David Koresh, Leader of Deadly Branch Davidians Cult

David Koresh, Leader of Deadly Branch Davidians Cult David Koresh (August 17, 1959–April 19, 1993) was the charismatic leader of a religious sect known as the Branch Davidians. During a deadly standoff in Waco, Texas with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), Koresh and more than 80 of his followers were killed. Early Years David Koresh (born Vernon Wayne Howell) was born in Texas to a fourteen-year-old mother. He never knew his father, who broke up with his mother before she gave birth. The young Koresh Howells mother later moved in with a violent and abusive man. When Koresh was four years old, he was sent to be raised by his maternal grandmother, but when he was seven, his mother got married and he went back to live with her and her new husband. However, he still attended religious services regularly with his grandmother, who took him to her Seventh Day Adventist church. As a teenager, Koresh struggled with dyslexia and was placed in special education classes. He was considered awkward and unpopular. He dropped out of school before his senior year of high school, and in his early twenties, he committed statutory rape, resulting in a 15-year-old girls pregnancy. He was later thrown out of his mother’s evangelical church after pursuing the pastor’s teenage daughter and saying that God had ordered him to marry her. By the early eighties, he moved to Waco, where he joined the Branch Davidians at their Mount Carmel Center. Within a year or so, Koresh was claiming to have the gift of prophecy. Sygma via Getty Images / Getty Images The Branch Davidians When Koresh joined the Branch Davidians, it is believed he was involved in a sexual relationship Lois Roden, the wife of Branch Davidian founder Benjamin Roden. Koresh said that God wanted him to father a child with Lois, who was 65 years old at the time, and that this child would be the â€Å"chosen one.† His interest in Lois soon waned, however, and in 1984 he claimed that God wanted him to marry a 14 year old named Rachel Jones. In 1984, Jones parents gave her permission to marry Koresh, who had at this point adopted the Koresh name (though he would not change it legally until 1990). After escalated infighting between Koresh and the Roden family, particularly Lois’ son George, Koresh and Jones left in 1995, along with 25 other members of the group. They moved to Palestine, Texas, 90 miles away from Waco, and lived in buses and tents for several years. Koresh used this period to recruit new members, not only from Texas but from California, Israel, and the United Kingdom. Following Lois Roden’s death., Koresh and George Roden found themselves battling for control of the Waco compound. George challenged Koresh to a spiritual duel of sorts, involving the resurrection of a corpse. Koresh took advantage of the opportunity to go to law enforcement and get George out of the way once and for all. He was told he’d need to provide evidence that George had illegally exhumed a dead body, and when he and seven supporters arrived at the compound, a gunfight erupted. George Roden was injured, and Koresh and his men were arrested. When they explained that they were on the property to gather evidence of abuse of a corpse, they were acquitted of the charges of attempted murder.   In 1989, George Roden was himself charged with murder after killing one of his own supporters with an axe (the man had claimed to be the true Messiah). Once Roden was sent to a psychiatric prison, Koresh and his followers were able to raise the money to purchase the Waco property themselves. Accusations of Abuse There were repeated accusations against Koresh of statutory rape and â€Å"spiritual marriages with underage women. Koresh claimed to have fathered children with several women and girls in the group; he said he had received a revelation from God, telling him to father two dozen children to serve as leaders once the Rapture came. There were also claims that Koresh and other members of the group were physically abusing children. One incident involved the beating of Koresh’s three-year-old son Cyrus. A lengthy investigation by Child Protective Services was launched. Michelle Jones, one of the alleged victims, was assigned a surrogate husband to throw investigators off the trail. The investigators ultimately failed to turn up any concrete evidence. Meanwhile, Koresh and his followers had begun stockpiling weapons, forming an â€Å"Army of God,† to prepare for the apocalypse. Koresh claimed to have cracked the code of the Book of Revelations and warned that the End Times were near. Shelly Katz / Getty Images The Waco Standoff In February 1993, federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) went to the Waco compound to serve a warrant for illegal firearms and take Koresh into custody. The raid turned into a four-hour gunfight. At its conclusion, four ATF agents and six of Koresh’s followers were dead. This led to a standoff, which lasted 51 days.   Did You Know? In the years since Waco, law enforcement officials have spent time studying the failed raid and the standoff itself in an effort to determine what went wrong. As a result, several changes have been made to federal law enforcement protocols in cases of hostage situations.   Negotiators from the ATF and the FBI worked endlessly to end the standoff, and a few of the Branch Davidian members were able to exit the compound safely. However, more than 80 men, women, and children, remained inside.  The ATF and the FBI used tear gas in an effort to end the siege. In response, the Branch Davidians continued the gunfire. As a result, the compound caught on fire. A few people managed to escape the fire, but 76 were killed. Most died when the compound collapsed during the blaze, while others were killed by gunshot wounds, including Koresh, who was found shot in the head. It has never been determined whether Koresh killed himself, or whether he was shot by another member of the group. Nearly two dozen of the dead were under the age of 17.

