and keeping each other the most significant person for life time. Generally couples agree that primaries will contain the probability in which partners guarantee to have physical contact only with each other. Despite of this marital infidelity is very common across world even though, society is not permitted or accepted it. Knowingly or unknowingly, Most of marriages are now victim of this serious issue almost couples are experiencing it either being of a betrayed receiver or being of disloyal one. Even many famous persons have done marital infidelities, presidents, such as John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton and other public figures, such as Prince Charles, Marion Barry, and Princess Diana was strongly rumored to have had an extra marital affair. Actors and actresses have long presented continual material to the tabloids on affairs and infidelity. Gender Difference and Infidelity Gender based studies divided into two parts. The first group of researches focused on sex differences in reaction to a partners infidelity. Shackelford and Buss (2002) sex differences in reaction to a partners emotional and sexual infidelity are well documented and hypothesized adaptive problems (Buss et al., 1992) Due to adaptive problem of parental uncertainly, men are more upset than women by a partners sexual infidelity. Also, adaptive concern with parental investment and resources diversion makes women feel more upset than men by a partner emotional infidelity (Shackelford et al., 2000). Another part of literature about sex differences and infidelity refers to different rates of men and women involvement in infidelity. Some researchers strongly assert that men are more engage in infidelity than women (Allen Baucom, 2004). They have significantly more sexual partners outside of their primary relationship (Blumstein Schwartz, 1983) and they have more permissive attitudes toward sex outside of marriage (Thompson, 1984) and also have a strong desire to engage in infidelity (Prins, 1993) . At the same time, other studies suggest that men and womens rate of infidelity are becoming increasingly similar (Oliver Hyde, 1993) and they are not differing in terms of behavior (Prins et al., 1993). Betzig (1989) infidelity is a core base cited when pleading for divorce and those who are disloyal likely to be vigilant discussing such activity. It is neither only a male behavior while the ratio of infidelity among female is going to equal the proportion of males. Not surprisingly a third of all marriages now a days dealing with this issue. However, no doubt it is anticipated responsible of dissolution of a marriage bond cruelly. Most notably, females role have been change now they are not simply responsible for maintaining home work while working outside of home. Both male and female have almost equal opportunities due to rapid change in living structure of modern aged societies and late night travels, work related activities, and meetings these all responsible to some extent for significant increasing rate of divorce as regardless of gender no one is remain dependent on their partner for life accessories. Causes of Infidelity Thompson (1983) infidelity can exist in marital, or in any committed relationships. Therefore it considered an illegal or wrong act. The clarifications people often make regarding their illegal sexual terms are several and varied. Whatever the reason of an act of infidelity but it is certainly varies between and within cultures. Presence of sexual behavior is not must or always the case of infidelity. Ideas and perceptions of infidelity are might be different among people of same culture or between the people who have close relationship with each other. Sptizberg and Cupach (1998) infidelity provides a means of exploring the darker and more problematic side of human experience with out having to examine actual criminal offending. Affairs come in diverse forms. All affairs are not surely same: they supply unusual purposes, are done by several types of persons, fueled by a range of motivations and having dissimilar effects. One of the most obvious weaknesses in infidelity research is the shortage of discrimination between types of affairs. This has often lead to erroneous, confusing and unsupportive generalizations or stat averages about the nature, implications and what constitutes effective intervention with affairs. Considerate the individual, biographical, domestic, marital and cultural-anthropological reason of affairs is vital to planning successful intervention. Guerin et al. (1996) in a study reported that Spouse often involves in infidelity in order to protect themselves from taking responsibilities or adopting new roles. They want to escape from discomfort and pain which comes from boring and difficult marital life. With out disturbing marital life or other spouse an infidel person have has relation with person other than committed relationship. This betrayal provides him/her temporarily calmness. Psychologist Allen (2001) in a study based on Bowlby attachment theory reports that comparatively to secure attachment a person with dismissive attachment style is probable to have one infidelity atleast to his/her spouse because he/she wants self affirmation. Chen (2001) noted in his research findings that it is considered as a symbol of