Hamlet By Shakespeare Essays - Characters In Hamlet,

Hamlet by Shakespeare Hamlet's Sanity Hamlet appears to be insane, after Polonius's death, in act IV scene II. There are indications, though, that persuade me to think other wise. Certainly, Hamlet has plenty of reasons to be insane at this point. His day has been hectic--he finally determined Claudius had killed his father, the chance to kill Claudius confronted him, he comes very close to convincing Gertrude that Claudius killed his father, he accidentally kills Polonius, and finally the ghost of his father visits him. These situations are enough to bring Hamlet to insanity, but he remains sharp and credible. Hamlet is able to make smart remarks to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, comparing then to sponges, "When he (Claudius) needs what you have gleaned, it is but squeezing you and, sponge, you shall be dry again," (pg 98, 20). This is random and unexpected, as many of his actions, but the comparison makes sense; Rosencrantz and Guildenstern soak up all the kings favors, only to become dry again after they mop up the King's mess (spying on Hamlet, and getting Polonius's body). Later, with Claudius, Hamlet tells how lowly a king can be by saying, "A man (beggar) may fish with the worm that hath eat of a king, and eat of the fish that hath fed of that worm," (pg 99, 29). This also makes sense, and is not quite as random; when Hamlet confronts Claudius, and the king asks where Polonius is, Hamlet immediatly begins the comparison by telling Claudius that Polonuis is at supper (the worms are eating him for supper, and so on). This proves that Hamlet had some kind of planning for this! degrading comment, and that his thoughts are not scattered and he is able to stay focused. There is a question of what being insane really is. Since it is agreeable that Ophelia was crazy, it's possible to use her as a guide to make this argument valid. Hamlet and Ophelia both shared the trait of having calculated thoughts, Ophelia's singing and Hamlet's verbal attacks. They also shared calmness before their deaths. But was Hamlet spraying rude remarks to everyone before he died, as Ophelia had sung floating down the river? No, in-fact Hamlet was the opposite of what he was before. If he were crazy, like Ophelia, he would have remained hectic and random up until the time of (and after) the duel. Hamlet, though, was not--he even reasoned what death for him was, finishing his question of whether life was worth living for. Hamlet can truley be seen to be sane, and not. The facts that Hamlet was smart and swift thinking, and in such a reversal of emotions (from after Polonius died) in the end, leads strongly to the opinion that Hamlet was not insane.

Inequality and American Democracy

Inequality and American Democracy Introduction The Americans are globally famous for their relentless support for democratic governance. Jacobs et al asserts that the ideals of democratically responsive governance are highly cherished by the American people (3). Ironically, the situation is markedly different within the American government even as they actively support democracy in other countries. With the growing inequality issues in the country, the ideals of democratic governance have been highly compromised.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Inequality and American Democracy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The major disparities existing are mostly noticeable within the public domain (Jacobs et al. 3). Primarily, the issue is about income differences, opportunities for wealth creation and equal citizenship (Jacobs et al. 3). These gaps are growing rapidly in the United States compared to any other country in the world. Yet the US still considers h erself the world’s greatest advocates of democracy. The American government is making little or no progress in the efforts to realize the democratic ideals set forth by the founding fathers of the nation. Equal rights The American society is the most culturally diverse in the world and this comes with a number of challenges as well. There were steps made to achieve equality in the 1950s and 1960s at the height of racism. Racial segregation and exclusion became illegal and socially unacceptable hence moving a step towards equality (Jacobs et al. 4). This allowed the white and black community to access education in the same schools and get access to health services in the same health facilities. This was a good gesture towards democratic governance. It is also worth noting that major gender based barriers started to break down during the same time and women were empowered to pursue academic, political, and economic opportunities just as men did (Jacobs et al. 4). Other marginal ized groups like the Latin Americans also got access to equal rights on an equal footing with the rest of the Americans. Notably, the previous barriers that promoted inequalities such as race, gender, ethnicity to mention but a few do not exist today. Nonetheless, new barriers that are fostering inequality in the American society have emerged and they are rapidly spreading within the government and the country at large posing a threat to the realization of democracy. The greatest of these barriers is the gaps in income and wealth between the Americans (Jacobs et al. 4). The gap between the rich and the poor is greatly increasing owing to disparities in income especially in the private and the civil sectors. This gap is increasingly creating a major segregation in the job market as well as in schools and colleges. Apparently, the rich and the wealthy are better positioned to cease