Cohesion Definition and Examples in Chemistry

Cohesion Definition and Examples in Chemistry The word cohesion comes from the Latin word  cohaerere, which means to stick together or stay together. In chemistry, cohesion is a measure of how well molecules stick to each other or group together.  It is caused by the cohesive  attractive force between like molecules. Cohesion is an intrinsic property of a molecule, determined by its shape, structure, and electric charge distribution. When cohesive molecules approach each other, the electrical attraction between portions of each molecule holds them together. Cohesive forces are responsible for surface tension, the resistance of a surface to rupture when under stress or tension. Examples A common example of cohesion is the behavior of water molecules. Each water molecule can form four  hydrogen bonds with neighbor molecules. The strong Coulomb attraction between the molecules draws them together or makes them sticky. Because the water molecules are more strongly attracted to each other than to other molecules, they form droplets on surfaces (e.g., dew drops) and form a dome when filling a container before spilling over the sides. The surface tension produced by cohesion makes it possible for light objects to float on water without sinking (e.g., water striders walking on water). Another cohesive substance is mercury. Mercury atoms are strongly attracted to each other; they bead together on surfaces. Mercury sticks to itself when it flows. Cohesion  vs. Adhesion Cohesion and adhesion are commonly confused terms. While cohesion refers to the attraction between molecules of the same type, adhesion refers to the attraction between two different types of molecules. A combination of cohesion and adhesion is responsible for capillary action, which is what happens when water climbs up the interior of a thin glass tube or the stem of a plant. Cohesion holds the water molecules together, while adhesion helps the water molecules stick to glass or plant tissue. The smaller the diameter of the tube, the higher water can travel up it. Cohesion and adhesion are also responsible for the meniscus of liquids in glasses. The meniscus of water in a glass is highest where the water is in contact with the glass, forming a curve with its low point in the middle. The adhesion between the water and glass molecules is stronger than the cohesion between the water molecules. Mercury, on the other hand, forms a convex meniscus. The curve formed by the liquid is lowest where the metal touches the glass and highest in the middle. Thats because mercury atoms are more attracted to each other by cohesion than they are to glass by adhesion. Because the shape of the meniscus depends partly on adhesion, it will not have the same curvature if the material is changed. The meniscus of water in a glass tube is more curved than it is in a plastic tube. Some types of glass are treated with a wetting agent or surfactant to reduce the amount of adhesion so that capillary action is reduced and also so that a container delivers more water when it is poured out. Wettability or wetting, the capacity for a liquid to spread out on a surface, is another property affected by cohesion and adhesion.

The song Dressin Up by Katy Perry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The song Dressin Up by Katy Perry - Essay Example ?s the night/ I’m dressing up for you The feminist theory does not support sexual submission for women, arguing that sexual submissiveness refers to a subordinate position for women which can also set back the advantages which have been secured by women throughout the years (McRobbie, 2004). Such advantages include the fact that women are no longer sexual objects, they are individuals who are beyond such elements of sexual depravity and debasement. The feminist theory also glories in women fulfilling goals, regardless of traditional gender dictates (McRobbie, 2004). Bringing in sexuality to the discussion of feminine rights and qualities is a step back from the fulfilment of these goals, especially since sexuality objectifies women as nothing more than sexual objects. It is important however to note that in equalizing the sexuality of men and women, the lyrics of Katy Perry suggest the presence of a female sexual aggressor, one which is far removed from the sexually submissive individual (Hopkins, 1994). As opposed to the tradition of women being the sexually submissive parties, Katy Perry’s lyrics suggest a sexually active and sexually aggressive female partner, one who initiates the sexual experience with the male party. In general however, the tone of the song is opposed to the ideals of feminism and gender equality. The lyrics, ‘I’m dressin’ up for you’ evoke an act which to most feminists is contrary to what they seek for women – gender equality (Moi, 2008). The feminist theory objects to any action which is made for the opposite gender, and they point out that such actions degrade women. Women must do things to please themselves, not to please the opposite gender. This concept reverts back to the need to do away with the past traditions where women... The feminist theory does not support sexual submission for women, arguing that sexual submissiveness refers to a subordinate position for women which can also set back the advantages which have been secured by women throughout the years (McRobbie, 2004).   Such advantages include the fact that women are no longer sexual objects, they are individuals who are beyond such elements of sexual depravity and debasement.   The feminist theory also glories in women fulfilling goals, regardless of traditional gender dictates (McRobbie, 2004).   Bringing in sexuality to the discussion of feminine rights and qualities is a step back from the fulfilment of these goals, especially since sexuality objectifies women as nothing more than sexual objects.   It is important however to note that in equalizing the sexuality of men and women, the lyrics of Katy Perry suggest the presence of a female sexual aggressor, one which is far removed from the sexually submissive individual (Hopkins, 1994).à ‚   As opposed to the tradition of women being the sexually submissive parties, Katy Perry’s lyrics suggest a sexually active and sexually aggressive female partner, one who initiates the sexual experience with the male party.   In general however, the tone of the song is opposed to the ideals of feminism and gender equality.   The lyrics, ‘I’m dressin’ up for you’ evoke an act which to most feminists is contrary to what they seek for women – gender equality. The song also evokes some sexual bondage and masochism with the words ‘dominatrix’ and ‘tied.’