respect and privilege for a wealthy and influential personality to have has relations with the person of other than his/her spouse. Many times, these relations are secret in nature and based on long term and seldom have these affairs disturbed their primary marital life and relations. Prevalence of Infidelity Ninety-nine percent of married persons surveyed expect their spouse to be faithful after they are married, and 99% assume their partner expects sexual exclusivity of them (Treas Giesen, 2000). Despite these expectations, the actual occurrence of marital infidelity is much higher. According to a survey of over 1000 Americans, done by the National Opinion Research Center in 1991, eleven percent of the female respondents and 21% of the males surveyed admitted to engaging in extramarital sex (Greeley, 1994). Thus, marital infidelity is a perplexing phenomenon and research indicates that this is also true for other types of infidelity, such as infidelity occurring in dating relationships. Blow and Harnett (2005) report that rates of infidelity are vary across universe due to types of infidelity. Although, the prevalence of sexual infidelity is higher than emotional one and most of the infidelity researches have focused on sexual infidelity rather than emotional infidelity and almost result are drawn by non random sample. Further more the issue of infidelity is very sensitive and personal so, individual may show some kind of reluctance to disclose it or admit it openly. In Pakistan the rate of infidelity reported by private TV channel in a program among male is 45% and among female is 32% but these rates are not specifically for marital infidelity however, these rates are may be overestimated or underestimated at some point because there is no researches or official data is available in Pakistan. Allen et al. (2005) found that 25% committed relationships are experiencing infidelity. 22% to 25% male and 11% to 15% females are unfaithful to their partners. Other less conservative reviews reported that 25 to 50% male and approximately 10% to 25% females are engaged in infidelity during the course of their marriages. An estimated figure shows the adverse effects of infidelity that almost 50% married couple across the universe are experiencing in their marriages. Moreover, these responses of infidelity can also be varied depend on individual difference or level of affection and these response can be also extremist in nature or less extremist and threatening. Glass and Staeheli (2003) almost every marriage is suffering with the issue of infidelity regardless of love, arrange and forced marriage and status of marriage such as happy or unhappy marriage.mid life crises and other factors are responsible for trigger anyone towards infidelity (Cole, 1999). Consequences of Infidelity Brown (1999) found that discovery of spousal infidelity is always being distressing for both concerned spouses. Usually, sudden encounter of infidelity make them unable to behave normally. The disloyal person feel gloomy, desperate and victim of many doubts regarding his/her future marital life either it may remain joyous as it was before, he/she really feel the pain of that third person with whom he/she had extramarital affairs. Sexual life affected of a disloyal spouse in his/her marriage but despite of confession being wrong they tried ever to minimize their guilt by blaming others for the responsibilities of their infidelities (Chen, 2001). Bergcross (1997) in a study concluded that many probable risk factors including suicidal thoughts, homicidal, health issues, are the result of infidelity. Many others responses are noted such as violence, divorce, dissatisfaction, flirting behavior, revenge, angry, jealous, shame and so on. Some studies showed that only a small percentage of couples who experience infidelity can save their marriage after an affair (Hansen, 1987) and all marriage with infidelity do not end with divorce (Charny Parnass, 1995). Studies about consequences of infidelity showed negative outcomes like: rage, lost of trust, decreased personal and sexual confidence, suicidal behavior, depression, damaged self esteem, fear of abandonment and surge of justification to leave the spouse (Charny Parnass, 1995). Spanier and Margolis (1983) concluded that partners who divorce because of their spouses infidelity experienced less depression than those who end their marriage for other reasons. The unfaithful spouse has initiated the divorce but the faithful spouse is more likely to develop depression. When a person discovers a partners infidelity, he should decide about forgiving the partner and remain together or end the relationship. Shackelford et al. (2000) found that men and women who face different adaptive problems over evolutionary history related to various types of infidelity have different reaction to partners infidelity. It is more difficult for men to forgive a sexual infidelity than an emotional infidelity and they are more likely to end a current relationship following a partners sexual infidelity (Shackelford et al, 2002). Evolutionary theory Evolutionary theory (Nannini Myers, 2000) supported the view that gender difference present in response to partners infidelity (Sheets Wolfe, 2001) and provides one explanation for gender differences in reactions to infidelity. According