Abstract This paper describes how Mark Twain's short story, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," made him an overnight sensation in the American literary scene. The reviewer gives a brief plot summary of the story, yet focuses on why this particular work gave Twain such widespread recognition. Also included are critic's remarks about whether Twain actually intended this short story to be humorous. The reviewer concludes that it is quite obvious why "Calaveras" made readers take interest in Twain. Besides its humor and interest, it is an insightful tale about the people who lived in the West during that time period.
From the Paper "In the story, Twain described a betting man by the name of Jim Smiley (a unique name in itself) and his leaping frog. "He'd give him a little punch behind," Twain wrote, "and the next minute you'd see that frog whirling in the air like a doughnut--see him turn one summerset, or maybe a couple, if he got a good start, and come down flat footed and all right, like a cat." Smiley bet on anything he could, similar to unfortunate gambling addicts today."
Abstract This research study examines Duval County schools in order to determine whether a vocational training program will facilitate better student achievement and reduce delinquency in the community. Specifically the researcher attempts to examine whether current educational programs are meeting the needs of students including those at high risk. The researcher uses a case study approach to examine data from Duval County School Districts and The City of Jacksonville Department of Justice.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Problem Statement
Background Problem Duval County School
Background Problem Duval County Department of Juvenile Justice Objectives
Literature Review
Characteristics of Vocational Education
Advantages Vocational Training
Methodology
Research Design
Data Analysis
Results and Findings
Summary
Recommendations
From the Paper "Frequently reported reasons for dropping out among student populations include students (1) finding school boring and (2) students perceived inability to graduate (Kaminski, 1993: 563). High absenteeism, work preferences and familial problems also contribute to higher dropout rates (Kaminski, 1993). Counseling for high risk students and more hands on training and interaction are often recommended to assist students that fall within the high risk population (Kaminski, 1993). This suggests a vocational or technical training program would ideally solve many of the problems currently found within the Duval County School district. Students more likely to drop out or fail to succeed in school also often lack support from parents, and parents rarely have education levels that include a high school diploma or sufficient literacy , which matches the profile of many parents in Duval County (Kaminski, 993)."
Abstract This paper relates that Cook County, Illinois, the second largest county in the US, and its hub, the City of Chicago, have critical and symbolic infrastructures, within its borders such as the Sears Tower, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, the Federal Reserve Bank and the Navy Pier, which are at the heart of the U.S. defense of its homeland security. The author expected well-planned and well-executed preparations; yet it seems that this department is marred in the typical "Chicago political machine" with what appears to be more spin about its weaknesses than exploitation of its strengths. The author of the paper states, for example, with total shock, that, unlike all of the other ten largest counties (by population) in the United States, Cook County does not have a specific division addressing homeland security.
From the Paper "In an interesting article in CIO Magazine, it continues to elaborate as to the new camera system. Chicago already had about 2,000 un-networked video cameras installed around the city as well as at O'Hare International Airport and Midway Airport. An additional 250 cameras were added at "undisclosed locations deemed 'high-risk terrorist targets,'" according to Ron Huberman, Executive Director of the City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communication. He continued in saying that "linking all the cameras into a single network, tied together with customized off-the-shelf 'smart' software, will bring the system to a whole new level." "
Abstract This paper discusses the effect the "No Child Left Behind" Act is having on the education system in the Hernando County. The paper analyzes the current and potential harm that can be done in the name of this federal educational reform. The paper offers the suggestion to repeal the NCLB Act and return management of local school districts to local school officials, parents, students, and other concerned citizens in each district.
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Introduction
Hernando County's Current NCLB Situation
The Hernando County Situation in a Larger Context
National Commentary on NCLB
Recommendations
Appendix A: 2004 Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) Report ?District Level, Hernando
Appendix B: 1004 Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) Report, Hernando
References
From the Paper "The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) act has stamped modern American education with the mark of mediocrity. In mandating that all school districts in the nation live up to a set of standards or lose important Title 1 funding for their disadvantaged schools, and by imposing sanctions that are draconian in their effects, the federal government is imposing the will of Congress on the choices of parents. In addition, the dissonant requirement that states set their own standards creates disparity of a magnitude unimaginable before the federal government decided to intrude into this most important, not to say intimate, local issue between children, parents and those who are entrusted to educate those children."