Provide a report to describe how you would plan a survey for this Essay

Provide a report to describe how you would plan a survey for this purpose - Essay Example The first requirement is regarding sample population and the data collection procedure for obtaining required information (Rubin, 2008, p. 59). Access to the sample population of visitors can be in various tourist areas, shopping malls, and other visitor attractions. Therefore, one can conduct the survey at multiple locations where visitors are likely to be. Once researchers decide about sites of the survey, a sample population must be chosen and the number of visitors to be surveyed must be decided. For instance, approximately one hundred visitor opinions can be an adequate number of responses needed for the results of the survey for generalization. After this, surveyors can focus on parameters or controls for age, gender, marital status, number of children, and income. Hence, out of the 100 respondents surveyed, 50 can be female and 50 can be male. Then the research team should divide participants further into age brackets to ensure that results may indicate opinion of people belonging to different age brackets (Schaeffer et al, 2011, pp. 112-115). The data should be collected via a verbal survey in which visitors are stopped at the site of the survey and requested to answer a few quick questions. The interviewer should fill out the questionnaire him/herself and ask a limited number of questions, which should mostly be close-ended. It is important that the first few questions should relate to personal characteristics, such as age bracket, occupation, family size, and income. Subsequently, the questions should focus on the types of shops and the types of services people visit while staying in Canterbury City. It is important that the survey should ask information regarding spending of customers on different activities and products, and if possible, regarding total budget of the visit. An efficient way will be to include quick questions regarding personal interests along with types of

Intercultural communicaton analysis Essay Example for Free

Intercultural communicaton analysis Essay The life of every personality is deeply affected by a myriad of intercultural affiliations that affect a person’s ability to interact with other people and be seen by them from a specific viewpoint. Intercultural communication is likely to be particularly affected by cultural stereotypes. Therefore, each person’s life is shaped to a great degree by cross-cultural perceptions and co-cultural affiliations. In my personal case, I have a variety of cultural affiliations that have a direct influence on my life. In the first place, a lot of facets of my experience depend on my physical characteristics, such as my female gender. Being of that gender, I have a different kind of experience with other people, as it seems easier to bond with girls than with boys on certain subjects, and some aspects of physical work and sports are naturally harder for me because of my weaker constitution. In addition to gender, my life is also impacted by my ethnic origin and religious tradition. Being Turkish and Muslim, I tend to follow the rules and norms prescribed by our faith. Thus, I pray five times a day, observe the Ramadan, and attend meetings in the local mosque. As a result, my lifestyle puts me in contact with a lot of Muslims who constitute my immediate circle of communication. In communication with other cultural and religious groups, I have to recognize that my principles and habits are different from most people. Many of my peers, for instance, find it strange that I do not eat or drink by daylight for the entire month of Ramadan. This makes me pause and explain to them the significance of the fast and what it means to me as a Muslim. Being Muslim does not in itself give an exhaustive description of my cultural identity since I have also been exposed to a number of other cultural influences. I am Turkish, and our culture differs in many ways from that of Arabic countries or that of Iran. In addition, I speak English as a second language and went to a French high school. Thus, for me, as for many of my younger countrymen, European cultural influences proved a great impact. I have been watching European movies and read European books since childhood. Knowing English, I was also exposed to the US cultural influence, watching Hollywood blockbusters and interacting with American peers. Belonging to a certain category, one is always an easy target for stereotypes. Thus, it so happened that I am an only child, so many believe that I am spoiled. In a talk with a classmate at school, I had to give examples of household chores that I do at home to dispel his notion of my being utterly â€Å"spoiled†. He only believed me after I told him how I could cook myself the whole dinner for the family at the age of 10. On the other hand, communicating with older people, I have to correct their understanding of college students as spoiled, rough, and careless. Sometimes, I feel as if these qualities are attributed to me by default simply because young people are portrayed in this way in a variety of movies. I try to combat this stereotype by taking time to talk to them at length about my studies and future career plans. I think it gives them an idea that I am serious about college as a way to a better life, not just a socializing event. In this way, my life has been infused with a variety of cultural influences that made me the person I am. At times, it can be difficult to balance many of them, such commitment to my faith with realities of college life here in the US. However, I do my best to try and find a sound approach that will dispel stereotypes and allow me to retain my unique identity. Reference Neuliep, J. W. (2000). Intercultural Communication: A Contextual Approach. Houghton Mifflin.

Phenomenology of the Spirit Essay example -- Philosophy Philosophical

Phenomenology of the Spirit ABSTRACT: The idea of spirit in its highest form takes a gathering character, where all is attracted by what Hegel called the world idea, an absolute spirit, and by what modern science understands as human psychological and social (consciousness) recognition. Included in this are unusual abilities like extrasensory perception, clairvoyance, telepathy, etc. The sensibility of the pointed problems can be more fruitfully realized within a new phenomenology of the spirit. This is distinguished from Hegel by the fact that spirit is considered as non-destroyed attribute or matter’s property (quality). If Hegel considered the absolute idea as the outcoming principle or substantial base of being, then a new phenomenology of spirit must be abstracted from the question stated of the primary and secondary character of the material and ideal in a global plan. But this conception of the materialistic philosophy should be over comprehended, where spiritual is considered as the secondary phe nomenon, so as the secondary in comparison with the material side of being. This new phenomenology of the spirit is based on the Hegelian and Marxist traditions’ overcomprehension in a quality of the main idea which takes up the subjective content and spiritual material base — its material-ideal nature. Both a society and an individual possess such qualities and properties that cannot be understood only through the conventional ideology of objective, material being. There exist spiritual phenomena as well, understood here as everything linked to consciousness, psychology, feelings, perception etc. These are mostly connected with human beings and human society. At the same time the science actively discuss subjects not connec... ...been understood as secondary phenomenon, Thus having lesser importance in comparison with the material aspect of existence. The new phenomenology of spirit, based upon reconsideration of Hegel / Marx tradition, can have as its main idea the subjective contents and material basis of spiritual, in other words — its material-ideal nature. It seems that in the nearest future such interpretation of the nature of spiritual will become more definite. Nowadays the new data is collected, new ideas are put forward, sometimes lying rather far from a single equivocal appraisal. The intellectual situation of the border of two centuries and two millennia is sometimes thought of as critical, even deadlock. However, the tendency of developing knowledge is such that the current processes will serve the basis for new paradigms of cognition, for the ultimate qualitative breakthrough.