to this theory, a man is jealous about his female partners sexual infidelity, because if his partner has intercourse with another man, there is no guarantee that offspring he raises with her are his genetic children. The uncertainty of paternity gives rise to excellent reasons for a man to be intolerant of adulterous sex in his partner. A male in this position may contribute resources to this offspring, as well as squander opportunities to reproduce elsewhere (Buss, et al., 1992). Using this same model, a woman is concerned about her partner becoming emotionally attached, lest he abandon her for the new partner, leaving her to rear their offspring without resources or assistance from the father. If her partner is investing more assets into another womans offspring, whether in a monogamous or polygynous relationship, it is to the detriment of her children. This theory is consistent with results wherein women overwhelmingly selected emotional infidelity as more distressing, and more men selected physical infidelity (Harris Christenfeld, 1996; Whitty Quigley, 2008). Additionally, physiological studies support this perspective, finding that men demonstrate greater autonomic arousal response to sexual infidelity and women have a greater response to emotional infidelity (Buss et al., 1992). Buss (1995) and other evolutionary psychologists argue that men and women differ in their responses to infidelity in ways that has resulted from different adaptations to different reproductive problems. The evolutionary perspective does not dispute that both forms of infidelity, emotional and sexual, are disturbing to both sexes. Instead, evolutionary perspective argues that men and women put different emotional weighting on the different aspects of infidelity (Buss et al., 1999). The theory is consistent with a good deal of research data. However, there are some noteworthy shortcomings inherent in this perspective. Firstly, the core premise of the standard evolutionary model is that sex differences in mating behavior exist as a consequence of the differential costs for each sex to reproduce their genes (Buss Schmitt, 1993). Infidelity can be efficiently explained this way by advocates of this theory in the light of higher rates of male infidelity historically (Allen et al., 2005). The theory acknowledges that members of both sexes pursue extra-pair/short term strategies; however, recent research findings show that rates of female infidelity are rapidly closing the gap (Allen et al., 2005) and the theory at present does not appear to adequately address this. In two studies (Harris, 2002; 2003) of responses to actual infidelity, men and women showed no difference in the degree to which they were distressed by emotional vs. sexual infidelity. Furthermore, both males and females reported focusing slightly more on emotional than sexual aspects of their partners infidelity. Roscoe et al. (1988) significant differences have not been found in several studies of actual, as opposed to potential, extradyadic behavior (Feldman Cauffman, 1999; Seal et al., 1994). Further, studies including aspects of infidelity apart from sexual behaviors are another example where significant differences between the sexes have not generally been found. Wiederman (1997) for example, found that there were no differences in the type of infidelity entered into or in the incidence of infidelity for men and women under the age of 40. Clear gender differences in the incidence of infidelity are difficult to determine in the light of such inconsistent research. Divorce Buss and Shackelford (1997) infidelity leads to divorce and is most likely the single most harmful thing that can occur to a marriage. Divorce refers to the often messy and painful dissolution of a marriage. Either for good or for bad, divorce is a very ordinary incident in recent days. Most everyone has been experienced it, either by going through it themselves as a spouse or a child, or knowing someone who has gone through it as a spouse or as a child. Regardless of recognized understanding with the sound effects of divorce. Waite (1995) good psychological and physiological health of both spouses can be achieved by stable and satisfied marriage; it also contributes to marital wealth and children wellbeing. But the fact is these all advantage only possible when marriage protective from high conflicts. Severe mental and emotional health problems can be protected by a sound marriage. a part of knowing this well known realities some marriages still suffer from problems and endless issues and spouse their selves are responsible for that issues which causes marriage beak downs. Surely, an unstable marriage is responsible for adverse outcomes for all family members and even upon other concerned relation. Rate of Divorce Vaus et al. (1997) most young adults when surveyed about relationships indicate that they want to marry and have a committed, trusting, respectful relationship for themselves and for any children they may have Any attempt to explain the reasons couples separate and divorce must take into account both the nature of marriage as an institution within a given social and cultural context, and its particular meaning for the individuals involved. Its remarking that the dramatic increase in the lifetime divorce probability from 10 percent to