opportunities that are out of reach for the middle and lower income classes. Consequently, the rich are in a position to get richer while limiting access to resources by the poor man. That is why the saying that the rich will continue to get rich while the poor man becomes poorer is very true.Advertising Looking for essay on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Some element of racist treatments is also present in school among students. In America today, one has to work very hard in order to maintain his or her current economic position (Jacobs et al. 5). One would expect that through hard work, there would be an upward mobility in the economic ladder but that is not normally the case in the US. Inequality in contributions on national matters Voicing the needs of the American people has never been easy and only a selected few can do this. The opportunity to exercise one’s right in the US does not come easily as there are factors that influence the ear of the government. These factors include a high income, occupational or career success, and high levels of academic achievements (Jacobs et al. 4). Members who fit in these criteria are more likely to participate in political, social, and economic decision-making process than the ordinary citizen is. Government officials are more likely to listen to the needs of such elite citizens and deliver on their demands more promptly. Unfortunately, this is the bitter truth and the reality of the American government amidst its call for democratic governance around the world. Voting turnout has also declined since the beginning of the 21st century when the income gap began to grow rapidly. Statistics show that the majority who vote are also the elite while the low-income earners decline to exercise their democratic right to cast their votes. How does the decline of voter turnout relate to inequality? A number of decisive factors discourage or make the voting process a struggle for the electorate. The economic inequality is a major factor that disc ourages the less economically privileged eligible voters from voting. There are also some laws in some states that forbid the minority from voting and a good example is the law forbidding prisoners and former prisoners from voting (Verba, Lehman, and Brady 1). In addition, the current methods of campaigns are keen on raising funds and persuading the already existing voters to vote. A more different approach is necessary to woo the non-voting yet eligible voters to get out and exercise their rights. Through campaign contributions, the rich and wealthy folks have a leeway to express and voice their demands as the platform gives them an advantage over the poor folks. Today, one can only gain justice and political influence through money and affluence thus leaving the poor man out of the standard bar. The least contributors in the national campaigns are the poor ordinary citizens while the few political donors are in charge in the political arena due to their financial influence. In ord er to exercise the rights of citizenship, one requires resources and skills. These requirements are only accessible to the wealthy hence the inequality. People with higher education and great careers such as doctors and lawyers among other professional have more confidence to speak compared to an ordinary citizen working as subordinate staff. Naturally, the nature of American politics gives no voice to the poor while the rich and affluent get enough attention at the expense of the poor man.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Inequality and American Democracy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Jacobs et al argues that three quarters of the well-off citizens are in one way or another associated with an organization that has great influence on the political arena (10). They also noted in their research that half of the wealthiest people in America are in contact with public officials. This gives the rich double access to pu blic resources compared to the middle and low-income earners in the US (Freeman). Government responses Government officials are highly influenced by the privileged citizens. The response of the government today in America no longer represents the will of the majority. A selected few wealthy men and women determine the future of the vast majority which is not a principle of democracy. Money has become the essential for government attention. Ironically, the already wealthy and advantaged citizens who are able to take care of themselves are the most catered for by the government. Democratic rule should ensure equality and fairness with the majority influencing the political stands. Nonetheless, in America, it is a reversed role since the minorities hold the realms of power while the majorities ride under the mercies of the few wealthy citizens. Through money, the wealthy establish relationships with government officials creating a connection that enables them to access national resourc es that are out of the ordinary peoples reach. This gives them a further advantage despite the fact that they already have an advantage over the poor with their wealth and money. This disparity is among the issues that are widening the gap between the rich and the poor. The gap grows wider because the more one earns, the more they gain access to resources and consequently the further the resources get away from the poor man’s reach. The effect is cyclic in that one direction influences the other. The affluent also influence government policies as well and normally, policies will always consider the needs and demands of the wealthy business communities and organized