Questionnaire On Marketing In Branded Clothing

The company was established in the year 1994 as a small design studio in a 200 sq. Ft. Space in Chennai; today derby makes its presence through 33 exclusive stores & 238 multibrand outlets across the southern states.Until 2008, the brand’s presence was confined to a single outlet in Chennai. Post 2008, the brand has spread its wings methodically not only in geographic spread but also in its product profile.The brand’s journey to its present size is in fact a mirror image of its promoter’s vision of life- positive, never-say-die & full of life. Mr Vijay Kapoor, the 37 year old managing director of the company, started life in a very humble way as a salesman selling concepts. Today, his vision has turned a phenomenal success that â€Å"derby† is.STORY OF THE COMPANYIn 1994, Vijay Kapoor wanted to launch a strikingly different menswear brand. He was looking for a stand-out name. He chose DERBY. Because the name sounded international. And it cued adventure, fu n, competitiveness, a daring spirit and above all was very macho. The ground rules were very clear. Instead of being all things to everybody, DERBY decided to stay focused on men who seek the very best in whatever they do, whatever they buy. When DERBY entered the fashion market, the field was crowded. But there was no brand offering choice and class in the semi-format segment at an affordable price. DERBY plugged this gap. When it was fashionable for apparel brands to be available at multi-brand outlets, DERBY chose the Exclusive Store route. And consequently, the DERBY Flagship Stores were born. In multi-brand outlets, DERBY opted for a shop-within-a-shop strategy to maintain the air of exclusivity.Derby does not just sell a commodity. It welcomes every new member into a community that stands for freedom & success. Derby Jeans Community is the only brand in the world that works on adding believers rather than just selling to customers. The brand believes in creating the best commu nity around and this community will make a difference in every sphere of life. Freedom & success for everyone!Chennai-based, fast fashion retailer – Derby Clothing, has major expansion plans on the anvil, which include unveiling stores in major fashion capitals across the globe. Plans also include opening flagship stores in Delhi, Mumbai and Pune. It is also open to the idea of opening stores even in smaller towns like Ranchi, Siliguri, Vijayawada, etc.Derby is foraying into all major cities and smaller towns across the country. It is looking to increase the number of stores from the present 34 to 70 by the end of the year. The brand will be present in a number of premium malls and high streets in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Bangalore Durgapur, Bhopal, Jamshedpur, etc.Derby offers varied ranges of denim jeans with fits like slim, slim straight and comfort and in shirts they provide fits like comfort, muscle and slim, mainly targeted at the youngsters . Alongside, Derby is also adding certain product ranges to the current collection to differentiate its offerings, considering that it is expanding in to various parts of the country. Its Autumn/Winter 2011 collection will compromise of a comprehensive collection of jackets, sweatshirts and waistcoats along with fashion denims, shirts, t-shirts, trousers and accessories.Explaining the rational, behind opening stores in smaller towns and cities, Vijay Kapoor, MD – Derby Clothing said, â€Å"Small towns have increasingly developed a higher level of acceptance, for fashion apparel especially in the men’s wear segment. We have been pleasantly surprised by the response we have received in the towns that we currently operate in. This gives us an opportunity to tap other small towns across the country as part of our expansion process†.Revealing their marketing and promotional strategies, he informed, â€Å"Marketing and promotional activities will be directly focused on the youth of the country. Being in a country that has the highest population of youngsters has proven to be an advantage to a youth-centric brand like Derby Jeans Community. On ground activities, rock shows, college cultural functions, fashion shows etc. are part of the marketing strategy that we follow to reach out to the fashionable youth†.Explaining the rationale behind Derby products being branded as fast fashion, he said, â€Å"On an average most jeans wear brands in the country offer 20% fashion products and 80% basic or core products. Derby Jeans Community, on the contrary, offers 80% fashion apparel and only 20% basic or core products. This essentially makes Derby Jeans Community the only truly fashionable men’s Jeans wear brand in the country†.Position of the CompanyThe company recorded a turnover Rs 6 crore in 2000 from its four outlets in Chennai. As part of its expansion plan, the company is planning to take up premium multi-brand concept apart fro m enhancing its network.After the inauguration of the new outlet of Derby Fashion Wear in the city today, the company’s fifth outlet and first in the state, Vijay Kapoor, the managing director of Derby Clothing, said: â€Å"There is a room for value-plus brand and we are on the way to exploit the branded segment. Today’s consumer is fully aware of quality and our product range has been designed for the 22-35 age groups. We will open two more outlets in the city in the next two months. We are aiming at Rs 2 crore turnover in the first year of operation,† he said.Giving details about the future plans, Kapoor said that the company would expand to Karnataka and Kerala next year and the national marketing would also be taken up in 2005. The company has two units at Tirupati and Bangalore with a total capacity of 1,400 garments per day. â€Å"The current requirement is at 1,500 garments per day and we are meeting the extra demand by outsourcing,† Kapoor said.Th e other name for style and sophistication, Derby Clothing is a premium casual and formal wear brand for men renowned for its trendsetting ready to wear collection. Paradise for the ultimate and die hard shopaholics, it offers a wide spectrum of casuals and formal wears made from avant garde fabrics, available in a diverse range of styles and patterns. Largely catering to the city's ever so choosy fashion savvy junta, this Derby Clothing store is housed within the premises of Spencer Plaza in Anna Salai. This 10 years old store, besides its impressive and exclusive line up of clothing has an eye catching array of funky accessories that include belts and ties which you can club with your attire. You can indulge into its staggering collection of apparels and accessories on any day of the week from 9:45 AM to 9 PM. Derby Clothing also accepts all major credit cards.

