Homelessness Essay Example for Free

Homelessness Essay Homelessness is defined as the situation where one has no decent place to stay mostly because they cannot afford it. Homeless families are those who lack permanent places to live in and instead have to live in shelters, motels, cars, campgrounds or with family members or friends. The extent of homelessness varies with varying factors in the US for instance the geographical location, gender and age. (Levinson D, 2004). Homelessness in the USA is a social or rather a national problem that has been increasing over the years. Giving the exact or accurate figures of homeless people in the US is a difficult task as it tends to be a temporary problem. Again, the approach used to count the homeless people is using the service providers who deal with them paving way for miscounting as not all homeless people would use such facilities. According to a research by the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty in 2007 there were approximately 3. 5million people in America out of which 1. 35 were children. The population affected by poverty is diverse in the sense that it incorporates single adults, adults with children as well as the homeless youth. (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2008). This paper will focus on the nature, scope and population affected by homelessness in the US; it will also highlight the possible solutions to the problem. As David in ‘Encyclopedia of homelessness’ noted one way of estimating the extent of family homelessness in the US was to establish the number of homeless people who were from homeless families. It was established that over 41% of the homeless people came from homeless families. (Levinson D, 2004). The National Coalition for the Homeless estimated that in 2003 the number of children below 18 years was 39% of the total homeless population 42% of which were children below five years of age. In terms of gender, the proportion of the males versus females varied when varying factors were put into account. For the single adults without children males were more than females at 65% but for those with children the proportion was lower at 35%. The number of homeless people with children has been increasing over the years in both the rural as well as the urban areas. (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2008). The history of homelessness in the US dates back to the period before the American Revolution and is therefore not a recent phenomenon. This was triggered by the need to seek better employment opportunities in places far from homes. The issue however came to the public domain in the 1980’s and the federal, state as well as local governments channeled finances to resolve the problem. (Rossi P, 1991). These efforts included the establishment of shelters and housing programs but the problem persisted precipitating the adoption of another model to address the issue. It became apparent that the homeless needed the provision of supportive programs and the housed ‘homeless’ would be treated as tenants in their permanent housing. (Levinson D, 2004). As various scholars have established the major cause for homelessness in the US is poverty which makes houses unaffordable to many who can barely afford the necessities of life let alone the expensive houses. (Ploeg J and Scholte E, 1997). Such people cannot afford food, health care, education and child care. Despite the fact that over the years the economy has been growing and it is expected that people’s standards would improve this has not been attained in a uniform manner. Low income earners have faced the music as their pays have remained relatively low and this situation is made worse by the fact that their jobs offer minimal or no benefits. (Burt R, 1999). Their wages have either remained stagnant or have been falling all attributed to the fact that the bargaining power of the labor unions has reduced and the value of the minimum wages eroded. Temporary or part time jobs, increased globalization and a reduction of jobs in the manufacturing sector also contribute to reduced wages. Reduced wages make housing unaffordable to many as housing costs more than the minimum wage. Proof that the reduced wages play a significant role in perpetuating homelessness in the US can be seen in the high numbers of fulltime employed worker living in shelters. (Levinson D, 2004). A reduction in federal assistance to the poor has also led to aggravated poverty rates which lead to homelessness. Programs that initially assisted the poor for instance the Food Stamps and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families have been reduced and the poor have to feel the full weight of all the costs they need to meet. (Levinson D, 2004). Lack of housing assistance programs also makes the problem of homelessness intense. Low cost housing units introduced were ineffective in realizing the intended goal of assisting the needy. Some were converted to expensive apartments and the poor were left unassisted. A stronger economy sees the prices of housing rise making them unaffordable to many poor people. Levinson D, 2004). There were also minimal house assisted units against a massive number of poor people and many had to stay on long waiting lists. As people wait to be placed on the low cost housing units they had to look for places to live in. Other factors that