College Learning Experience Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

College Learning Experience - Essay Example Having spent a couple of months in the university, I am confident to say that the experience has already altered my outlook in life and has somehow enriched my maturity. Through my interaction with my classmates and professors, I am now more receptive of the various ideas presented in the classroom and have also learned to distinguish those which are helpful and those which are of less significance. Armed with the little knowledge and skill I have learned so far, I am more determined to finish college and pursue a degree in nursing. The decision to take up nursing is based on my assessment of strength in biological sciences and my desire of sharing my innate passion of enlightening and caring for people. With a higher level of maturity, interest in learning, and time management skill, the first semester proves to be fruitful indicated not only be the higher grades that I am earning but by my social and moral growth.

The Relation Between L1 and L2 Proficiency Essay Example for Free

The Relation Between L1 and L2 Proficiency Essay Investigations of the relationships between L1 and L2 contextualized and decontextualized language skills among immigrant students will be reviewed according to the background of the students involved. The three major categories are Finnish students in Sweden, Hispanic students in the United States, and Asian students in the United States and Canada. The some additional evidence from bilingual programs involving both majority and minority students will be reviewed and finally we will examine studies involving adult L2 learners. According to some researchers, the defining difference between a first language (L1) and a second language (L2) is the age the person learned the language. For example, linguist Eric Lenneberg used second language to mean a language consciously acquired or used by its speaker after puberty. In most cases, people never achieve the same level of fluency and comprehension in their second languages as in their first language. These views are closely associated with the Critical Period Hypothesis. In acquiring an L2, Hyltenstam (1992) found that around the age of six or seven seemed to be a cut-off point for bilinguals to achieve native-like proficiency. After that age, L2 learners could get near-native-like-ness but their language would, while consisting of few actual errors, have enough errors to set them apart from the L1 group. The inability of some subjects to achieve native-like proficiency must be seen in relation to the age of onset (AO). â€Å"The age of 6 or 8 does seem to be an important period in distinguishing between near-native and native-like ultimate attainment More specifically, it may be suggested that AO interacts with frequency and intensity of language use† (Hyltenstam, 1992, p. 364). Later, Hyltenstam Abrahamsson (2003) modified their age cut-offs to argue that after childhood, in general, it becomes more and more difficult to acquire native-like-ness, but that there is no cut-off point in particular. Furthermore, they discuss a number of cases where a native-like L2 was acquired during adulthood. As we are learning more and more about the brain, there is a hypothesis that when a child is going through puberty, that is the time that accents start. Before a child goes through puberty, the chemical processes in the brain are more geared towards language and social communication. Whereas after puberty, the ability for learning a language without an accent has been rerouted to function in another area of the brain—most likely in the frontal lobe area promoting cognitive functions, or in the neural system of hormone allocated for reproduction and sexual organ growth.

The Functions Of A Hospitality Manager

The Functions Of A Hospitality Manager The hospitality industry consists of broad category of fields within the service industry that includes lodging, restaurants, event planning, theme parks, transportation, cruise line, and additional fields within the tourism industry. The hospitality industry is a several billion dollar industry that mostly depends on the availability of leisure time and disposable income. A hospitality unit such as a restaurant, hotel, or even an amusement park consists of multiple groups such as facility maintenance, direct operations (servers, housekeepers, porters, kitchen workers, bartenders, etc.), management, marketing, and human resources. The hospitality industry covers a wide range of organizations offering food service and accommodation. The hospitality industry is divided into sectors according to the skill-sets required for the work involved. Sectors include accommodation, food and beverage, meeting and events, gaming, entertainment and recreation, tourism services, and visitor information. Hospitality is the relationship between guest and host, or the act or practice of being hospitable. Specifically, this includes the reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers, resorts, membership clubs, conventions, attractions, special events, and other services for travelers and tourists. A managers primary challenge is to solve problems creatively. While drawing from a variety of academic disciplines, and to help managers respond to the challenge of creative problem solving, principles of management have long been categorized into the four major functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling (the P-O-L-C framework). The four functions, summarized in the P-O-L-C figure, are actually highly integrated when carried out in the day-to-day realities of running an organization. Therefore, you should not get caught up in trying to analyze and understand a complete, clear rationale for categorizing skills and practices that compose the whole of the P-O-L-C framework. It is important to note that this framework is not without criticism. Specifically, these criticisms stem from the observation that the P-O-L-C functions might be ideal but that they do not accurately depict the day-to-day actions of actual managers. The typical day in the life of a manager at any level can be fragmented and hectic; with the constant threat of having priorities dictated by the law of the trivial many and important few. However, the general conclusion seems to be that the P-O-L-C functions of management still provide a very useful way of classifying the activities managers engage in as they attempt to achieve organizational goals. ? Hospitality organization Front desk manager (General Manager ? Front desk manager ? Front desk staff) Function: ? Create and produce reports as required. ? Coordinate schedules, payroll and expenses to meet or fall below budget. ? Participates in property initiatives. ? Ensure that guest data and management reporting is processed efficiently and accurately while maintaining proper security standards. ? Ensure that all accounting transaction and cash handling procedures are in compliance. ? Relive front office departments for breaks/lunches. ? Conduct regular monthly meetings with members of the Front Office and Communication Team to address current initiatives, projects and long term goals. ? Pro actively identify potential guest issues. ? Assist housekeeping in day-to-day activities. ? Recruit, hire, train and retain associates for all supervised departments. ? Develop monthly training items to foster development and cross training with other departments. ? Perform associate evaluations, provide coaching and development. ? Monitor guest satisfaction processes, and respond to guest concerns, and inquiries. Housekeeping manager (General Manager ? housekeeping manager? housekeeping staff) Function: ? Manage the day-to-day activities of the housekeeping department. ? Plan, schedule, and organize work to ensure proper coverage. ? Communicate and enforce policies and procedures. ? Ensure all staff are properly trained and have the tools and equipment needed to effectively carry out their respective job duties. ? Develop