Nigerian government Essay

1: Could the alleged payment of bribes to Nigerian government officials by Jeffrey Tesler be considered â€Å"facilitating payments† or â€Å"speed money† under the terms of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act? Answer: After this all came out in June 2004, Halliburton promptly fired Jack Stanley and severed its long-standing relationship with Jeffrey Tesler, asking its three partners in the Nigeria consortium to do the same. The United States Justice Department took things further, establishing a grand jury investigation to determine if Halliburton, through its KBR subsidiary, had been in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. In November 2004 the Justice Department widened its investigation to include payments in connection with the Nigeria fertilizer plant that Kellogg had been involved with during the 1980s under the leadership of Jack Stanley. In March 2005, the Justice Department also stated that it was looking at whether Jack Stanley had tried to coordinate bidding with rivals and fix prices on certain foreign construction projects. As of mid 2007, the U.S. investigation was still ongoing. 2: Irrespective of the legality of any payments that may have been made by Tesler, do you think it is was reasonable for KBR to hire him as anintermediary? Answer: Tesler’s involvement in the project might have remained unknown were it not for an unrelated event. Georges Krammer, an employee of the French company Technip, which along with KBR was a member of the consortium, was charged by the French government for embezzlement. When Technip refused to defend Krammer, he turned around and aired what he perceived to be Technip’s dirty linen. This included the payments to Tesler to secure the Nigeria LNG contracts. 3. Given the known corruption of the Abacha government in Nigeria, should Kellogg and its successor, KBR, have had a policy in place to deal with bribery and corruption? What might that policy have looked like?Answer: It is not known whether a bribe was actually paid. What is known is that in December 1995, Nigeria awarded the $2 billion contract to the KBR consortium. The LNG plant soon became a success. Nigeria contracted to build a second plant in 1999, two more in 2002, and a sixth in July 2004. KBR rehired Jeffrey Tesler in 1999 and again in 2001 to help secure the new contracts, all of which it won. In total, Tesler was paid some $132.3 million from 1994 through to early 2004 by the KBR consortium. 4. Should Kellogg have walked away from the Nigerian LNG project once it became clear that the payment of bribes might be required to secure the contract? Answer: The KBR consortium was one of two to submit a bid on the initial contract, and its bid was the lower of the two. By early 1995 the KBR consortium was deep in final negotiations on the contract. It was at this point that Nigeria’s oil minister had a falling out with the country’s military dictator, General Abacha, and was replaced by Dan Etete. Etete proved to be far less accommodating to the KBR consortium, and suddenly the entire deal looked to be in jeopardy. According to some observers, Dan Etete was a tough customer who immediately began to use his influence over the LNG project for personal gain. Whether this is true or not, what is known is that the KBR consortium quickly entered into a contract with the British lawyer, Jeffrey Tesler. The contract, signed by a Kellogg executive, called on Tesler to obta in government permits for the LGN project, maintain good relations with government officials, and provide advice on sales strategy. Tesler’s fee for these services was $60 million. 5. There is evidence that Jack Stanley, the former head of M.W. Kellogg and KBR, may have taken kickback payments from Tesler. At least one other former Kellogg employee, Wojciech Chodan, may have taken kickback payments. What does this tell you about the possible nature of the ethical climate at Kellogg and then KBR? Answer: This turn of events led French and Swiss officials to investigate Tesler’s Swiss bank accounts. They discovered that Tesler was â€Å"kicking back† some of the funds he received to executives in the consortium and subcon-tractors. One of the alleged kickbacks was a transfer of $5 million from Tesler’s account to that of Albert J. â€Å"Jack† Stanley, who was head of M.W. Kellogg and then Halliburton’s KBR unit. Tesler also transferred some $2.5 million into Swiss bank accounts held under a false name by the Nigerian oil minister, Dan Etete. Other payments included a $1 million transfer into an account controlled by Wojciech Cho dan, the former Kellogg executive whose extensive hand-written notes suggest the payment of a bribe to General Abacha and payment of $5 million to a German subcontractor on the LNG project in exchange for â€Å"information and advice.† 6. Should Halliburton be called into account if it is shown that its KBR unit used bribery to gain business in Nigeria? To what extent should a corporation and its officers be held accountable for ethically suspect activities by the managers in one of its subsidiaries, particularly given that many of those activities were initiated before the subsidiary was owned by Halliburton? Answer: In early 2005, however, Halliburton put KBR up for sale. The sale was seen as an attempt by Halliburton to distance itself from several scandals that had engulfed KBR. One of these concerned allegations that KBR had systematically overcharged the Pentagon for services it provided to the U.S. military in Iraq. Another scandal centered on the Nigerian LNG plants and involved KBR employees, several former officials of the Nigeria government, and a mysterious British lawyer called Jeffrey Tesler. The roots of the Nigerian scandal date back to 1994 when Kellogg and its consortium partners were trying to win an initial contract from the Nigerian government to build two LNG plants. The contract was valued at around $2 billion. Each of the four firms held a 25 percent stake in the consortium, and each had veto power over its decisions. Kellogg employees held many of the top positions at the consortium, and two of the other members, Technip of France and JGC of Japan, have claimed that Kellogg managed the consortium (the fourth member, ENI of Italy, has not made any statement regarding management).