more than 50 percent in the United States and to 25 percent in Pakistan since the 1960s cannot be explained only at the personal or micro level. Dagatan (2012) investigated there is a significant raise in the rate of divorce universally on the account of everyday. Day by day Marriage is losing its worth especially in some specific societies. Many reasons are attached to failure of stable marriages such as infidelity, violence, financial crises and so on. Russia is standing on top for highest divorce rates with 5.30% while panama with 3.80% is on 4th ranking of highest divorce rate due to infidelity. Similarly, there is surprising increase in the rate of divorce in Pakistan from few decades. Currently 10 to 15 divorce cases are being filed by females per day in Pakistan. However, divorce rates are varying in different status its higher among upper class while middle class takes divorce as a stigma and comparatively to other classes its prevalence is low in lower class. Effect of Globalization on Divorce Mansfield et al. (1999) the degree to which family law reform may influence rates of divorce is debatable. In many perspectives, especially for women marriage is not only remaining the source of financial security, social status in the community, sexual activity and social companionship. Globalization has affected the thought and living structure and values across culturally. Now almost every sphere of the world people have different and more liberal attitude regarding divorce while its not consider stigma as it was. Now men and women both talk about it openly. Across the entire main reasons for divorce, women more than men tended to initiate the separation and be more likely to have sought counseling advice prior to separation. The perceived reason for divorce did not appear to influence whether men or women made preparations for living without their partner. Gender, Attitude and Divorce Differences between men and women emerged mainly in relation to specific spousal behaviors. Women were significantly more likely than men to mention abusive behaviors their spouses drinking and drug use and being the victim of physical and emotional violence as the main reason for divorce. Although ending a marriage can never be easy and may be traumatic or have detrimental consequences for either or both partners and any children involved the majority of women and men, whatever the perceived reason for divorce, claimed that in retrospect they still would have separated and felt they never wanted to get back with their former spouse. Again, women who mentioned abusive behaviors as a reason for divorce were most emphatic in their agreement with this statement (Waite et al, 1995). Impact of Divorce Bowlby (1969) a broken Marriage always left highly significant consequences. As one grow older, build new relationships with numerous important figures throughout ones lives. It is natural to form affection with the people who care for them most, in regards to their physiological and emotional needs. However, marital relationship is considering the most respective way to form relationship with people of opposite sex. In marriages there are some obligations which should be followed by both spouse and its obligatory on them to respect each other values and expectation but if any spouse doesnt care these values then marital dissatisfaction can come in existence and divorce or marital conflict occur in result which impact badly on physical, emotional and psychological health. Walsh (2008) reported that marriage is source of getting respect, status, and recognition in a society. Psychological satisfaction can be got through marriage by which individual get kids, companion for life and completeness of home structure. As it is truly said man is a social animal therefore, man cannot survive in isolation for goodness of life one need to be remain with others. Marriage is regarded as a best source of getting all these things it provides peace and emotional support on individual level. Both concerned partner sooth each other by providing their support in all situation of life. But at the same time its a very weak as well as strong one. Divorce shelters all of these and affected must feel hopelessness and experience high emotional torture that sometime intend a person suicidal. Suicidal Ideation Suicidal ideation, attempts and completed suicides are all referred to suicidal behavior. Weather suicidal ideation refers to any thought, intention which is readily made to harm one self or its any self inflicting behavior in which one is thinking to take his/her life. It happens most often in reaction to a crisis such as the loss of a relationship, death, inevitable life situation where ones feel extremist level of hopelessness, worthlessness and infidelity in highly affiliated relationship. Usually, people experience a variety of feelings during the time of crises, and each persons shows different response towards crises even in same crises. It is common to feel scared or worried or depressed. If a person feels overwhelmed or unable to cope, he or she may try to commit suicide. Thus far researchers have been unable to predict potential suicidal consistency so effectively (Goldstein, 1999). Causes of Suicide Suicide is defined as the act of intentionally taking ones own life. It happens most often