groups (Frankenberg, Orfield, and Lee). The government is always bias when responding to national issues normally bending to the side that favors the rich (Skrentny). The government is moving towards a more tragic direction by allowing a few affluent individuals to take the country hostage. The lack of spread oppor tunities and the gap between the rich and the poor is a disastrous condition in any economy. What this does is that the ordinary citizen will get discouraged and be reluctant to participate in national activities. This may include voting and working, which contributes to the national financial muscles, to mention but a few. Conclusion In the United States of America, democracy is only known theoretically and not as a practical state of affair. This paper has established the facts about government inequality and bias treatment of its citizens. The striking income disparity in the country is not a good example of a democratic nation since it is in contradiction with the idea of democracy. In the above research, it is clear that democracy is not as easy to achieve as it sounds and the quality of political leaders as well as the political will to pursue democratic governance highly counts.Advertising Looking for essay on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The financial gap between the American citizens is creating a division not only affecting social interaction but also economic and political well-being. The voter turnout for instance has been on the decline since the beginning of the 21st century just when the gap begun to build up. This clearly means that income disparities greatly influence the political structure of a country. Democracy is a good leadership model that allows for equal social, economic, and political opportunities for all citizens without favoritism. The government under democratic principles must always work towards engaging the majority rule and open access of power and influence to the majority as opposed to a select few. That is the real essence of democratic governance. Frankenberg, Erica, Chumgmei Lee, and Gary Orfield. A Multiracial Society with Segregated Schools: Are We Losing the Dream? Cambridge, MA: Harvard Civil Rights Project, 2002. Print. Freeman, Richard. Working under Different Rules. A National Bureau of Economic Research Project Report, New York, NY: Russell Sage Foundation, 1994. Print. Jacobs, Lawrence, and Robert Shapiro. Politicians Don’t Pander Political Manipulation and the Loss of Democratic Responsiveness, Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000. Print. Jacobs, Lawrence et al. American Democracy in an Age of Rising Inequality.  Task Force on Inequality and American Democracy American Political Science Association. 5 Sep. 2012. Web. Skrentny, John. The Minority Rights Revolution, Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2002. Print. Verba, Sidney, Kay Lehman, and Henry Brady. Voice and Equality: Civic Voluntarism in American Politics, Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1995. Print.

Hiring Police Academy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Hiring Police Academy - Essay Example Here, it is the danger that creates a bond among all the officers alike because there are no barriers of race or class. At the Academy, they live as one great community by overcoming racial and caste differences while sharing rich experiences. The job of police personnel in the Academy is unique because it gives them an identity of great importance. Training at the Police Academy though strenuous, does give one the impression that it is a very well – disciplined organization that transforms its recruits into highly trained professionals. Trainees learn the different military commands and violations are strictly punished while efficiency is well rewarded. Trainees do not possess police powers nor are they allowed possession of a gun, but after their training they are allowed to do these things. Ethics (chap.5) by Crank and Caldero (2004) is one of the most important and popular subjects in the criminal justice system which goes to prove that ethical values have to be inculcated into police officers regime for more favorable and respectable outcomes. Screening recruits on the basis of knowledge and values has become a priority when choosing people before imparting training. Pre- hiring procedures include Knowledge testing, physical fitness and agility, background, psychological testing besides a polygraph and oral interview.

Computer Architecture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Computer Architecture - Essay Example Von Neumann Architecture Von Neumann’s ideas are significant as they inspired the making of EDVAC computer back in 1952. The construction of Manchester Mark I computer preceded that of EDVAC. To Von Neumann, an efficient electronic computer would contain four main elements. These are the arithmetic logic unit, control unit, memory and input-output devices. In his architecture, Von Neumann moved if an efficient general purpose computer was to be made it is imperative to give it exemplary ability to store data and the intermediate outcomes of computation. On top of this, it is important to enable the computer to keep the instructions and commands given in carrying out whatever computation (Cragon, 2000). To achieve this, Von Neumann proposed that it is necessary to encode computer instructions in numeric form and enable the computer to store these instructions and their data in the same memory. The control unit help execute coded instructions saved in computer memory. Arithmetic unit performs arbitrary subsets of certain arithmetic