Lars and the real girl

Lars and the real girl Introduction Though the genre of the movie Lars and the real girl released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 2007 can be defined as comedy-drama, the plot of the picture is based on real life psychological concepts. But for the enormously sympathetic attitude of the inhabitants of the town towards Lars and his delusions, the plot of the film seems plausible.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Lars and the real girl specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Even though it produces comic effect upon the audience, the non-pharmacological intervention strategy implemented for treating delusional disorder in Lars, the main character of the film, is effective and corresponds to the results of the real life empirical research. Film concepts The development of the events in Lars and the real girl is based upon the delusional disorder of the main character Lars Lindstrom. Living in a garage and having difficulties with communicating wit h his relatives, co-workers and especially representatives of the opposite sex, Lars orders a lifelike doll Bianca from the online store and persists that she is a real girl (Lars and the real girl). It is significant that Lars actually has difficulties even in communicating with his doll as he refuses any kind of intimacy with her, making Bianca sleep in a separate room. Lars’ delusions were so strong that even at the end of the film he announces that Bianca dies instead of obtaining a more sensible view of the surrounding reality. On the one hand, Dagmar as the family doctor chooses the most appropriate intervention strategy for treating the main character by establishing confidential relationships with him. On the other hand, the community creates favorable conditions for Lars’ recovery by treating Bianca as a real person and even involving the doll into volunteer programs and employing her as a model in a clothing store. The sympathy of the inhabitants of the town is touching as they even attend Bianca’s funeral (Lars and the real girl). The community’s attitude and feelings of Margo, Lars’ co-worker who is interested in Lars disregarding his obvious disorder, are the only details of the plot of the film which lack feasibility. As a rule, the individuals with delusional disorders are not met with open arms by the community. The sympathetic attitude of the inhabitants of the town not only creates plenty of comic situations, but also contributes to the atmosphere which was favorable for enhancing the effectiveness of Lars’ treatment.Advertising Looking for research paper on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Lars’ case of delusional disorder with analysis of its main causes, symptoms and intervention strategies are central to the movie Lars and the real girl. Combining plausible data on psychological disorder and the enormously sym pathetic attitude of the community to Lars’ delusions, the author achieves the comic and dramatic affects at the same time. History of the concept of delusional disorder The concepts of paranoia and delusional disorders have been evolved over time and underwent a number of changes through continuing research and practical application of the findings. The term ‘paranoia’ was coined by ancient Greek and was combined of two stems which can be translated as ‘besides’ and ‘self’ or ‘mind’ (Grover et al, 2006, p. 62). This term was used for defining the conditions in which primarily cognition but not perception was disturbed. Kraepelin is known for making a significant contribution to the definition of the concept and distinguishing paranoia from other disorders. According to Kraepelin theories, the only behavioral changes in patients with delusional disorder were associated with their delusional beliefs, while the personality cou ld be preserved even if the illnesses lasted for several decades (Grover et al, 2006, p. 62). Kruger (1917) as one of Kraepelin’s followers claimed that the system of delusions does not go beyond the realms of possibility and can be logically assumed. Bleuler (1920) broadened the definition of the concept, discussing the occurrence of hallucinations and emphasizing the appearance of paranoid symptoms in other conditions (Grover et al, 2006, p. 62). In 1987, however, this condition was renamed as delusional disorder due, while the term ‘paranoia’ was recognized as vague and inappropriately applied (Manschreck and Kahn 2006). In general, as it can be seen from the above mentioned historical overview, the cases of delusional disorders have been known since ancient times. Disregarding the chosen terminology and theoretical framework, the definition of this illness is based upon the disturbance of the patient’s cognition while perception and the rest of persona l characteristics are preserved undisturbed. This definition is applicable to Lars’ case depicted in the movie under consideration, taking into account that the main character seems to be relatively normal but for the perception of the doll as a real girl.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Lars and the real girl specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Definition and classifications of delusional disorder Currently, the concept of delusional disorder is defined as the condition â€Å"characterized by the presence of one or more nonbizarre delusions and the relative absence of associated psychopathology† (O’Conor et al, 2007, p. 183). Depending upon the content of the delusions and the corresponding patients’ behavior, the delusions are subdivided into several main types. The first type which is defined as persecutory comprises individuals who believe that they are malevolently treated. The second type is called somatic and includes patients who believe that they have a certain physical disorder. The third type of delusional disorder is defined as erotomanic and is associated with belief in love at a distance. The patients with the third type may persist that they are in relationship with celebrities. The fourth type is jealous and is associated with belief in an unfaithful partner. The fifth type is called a grandiose one and is associated with belief in enormous power or knowledge (O’Conor et al, 2007, p. 184). Implementing the above-mentioned classification for Lars’ case, it can be stated that the main character of the movie under consideration can be diagnosed as a peculiar modification of erotomanic type. As opposed to the primary definition, there is no distance between Lars and Bianca as the object of his dreams, but he intentionally creates it by refusing any kind of intimacy and making the doll live in a separate room. It might seem that the do ll is intended to solve Lars’ problems with communication and isolation, but experiencing difficulties even with Bianca, the main character demonstrates the level of his communicative problems and the strength of his belief that Bianca is a real girl. Main causes and symptoms of delusional disorder The main theories meant to explain the causes of delusional disorder can be subdivided into three main groups, including those of cognitive, psychophysiological and psychodynamic theories on occurrence, development, maintenance and content of delusional beliefs. Cognitive theories as the first subgroup explain the occurrence of delusions with cognitive deficit, inability to draw logical conclusions from the available information and the distorted thinking. The second subgroup focuses on abnormal perceptual experiences following the normal cognitive processes, explaining the occurrence of delusions with anomalous psychophysiological mechanisms involved into the perceptual process an d responsible for interpreting the information retrieved from the surrounding world.Advertising Looking for research paper on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The third subgroup of psychodynamic theories places special emphasis upon motivational factors. It should be noted that all these theories are rather complementary than mutually exclusive. Malancharuvil (2004) noted that â€Å"a combination of factors could influence the formation and maintenance of delusions† (p. 163). Apart from theoretical research concerning the origin and explanation of delusional disorder in