and implement procedures for managing quality of housekeeping and laundry services. ? Control expenses within all areas of housekeeping. ? Participate in the preparation of the annual departmental operating budget and financial plans which support the overall objectives of the hotel. ? Conduct pre-shift meeting and review all information pertinent to the days activities. ? Establish par levels for supplies and equipment. ? Replenish shortages and other business supplies for daily business. ? Promote teamwork and quality service through daily communication and coordination with other departments. ? Assist with deep cleaning projects and assist housekeeping staff during unanticipated rush periods. Food and Beverage manager (General Manager ? FNB manager ? FNB staff) Function: ? Check that sufficient table linen, food and sundry items have been requisitioned for service periods and that buffer stocks are maintained. ? Allocate jobs and stations, monitoring the completion of tasks before, during and following service periods. ? Ensure the restaurant is cleaned and fully prepared ready for service checking table layouts, sideboards, buffets, special displays etc. ? Check buffet food levels are maintained during service, according to customer demand. ? Greet, seat, take orders, assist guests with food and wine selection. Check customer satisfaction during service. ? Liaise with the kitchen, for menu content, special customer requests, queries and complaints/compliments. ? Promote the menu and special offers. ? Ensure all post-service tasks are completed (e.g. unused foods/dishes/drinks are returned to kitchen, bar or cellar). ? Assist with planning and organizing of special functions/seasonal events/projects. ? Complete required administrative functions (e.g. customer bills, reports, time sheets) and assist with annual budget preparation. ? Ensure effective security of keys and property company, guest and personal. ? Deal with lost property. ? Challenge and report any person acting suspiciously. ? Display and encourage a high level of personal hygiene, customer care courtesy and social skill. ? Assist guests and promote the hotels other facilities and services. ? Function of the hospitality manager Then term management refers to the process of ensuring employees work together efficiently and effectively to achieve the goals set by the organization in which they work. Managing physical and human resources to achieve an organizations customer service goals requires managers to be able to effectively plan, organize, lead and control. Four function of the hospitality manager: (POIC) Planning Organizing Leading Controlling Planning Planning is the function of management that involves setting objectives and determining a course of action for achieving those objectives. Planning requires that managers be aware of environmental conditions facing their organization and forecast future conditions. It also requires that managers be good decision makers. Planning is a process consisting of several steps. The process begins with environmental scanning which simply means that planners must be aware of the critical contingencies facing their organization in terms of economic conditions, their competitors, and their customers. Planners must then attempt to forecast future conditions. These forecasts form the basis for planning. Planners must establish objectives, which are statements of what needs to be achieved and when. Planners must then identify alternative courses of action for achieving objectives. After evaluating the various alternatives, planners must make decisions about the best courses of action for achieving objectives. They must then formulate necessary steps and ensure effective implementation of plans. Finally, planners must constantly evaluate the success of their plans and take corrective action when necessary. For example: To guide their employees To achieve their goals Short-term plan Organizing Organizing is the function of management that involves developing an organizational structure and allocating human resources to ensure the accomplishment of objectives. The structure of the organization is the framework within which effort is coordinated. The structure is usually represented by an organization chart, which provides a graphic representation of the chain of command within an organization. Decisions made about the structure of an organization are generally referred to as organizational design decisions. Organizing also involves the design of individual jobs within the organization. Decisions must be made about the duties and responsibilities of individual jobs, as well as the manner in which the duties should be carried out. Decisions made about the nature of jobs within the organization are generally called job design decisions. Organizing at the level of the organization involves deciding how best to departmentalize, or cluster, jobs into departments to coordinate effort effectively. There are many different ways to departmentalize, including organizing by function, product, geography, or customer. Many larger organizations use multiple methods of departmentalization. Organizing at the level of a particular job involves how best to design individual jobs to most effectively use human resources. Traditionally, job design was based on principles of division of labor and specialization, which assumed that the more narrow the job content, the more proficient the individual performing the job could become. However, experience has shown that it is possible for jobs to become too narrow and specialized. For example, how would you like to screw lids on jars one day after another, as you might have done many decades ago if you worked in company that made and sold jellies and jams? When this happens, negative outcomes result, including decreased job satisfaction and organizational commitment, increased absenteeism, and turnover. For example: Need to be allocated to individuals on the service team. This is known as task analysis. Ensure that every task is performed effectively and efficiently. Develop an organization chart and allocating duties. Make sure that enough trained staff on duty. Inadequate staffing is a frequent cause of customer dissatisfaction. Leading Leading involves the social and informal sources of influence that you use to inspire action taken by others. If managers are effective leaders, their subordinates will be enthusiastic about exerting effort to attain organizational objectives. The behavioral sciences have made many contributions to understanding this function of management. Personality research and studies of job attitudes provide important information as to how managers can most effectively lead subordinates. For example, this research tells us that to become effective at leading, managers must first understand their subordinates personalities, values, attitudes, and emotions. Studies of motivation and motivation theory provide important information about the ways in which workers can be energized to put forth productive effort. Studies of communication provide direction as to how managers can effectively and persuasively communicate. Studies of leadership and leadership style provide information regarding questions, such as, What makes a manager a good leader? and In what situations are certain leadership styles most appropriate and effective? For example: Giving instructions or telling and showing people what to do. Controlling Controlling involves ensuring that performance does not deviate from standards. Controlling consists of three steps, which include establishing performance standards, comparing actual performance against standards, and taking corrective action when necessary. Performance standards are often stated in monetary terms such as revenue, costs, or profits but may also be stated in other terms, such as units produced, number of defective products, or levels of quality or customer service. The measurement of performance can be done in several ways, depending on the performance standards, including