trigger homelessness include the lack of affordable health care which sees people with an added cost to meet. Domestic violence also leads to homelessness especially when battered unemployed women run away from their battering and bread winner husbands. Mental illness also plays a role in influencing homelessness in the US. Statistics have it that over 15% of the total homeless population suffers from some form of mental illness. Some suffer from chronic or persistent mental illnesses or disorders. (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2008). Natural calamities are also to blame for homelessness in America. A good illustration is the hurricane Katrina and Rita which saw the destruction of over 300000 homes. (Mathison S and Ross E, 2008). Since the problem of homelessness is caused by many factors, no single solution would suffice to whip it out. It is important to adopt both proactive as well as reactive approaches. Proactive measures would be geared to preventing homelessness while the reactive measures would be resolving the problem after its occurrence. It would be vital to ensure that the minimum wage is uplifted so that even the low income earners have a higher amount of money at their disposal. The government ought to renew its commitment in providing low cost housing units. Educational programs among the homeless would place them at a better position in seeking for employment opportunities in the very competitive job market. This way the vicious circle of homelessness would be reduced. The government can also adopt measures that would ensure increased job opportunities as unemployment triggers homelessness. The adoption of community based programs for instance transitional housing as well as emergency shelter only offers temporary solutions and permanent solutions are vital. Since the homeless face many problems ranging from insecurity, inadequate health food supplies and medical care facilities their provision would be effective. (Wiecha L, Dwyer T and Dunn-Strohecker, M, 1991). The government at the various levels must see to it that the homeless gain accessibility to quality health as well as enough and nutritional food. The young children especially those below five years of age must be treated with the specialty they deserve. (Backner I and Bassouk E, 1997). Appropriate strategies must also be enforced to allow those suffering from mental illnesses that can be effectively treated from home gain access to housing as they form a sizable number of the homeless population. Programs to reduce alcohol and drug abuse would also be appropriate in the eradication of homelessness in the US. (Whitt C. 1994).

AI vs Frankenstein :: essays research papers

Movie: Artificial Intelligence Synopsis: In the not-so-far future the polar ice caps have melted and the resulting rise of ocean waters has drowned all the coastal cities of the world. Withdrawn to the interior of the continents, the human race keeps advancing, reaching to the point of creating realistic robots-called mechas-to serve them. An ambitious Professor succeeds in building David, an artificial kid, the first of its kind programmed to provide endless love for its adopter. David is adopted by Monica as a substitute for her real son, but an unfortunate sequence of events leads Monica to abandon David. Believing that Monica will love him only if he becomes a real boy, David sets off to find the Blue Fairy (from the fairy tale Pinocchio), whom he earnestly believes is the only one with the power to grant him his wish. Explanation: Artificial Intelligence is very similar to Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein in that the underlying themes, questions asked, and moral issues raised are the same. The main idea being appropriated is that of creating life, although not ‘life’ in its usual context referring to living organisms. The ‘life’ created (or rather built) in AI is in fact a mere imitation of life, a mechanical substitute human boy†¦artificial intelligence. In AI, the creation is David, and he bears immediate similarities to the Frankenstein monster. In the book, the monster was to be Frankenstein’s ‘perfect’ human, a soul who knew nothing but love. Ironically, David was programmed to provide unconditional love and also served the purpose of being the perfect replacement of a ‘human’ boy. The desire to aid mankind through scientific and technological advancement is shared by both creators in their respective texts. In the film however, the Frankenstein equivalent is indirectly achieved by another character after David’s initial creation. The Frankenstein role is in fact fulfilled by Monica, David’s adopter (‘mother’), who activates David by ‘imprinting’ him to her. Although for different reasons, both ‘parents’ (mother/father figures) hastily rush the ‘activation’ process without closely assessing the risks and responsibilities of their doings or even realizing the wishes of their creations. Both creators end up abandoning their creations, leaving them alone, friendless in societies where they are both hunted. A woman talking to the Professor in the first scene of the film asks directly: â€Å"if a robot child loves his mother, is she expected to love him back?†-â€Å"Can a robot be loved?† The film maintains the same stance as Mary Shelley’s book by arguing that society is in fact to blame for the mistreatment of David.