operations. Von Neumann argued that operation speed, cheapness and simplicity of a machine should determine the economy of the arithmetic unit. Arithmetic unit accesses information from registers so as to be able to manipulate values. Data and program code reside in a computer’s memory. Input and output are enables a computer to communicate with the outside environment. Today’s input and output functions have improved on Von Neumann’s ideas and some take place within the computer (Null & Lobur, 2012). System bus There are wires found in the main board. It is these wires that interlink chips and devices plugged in the mainboard. The bus is the collectivity of these wires. The width of the bus goes with the number of wires. Data bus almost always contains wires in multiples of eight. Besides data wires, there are additional wires that help the computer in signaling and control. Bus throughput capability is the product of the speed of the bus clock (hertz) and the width of the bus (bits). Devices connected to the mainboard communicate via the bus. Bus arbitration is the method used to adjudicate the chance for each device to get access to the bus. Devices of high priority including processor and RAM get preference in accessing the bus (Cragon, 2000). These high priority devices have few interrupts. The control channel signals interrupts. Interrupt signals help interrupt CPU’s tasks in order to attention to whatever event that may occur. The CPU handles interrupt requests with respect to priority of their device. High priority devices have low interrupt numbers. In the past, bus arbitration has advanced over the years so that the computer does not need to arbitrate the bus. Direct memory access allows devices to insert or get data into or out of computer memory. The system bus has several functions. All types of buses allow sharing of data amongst the peripherals connected to the co mputer (Null & Lobur, 2012). System bus helps in addressing. Addressing helps in sending data to and from particular memory sections. System bus supplies power to different computer peripherals. It is the work of the bus to provide system clock that helps in synchronizing computer peripherals with other elements in the system. The use of Boolean operators in computer-based calculations Boolean operators can be used in the

A History Of Air Pollution In Pietermaritzburg Environmental Sciences Essay

A History Of Air Pollution In Pietermaritzburg Environmental Sciences Essay There is enough scientific evidence from various sources to support the fact that Pietermaritzburg is plagued by air pollution, which is worsened by the topography of the city. There is also much research proving the link between air pollution and asthma. Recent trials show, that not only does air pollution exacerbate asthma, it can actually cause asthma. However, there needs to be further research and trials done to scientifically prove this point. Medical statistics are extremely hard to come by in South Africa, which makes proving the link between air pollution causing asthma difficult. However, there is substantial evidence showing how air pollution triggers asthma attacks and makes them more severe. Air Pollution in Pietermaritzburg: History Past to Present day: Air pollution in Pietermaritzburg is not a new problem. There are over two-hundred newspaper articles in the Witness Newspaper Archives, dating back from the 1980s to present day, reporting on this issue. Old and current photographs of the city often show smog hanging over Pietermaritzburg. In the past, air pollution was caused mainly by cooking fires. However, todays pollution has the added toxicity of man-made pollution from factories and motor vehicles (Banfield, 1992). Twenty percent of Pietermaritzburg residents are affected by air pollution compared to five percent elsewhere in South Africa (Banfield, 1992). Pietermaritzburgs air is monitored by the Msunduzi Municipality, which has recorded that the citys air contains the following pollutants: particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen (oxides), ozone, carbon monoxide and many other harmful gases (Anthony, Nov 2007 and June 2007). Figure 1: Showing the smog formation over Pietermaritzburg: (The Witness Newspaper, 28 June 2008) (Wilson, 2008) Location of Pietermaritzburg: Pietermaritzburg, owing to bad town planning, has all of its main industry and landfill site in the citys bowl. This has resulted in a worsening of air pollution. The N3 highway runs straight through the heart of Pietermaritzburg, as the number of large trucks and vehicles increase, so do the emissions from these vehicles. The timber plantations on the escarpment of the citys basin and sugar plantations on the hilltops, add to the pollution in Pietermaritzburg as these plantations need to be burnt as routine farming practice. (Anthony, Nov 2007 and June 2007) Pietermaritzburgs geographical position in a valley causes a temperature inversion to occur. A temperature inversion is not a normal phenomenon, it only occurs in a valley (such as Pietermaritzburg) and the effect is worsened in winter. The cold air sinks down the sides of the valley and remains on the base of the valley frost may form here. The warm air (along with pollutants) then rises and stops half way up the valley slope to form a thermal belt. This belt traps pollutants and enhances their bad properties and negative health impacts, as the pollutants are not able to escape and they remain over the city and cause health hazardous smog to form. The diagrams below show the effect of the Temperature Inversion in Pietermaritzburg: (Sherriffs, 1989) Major Contributors