financial statements, sales reports, production results, customer satisfaction, and formal performance appraisals. Managers at all levels engage in the managerial function of controlling to some degree. The managerial function of controlling should not be confused with control in the behavioral or manipulative sense. This function does not imply that managers should attempt to control or to manipulate the personalities, values, attitudes, or emotions of their subordinates. Instead, this function of management concerns the managers role in taking necessary actions to ensure that the work-related activities of subordinates are consistent with and contributing toward the accomplishment of organizational and departmental objectives. Effective controlling requires the existence of plans, since planning provides the necessary performance standards or objectives. Controlling also requires a clear understanding of where responsibility for deviations from standards lies. Two traditional control techniques are budget and performance audits. An audit involves an examination and verification of records and supporting documents. A budget audit provides information about where the organization is with respect to what was planned or budgeted for, whereas a performance audit might try to determine whether the figures reported are a reflection of actual performance. Although controlling is often thought of in terms of financial criteria, managers must also control production and operations processes, procedures for delivery of services, compliance with company policies, and many other activities within the organization. The management functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling are widely considered to be the best means of describing the managers job, as well as the best way to classify accumulated knowledge about the study of management. Although there have been tremendous changes in the environment faced by managers and the tools used by managers to perform their roles, managers still perform these essential functions. For example: Check that everything for they are responsible is on track. Carefully balance these functions, the controlling process. Eventually reveal that things are going wrong. ? Conclusion In my opinion, any function of manager must included four main functions, planning, organizing, leading, controlling. Even different type of manager has their own function; their main function is same with others, such as: front desk manager control his/her staff working process and eventually reveal that things are going wrong, this is same with housekeeping manager control his/her housekeeper working process if they do anything wrong, housekeeping manager must correct it. Q2. List down any dining restaurant and explain what were the operations strategy and the new challenges for future growth. Introduction The term Fine Dining brings to mind all kinds of images, from crisp white table cloths to waiters in tuxedos. Fine dining, just as the name suggests, offers patrons the finest in food, service and atmosphere. It is also the highest priced restaurant you can operate. While you may bring in mucho bucks with a fine dining restaurant you will also pay out more money than if you were running a more casual restaurant, such as a diner or caf. There are three main areas of focus with a fine dining restaurant: the menu, service and atmosphere. ? Fine Dining Restaurant Business Plan Gabris Restaurant Lounge Operations strategy: Competitive Edge: Our competitive edge is the menu, the chef, the environment, the management, the service and our friendly place! We will have an international menu and our food will be made with the freshest ingredients and produce available. The chef has an excellent taste for what fine dining is and requires. Our environment is elegant and comfortable and our decor is warm and relaxing. Great service is very important to us. The management and servers will handle every detail to make customers special evening even more special! All this and our great atmosphere will make customers want to come back again and again! Marketing Strategy The total population in New Jersey is 8,414,350 people. 615,301 people live in Monmouth County, 50% between 25-55 years old. That is the age group that dines out two to three times a week and spends an average $795 a month on food and drinks. There are 224,447 households in Monmouth County and an average 2.7 persons per household. The median family income in Monmouth County averages, $64,271/year. There are 636 registered businesses in Long Branch with 7,885 employees. We mention that there are over 200,000 Scandinavians living in New Jersey and most of them live within 30 miles of Long Branch. We will be serving some Swedish cuisine as there is no Scandinavian restaurant in New Jersey. Our primary customer base is from Long Branch, West Long Branch, Monmouth Beach, Rumson, Little Silver, Middletown, Red Bank, Shrewsbury, Deal, Eatontown, Freehold, Oceanport, Allenhurst, Asbury Park. Sales Strategy Our sales plan is to establish and maintain position with our local customers. The strategy is to build more customers in order to increase revenue. A sale in our business is client service. It is repeat business. We will focus on making all our customers happy with our food, service and entertainment options. Our strategy in the restaurant is to have an experienced staff that knows the food, wine and liquor. We will train every new employee so they will fit in with Gabris concept, which is Wonderful food, reasonably-priced wine and knowledgeable service in an outstanding atmosphere. Exit Strategy No one attempt a business anticipating failure, however sometimes ventures do not fulfill their promise. We at Gabris are committed to our concept and its viability. In the event that our venture cannot achieve profitability and retire the encumbrances; we will first attempt to sell the operation and use the proceeds to clear all outstanding balances. If we are unable to sell the operation for sufficient proceeds we will forced to default whereby the SBA loan will be in senior standing. Any further outstanding balances will be borne by the investors on a weighted percentage basis of the total amounts due in bankruptcy proceedings. New challenge for future growth Important Assumptions The financial plan depends on important assumptions, most of which are shown in the following table as annual figures. The key underlying assumptions are: ? We assume a slow-growth economy, without major recession. ? We assume that there are no unforeseen changes in the expectancy in the popularity of our restaurant. ? We assume access to investments and financing are sufficient to maintain and fulfill our financial plan as shown in the tables. General Assumptions Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Plan Month 1 2 3 Current Interest Rate 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% Long-term Interest Rate 7.00% 7.00% 7.00% Tax Rate 34.58% 35.00% 34.58% Other 0 0 0 Conclusion Their strategy is simple; they intend to succeed by giving people a combination of excellent and interesting food in an environment that appeals to a wide and varied group of successful people. They will focus on maintaining quality and establishing a strong identity in their community. Their main focus in marketing will be to increase customer awareness in the surrounding communities. Their will direct all of their tactics and programs toward the goal of explaining who they are and what they do. They will keep their standards high and execute the concept so that word-of-mouth will be their main marketing force. Their will create an appealing and entertaining environment with unbeatable quality at an exceptional price. An exciting and friendly restaurant, they will be the talk of the town. Therefore, the execution of their concept is the most critical element of their plan. All menu items are moderately priced for the area. While they are not striving to be the lowest-priced restaurant, they are aiming to be the value leader.