Abstract This paper discusses the Washtenaw County intention to pursue development for the construction of a homeless shelter in the Pittsfield Charter Township, Washtenaw County. The paper goes on to discuss how the development of the homeless shelter was approved for funding by the City of Ann Arbor, which intended to work with Washtenaw County on the construction project.
From the Paper "County and the City of Ann Arbor Dispute The Pittsfield Charter Township, however, contested the construction of the homeless shelter, contending that the location of the property owned by the country was in Pittsfield Charter Township. Pittsfield Charter Township, therefore, made claims that the property fell within the realm of the zoning ordinances for the township and because of this factor the township sought legal action against both the City of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County ("Pittsfield"). "
Abstract The paper relates that Montgomery County was formed in 1779 from Anson County and was named in honor of Richard Montgomery who, in 1775, lost his life at the battle of Quebec in the attempt to conquer Canada. The paper discusses the various prevalent religions in Montgomery County. The paper also looks at the economy and its future prospects.
From the Paper "Religion is more than theology or issues of faith and belief. It is as well an important aspect of the cultural life of a community. For example, in many cases people belong to the particular denomination that they grew up with in their families, especially so in the past. Because of the strong connection between religion and the community life, religious participation is often strongly associated here with the population group that first brought it here . Examples can include the Lutheran faith, in the case of the population originating from Germany and the Presbyterian faith in the case of Scots and Scots-Irish settlers. This assertion is also sustained by the recent growth of Catholic congregations, due to recent immigration waves of individuals of Hispanic origin."
Abstract A study of the trends of crime and punishment in Harris County whose public prosecutors are known to be among the strictest in the country. This paper examines statistics regarding crime rates, prison sentences and jail occupation to see if the strict policy pays off. The criminal justice system of Harris County is also detailed.
From the Paper "Situated in the State of Texas, Harris County is considered to be the third largest county in the United States. According to the latest estimates, its population is about three million people. It covers an area of about 1788 square miles. The Harris County Government has established several offices, courts, organizations, and agencies that work for the reduction of crime within the county. The county government is continuously working to improve the quality of service being delivered to its citizens."
Abstract The paper looks at the financial situation of the Cobb County School District which has been described as one of the three largest school systems in Georgia and the thirty-fifth largest in the United States. The writer discusses ways in which the district has dealt with the growth of the student body and how the county has managed to re-allocate funds in order to keep up with the growth.
From the Paper "Funds for the operation of the Cobb County School District come from a variety of sources. Local sources, including property taxes, real estate transfers, alcoholic beverage taxes, and miscellaneous fees accounted for $227,631,627 in 1998-1999 and is expected to increase to $250,856,553 in 1999-2000. This represents a monetary increase of $23,224,926 or 10.2 percent. State funds are obtained from the Quality Basic Education Funding from the State of Georgia. In 1998-1999, this funding provided $297,655,312. The amount was reduced to $289,037,487 for 1999-2000. This represents a reduction of $8,617,825 or 2.9 percent. Federal funding is obtained from ROTC Instructor Salary Reimbursements, Impact Aide, other federal programs and indirect charges. In 1998-1999, this amount totaled $491,500 and increased to $498,500 in 1999-2000. This increase of $8,000 represents a 1.6 percent increase (p. 12)."
Abstract This paper is a review of the book ?The Bridges of Madison County? by Robert James Waller. The writer points out that "The Bridges of Madison County" is this author's first novel and is a love story of a photographer and a farmer's wife. The paper begins with an overview of the main characters and the basic storyline of the book.
