From the Paper "The real estate market in the U.S. today is in flux and is much affected by the larger economic realities such as the recession, the possibility of a recovery, unemployment figures, and loan rates. Housing is seen as a problem, with a higher people today unable to buy a home than was true in the past. Many parents are faced with the fact that their children will not be able to afford to do anything but rent for the rest of their lives unless the housing situation is addressed and solutions are proposed. The housing situation is gauged in several ways, including average prices in different areas, new housing starts, and the number of units that change hands in a given period of time. The housing situation varies greatly from one region to another, with California being seen as having particular problems while many mid-Western areas have relatively fluid housing markets ..."
Abstract This paper discusses that legal theorist, Judge Richard Posner, judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and a senior lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School, has had a profound impact on scholarly discussions about economics as it relates to the practice of law and about court decisions with reference to law. The author points out that Posner equates morality with efficiency and pragmatically states that moral principals ?serve in general to promote efficiency.? The author explains that Posner's propensity for drama raises eyebrows and raises voices and issues to challenge his meanings. The author reviews anti-Posner articles by Deborah Jones Merritt, Gertrude Himmelfarb and Jed Rubenfeld.
From the Paper "An act of altruism is generally thought of as a charitable, gracious, unselfish act, from one person towards or for another. But, in the Posner law and morality world, altruism is still altruism, and yet it is more than that: it is another subject for efficiency. Say a "Good Samaritan" (altruist) rescues a person, and that Good Samaritan gets injured in the process of saving the first person, who is in dire need. The Good Samaritan receives a promise from the rescued person that he, the Good Samaritan, will be justly compensated for those injuries, but the rescued person goes back on his promise. The morality here conflicts with the law, according to Posner. "Because it is unusual for people to give something without asking anything in return"?, it would be hard, in court, to produce evidence that a promise was indeed made by the rescued party to the altruistic party. And that legal fact in itself presents a morality conundrum to the thinking, rational person: Why try to help someone you don"t know out of sheer altruism, if you might end up harming yourself and not even receiving medical care for the injuries you sustained" This is another example of the problems that are raised when law and morality come into conflict."
Abstract This paper takes a look into the true definition of a refugee and the Australian government's stance on 'boat people' - also referred to as asylum seekers - and their policy on unauthorised arrivals. Mention is made of the condition of Australia's detention centres, and some of the conundrums faced when determining the fate of illegal immigrants. Is it fair to give a place reserved for a genuine refugee to those who do not come via established means? Additionally, the paper looks at the everyday Australian's view on multiculturalism with reference to imagined communities and the old White Australia Policy. Clearly the influx of refugees has changed the way Australians view themselvs as a nation and led many people to re-examine Australia's cultural and social makeup.
From the Paper "As Australians, we have all been touched by the recent refugee crisis in some way or another, with an increased influx of asylum seekers coming to our shores over the last few years. Indeed it is a human tragedy that people can be so desperate to flee their homeland that they are willing to travel thousands of kilometres across land and sea, eventually culminating in a "passage of terror" on an unsafe boat that more than likely would be carrying three to four times the normal number of passengers. The arrival of these "boat people" has caused of a division within our society ? those who are accommodating to the fact that these people have fled their county and should be allowed to stay, and those who believe that an influx of so called "illegal" refugees will lead to a perceived loss of national identity ? who want them to be sent back where they came from if no sufficient enough reason is forthcoming. The plight of international refugees is a cause for global concern, however understanding the key issues can be difficult for those with little background knowledge."
Abstract This paper discusses how, as one of the most controversial Internet-based technologies, file sharing is causing a wave of ethical and legal conundrums. It looks at how Napster drew the most mainstream media attention due to several lawsuits filed against them by individual recording artists and how music files aren?t the only copyrighted materials being shared by Internet users. It explores how software, movies, and photos are freely traded through peer-to-peer (P2P) networks and how dozens of file sharing applications like Morpheus have gained popularity, posing legal and ethical problems as most of the files being traded are copyrighted material.
From the Paper "Napster began the file-sharing revolution and was one of the first pieces of software that created an organized network of users. Using a central server to store a massive amount of music files would not only be costly and cumbersome but also totally illegal, so the architects of Napster designed their software so that each person would download directly from other users? hard drives. This system basically made each individual PC running Napster into a server. A list of sharable files is compiled by the software client, and Napster's central servers compile the file lists of all its online users. This way, individual users can browse others? files in a secure manner. Using the software interface, users can then perform searches for specific song titles, and the songs are downloaded directly from one peer to another."