landscapes essay :: essays research papers

Take-Home Essay   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The world we live in today is always changing, whether it be technology or the land. As these changes take place, society must adapt to them. Many things begin to change as a result of this and society beings to turn into something completely different. One of the most overlooked changes that takes place is that of the environment and landscape. The landscape is one of the most important parts of our society’s culture and has a great effect on how we live. It seems that nowadays, many individuals are taking advantage of the land and nothing appreciating it for every thing that it is worth. Its true that not everyone is going to look at the environment and landscape in the same way, however that is no excuse to disrespect it. Then again, a whole new argument can start from that, as different individuals are going to have different views on what disrespecting the land. Many positive things have come from taking advantage of the land, and a lso, there have been many negative things to come as a result of this. It all depends on how you look at it. One thing is for sure though, no matter what the case is, the land and environment we live in plays a huge part in each of our everyday lives.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Our landscape is constantly changing, since the Big Bang Theory to present day. There are many different factors which can a huge impact on the shaping of the land. There are many natural disasters such as floods, typhoons, earthquakes, hurricanes, and even wildfires. They can change the face of the landscape and they can change the shape of the landscape. Then there is also the human factor. Many huge companies and businesses are always taking advantage, or as Denis Wood refers to as in â€Å"The Spell of the Land,† the raping of the land. It is a very rare sight to being driving nowadays and not see some type of building being built or a future sight of some type of business. There is nothing that can be done when looking at the natural disaster factor, but as for the human factor, there are steps that people can do to prevent the â€Å"raping† of the land. Again, like I touched upon in the introduction, not all usage of the land by companies is a negative thing. landscapes essay :: essays research papers Take-Home Essay   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The world we live in today is always changing, whether it be technology or the land. As these changes take place, society must adapt to them. Many things begin to change as a result of this and society beings to turn into something completely different. One of the most overlooked changes that takes place is that of the environment and landscape. The landscape is one of the most important parts of our society’s culture and has a great effect on how we live. It seems that nowadays, many individuals are taking advantage of the land and nothing appreciating it for every thing that it is worth. Its true that not everyone is going to look at the environment and landscape in the same way, however that is no excuse to disrespect it. Then again, a whole new argument can start from that, as different individuals are going to have different views on what disrespecting the land. Many positive things have come from taking advantage of the land, and a lso, there have been many negative things to come as a result of this. It all depends on how you look at it. One thing is for sure though, no matter what the case is, the land and environment we live in plays a huge part in each of our everyday lives.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Our landscape is constantly changing, since the Big Bang Theory to present day. There are many different factors which can a huge impact on the shaping of the land. There are many natural disasters such as floods, typhoons, earthquakes, hurricanes, and even wildfires. They can change the face of the landscape and they can change the shape of the landscape. Then there is also the human factor. Many huge companies and businesses are always taking advantage, or as Denis Wood refers to as in â€Å"The Spell of the Land,† the raping of the land. It is a very rare sight to being driving nowadays and not see some type of building being built or a future sight of some type of business. There is nothing that can be done when looking at the natural disaster factor, but as for the human factor, there are steps that people can do to prevent the â€Å"raping† of the land. Again, like I touched upon in the introduction, not all usage of the land by companies is a negative thing.

Spaying and Neutering: How Soon Is Too Soon?

English 101 29 May 2012 Spaying and Neutering: How Soon is too Soon? Often referred to as â€Å"man’s best friend,† dogs have been around for thousands of years. They provide their love and services to their human counterparts, and most often receive love, food, and shelter in return. Responsible dog owners everywhere would agree that neutering your dog is important and something that must be done; but the question is when? Most people neuter their dogs between 5- 7 months, simply because this is was common tradition.A common tradition that needs to be re-evaluated. What most people do not realize, is that it is most beneficial to his/her health when a dog is spayed or neutered after his/her first birthday to promote a healthy, prosperous, and disease-free life. First off, what does it mean to spay or neuter your dog? Also known as desexing, it’s the process of removing their sex organs for population control, health, and behavioral modification (O'Meara). The op eration requires general anesthetic, stitches, and a close watch to ensure safe healing.Because the procedure requires anesthetic, most veterinarians recommend that your dog be in the 5-7 month range for desexing. Most veterinarians say it is safer for the dogs to wait until this age before undergoing a anesthetic surgery. They believe the liver and kidneys in younger animals are less mature, and less capable of tolerating the effects of the anesthetic (O'Meara). However, some veterinarians now are saying it is safe and effective to neuter your pet before this 5-7 month-mark.Dog owners can ask to have their pet desexed at an earlier age. The practice was approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and studies done at the University of Illinois provided evidence of successful early desexing of dogs (Fuess). Another common belief concerning desexing dogs at this stage is to eliminate the ‘naughty behaviors’ dogs will develop if neutered too late. Undesi rable sexual behaviors such as roaming, mounting, and masturbation can be reduced by neutering your male dogs (Clark Animal Hospital ).However, this is untrue: â€Å"The study that identified a higher incidence of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in spayed or neutered dogs also identified an increased incidence of sexual behaviors in males and females that were neutered early† (Zink). After I graduated high school, I got a Bullmastiff puppy. A lot of people told me to neuter him when he was 5 months, but I wanted to wait. They told me if