in reaction to a crisis such as the loss of a relationship, death, inevitable life situation where ones feel extremist level of hopelessness, worthlessness and infidelity in highly affiliated relationship. Usually, people experience a variety of feelings during the time of crises, and each persons shows different response towards crises even in same crises. It is common to feel scared or worried or depressed. If a person feels overwhelmed or unable to cope, he or she may try to commit suicide. Thus far researchers have been unable to predict potential suicidal consistency so effectively (Prokorny, 1983). Overall it is on 8th number cause of death through out the world, its a major, preventable public health problem. Psychological causes may be one factor of it like unable to cope depression, it may be due to lack of others supports, or burden of guilt, to examine the feelings and love of other people, relationship failure, shock on incident like infidelity or divorce. It may have also origins from cultural and social pressure often in case of isolation, although, the act of suicide is varied in distinctive cultures and ages. Foster (1999) various risk factors have been studied with suicide like divorce, financial issues, marital conflicts, life satisfaction, depression, unemployment, parental deprivation and many others. Researches claim that emotional instability, psychotic disorder, major depression, personality disorder, substance dependence, marital status and affairs are usually responsible as a major cause of suicide. Despite of these known causes many other reasons can be responsible for this act. Actually, suicidal ideation or suicide is usually an individual act. There may be individual causes present for such act. However, the more common causes associated with suicidal ideation are marital affairs among married and parental or other factors are related to unmarried persons. Suicide in Pakistan In past, official statistics for suicide in Pakistan was un-available. Nevertheless, there was some evidence suggested by NGOs, newspaper reports, police that the suicide ratio has slowly been raising in Pakistan from the last few years. The increasing inclination has been very theatrical with almost 3,000 cases of suicide being reported in 2001 nationally, Even this is considered to be an underestimation, as it is well known that in many developing countries suicide tends to be grossly under-reported. In the month of Ramadan of 2012 a private news channel surveyed that near about 300 people attempted suicide during Ramadan and this rate of suicide is very alarming and surprising. Particularly, many factors are associated with the phenomena of suicide which cannot be treated in isolation from the societal and emotional factors compelling a person to think about this act. Like other developing countries, Pakistan, too, faces the dilemma of increasing cases of suicide. Suicide is view different in every society depending on its culture and religion. For instance, Islam, Judaism, Christianity and some western cultures take it negative and sin. Its wrongly consider as a result of mental illness. Even in some societies it is considered a crime. But on the other hand, in certain situation its regarded as a symbol of honor like suicide bombers, in battle, etc. Larsson et al. (1998) reported that the probability of suicidal attempts in course of an individual life could be assessed by the history of suicide in ones family members or other social network like friends etc and also by considering the level of suicidal ideation. Suicide is considered as a major preventable public health issue and ranked on 8th leading cause of death world overall. It may have also origins from cultural and social pressure often in case of isolation, although, the act of suicide is varied in distinctive cultures and ages. Many decades back suicide was understood the issue of only western countries. Since 1960s somewhat suicide cases reported in under develop countries including Pakistan but in Pakistan no official statistic data record were available. Nevertheless, reported cases are considered under estimated. Khan et al. (2008) a study conducted in Karachi, reported that risk factors of suicide include, negative and desperate or stress full events, marital status (marriage), unemployment, and psychiatric disorder are considerable indicators of suicide. There was some other evidence suggested by NGOs, newspaper reports, police that the suicide ratio has slowly been raising in Pakistan from the last few years. The increasing inclination has been very theatrical with almost 3,000 cases of suicide being reported in 2001 nationally, Even this is considered to be an underestimation, as it is well known that in many developing countries suicide tends to be grossly under-reported. Bertolote and Fleischmann (2002) every year near about one million people die due to suicide universally. According to a report by WHO less number of suicide cases are reported by outside of western countries especially from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia. These less reported cases of Pakistan may be the result of unavailability of official record of suicide in earlier decades and secondly, it is an understudied subject in Pakistan. Many factors including religion, legal and social issues