of Air Pollution: The major contributors of air pollution in Pietermaritzburg are: emissions from industry, motor vehicles, fires at the landfill site and the burning of timber plantations and sugarcane plantations (Anthony, Nov 2007 and June 2007). Major industry, such as FFS Refiners, is guilty of adding to the pollution problem of Pietermaritzburgs air. Below are two graphs showing two of the major pollutants specific to the triggering and severity of asthma: Figure 2: Graph showing the daily averages and acceptable level (in red) of Particulate Matter (air pollution) in Pietermaritzburgs air (Anthony, Nov 2007 and June 2007) Figure 3: Graph showing the daily averages and acceptable level (in red) of Carbon Monoxide (air pollution) in Pietermaritzburgs air (Anthony, Nov 2007 and June 2007) In both graphs pollutants exceed the acceptable national pollution guidelines (highlighted in red) in the months of June and July (winter months) this is owing to the temperature inversion which worsens the pollution problem. Health Problems: Asthma is a chronic health condition, which causes inflammation and narrowing of the lungs airways, which causes difficulty in breathing for the patient and the patient may develop a dry, wheezy cough. Pollutants cause the restriction of the airways, as the pollution particles aggravate the airways of the lungs. Dr R.Gilbert, a general practitioner in Pietermaritzburg with an interest in asthma, states that the number of asthma patients that he treats is much higher than one would expect to find in a town the size of Pietermaritzburg. Dr Gilbert mentioned that Dr W.Robates, an ENT specialist, and Dr A.F.Jooma, a paediatrician, supported his views that the air pollution in Pietermaritzburg is a very real problem, which, without doubt, has a significant effect on the control and severity of asthma. He also states that many of his patients who leave Pietermaritzburg for significant lengths of time and then return often do not suffer from their asthma condition while out of the city. However, on returning, their allergies and asthma symptoms reoccur (Gilbert, 2010, Robates, 2010 and Jooma, 2010). In a telephonic interview with Umbalica Balrashie, the regional sales manager for Glaxo Smith Kline, a leading pharmaceutical company which promotes asthma products, information was provided noting that the three highest sales areas for asthma medication in Kwa-Zulu Natal are Richards Bay, Durban South and Pietermaritzburg. Both Richards Bay and Durban South are highly industrialised areas with significant air pollution emissions, when compared to Pietermaritzburg but owing to Pietermaritzburgs temperature inversion, the pollutants are intensified and therefore, the triggering and severity of asthma attacks in Pietermaritzburg are equal to these two industrialised areas (Balrashie, 2010). Community Views and Issues: Many residents in Pietermaritzburg have complained about the issue of air pollution in the city. In the year 1993, Pietermaritzburg residents spent nearly R1,5 million on asthma medication, stating that the citys pollution has significantly contributed to these costs (Quinlain, 1993). There have been many cases reported of families moving to Pietermaritzburg, and developing asthma or suffering from worsening existing asthma conditions, simply owing to the exposure and intensity of the citys air pollution, which is enhanced and worsened by the temperature inversion. Residents in Pietermaritzburg have complained continuously about the state of the citys air. However, the Msunduzi Municipality have done little about the pollution levels, as these levels of emissions are under the accepted and legal levels during most of the year. What the municipality has failed to promote to National Government is the fact that Pietermaritzburg is situated in a valley which causes a temperature inversion, ultimately worsening the levels of pollutants hanging above the city (in smog). This results in the pollutants being trapped over Pietermaritzburg. Industry and the Local Governments Role: Industry is responsible for the output of toxic emissions, which need to be monitored. Local Government need to take a more stringent and committed stance in relation to industry emission levels. The government needs to create awareness about air pollution and its negative health effects. Car emissions are great contributors to health problems (such as asthma). Pollution warning systems have been taught to the public in the United Kingdom (UK) by the government. South Africa needs to do the same (Hutton, 2010). The South African government has recently (March 2010) invested in a new air quality monitoring system (ODonnell, 2010), which monitors the amount of pollutants in the air and the quality of air (whether good or bad). The major areas of concern that need air-quality assessment and monitoring include transportation areas such as highway routes and main roads, urban areas, municipalities and local community exposure. (ODonnell, 2010) this suggests that Pietermaritzburg should be monitored closely along the main highway through the city and where industry is situated. However, for this to be successful, the local government needs to maintain the monitoring system and it costs a lot of money. This maintenance of the monitoring system needs to be put into South Africas yearly budget for the municipalities. National government needs to constantly assess the problematic pollution cities, such as Pietermaritzburg. This monitoring system should show improvement in the air. If not, the government can ascertain from the monitoring system which pollutants are most rife and