I didn’t do it soon, he would start to develop these bad habits. Now, he is almost a year old and I have no issues with his behavior, at all.He also found a report from the American Kennel Club suggesting males and females who were spayed or neutered early having problems with aggression and fearful behaivors (Zink). Neutering a dog at an early stage in life may not have a positive, but rather a negative effect on their demeanor. Whil e it seems all anyone is interested in how early you can desex your dogs, and some believe it is effective to neuter your animal at an early stage, it is the most beneficial to health to wait until after their first birthday.Chris Zink, veterinarian and Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, considers early neutering and spaying for dogs any desexing procedure done before puberty. He noticed many differences between dogs desexed at an earlier age, and those who weren’t. He noticed variables in dogs’ health concerning orthopedics, cancer, behavior, and other health concerns related to these animals. One common reason people neuter their male dogs before 7 months is to decrease their chance of developing prostrate cancer. However, there have been some studies that suggest that this provides no benefit (Zink).He also noticed a difference between dogs who had developed bone cancer and those who had not. One source indicated a two-fold higher risk in d ogs that were desexed early and others who waited (Zink). Growing up, my family always had a dog. Our first dog was a blonde German shepherd named Clyde. We followed the status quo, and when he was 6 months of age we had him neutered. He was the most loyal, obedient, handsome, fun-loving dog, and we loved him. However, when Clyde got older, we had to have him put him down because he had developed bone cancer.After reading the findings of Dr. Zink I ask myself, â€Å"If we had waited to neuter Clyde, would he still have developed bone cancer? † However, my decision to neuter Bentley at a later age will not make up for the thousands who do not. Most people spay or neuter their dogs at 5 to 7 months, simply because of tradition; but this is a tradition that needs to be re-evaluated. Practices amongst vets need to change. When someone goes in for an appointment with their veterinarian, there should be a lengthy discussion between them and the dog owners about spaying and neuterin g options.Most people don’t even know that waiting to desex is possible. The veterinarians, breeders, and owners who do believe in waiting to desex need to do a better job of advertising, educating, and supporting this campaign. Its an issue I always bring up when I take my dog to the dog park. When discussed most people don’t even realize it’s an option; however, I am not a licensed vet, so not only I do encourage others to research the topic for themselves, but to also talk to their veterinarian about their options to get a professional opinion. Now I am on my own, and I have a dog of my own.Bentley, my 110 pound 11-month old Bullmastiff, is intact and healthy. When I bought him as a puppy, the breeder was very stern about waiting to neuter the puppy. Bullmastiffs are considered a giant-breed-dog; due to their massive size, they are prone to some diseases such as hip dysplasia. â€Å"Another recent study showed that dogs spayed or neutered before 5 1/2 months had a significantly higher incidence of hip dysplasia than those spayed or neutered after 5 1/2 months of age† (Zink). I’m choosing to keep my dog intact until after his 1 year mark because it will promote his best health. and will reduce his risk of developing this painful disease. Waiting also reduces his chance of accumulating a behavioral disorder, and bone cancer. Desexing your dog at the 5-7 month range does no such benefits. Bentley is apart of my family, and I want the best for him. The best food, the best toys, and most importantly: the best health. Although it would have been safe for me to do so earlier, neutering him after his first birthday will be the most beneficial to his health; my vet, my breeder, and myself agree. Works Cited Alice Villaolobos, DVM.Veterinary Practice News. 1 Dec 2008. 29 May 2012 Web. . Chris Zink, DVM, PhD, DACVP. â€Å"Early Spay-Neuter Considerations for the Canine Athlete: One Veterinarian's Opinion. † 2005. caninesports. com. Web. 28 May 2012. Clark Animal Hospital . Spay & Neuter. 28 May 2012. Dr. Becker. Dn't Neuter Your Dog YET- Read This Information First! 17 February 2011. Web. 28 May 2012. Dr. Shauna, O'Meara. Pet Informed. Web. 28 May 2012. Theresa A. Fuess, PhD, VM-3. â€Å"Early Spay/Neuter: An Overview. † Illinois Veterinary Bulletin 6. 1 (1998).

Medea’s situation Essay

Dogan people in the city who didn’t believe Cassandra because she was an outsider. In this play it  was learned that sometimes the most insightful people are the outsiders because they are not blinded by the normal activities of the main characters.  Another minor character that foretells the future is Medea’s nurse in The Medea. The Nurse has a different situation than Cassandra. She is more familiar with Meadea and her children and knows of their daily activities. She begins to have insight on Medea’s situation when Medea starts to see a change in her relationships between Jason and her children. She first foretells the murder of Medea’s children, who were indeed murdered but by Medea herself. In the very beginning of the story, the Nurse talks about Medea’s dwindling love for Jason. â€Å"But now there’s hatred everywhere, Love is diseased.†Ã‚  (Greene, Lattimore, Euripides I, 59)  With her love for Jason waning, she begins to think less and less of her children because they remind her of him.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"She has turned from the children and does not see them./I am afraid she may think of some dreadful thing,/For her heart is violent.† (Greene, Lattimore, Euripides I, 60)  With her heart â€Å"violent†, she doesn’t think anymore of the children except to carry out her evil plan which is to kill Creusa. Another quote that shows the deterioration of Jason’s and Medea’s relationship is the conversation that the Nurse and the Tutor were having. â€Å"And will Jason put up with it that his children/Should suffer so, though he’s no friend to their mother?† (Greene, Lattimore,  Dogan 4  Euripides I, 61)  The Nurse is showing her concern here when she asks about what would Jason do about his children since he’s not in love with Medea anymore. Towards the end, it is subtly made known that Jason only wanted the children as heirs to the throne that he did not take because Medea killed Creusa. The Nurse may not have foreshadowed as much as Cassandra did, but she gave the reader an idea of what was going to happen to the children.  In conclusion, minor characters do have some meaning plot-wise. They are not blinded by the everyday life of the main characters allowing them to see the obvious without the help from others. Without them, the story would be mainly about two or more parties and their actions minus the suspense that the minor character gives the reader. (947) Works Cited Greene, David and Lattimore, Richard, eds. Aeschylus I. The University of Chicago. 1953.