make it difficult to collect data regarding suicidal behaviors. However, in the month of Ramadan of 2012 a private news channel surveyed that near about 300 people attempted suicide during Ramadan and rate of suicide is very alarming and surprising. This proportion is very threatening especially an underdeveloped country with lesser reporting record of suicidal cases globally. Khan et al. (2000) numerous hurdles are present in open discussion of phenomenon of suicide in predominantly Muslim country Pakistan. However, suicide is view different in every society depending on its culture and religion. For instance, Islam, Judaism, Christianity and some western cultures take it negative and sin. Its wrongly consider as a result of mental illness. Even in some societies it is considered a crime. But on the other hand, in certain situation its regarded as a symbol of honor like suicide bombers, in battle, etc. Particularly, many factors are associated with the phenomena of suicide which cannot be treated in isolation from the societal and emotional factors compelling a person to think about this act. Like other developing countries, Pakistan, too, faces the dilemma of increasing cases of suicide. Hassan et al. (2009) two years based research an analysis of suicide findings shows more than 300 suicides were committed in different cities of Pakistan. It reported that mostly men who commit suicide were unmarried and men 2:1 0utnumber of females. While in case of women a quite opposite result of men has found. Majority of suicidal committers were under the age of 30 the most prominent reason for suicide was domestic problems such as health issues, poverty, social pressure, forced marriages, marital conflicts. On the other side the most common adopted method of suicide were firearms, insecticides and hanging. Anonymous (1989) a cross national research on 71 nation result showed that an independent effect of Islam in lowering the rate of suicide is considerable when others factors like economic imbalance and social injustice are controlled. However, study showed Muslim countries as compare to non Muslim countries have considerable less suicidal ratio. Nevertheless, suicides occur on regular basis in Muslim countries also because some remarkable evidence has met by many Muslim countries like Bangladesh, Iran, and Turkey. Mahmood (1989) study evidence showed the underestimated death by suicide perhaps due to legal procedure by which one is subject of convicted and financial penalty. Analyzing the report of 17 Islamic countries reports experts say that this is due to cultural and religious impact that in many Islamic countries suicide is culturall

Charles Dickens :: GCSE English Literature Coursework

Charles Dickens   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Charles John Huffman Dickens was born in Portsmouth on Feb. 7,1812. He moved with his family to London when he was about 2 years old. Many events and people in his books were based on events and people in his life. He was the son of a clerk who was imprisoned for debt. Even when his father was free, there was not enough money to support the family adequately. So Charles was taken out of school at the age of 12 to go to work in a factory pasting labels on bottles. He only had the job for a few months, but the shock affected him deeply. The images of prison life and of mistreated or lost children appeared in many of his novels.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Charles attended school off and on until the age of 15 when he left for good. He loved reading and was influenced by some of the early English writers like William Shakespeare. But most of his knowledge that he used as an author came from what he observed around him. He was a keen observer of life and had a great understanding of human nature, particularly of young people.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Dickens became a newspaper reporter in the late 1820’s. He covered debates in Parliament and wrote feature articles of the ever changing London scene. Dickens’ first publication was done under the pseudonym Boz in 1836. It consisted of articles he wrote for the “Monthly Magazine'; and the “Evening Chronicle.'; These articles surveyed manners and conditions of the time.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Dickens’ personal unhappiness marred his public success. In 1836, he married Catherine Hogarth. Her sister, Mary, died in 1837 and Dickens suffered great grief. This led many to believe that he loved Mary more than his wife. Although Catherine was not real intelligent, she was a good woman. She and Charles had 10 children, but they separated in 1858, after 22 years of marriage.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Dickens had a lot of mental and physical energy. He recorded his activities in thousand of letters. They were very enjoyable reading. He crowded his social life with friends from the world of art and literature. He enjoyed drama and went to the theater as much as he could. After he became rich and famous, he made a hobby of producing and acting in amateur theatrical productions. He also was successful in giving public readings of his works. He also busied himself with various charities for schools for poor children and a loan society to enable the poor to move to Australia.