general, when treating a certain patient, practitioners have to answer two main questions concerning the roots of disorder in every particular case and the reasons for the formation of the peculiar type of delusions in every single patient. Proper diagnosis and a comprehensive understanding of the underlying causes of the symptoms would allow selecting the most appropriate and effective intervention strategies. In the course of time, the formation of delusions in patients has been explained with genetic predisposition, cultural and personal experience. Regarding the genetic predispositions, reviewing the results of the latest studies of the issue, it is possible to find the evidence supporting the contradicting hypotheses on the role of genetics in the occurrence of delusions in individuals. For example, according to the results of the study by Morimoto et al (2002), â€Å"polymorphism of the DRD2, DRD3 and/or TH gene was part of the genetic basis underlying the hyperdopaminergic state that produced paranoid symptoms† (Grover et al, 2006, p. 69). On the other hand, the findings of Cardno and McGuffin (2006) prove that there is no sufficient evidence for proving the links between the genetic predispositions and formation of delusional disorders and further research along with wider samples are required for establishing these relationships. Regarding Lars’ case, it is hard to define whether the disorder of the main character has got the genetic roots. However, taking into account the subnormal behavior of his father who blames Lars in his mother’s death and turns the lives of his sons to hell, it can be hypothesized that Lars’ father also had certain disorder which just was not diagnosed and investigated. Concerning the cultural background, empirical studies have proven that this factor does not have any significant impact upon the formation and maintenance of delusions. Grover et al (2007) noted that â€Å"the sociodemographic profile of delusional disorder is consistent across various cultures† (p. 462). Regarding the remaining factor of personal background, Maher (2005) noted that â€Å"The patient presents his particular delusion with content that is drawn from his past history or present circumstances because that is the kind of explanatory material available to him† (p. 141). Taking into account the results of the above-mentioned studies, it can be stated that the personal experience can be regarded as the most influential factor in development of delusional disorder in parti cular individuals. Taking into account the existing theories on the causes and content of delusions, it can be concluded that the unhealthy family atmosphere is the main cause of Lars’ delusions. His mother died during his birth and it preconditioned his fear of not only having children, but also having relationships with the opposite sex at all. Thus, though Lars’ genetic predisposition cannot be taken into consideration, his personal background has become the major cause of his delusional disorder. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment The existing treatment strategies are divided into pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions which are both applied by modern psychotherapists. The pharmacological approach which has been regarded is ineffective previously, has become popular among contemporary doctors and theoreticians. For instance, as it was cited in Grover et al (2006), Srinivasan et al (1994) found â€Å"good response to antipsychotic trea tment using trifluperazine, haloperidol, chlorpromazine, and electroconvulsive therapy† (p. 70). As opposed to the past belief that delusional disorder cannot be treated through pharmacological interventions, the results of the recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of this method. Manschreck and Khan (2006) concluded that â€Å"delusional disorder should not be considered a treatment-resistant condition; medication can be effective if the patient adheres to the treatment regimen† (p. 118). Disregarding the available evidence on the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions, Dagmar as the family doctor decides on non-pharmacological treatment which appears to be sufficient for treating Lars. Recognizing the peculiarities of the patient’s condition, the doctor in a movie not only does not reassure the patient in his delusions, but also supports his ideas and even offers the treatment for the doll, playing according to the rules of the patient†™s game. Though this approach may seem extraordinary and even comic to certain extent, this treatment corresponds to the results of the recent research. Taking into account the fact, that most patients with delusional disorder do not recognize their illness and refuse any treatment, it can be stated that supporting Lars in his delusions was the best way out for avoiding his confrontation. O’Connor et al (2007) noted that â€Å"It seems crucial to initially adopt an accommodating and non-confrontational approach† (p. 187). This goal is successfully achieved by Dagmar who is supported by altruistic inhabitants of the town. Emphasizing the effectiveness of non-pharmacological approach, Malancharuvil (2004) noted that â€Å"Instead of considering the delusional thought as a thought problem, it should be examined as an affective problem that is intellectually defended† (p. 167). The small detail that Lars always carries a baby blanket with him proves that the chara cter looks for protection and tries to hide from the surrounding. Detailing the treatment strategies, Malancharuvil (2004) defined the main stages of working through delusional thinking, namely establishing therapeutic alliance with the patient, modifying defensiveness, connecting to core experience, restructuring and consolidation. All these stages were passed by Dagmar in treating Lars, though some of them were completed in a rather untraditional way by involving the community into the process of treatment. On the one hand, the fact of Lars’ recovery may seem doubtful, because he returns to reality by announcing that Bianca dies. Still, the facts that the patient gets rid of his delusions and has a love affair with his co-worker, a real girl prove that Dagmar’s treatment is effective. The community’s attitude to Lars’ delusions and his love affair with Margo can be regarded as an important component of the intervention strategy which was significant for Lars’ recovery. Conclusion In general, it can be concluded that disregarding the peculiarities of the genre of drama-comedy, the plot of the movie Lars and the real girl has sufficient theoretical basis on treating the patients with delusional disorder and can be regarded as plausible. Dagmar’s non-pharmacological approach in establishing the non-confrontational relationship with the patient, defining the causes of the delusions and restructuring them may produce a comic effect, but were effective for modifying Lars’ defensiveness and returning him to reality. Reference List Aubrey, S., Cameron, J., Kimmel, S. (Producers) and Gillespie, C. (Director). (2007). Lars and the real girl [Motion picture]. United States: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Cardno, A. and McGuffin, M. (2006). Genetics and delusional disorder. Behavioral Sciences and the Law, 24: 257-276. Grover S, Gupta N, Kumar S. (2006). Delusional disorders: An overview. Journal of German Psychology, 9: 62-73. Gro ver, S., Biswas, P., and Avasthi, A. (2007). Delusional disorder: Study from North India. Psychiatry and Neurosciences, 61: 462-470. Maher, B. (2005). Delusional thinking and cognitive disorder. Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science, 40 (3): 136-146. Malancharuvil, J. (2004). Delusional thinking: A thought or affective disorder? A paradigm for working through delusional thinking in Psychotherapy. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 58 (2): 162-173. Manschreck, T. and Khan, N. (2006). Recent advances in the treatment of delusional disorder. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 51(2): 114-119. O’Connor, K., Stip, E., Pelissier, M., Aardema, F. (2007). Treating delusional disorder: A comparison of cognitive-behavioral therapy and attention placebo control. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 52(3): 182-196.