Ethical Decision Making

Ethics-PHI 220 03/16/2012 Ethical Decision Making Paper Case Study: From Santa Clara University There are two types of surrogacy. One type involves a surrogate mother who uses her own egg and carries the baby for someone else. The other type is a â€Å"gestational surrogacy† in which the mother has no genetic tie to the child she carries. In the case presented, a gestational surrogate is used. A woman, after a bout with uterine cancer had a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus). Before, its removal, however, she had several eggs removed for possible fertilization in the future.Now married, the woman wishes to have a child with her husband. Obviously she cannot bear the child herself, so the couple utilizes a company to find a surrogate mother for them. The husband's sperm is used to fertilize one of the wife's eggs, and is implanted in the surrogate mother. The couple pays all of the woman's pregnancy-related expenses and an extra $18,000 as compensation for her surrog acy, and after all expenses are taken into account the couple pays the woman approximately $31,000 and the agency approximately $5,000.Though the surrogate passed stringent mental testing to ensure she was competent to carry another couple's child, after carrying the pregnancy to term, the surrogate says that she has become too attached to â€Å"her† child to give it up to the couple. A legal battle ensues. Step 1: Gather Relevant Information The Surrogate is carrying a baby that has no genetic ties to her. The Surrogate was paid quiet well to do a service and decides not to follow through with the service.The surrogate now decides to keep the baby and the money because she has grown to close to the baby. Step 2: Type of ethical problem According to Markkula center for applied ethics, justice means giving each person what he or she deserves or, in more traditional terms, giving each person his or her due. Justice and fairness are closely related terms that are often today use d interchangeably. There have, however, also been more distinct understandings of the two terms.While justice usually has been used with reference to a standard of rightness, fairness often has been used with regard to an ability to judge without reference to one's feelings or interests; fairness has also been used to refer to the ability to make judgments that are not overly general but that are concrete and specific to a particular case. In any case, a notion of desert is crucial to both justice and fairness. (SCU)The most fundamental principle of justice—one that has been widely accepted since it was first defined by Aristotle more than two thousand years ago—is the principle that â€Å"equals should be treated equally and unequal’s unequally. † In its contemporary form, this principle is sometimes expressed as follows: â€Å"Individuals should be treated the same, unless they differ in ways that are relevant to the situation in which they are involve d. (SCU) By the surrogate keeping this baby, she is going against everything that was in the agreement.This baby has no attachment to the surrogate; it is the egg of the husband and wife who paid her to carry their child. In the United States it is illegal to pay a person for non-replenish able organs. The fear is that money will influence the poor to harm their bodies for the benefit of the rich. Is there a parallel between this case and this law? Can allowing surrogate mothers to be paid for their troubles allow poorer women to be oppressed? On their website, the AMA says â€Å"that surrogacy contracts [when the surrogate uses her own egg], while permissible, should grant the birth other the right to void the contract within a reasonable period of time after the birth of the child. If the contract is voided, custody of the child should be determined according to the child's best interests. † (SCU) However this is not the case with this couple, the couple used their own egg and implanted it into the surrogate so should the same rules apply? Step 3: Apply Ethical Theories and Approaches Ethical theory is divided into two main types or approaches in this case which are virtue and duty ethics.Virtue ethics begins by considering what makes a person (or his/her character or motives) morally good (Aristotle, Hume). Duty Ethics focuses on rules or acts and what makes them right (Mill, Kant, Rawls). (Ethical Theory) According to the both theories the surrogate should hand over the child to the biological parents. This surrogate has no real ties to the child and was paid for a service and is violating a contract by not providing the child she was paid to deliver. Step 4: Exploring Practical AlternativesWith this particular case there are not many alternatives. Option 1- being that the surrogate keeps the child and returns all the money she was paid to do the service and the money put out for her medical bills. The surrogate could also reimburse the couple for t heir time and heart ache. Option 2- The couple and the surrogate could go in front of a judge and have the judge decide what is best for the child and the people involved, and what the outcome shall be. Step 5: Complete the Action This is the most important step in the ethical decision making process.This is where the actions are carried out. After reviewing all the details and options for this case the most ethical thing to be done is for the surrogate mother to give the baby, who has no biological attachments to her back to the biological parents. The surrogate can keep the $18,000 she was paid for compensation for her time and expenses, plus the money put out for all her medical expenses. Works Cited â€Å"Justice and Fairness. † Santa Clara University. Web. 17 Mar. 2012. . â€Å"Ethical Theory. † Web. . Ethical Decision Making Ethical Decision Making End of Life Submitted by: Anthony Mcdew Ethical nursing care Nurses are faced with ethical decision making on a daily basis. This could be both stressful and challenging. The following case study I chose to walk through is: Mr. Clarke is a patient who has advanced AIDS with related pain syndromes and is also actively abusing drugs. The nurse is concerned about his abusing his pain medications and is not sure if she should give them to him as he leaves the hospital. It will be my assumption that this patient is nearing the end of their life. The value, be, do ethical decision-making model will provide the framework I need to assess this case study (Schaffer and Norlander). I also will be using ethical decision making tools to guide my decision making process. What should I value? The first step of the value, be, do ethical decision-making model answers the question what should I value? It is time that I look deep into the meaning of my life in regards to my professional nursing practice. What do I value in life? The meaning of life for me involves personal and professional respect for my patient and his physician in charge of his care. This involves respecting my patient and his situation. Also, trusting the prescribing Physicians education and training is something I value. Along with valuing respect; I value quality end of life care for my patient. Every individual deserves a peaceful death with minimal pain and suffering if possible. To obtain this, I also need to value my relationship with my patient. Developing a trusting relationship is important for him and also me when dealing with uncomfortable conversations