From the Paper "Bridges of Madison County is a romantic classic of the 1990s? based on a romance between a photographer and a farmer's wife who happen to come into each other's life and experience a passion and love which lasts with them forever. 52 year old divorcee Robert Kincaid travels to Iowa's Madison County to photograph the seven covered bridges for National Geographic. Once there, he asks directions to the home of Francesca Johnson, who at that time is alone at home while her husband and two children are visiting the Illinois State Fair. Thus begins a narrative of a profound love story between Francesa and Robert, an experience which would haunt them forever."
Abstract This paper discusses the constant population growth in Los Angeles County and the ensuing problem of water shortage. The paper presents the statistics of water consumption and explains that county officials are obligated to implement water conservation measures to curb problems of shortage. The paper examines several methods of water conservation and explores the option of a desalination plant.
From the Paper "The population of Los Angeles County has done nothing but grow. As of 2004, it had reached approximately 10,103,000 (Overview, 2005), with only the promise of continued growth for the foreseeable future. For the period 2004 to 2014, the population of Los Angeles County is expected to increase by an average annual compound rate of 0.61%, according to a report from Integra Realty Resources of Los Angeles (Integra, 2005). According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, the average Southern California household uses 500 gallons of water each day (Los Angeles, 2005). Assuming four people per household, that amounts to 1,262,875,000 gallons of water per day, or 460,949,375,000 gallons of water per year just for Los Angeles County. For the entire region of Southern California, the figure can only be higher."
Abstract This paper considers the case of Tillamook County, Oregon and reviews the civic life of the community in terms of its local economy and social institutions. In order to research a question of public administration -- that civic welfare relies on local capitalism and civic engagement, the county life and government are outlined and an analysis conducted.
From the Paper "In 1995, members of Congress and the Clinton Administration visited a number of communities in the state of Oregon looking for progressive government and viable local economies that could serve as models for reinventing government and civic welfare and accountability. Among the communities they visited were Tillamook County, a rural farming and fishing community in northwest Oregon. They reviewed the county's governance and found that it tied all aspects of government together in such a way that child care and education, for example, were effectively delivered in a systematic and synchronized manner, so that all government offices worked together to increase civic life (The Institute for Educational Leadership, 1996, p 22)."
Abstract This paper explains that Yorkshire, historically, is a unique county in the way institutions to care for the sick and needy were developed. The author stresses that, as opposed to most places, where there was a decline in the foundation of hospitals after the Black Death, charitable provision in Yorkshire, including the number of hospitals, remained at a high level. The paper presents an extensive historiography of Yorkshire charity during the Middle Ages.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The County of Yorkshire
Historiography and Source Materials
The Economic Situation, 1100-1400
Development of Hospitals, 1100-1300
Leprosy and Leper Hospitals 1100-1300
Hospitals in the Fourteenth Century
Wills in the Fourteenth Century
Ideas of Poverty and Charity by 1400
From the Paper "What we undoubtedly see in Yorkshire is the movement away from the founding of monastic institutions, prevalent during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, and the growth of civic almshouses and secular maisondieu in the fourteenth century. From figures between 1350 and 1400, it is clear how secular maisondieu were becoming more common. For example, two were created in Kingston-upon-Hull in 1380 and 1400, while four were created in York between 1390 and 1397."