About Yourself Essay

Q: Describe briefly your current job/most recent job responsibilities. State the knowledge and skills you have acquired from this experience A: My recent job assignment was in Testing domain of TAPAS Vodafone UK project. We have to test the codes of the development team to validate if the business and functional requirements are met. Our tasks inclued-; * Understand and analyse what are the expected outcomes from the interfaces of the Development team by going through the revelant documents and and with adequate discussion with the Dev team. * Based on the above, author the Test Cases and Test Scenarios for validating and testing the functional and business requirements of the project * On the technical front, we are expected to execute the shell scripts batches in Unix Environment to generate the data file which is to be checked from the back-end (Oracle 11g) With the help of SQL queries as well as from the front-end Oracle Retail Merchandising System (ORMS). * As our project mates were located in other parts of the Infosys Offices eg Bangalore, Hyderabad as well as onsite location London, we frequently (usually daily) needed to interact with peers and seniors to discuss the status and progress of the project along with the other issues faced by us, it helped me improve my verbal and no-verbal communication. * As part of testing, we have to raise the defects in an online Quality Control tool which was later assigned to the respective developer to fix the bug and many times we would find us in arguments and discussions with the respective devepoler, asserting and proving their points and stand which helped me in inculcating a healthy professional relation and to remain honest with my task and duty at the same time. * It also helped me in approaching and interacting with new people with the sound technical expertise and skills and put forward my ideas , opinions, doubts among my peers and seniors. Q: Describe briefly the most important situ ation in which you have demonstrated leadership skills during your professional career (not exceeding 250 words) See more:Â  The Story of an Hour Literary Analysis Essay Q: Describe briefly the most important situation in which you have demonstarted your ability to work in teams during your professional carees (not exceeding 250 words) A: Last month we, with the motive of improving the interaction among the floor-mates , we, a group of 12 persons of different projects and teams of the same floor planned,discussed and organised a event named L3 Trivia. We as volunteer and anchors, had the job of finding some unusual, interesting and little known facts about our floormates and frame these in a questionaire form to be found and answered by the randomly formed teams for which the team will be awarded marks. The teams had to work together and was asked to take signatures and click a pictures with the respective person to make it interesting and to ensure that everyone knows everyone else by his name and face. The other members of the organising team had to collect the crowd at one place and distribute the different coloured cards on the basis on which teams of 10-11 persons would be formed. As an anchor , we have to gather and handle the team with same coloured cards. We needed to coordinate the randomly formed teams, have a quick introduction with each-other and help them in picking a Team Lead. Apart from this, we had to hand them the Questionaire Sheet , explain them the rules of the games, clarify their doubts as well as encouraging them at the same time and evaluating their scores at the end. This event got amazing and overwhelming response from the floormates and everyone took out the time for this playful event. We, volunteers were not only appriciated by seniors and HR for our effotrs and hardship for managing,organising this event enjoyable and a hit but we also get to know new people and make friends and exhibit our managerial skills as well. Q: Why do you wish to go for a management career A: I always have an interminable dream to have my own business most preferably in online business where I can tap my technical skills of developing online applications. I believe that going for a Management Degree will be a wise idea for helping me in materialising my dream because it will not only help me understand the nitty-gritty of the business administration but will also provide me the the essential knowledge, idea, skills and techniques for management. The process of earning this degree will help me to think critically, deal with ambiguity and solve complex business scenarios through case study approach which requires us to evaluate business dilemmas and formulate the best plans of actions. Not only this, the environment there will motivate , develop and improve my soft courses in leadership, people skills and social interaction that can be a help in any walk of life. Before starting