This paper discusses that the social sciences have searched to identify the purpose of religions, but in their efforts to define the purpose of myth, sociologists are still at a loss.
Abstract This paper explains that ideas about moral values, religions, or myths, which have an absolute foundation in a "god" who is essentially "other" than ourselves, have been replaced in the minds of this generation by the treatise of relative morals and ethics. The author points out that there are the two common frameworks that classical mythologists used to understand the construction of myth: (1) Belief systems, which attempt to give the person a sense of control over that which is larger than him or herself, and (2) myths, which allow the person an understanding of themselves and the world around them. The paper stresses that, in the wake of man's self-enlightenment, the striving for knowledge has left behind an unexplained vacuum in the minds and hearts of men to still remain connected to myth-belief systems.
Table of Contents
Levi-Strauss's Conundrum Regarding Myth
Personal "Needs" for a God Identity Myth
Myth Definition
Myth Construction
Myth's Purpose
Conclusion
From the Paper "As consequence to the failure of religious leader to adapt an argument for God's existence in scientific terms, man's continued desire to connect with a "higher being" was reduced to the idea of myth. Thus construction of the myth has absorbed much of sociologist's activities for the last half century. How and why man creates belief systems for something that is not real poses a problem to the scientific mind. If God does not exist, then within mankind there must be internal desires which create the longing and psychological need for attachment to an ethical system, or moral compass. Another hypothesis is that within the social construct of a community, there exists a collective need for the group to find identity with a ?higher order'.?"
Tags: nietzsche, treatise, levi-strauss, system, control
Abstract The paper discusses what interest rates are, who controls interest rates, how interest rates affect an economy, the conundrum of why 30-year interest rates have not increased in spite of all contrary experience, and a conclusion concerning whether interest rates should be increased at a measured or quick pace.
From the Paper "I wonder if when Nostradamus was predicting the end of the world and saw the world awash in flames, what he really saw was the world awash in debt. Presently, because interest rates in the United States are so low, Americans and American businesses have taken out loans at an increased rate to keep pace with their high demand of goods and services. The Bush administration's tax cuts have added fuel to this spending trend also. The purpose for these two actions was to jump start the United States economy; Policies that have been successful. The real GDP has continued to grow at a good pace and the fourth quarter of 2004 growth of 3.1 percent annual rate is an indication of this growth . But what are the consequences of this growth come?"
Abstract This paper, written from the author's perspective, examines possible reasons why people commit plagiarism so readily and suggests that one reason is that, in today's world, it is no longer considered a very important value to be educated, think for oneself, or be able to think originally and critically. The paper goes on to point out that the author has developed her own skills, talents, and abilities and that these qualities make her a valuable candidate for an online MBA program in health care management.
From the Paper "Nowadays, plagiarism seems to be all around us, even in unlikely places. Doris Kearns Goodwin, a historian of the Lyndon Johnson presidency admitted to it, as did Senator Joseph Biden when running for President. Plagiarism has caused Pulitzer Prize winners, professors, and others their careers and reputations. A fascinating irony is when those who have most to lose from plagiarism plagiarize anyway. In my own words, plagiarism means stealing someone else's ideas, insights, scholarly or creative work, and taking credit for it oneself. The most frequent examples of plagiarism in an academic setting (all of which I have seen first hand, and, unfortunately, in increasing numbers) are when students have others write their term papers, copy ideas from books or internet sources without citing the actual authors, or even buy papers online. Plagiarism is a serious problem, I feel, not only because it is fundamentally dishonest and unethical, but because it compromises one's sense of self; development as a critical thinker; pride, self respect; and confidence (and that is when one does not get caught!)"
Abstract This paper deals with the recent attempt to determine the supposed undervaluation of the Chinese Yuan versus the American dollar. It discusses different economic approaches to determine the real exchange rate such as purchasing power parity (PPP), fundamental equilibrium exchange rate (FEER), and behavioral equilibrium exchange rate (BEER). Finally it ventures to determine a real exchange rate with simple tool based on purchasing power parity and ideas drawn from the Balassa-Samuelson hypothesis.