where they are being emitted from. National government, together with Local government, could then work on strategies to lower the toxic emissions which ultimately cause health problems. Solutions: N3 Highway The N3 highway is a problem as heavy duty trucks create huge emissions. The railroads should be reintroduced to transport containers from Durban Harbour to Johannesburg. This would dramatically reduce the number of big trucks on the highway and as they often travel in the early hours of the morning, air pollution would be reduced as the temperature inversion is most significant in the early hours of the morning. Industry Local Government needs to work with industry in Pietermaritzburg to improve the amount of emissions that factories produce. As discussed, in an interview with Mr J.Pather, the Head of Environmental Health Services at Msunduzi Municipality, industry have complied in many instances to reduce emissions. From information supplied by Mr C.J.Anthony, Pollution Control Coordinator at Msunduzi Municipality, many specific air pollution issues have been dealt with. For example, Greys hospitals oil furnace has been replaced with paraffin (Anthony, Nov 2007 and June 2007). No further industry should be built in the citys bowl, this will contain the present air pollution. Pietermaritzburgs New England Landfill Site The New England Landfill Site needs to be moved out of the citys bowl. The particulate fall out is unacceptable and because of the temperature inversion, the pollution emissions are worsened. The municipality has attempted to improve conditions but the fact is that the landfill site needs to be moved elsewhere. Burning There are strict regulations concerning the burning of forests and sugarcane. These need to be monitored and implemented to prevent fire emissions in the wrong seasons. Monitoring National Government needs to work closely with Local Government and provide funds which will allow the municipality to upgrade and maintain air pollution monitoring equipment. Constraints: Economic Msunduzi Municipality is in a crisis. The control of air pollution is a low priority at present. It would be a huge expense to fix railroads and to move the Landfill Site. Pietermaritzburg lacks both funds and skills to drive the concept of clean air. Environmental Pietermaritzburg is surrounded by timber plantations and sugarcane farms. This cannot be changed. Conclusion: It is scientifically proven that air pollution triggers and increases the severity of asthma attacks. The link between air pollution and asthma is an accepted fact by specialists throughout the world. In recent years scientists have shown that air pollution from cars, factories and power plants is a major cause of asthma attacks. Further research is currently underway in the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA) to prove this theory. Pietermaritzburg has high levels of particulate matter and ozone which are two pollutants directly responsible for the triggering of asthma attacks. The temperature inversion in Pietermaritzburg is a known geographical fact which worsens the pollution significantly. It is therefore scientifically correct to state that air pollution in Pietermaritzburg is worsened by the temperature inversion and this air pollution triggers and worsens asthma attacks.

Obese America :: Health

Fast-food restaurants have become archetypal in the past 30 years, and nearly all of Americans takes advantage of the tasty meals, quick service, and cheap prices. Convenient as they seem, these meals contain almost no nutrients. They are comprised mostly of saturated fats and highly refined carbohydrates and are loaded with sodium and sugar. Almost every fast food restaurant we all love to go to, doesn’t give us many option. When it comes to picking a healthy choice, instead of choosing between low fat or wheat we have the option of choosing how many patties, bacon or no bacon, cheese in the crust, how big of a soda, crispy or extra crispy. These are not very good alternatives. Another problem is when we see those large 64 ounce sodas at 7/11 that are way more for one person. Young kids buy them because they look cool, and adults, because they think it’s a good deal for a lot of soda. Why is that that in this country we have opportunities to many things we want, but wh en it comes to eating it seems like some of us always go the easy processed way. Why are there no alternatives to what we choose to eat or drink, especially in the fast food industry? The United States is home to the some of the most obese people in the world. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), obesity in adults has increased by 60% within the past twenty years and obesity in children has tripled in the past thirty years (Brownell). A staggering 33% of American adults are obese and obesity-related deaths have climbed to more than 300,000 a year, second only to tobacco-related deaths (Finkelstein). It is strange to see that America’s obesity numbers just keep getting higher and higher with really little signs of improvement. The people don’t have the problem it’s the Unites States in general that has the problem. According to Dr. Kelly Brownell, PhD, an expert on American diet and health, a study was conducted with the Pima Indians who live both in Mexico and Arizona. It was found that those Pima Indians who live in Arizona have much higher rates of obesity than their counterparts in Mexico, even though both group s of people have the same genetic and ethnic background. This is also true for many migrants of the US who have a much higher obesity rate than their relatives back home (Puhl).