my own venture and entering into the business world , I would need a broad perspective of business world like how industry and business works and this degree will definitely give me an invaluable exposure to business concepts and development in functional areas. I think that this degree will help me in achieving an interesting and more responsible and influentional position. In addition, it will provide me the opportunity to meet new ,interesting, and important people and be challenged by peers and experts. That can help our career along. The MBA degree will prepare me to face the situations that can be faced in real life business scenarios, foster own personal growth, develop exciting career opportunities as well as networks. Q: What alternative careers are you considering and why? A: If I didn’t get the opportunity to persue MBA this year, I will continue my present job at Infosys as a engineer for few years to gather more sound technical knowledge and at the same time try to bring through capital for venturing my own start-up. Q: Describe your strengths/weaknesses as identified by you. A: My strengths can be listed as: * Disciplined and honest towards my duty * Ability to contribute positively as team player * Easily adopt to any environment * Self motivated and confidant My weaknesses can be listed as: * Inconsistent * Easily stressed * Have trouble in planning and prioritization Q: What is your most significant accomplishment so far A: I would recount one of my junior school incident in this case because I had a very positive influence of this incident in formative years at the school. Our school had an annual ceremony to elect the School Leader at both junior (1-6 class) and senior (7-10 class) sections. Teachers and sisters at our school used to assemble the entire junior/senior wing and the students were told to write the names of their candidates based on academics, sports, extra co-curricular activities etc. In a surprising outcome, out of 500 students from the entire junior wing, around 350 have voted in my favour. I was really thrilled to know this because I had never this idea or anticipation that my other classmates and juniors would know me, forget about being admired or revered!!! Although I have always been a good student and excelled in academics and few extra-co-curricular activities, I was also very garrulous, boisterous and a bit indiscplined, so being elected as a School Leader whose responsibility was to ensure discipline was difficult task. But I was really taken aback and amazed by this oucome and even I was not sure if I would be able to shoulder this responsibilty with honestly. This was the first time experience in my life that instilled me with a sense of responsibility.

St. Pauls Cathedral in London - 1284 Words

St. Pauls Cathedral in London is the seat of the Bishop of London and a major London landmark. It is located on Ludgate Hill in the financial district known as the City of London. The present St. Pauls Cathedral, which was built between 1675 and 1710, is the fourth cathedral to occupy the site, which was sacred even before Christianity arrived. The cathedrals immediate predecessor was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. The cathedral enjoyed by visitors today was designed by court architect Sir Christopher Wren. Wrens original, grander plan met with considerable resistance from the conservative Dean and Chapter. The present building reflects a compromise, but still reflects the grandeur of Wrens design. History†¦show more content†¦Michael and St. George is across from St. Dunstans on the right side (south aisle). This was originally the consistory court - the place where the bishop sat in judgment over the clergy, or priests. It was used as a studio for the construction of Wellingtons monument between 1858 and 1878. Crypt St. Pauls substantial cathedral crypt contains over 200 memorials as well as another chapel and the treasury. Members of the royal family are buried in Westminster Abbey, but many other notable figures are buried in St. Pauls Cathedral crypt, such as Florence Nightengale and Lord Nelson. Sir Christopher Wren, the architect of the cathedral, was fittingly the first person to be buried here, in 1723. The inscription on his burial slab states, Reader, if you seek his memorial, look all around you. Look for Wrens tomb all the way to the east end of the crypt, under the altar. Dome and Galleries The inside of the dome is decorated with frescos by Sir James Thornhill, the most important painter of Wrens time. The dome contains three circular galleries - the internal Whispering Gallery, the external Stone Gallery and the external Golden Gallery. The Whispering Gallery derives its name from its unusual acoustics, which cause whispers to echo around the dome. Choir The choir extends to the east end of the dome. It is home to the cathedrals great organ, which was ommissioned