Tags: maisondieu, black death, chronicles civic wills
Abstract This paper examines the issue of the dramatic increase in housing prices in Orange County and throughout the state and local residents' growing concerns about their ability to continue to afford to live and work in Orange County. The paper first looks at the pros and cons to affordable housing development. It then presents potential solutions to the problem, corresponding costs and benefits along with recommendations.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Problem Under Study: Affordable Housing
Overview of the Present Situation
Resources and Constraints
Alternative Courses of Action
Recommendations
From the Paper "While all of these policies are tools that jurisdictions can utilize in order to improve their ability to motivate much-needed affordable housing development within their communities, when considered individually, each is only a partial solution to a complex problem. Prior to adopting any of these policy solutions, it is important for communities to consider their unique characteristics (i.e. political, economic, social conditions), for these should be taken into account when developing its policy/ordinance. Essentially, local jurisdictions require local solutions. Although this paper's emphasis has been on motivating the development of affordable housing, it is necessary to recognize that both market rate and affordable housing provide the community with benefits. Market rate housing benefits the community by supporting revitalization and lifting neighborhood property values, while affordable housing benefits the community by allowing for a diverse community (e.g. workforce, seniors). While the benefits of each clearly differ, each can be perceived as complementing the other. We would like to note, that in considering alternative solutions, we opted to de-emphasize the federally funded Section 8 program after reviewing budget analysis, which revealed that funding for this particular program has been consistently cut over the course of the past several years."
This paper provides a first step in tackling the problem of the lack of visiblity of the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) in Cumberland County.
Abstract This marketing research study identifies appropriate target markets for future attempts to increase the visibility of the Society, by identifying specific categories of segmentation. Following careful review of secondary data sources obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau, careful "a priori" analysis is used to group residents into various segments. The paper claims that the market segments identified within it will result in a more efficient use of marketing resources for the Cumberland County SPCA. The paper concludes by recommending further research to determine the specific incorporation of these identified segments into a particular marketing strategy.
From the Paper "The Cumberland County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) faces a great challenge in attempting to increase its visibility in the County. Currently, the SPCA does not have a viable or strong public presence. Linda Catalano, the Executive Director of the Cumberland County SPCA feels that the Society is "invisible", and that many residents are unaware of the work of the SPCA."
This is a study and proposal of ways in which to increase use of services through improving public perceptions of quality of services at the Bladen County Mental Health Agency in North Carolina.
Abstract This paper develops recommended policies for implementation by the Bladen County Mental Health Agency that are expected to lead to improved public perceptions of the quality of services provided by the Agency. Second, the improved perceptions of service quality are expected to lead higher levels of use of those services by the Agency's target population.
Table of Contents:
Description of the Problem
Problem Definition
Statement of Purpose
Setting of the Problem
History and Background of the Problem
Scope of the Project
Significance of Project
Definition of Terms
Literature Review
Reactions to Managed Care
Health Care Marketing
Survey Methodology
Literature Summary and Transition
Option Selection
Criteria for Evaluating Options
Analyses of Option Alternatives
Applied Design Intervention
Grant Proposal Submission
Alternative Policy Decision
Option Selection
Descriptive of Alternatives
Statement of Objectives
Objective 1
Objective 2
Description of Alternatives
Alternative 1
Alternative 2
Alternative 3
Data Collection Plan
Hypotheses Related to Objectives
Objective 1
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 2
Objective 2
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 2
Data Collection Plan
Data Analysis Plan
Limitation of Data Collection Plan
Hypotheses Related to Alternatives
Alternative 1
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 2
Alternative 2
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 2
Alternative 3
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 2
Data Collection Plan
Data Analysis Plan
Limitation of Data Collection Plan
Summary of Results
Objective 1
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 2
Analysis of Objective
Objective 2
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 2
Analysis of Objective
Alternative 1 (Status Quo)
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 2
Analysis of Objective
Alternative 2
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 2
Analysis of Objective
Alternative 3
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 2
Analysis of Objective
Other Pertinent Data
Summary
Conclusions and Recommendations
Conclusions
Objectives
Alternative 1 (Status Quo)
Alternative 2
Alternative 3
Force-Field Analysis
Alternative 1 (Status Quo)
Alternative 2
Alternative 3
Policy Recommendations
Recommendations for Further Research
From the Paper "Bladen County, North Carolina has a small population spread over a rather large geographic area in the southeastern part of the state. The county's population has increased by eight-percent since the 1990 census to approximately 31,000 persons in the spring of 1999 ("County Population Estimates," 1999). The proportion of lower-income households in Bladen County is 51 percent higher than the national average ("Facts and Figures," 1999)."