Factors Affecting the Academic Achievement of Freshmen College Students Essay

Achievement of students in schools has been the concern of school authorities. Several solutions have been offered in order to improve the quality of instruction. Some of these prove to be effective for some time, but later new innovations are introduced thus sometimes affect the teaching-learning situations in the classrooms. Science subjects are important because this field have greatly benefited mankind in its efforts to improve the quality of life. In view of this, college education plays a vital role in molding the minds, interest, awareness and concern of an individual to prepare himself for the future. Recognizing that science makes life easier and meaningful, educational institutions, through the mandate of the government, focus its attention on the advance of science and technology in terms of classroom instruction at all levels. Science curriculum must be taught in terms of how it can develop scientifically literate society and how it can make an individual more responsive to the needs of the times. Based on observations, science instruction nowadays placed more emphasis on the mastery of the subject matter. When students did well in written examinations, teachers believe that the aim of the lesson has been achieved, but evaluation should not only be based on written tests but should also include oral and practical examinations to make sure that learning really has taken place. Since researchers are future science teachers, there is a desire to determine what are the factors that affect student’s achievement are. The researchers want to conduct a thorough investigation to come up with a possible solution to the problem regarding the science achievement of freshmen students. In view of this line of thinking, the present study is motivated to look into the factors affecting the achievement of freshmen college students in science which might affect the student achievement whether it would be for good or not. Background of the Study The researchers will conduct this study because according to an international science study by Garrison (2004) Filipino students performed poorly in understanding science concepts and principle. These findings were supported by other study conducted by (Askali, 1994) (Acuna and Dasilva, 1993) stating that college freshmen students are weak in science. All over the fast changing world, people learned to rely on science for their own survival and advancement. Man just willingly admits that without such â€Å"instrument† as propellers for progress, this effort to succeed and achieve would be limited and be made useless. The concept that the more knowledge a man has in science, the greater is his opportunity for change for advancement. It emphasizes that science is essential for national development progress. School curricula are supposed to develop the capabilities of students but according to statistics, approximately fewer than 10% high school graduates have the skills necessary to perform satisfactory in college level in science courses. Attempting to combat trend, nowadays, many science educators are turning to more ‘hands-on’ approach to their teaching. Instead of having their students memorize lengthy formulas they have them to do experiments; starting in the early grades this has been going on for years wherein teachers act as facilitators only. Many students believe that science subjects in the freshmen level are difficult. In fact some do not like the subject. This may be attributed to some factors that underlie student’s attitude toward the subject. The educational qualification of the teacher may also serve as a factor that hinders student’s attitude in their science subject. Students find it more interesting to play truancy than to attend classes especially if the method, strategies or approaches of teachers do not suit the mental ability of the students. Theoretical framework This study is primarily anchored on the cognitive theory by Jean Piaget, specifically †the formal operational period,† in this period the development of the learner’s mind follows concrete stages. Based on the formal operational method of Piaget, this rage of age is the beginning of logical and abstract thinking. According to him, youngsters demonstrate ability to reason realistically and consider possibilities. The learner’s thinking at this stage is propositional. They use statement that contains data. The major theme of Vygotsky’s theoretical framework is that social interaction plays a fundamental role in the development of cognition. Vygotsky (1978) states: â€Å"Every function in the child’s cultural development appears twice: first, on the social level, and later, on the individual level; first, between people (interpsychological) and then inside the child (intrapsychological). This applies equally to voluntary attention, to logical memory, and to the formation of concepts. All the higher functions originate as actual relationships between individuals. Benjamin Samuel Bloom’s Theory is founded on individual differences of the students. He justifies that some behavior or factors affect student’s learning process. In this study, the influence of students variables such as educational qualification of parents, availability of learning materials, attitudes towards science, peer motivation and learning styles are hypothesized that influence the academic performance of freshmen college students in science at Universidad de Manila.