in 1694. The current instrument is the thirdShow MoreRelated St. Pauls Cathedral in London, England Essay1121 Words   |  5 Pages St. Paul’s Cathedral, in London, England, was designed by architect Sir Christopher Wren. Approval of this most significant architectural project took six years just for the plan. Construction, which began in 1675, took thirty-five years until finally complete in 1710. It was built to replace a church that had been leveled by the Great Fire of 1666. St. Pauls is the largest cathedral in England, and said to be Wrens masterpiece. He brought a range of new forms, and architectural combination intoRead MoreSt. Paul s Cathedral1104 Words   |  5 PagesSt. Paul’s Cathedral is an English Baroque styled cathedral dedicated to Paul of Apostle and the second cathedral to be built on the same site, first being Old St. Paul’s Cathedral which was also dedicated to Paul of Apostle. It is located in the City of London, England. The Fourth St. Paul’s, more commonly known as Old St. Paul’s Cathedral, was built by the Normans in 1087. The Normans, who in recent times had just conquered Britain, and were determined to build the largest Christian church inRead MoreDiscussing Christopher Wren s Cathedral1842 Words   |  8 PagesHUM 102-301 10/15/16 Research paper St. Paul Cathedral Introduction: This semester my paper will be discussing Christopher Wren’s building â€Å"St. Paul’s Cathedral†, and why St. Paul’s Cathedral is considered to be the most important and famous masterpiece of England’s architecture? The St. Paul Cathedral of Sir Christopher Wren was chosen because it is famously interpreted in the baroque style in England, and dominated English architecture. St. Paul’s cathedral is one of the most famous importantRead MoreEssay about Christopher Wren’s Designs for St. Paul’s Cathedral1735 Words   |  7 PagesAnalyse the evolution of Christopher Wren’s designs for St. Paul’s Cathedral. From as early as before the Great Fire of London, Christopher Wren was involved in architectural projects for St. Paul’s cathedral. The evolution of his designs for the new St Paul’s began with his ideas for the old; the evolution of his designs were a process of both creation and reinvention. Starting with the vision he never lost - of the London skyline marked by a grand dome landmark - he endured the problems of buildingRead MoreSt. Pauls Cathedral: Sir Christopher Wren Essay1802 Words   |  8 PagesSt. Pauls Cathedral St. Pauls Cathedral has had a very interesting and long history. 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St. Pauls CathedralRead MoreThe London Off Of A Global Movement896 Words   |  4 PagesOn October 15, 2011, Occupy London included almost three thousand people gathered outside of the St Paul’s Cathedral. This paper will address how the London off shoot of a global movement, Occupy London (OL), addressed social and economic inequality within England. It will also discuss how OL has tried to revolutionize the social and economic inequality. Then, the paper will address an overall evaluation of the movement as a whole. The paper w ill argue that Occupy London is a part of a successful movementRead MoreReflection Of English Literature : My Experience Of British Literature1031 Words   |  5 PagesI traveled to London in November of 2016. On that trip, everything I had learned about British literature, as well as England as a country, was placed into my life, outside of the classroom. I saw the Sutton Hoo Treasures in the British Museum, the burial place of Geoffrey Chaucer at Westminster Abbey, and stepped foot into St. Paul’s Cathedral where John Donne served as Dean. Although at first, I thought English IV was going to be another bland English course, on my trip to London I learned theRead MoreOccupy London Stock Exchange and the European Convention on Human Rights1255 Words   |  6 PagesOn the 15th and 16th day of October 2011, some protestors, led by Tammy Samende and having George Barda and Daniel Ashman, among others, pitched a protest camp in St Paul’s Churchyard. The protesters set up between 150 and 200 tents in the churchyard, with some tents serving as accommodation for the protestors. Other tents were allocated different activities including setting up temporary first aid centres, a learning centre, named Tent City University, and a children’s place. The tents occupiedRead MoreSt. Paul s Cathedral1757 Words   |  8 PagesLondon is a city that is steeped in rich history and has many cultural influences that have affected everything from the way that Londoners speak down to the architecture. One of the most influential buildings in this time is one that dominated the London skyline as a reference point for 300 years up until the 1960’s, and that is Wren’s St. Paul’s Cathedral. This building has been recorded to be in existence on its site as early as the 604, but it could have been around as early as the 400’s. St