Introduction
The Statistics of Papers On The Equilibrium Exchange Rate
For The Chinese Currency
Approaches Based On an Economic Theory
Purchasing Power Parity Approach
Fundamental Equilibrium Exchange Rate
Behavioral Equilibrium Exchange Rate
Estimating a Fair Value with Simple Tools
The Concept of the Big Mac Index
Purchasing Power Parity as the Determinant of
Real Long-Term Exchange
Balassa-Samuelson Hypothesis
Conclusion
References
Appendix
From the Paper " A more medium-term concept, and thus more useful for policy purposes is the fundamental equilibrium exchange rate (FEER) developed by Williamson (1994), which defines the equilibrium exchange rate as the real exchange rate that satisfies simultaneously internal and external balances. The cornerstone of this approach is current account sustainability, i.e. the level of current account deficits/surpluses that matches long-term capital inflows/outflows. External balance suggests a sustainable current account balance. An internal balance is meant to be full employment with low inflation. The delicate aspect of the FEER approach is that it needs a normative judgment regarding the size of long-term capital flows. FEER estimates are usually derived from large scale macro-econometric models or partial trade blocks of a given economy. "
Highlights the importance of understanding the implications of developmental stages on the ability of a school guidance counselor successfully performing their job.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, 2006, $ 53.95
Abstract School guidance counselors are often caught in the middle of a conundrum: school is supposed to prepare one academically for the future, but how do you figure out why the child is not progressing? Failure to learn is not always equated to not being academically inclined. By looking to other developmental factors, the school guidance counselor can achieve a more salient set of results per student or student group than by just focusing on academic performance as reported by teachers and grades. This paper highlights the role of various developmental theories with a discussion of their applicability for the school guidance counselor. While the focus on this paper is primarily young teens/early adolescents and middle school guidance counselors, other developmental stages are also identified that apply to younger or older individuals.
Abstract This paper explains that dualism acknowledges the picture of the self within investigation of the mind; whereas, physicalism ignores the individual and only supports the progress of materialism. The author points out that dualists, as early as Descartes, have always been faced with the question of how the mental phenomena interact with the physical brain; however, now that we know so much more about the brain, the problem is even more of a conundrum. The paper contends that Pat Churchland's new integrated philosophy has more justification and meaning for her and perhaps others, but its aspiration to be the ultimate philosophy dangerously limits the scope of knowledge and places values completely at the discretion of that which is prescribed by science.
From the Paper "Frank Jackson's 'Knowledge Argument' provides a hypothetical example to prove the distinction between qualia and knowledge. He said to imagine Mary, a futuristic scientist who lives in a black and white world, and learns everything physical about the brain, including what it is like to see colors. If she suddenly is let out into a colorful world and actually sees something red, she experiences something different (the qualia of red) than knowledge that she had of it before. Jackson's story not only points out that experience is distinct from knowledge, but also that our experience is always changing, and is always capable of producing something new that has not been documented in past knowledge."
Abstract This paper discusses the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2002 in the United States. The paper describes the educational motives behind the formulation of this act. It goes on to describe the requirements of the Act and the issues that have arisen in its implementation. The paper then presents recommendations to limit the flaws of the implementation of the Act within the schools.
Table of Contents:
"Adequate Yearly Progress" (AYP)
Qualified Teachers
Involvement of Parents
Schools and NCLB
Bottlenecks
States and Federation Conflict
Parents' Point of View
Issues Related to Teachers
Children with Disabilities
Issues Related to Schools
Concern about Other Subjects and Activities
Reading Conundrum Recommendations
From the Paper "One thing that NCLB seeks to improve is reading comprehension of students. Schools in an attempt to raise reading scores are indulging in counterproductive things like strategy exercises and test prep. The problem here does not lie with the law itself but how the things are being implemented. The schools rather than being learning grounds have more become test prep centers. The focus on tests has removed the importance of learning. The reading programs being implemented are using content-poor exercises. Most of the time these exercises fail to stimulate the intellectual capacity of students. As mentioned earlier the emphasis on reading exercises have also excluded subjects like history, science, and the arts. In fact such subjects help in improving the reading capabilities of students more."
This paper discusses special education teacher's impressions of high stakes testing and looks at how that may impact preparing their students to take those tests.