that may have to take place. Finally, I think that I value my education and critical thinking skills. These skills are important to value because I will have to make a decision if I think my patient can handle taking his own pain medications on his own. My education and critical thinking skills will guide me to problem resolution that has the best outcome for the patient. Who should I be? Not only is it important to understand what values impact my actions and decisions; it is also important to make sure my actions reflect my values. The values I have make sure that I am an advocate for my patient’s comfort as well as their safety. They also help me be an active and compassionate listener as well as a teacher. If I am a trustworthy person; my patient will hopefully feel comfortable talking to me about his addiction. Finally, to ensure a quality end of life experience for my patient, I will stay educated on medication dosages, side effects, and other treatments for pain. By critically thinking, I should be able to educate my patient and help communicate to the Physician about the patients concerns regarding pain addiction and pain control. What should I do? By understanding what I value and who I am; I now should be able to fulfill my actions. First, I feel that I should take time to analyze the patients past medical history and medications that helped his pain. Second, I will review the pain medications with the Physicians to ensure I have a proper understanding of his or her plan. Then I will review what is needed to provide quality end of life care with good pain control to a dying AIDS patient. After I feel that I have a great understanding of the situation; it is time I listen and talk with my patient. Assure them that I am there as their advocate for safe and complete end of life care. This may require me to act as a counselor or bring in interdisciplinary team members to assist my patient. My number one goal is to provide safe end of life care; but as painless and comfortable as possible. Analyze response to case study It is always challenging to give patients medications knowing that they may become, or have become addicted. In my current practice we see many patients who go to pain clinics and have pain contracts to help with their addiction and pain management. The difference is, my patients are not dying. Thiroux’s universal ethical principles allow nurses to take time and review the ethical situation. In my case study, I personally feel the Mr. Clarke has the right to a peaceful death if possible. The problem is that the medications we are giving him may kill him first. Thiroux’s principles allows for individual freedom and valuing life. My patient should have the freedom he needs to decide if the pain if worse or the addiction. Depending on how long he has to live, the addiction may be the least of his problems. I feel that I need to value his life and quality of life. Also, I need to understand that death most likely is going to happen. (Blackboard). Thiroux’s universal ethical principles allow nurses to assess the client situation; as well as the caring and justice model (blackboard). This model enhances how nurses feel about ethical problems. Mr. Clarke’s situations force me as his primary nurse to understand how to be an advocate for him and his situation. It also reminds me to use my compassion and virtue when caring and talking with him about his pain addiction. Finally, I have learned that solving or being part of an ethical dilemma can be easier on a nurse by incorporating spirituality. I think that by assessing Mr. Clarke’s spirituality; I may be able to help him with his addiction or suffering he is facing. Isaiah 43:4-5 says that â€Å"Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you and people in exchange for your life†. It goes on to say that we should not be afraid because God is with us and will unite us together. This bible verses supports my belief that God is there for us as nurses and that he had a purpose for us. God gave us the power to support all situations. The verses also leads me to believe that the purpose of life is to help others physically, emotionally, or spiritually with whatever gifts you may have. I truly believe that God gave me the guidance I need to make this ethical decision on how to help Mr. Clarke. I believe that with proper education and assessment of his pain protocol; Mr. Clarke deserves to have pain relief. This can be done by having his medications monitored. However, they should not be withheld. God does not want suffering and either do I. Quality guidelines Domains of end of life quality care. The domains of end of life quality care that apply to my case study include: pain and symptom control, achieving a sense of control, and possibly strengthen the relationship with loved ones. It is my goal to provide quality end of life care to Mr. Clarke. This includes symptom and pain management. By allowing him to have a sense of control with his pain medications; he is able to help determine is end of life experience. Finally, by assessing Mr. Clarke’s relationship with his family I will be able to see if they can help him. There help could be support, symptom monitoring, and medication management. They also may be able to help him with alternative measures at times including: guided imagery, music therapy, massage etc. Bill of last rights. Not only is it important to understand the domains of end of life quality care; it is also important to remember the bill of last rights. These rights are consistent reminders of the rights dying patients have or basic human rights. Mr. Clarke has a right to control, to be comfortable, and the right to hear the truth. These rights remind me as his caregiver that he is part of this process as well as his medical care team. Even though I feel we still should prescribe his medications; I also believe that he is entitled to know that he has become addicted and how to work through it. Seven Promises. Another tool to use when assessing Mr. Clarkes case study would be reviewing the Seven Promises. The one promise that stands out the most to me is â€Å"never be overwhelmed by symptoms† (blackboard). This includes never having to â€Å"endure overwhelming pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms (blackboard). This promise reminds me as his care giver that his care team needs to consistently be assessing his pain protocol and symptom management. The other promise that I feel would be beneficial to remember when caring for Mr. Clarke is â€Å"make the best of everyday† (blackboard). This allows the care team to remember that Mr. Clarke is an individual and each day we need to make sure we are helping him. Not only is it important to offer medications for pain management; it is also important to offer alternatives. Each day as his nurse I can document what time of day his pain is worse, what stimulus increases and decreases pain. Every day, I can do my best to help him make the best of his day. Precepts of Palliative care. The last option I have encountered that I can to do assess my patient’s situation is to analyze the organization. By reviewing the Precepts of care, I will be able to make sure the organization is not lacking in any areas that may help Mr. Clarke. This tools will allow us to make sure the organization is respecting the patients decisions, giving comprehensive care, utilize resources of team members, address caregivers