Access and access to

Access and access to â€Å"Access† and â€Å"access to† â€Å"Access† and â€Å"access to† By Maeve Maddox The following excerpt is from an article on telephone fraud: The senior citizen, a man in his late 70s, is embarrassed and doesn’t want to talk about it. And, relatives are scrambling to make sure the crook doesn’t access to his bank account. When access is used as a verb, it does not require a â€Å"to† after it. access: verb. To gain access to (data, etc., held in a computer or computer-based system, or the system itself) access: noun. The state or faculty of being approached; accessibility. As a verb, access is transitive; it has a receiver. It should be followed by the noun or pronoun that is its direct object: Children can access the internet at school. In this way you can access the database. We want to make sure that the crook cannot access the old man’s bank account. When used as a noun, access is followed by a prepositional phrase beginning with â€Å"to.† The students have access to all the film databases. This ticket grants access to the flower show. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Grammar category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:100 Idioms About NumbersYay, Hooray, Woo-hoo and Other AcclamationsAffect vs. Effect

ISSUES IN PROFESSIONAL NURSING PRACTICE Term Paper - 1

ISSUES IN PROFESSIONAL NURSING PRACTICE - Term Paper Example From the different social reforms to organization of nursing programs, technology has taken the larger proportion of social changes in nursing (American Nurses Association, 2010, p. 130). According to the study, distance education is the answer to the nursing shortage being experienced in the United States in a way that students see distance education learning system associated with flexibility of learning in terms of time and place, access to more resources, more and varied teaching and learning strategies and individuation of learning (Carlton, Siktberg, Flowers & Scheibel, 2003). However, studies also find out that level of satisfaction was not as high compared to students who are involved in active learning and discussion. Other participants of the study even believed that learnings acquired through distance education are of poor quality and little educational value as there is laxity of human interaction or contact. Meanwhile, distance education also affects patient care and safety. Distance education has broadened the number of patients who will received medical and nursing care. Distance education can offer nursing care in the underserved population, who because of geographical, employment, and family responsibilities, cannot avail health services offered in the rural area. Patient’s safety in traveling to the healthcare areas is preserved as people have no longer have to go in far away areas. Economic crisis in U.S. began in 1990s and more women intend to enter a workforce capable of supporting the cost of living with fewer days of work but more money generated (Cherry & Jacob, 2011, p. 21). Shortage of nurses are experienced and advancement made in technology has increased health care costs. Thus, the professional nursing organization has the responsibility to uplift the standards of nursing profession and addressed the nursing shortage despite economic crisis. Likewise,