Abstract In this article, the writer explores how special education teachers' attitudes, preparation, background and so forth may be contributing to the low scores of special education students as mandated by the No Child Left Behind (NCLB). The writer notes that the focus is on learning disabled (LD) and behavior disabled (BD) students who have to take the regular exams not the small percentage of special education students who qualify for alternative assessments. The topic involves the conundrum of the current climate of data driven decision-making because of NCLB and its impact on special education students and safeguarding their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004. The writer concludes that standardized testing offers the chance for marking progress of students, as well for targeting areas needing improvement. However, the long-term goals are the cognitive thinking levels of students and the expectations that students develop and hold for themselves concerning their future.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Review of the Literature
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "The movement toward an increased accountability in schools has been put in place through state-mandated standardized testing of students. These assessments have a great influence on the decisions and practices of educators and specifically in regards to special education students learning experience. While the work of Kathleen Cotton is not considered the hot off the academic press having been published in 1989, Cotton reveals timeless and priceless knowledge in her review relating to the expectations of the teacher and the academic achievement of students. It is with Cotton this review of literature to follow shall begin and then move on into the literature of the present concerning the attitudes and expectations of teachers and the impact that those attitudes and expectations have upon the achievement of students and specifically in this study, the achievement of special education and students with disabilities on standardized testing scores."
This paper discusses that science and religion or faith are thought to be irreconcilable; however, recently some scientist and religionists have attempted to reconcile these arenas.
Abstract This paper explains that religion is an experiential based field that relies on faith alone and is therefore highly subjective in its world view; whereas, in contrast, science is experimental but anchored in observation and has an objective interpretation of facts and events. The author underscores that both science and religion are based on faith and have as their common objective the quest for a formalized type of truth that can be applied universally to the human condition. The paper contends that achieving some sort of balance between science and religious faith is critical if mankind is going to continue to advance as a species. The author points out that, for Albert Einstein, the melding of science and religion was not a conundrum at all but rather, for him, the real problem lay in how man consistently chose to interpret both scientific and religious concepts and particularly religious concepts.
From the Paper "One of the primary points of contention for the religious proponents has been the view that science attacks religious precepts and undermines religion's doctrine. Many scientists have patently disproved this argument as being somewhat disingenuous since much of their activity has been centered only on illuminating the specific characteristics of systemic phenomena in the physical world and make no judgment at all on the origin, necessarily, of these phenomena per se. Science and scientists almost as a collective unit admit that while they can understand many of the systemic processes in the physical world they are at a loss as to how many of these highly complex processes could have simply evolved out of the molecular fabric of space."
Abstract This paper discusses how homelessness has been described as a chronic illness affecting all societies regardless of the degree of economic development and overall wealth of the nation. It contends that homelessness seems to be a social ill that, short of mandating public housing facilities for every citizen, cannot be completely eradicated. It also examines how the various research projects that have been tasked with studying this difficult social conundrum have typically approached the issue with strong academic objectives and usually combined with a sincere desire to affect positive change.
Outline
Overview
Homelessness
Dimensions of Homelessness
From the Paper "Burt has pointed out the causality of homelessness by identifying its three primary causes: structural, individual and governmental (Burt). Yet, all of these various causes are nuanced and tend to manifest themselves either in unique fashions from one society to another or in a complexity of several of them together. As one homeless individual describes his homelessness, the direct impact that governmental policies, local or national, can have on homelessness, is readily apparent (Kerr par.23). Clearly the impact of urban revitalization can be a real stimulant to homelessness because by removing all the low-income housing in an area without supplying new low income housing elsewhere is guaranteeing an increase in the local homelessness rates. "
Abstract The paper discusses stalking, which is a repetitive unwanted act, such as harassing and obsessive threatening behavior toward another person. The paper also explains the physiological responses caused by this act. In addition, the paper discusses the different types of stalkers. It emphasizes that the object of the stalker is to control his victim's actions and feelings and that he does this through manipulation.
From the Paper " Why women stay with such men is difficult to understand. One reason is his ideas, actions and games are ambiguous and subtle; they are definitely not cut and dried or all written out. It may take time to figure out that he is one of the men who would do this after a breakup, and like other things in a relationship that cannot be perfect, one has a tendency to ignore such signs until it may be too late. Another reason women stay in such situations is that once the woman is that committed into the relationship, it is sometimes hard to extricate oneself. She may not be the independent type, may think she needs him, or is afraid the things he says may be true and feels there is nowhere for her to go. Many fear for their life or the lives of their children if they do leave him.''