concerns, and analyzing the environment (blackboard). This can ensure that not only I am providing good ethical care to my patient, as well as the organization and medical care team. Actions/Response After analyzing and utilizing all of the tools available to me; I have decided that Mr. Clarke deserves to get his pain medication. He is actively dying and has the right to pain and symptom control. It is easier to monitor his addiction then his suffering. The Physician is prescribing only a certain quantity of medications at a time. This can help the care team to monitor his addiction. I believe that the situation would be different if the patient was not dying. I believe that with my strong understanding of my values; I will be able to allow my actions to be appropriate. This will help guide me through â€Å"what should I do†? Ethical decision making is never an easy process. By having the proper tools, it can help medical care team members make a decision. It is my job to educate, counsel, support, and advocate for Mr. Clarke. I would need to be concerned with his medication addiction if he started to overdose. The case study said he is only having trouble with addiction. However, his medication management still needs to be closely monitored for this scenario. Ethical situations can change depending on the situation. I hold strong to by choice that Mr. Clarke needs his pain medications. Reference Bethel College of Nursing Department (n. d. ). Bethel University NURS344 Blackboard Course modules 2010, St. Paul MN. Schaffer, M. , Norlander, L. (2009) Being present A Nurse’s resource for end of life communication. Indianapolis, IN: Sigma Theta Tau International. . Ethical Decision Making Ethics-PHI 220 03/16/2012 Ethical Decision Making Paper Case Study: From Santa Clara University There are two types of surrogacy. One type involves a surrogate mother who uses her own egg and carries the baby for someone else. The other type is a â€Å"gestational surrogacy† in which the mother has no genetic tie to the child she carries. In the case presented, a gestational surrogate is used. A woman, after a bout with uterine cancer had a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus). Before, its removal, however, she had several eggs removed for possible fertilization in the future.Now married, the woman wishes to have a child with her husband. Obviously she cannot bear the child herself, so the couple utilizes a company to find a surrogate mother for them. The husband's sperm is used to fertilize one of the wife's eggs, and is implanted in the surrogate mother. The couple pays all of the woman's pregnancy-related expenses and an extra $18,000 as compensation for her surrog acy, and after all expenses are taken into account the couple pays the woman approximately $31,000 and the agency approximately $5,000.Though the surrogate passed stringent mental testing to ensure she was competent to carry another couple's child, after carrying the pregnancy to term, the surrogate says that she has become too attached to â€Å"her† child to give it up to the couple. A legal battle ensues. Step 1: Gather Relevant Information The Surrogate is carrying a baby that has no genetic ties to her. The Surrogate was paid quiet well to do a service and decides not to follow through with the service.The surrogate now decides to keep the baby and the money because she has grown to close to the baby. Step 2: Type of ethical problem According to Markkula center for applied ethics, justice means giving each person what he or she deserves or, in more traditional terms, giving each person his or her due. Justice and fairness are closely related terms that are often today use d interchangeably. There have, however, also been more distinct understandings of the two terms.While justice usually has been used with reference to a standard of rightness, fairness often has been used with regard to an ability to judge without reference to one's feelings or interests; fairness has also been used to refer to the ability to make judgments that are not overly general but that are concrete and specific to a particular case. In any case, a notion of desert is crucial to both justice and fairness. (SCU)The most fundamental principle of justice—one that has been widely accepted since it was first defined by Aristotle more than two thousand years ago—is the principle that â€Å"equals should be treated equally and unequal’s unequally. † In its contemporary form, this principle is sometimes expressed as follows: â€Å"Individuals should be treated the same, unless they differ in ways that are relevant to the situation in which they are involve d. (SCU) By the surrogate keeping this baby, she is going against everything that was in the agreement.This baby has no attachment to the surrogate; it is the egg of the husband and wife who paid her to carry their child. In the United States it is illegal to pay a person for non-replenish able organs. The fear is that money will influence the poor to harm their bodies for the benefit of the rich. Is there a parallel between this case and this law? Can allowing surrogate mothers to be paid for their troubles allow poorer women to be oppressed? On their website, the AMA says â€Å"that surrogacy contracts [when the surrogate uses her own egg], while permissible, should grant the birth other the right to void the contract within a reasonable period of time after the birth of the child. If the contract is voided, custody of the child should be determined according to the child's best interests. † (SCU) However this is not the case with this couple, the couple used their own egg and implanted it into the surrogate so should the same rules apply? Step 3: Apply Ethical Theories and Approaches Ethical theory is divided into two main types or approaches in this case which are virtue and duty ethics.Virtue ethics begins by considering what makes a person (or his/her character or motives) morally good (Aristotle, Hume). Duty Ethics focuses on rules or acts and what makes them right (Mill, Kant, Rawls). (Ethical Theory) According to the both theories the surrogate should hand over the child to the biological parents. This surrogate has no real ties to the child and was paid for a service and is violating a contract by not providing the child she was paid to deliver. Step 4: Exploring Practical AlternativesWith this particular case there are not many alternatives. Option 1- being that the surrogate keeps the child and returns all the money she was paid to do the service and the money put out for her medical bills. The surrogate could also reimburse the couple for t heir time and heart ache. Option 2- The couple and the surrogate could go in front of a judge and have the judge decide what is best for the child and the people involved, and what the outcome shall be. Step 5: Complete the Action This is the most important step in the ethical decision making process.This is where the actions are carried out. After reviewing all the details and options for this case the most ethical thing to be done is for the surrogate mother to give the baby, who has no biological attachments to her back to the biological parents. The surrogate can keep the $18,000 she was paid for compensation for her time and expenses, plus the money put out for all her medical expenses. Works Cited â€Å"Justice and Fairness. † Santa Clara University. Web. 17 Mar. 2012. . â€Å"Ethical Theory. † Web. .