Abstract This paper begins by addressing a scathing remark made by Carlos Mencia on his television show, in which he jokes about not rebuilding the homes that were devastated in the Gulf Coast by hurricane Katrina. The paper goes to attack the insensitivity of Mencia's comment and describes the intensity of the trauma endured by someone who has lost their home. The paper then describes that in order to help the people of the area, the gulf coast must be rebuilt into something completely new and entirely different than what it was before.
From the Paper "Many people lost their homes when Katrina hit, but a home is not just a house. A home is a conglomeration of possessions, culture, and people that make a place familiar and safe. Having all of this suddenly torn away is, in many ways, like being surprised by the death of a close friend or family member. If these people aren't allowed to obtain some sort of closure--to see their home in its open casket, so to speak--they will never be able to recreate that sense of familiarity in another place. Rebuilding the Gulf Coast is one way in which this closure can be achieved."
Tags: carlos mencia, hurricane katrina, devastation, new orleans
Abstract The following paper looks at the devastating effects of Hurricane Mitch and examines how the shocks are still being felt to this day in Central America. The author contends that no matter how much we progress against the rage of nature we are unprotected.
From the paper:
"The calamity that hit the Central American nations in October 1998 took suffering to a new height. Though an accurate toll is still hard to calculate--and as many as 10,000 people were estimated to be dead in the battered countries of Nicaragua and Honduras, while as many as 2 million may be were made homeless after the relentless rains of Hurricane Mitch. In much lesser degrees, calamity also visited El Salvador and Guatemala. In all, the storm wrought $3 billion in damage--more than half the combined Nicaraguan and Honduran gross domestic products--and devastated at least two-thirds of those countries' public infrastructure."
Abstract Nothing is as devastating as knowing a loved one has cancer. Cancer devastates lives of the patient, family members, friends, and co-workers often creating emotional scars of depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety disorders, psychosocial distress or other emotional problems as well as the need to face various treatment-related issues.
Abstract The paper shows that although many people are aware of the devastation that occurred at Pearl Harbor in 1941, most are ill-informed concerning the causes, effects, and exact events that transpired in relation to this dreadful day in American history. This essay provides many facts and statistics about the tragic event of Pearl Harbor. It contains information before, during, and after the war.
From the Paper "The primary, and most probable, cause of Japan's attack on the US forces stationed at Pearl Harbor can be best attributed to the strong stance against the imperialistic practices engaged in by Japan. At this point, Japan was ruled by a militaristic government, with one of the primary figures being General Hideki Tojo. Under Tojo's rule the Japanese army favored solving the island's over-crowding problem by conquering neighboring states, such as China, while the navy favored usurping islands in Southeast Asia (Nunn 10)."
Tags: franklin, japan, roosevelt, Hawaii, French, Indochina, World, War, II
Abstract This paper explores the AIDS epidemic as one of the most significant health-related events of this century highlighting the staggering financial and social costs which are growing daily. The paper looks at the spread of the disease due to the social behavior of mankind, mainly in the form of unprotected sex. The author then surmises the only way to prevent further devastation from the disease is to educate society to try and change their social behavior. The paper concludes that in America and Thailand statistics show that due to changes in social behavior, the number of AIDS cases have decreased.
Table of Contents
Introduction
History and Prevalence
Statistical Information
Physiology
Cultural Societal Impact
Research
Stigma
Effect
Opinion/Analysis
Case Study
Conclusion
From the Paper "It is possible that momentum for prevention will build up, as the epidemic becomes more visible. Today, although one in every 100 adults in the most sexually active age bracket (15-49) is living with HIV, only a tiny fraction know about their infection. Because people can live for many years with HIV before showing any sign of illness, the virus can spread unobserved for a long time. In the face of other pressing concerns, it has been relatively easy in many parts of the world for political, religious and community leaders to overlook the significance of the epidemic. But AIDS cases, and AIDS deaths, are growing the world over, and there are few countries where it is still possible to be ignorant of the scale of the disease. Some 2.3 million people died of AIDS during the course of 1997. In roughly the same number again HIV infection developed into symptomatic AIDS. HIV has more than doubled the adult death rate in some places, and is the single biggest cause of adult death in many others ."
This paper is a research proposal to determine whether preschool disabled programs have a positive impact on the social development of autistic children.
Abstract This paper explains that experts have a hard time agreeing on the causes and risks of autism, which is a spectrum disorder; however, there is a general agreement that it is a devastating disorder impacting social skills in ways that are far reaching. The author proposes a research study to determine if pre-school programs designed for disabled children are effective methods for helping children with autism develop their social skills and thus increase their ability to communicate. The paper reports that the research will use the case study method studying ten selected participants. The author will gather information using a multi-dimensional approach of interviews with the family members and teachers, observations and empirical data from program records.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background of Study
Purpose of Study
Significance of Study
Research Questions
Assumptions
Delimitation
Definitions
Literature Review
Proposed Methodology
Exploring the Options
"What Is Methodology?
Literature Review
This Study Proposal Choice
Participants
Data Analysis
Limitations of Study
Conclusion
From the Paper "Children with autism often fail to develop appropriate social skills and are consequently treated differently by their school peers. In addition, their reactions to teachers and other personnel at the school may be inappropriate because they do not have the developed social skills needed to react appropriately. By the time children start school they have usually developed social skills that can help them navigate the day and the tasks that are required of them. For children with autism the inability to socially communicate can make the day difficult at best and impossible to navigate at worst."
Abstract This paper examines the economic impact that World War II had on Europe. It provides a brief history of the lead-up to the war and the cost of the war in terms of human casualty and then analyzes why World War II had such a devastating effect on the European economy. Finally, the paper discusses the rapid growth of the post-War golden age in Europe and the factors that contributed to it.
From the Paper "The economy of Europe lagged far behind the United States after World War II and into the 50s (Eichengreen 2007). Its gross domestic product level was barely half American levels per person. The mass production methods in the US, which were introduced in the first half of the 20th century were just arriving in Europe at this time. Typical automobiles and modern household appliances in the US were still few and exceptional in Europe. Even 50 years later, Western Europe was still far from the US in terms of per capita GDP. But institutions of European integration wiped this difference in the quality of life so marked 50 years ago. They locked peaceful Germany into Europe so as to unleash its huge industrial might. It was something, which France and other European countries would not have allowed. These institutions created the Common Market, which in turn induced the huge expansion of trade and increased efficiency. Through the Single Market Program set up in 1986, these European institutions created a continental economy, which can now support global champion firms at a scale and a scope that could compete internationally. And with the introduction of the Euro, the inflation problem, which plagued Europe in most of the 20th century, disappeared (Eichengreen)."
Abstract A nuclear, biological, or chemical attack can be devastating for all those involved and the world as a whole. This paper discusses how any weapon of mass destruction would create a devastating reaction both psychologically and economically. It looks at the history and different types of these weapons from their conception and their development throughout the world and evaluates how although world powers such as the United States and Russia are cutting back on WMD (Weapons of mass destruction), nations like Pakistan and Israel are developing large arsenals.
From the Paper "India is believed to have enough plutonium to make anywhere from 100 to 150 warheads, and Pakistan is believed to have 35 to 40 warheads. The United States currently possesses about 2,000 nuclear warheads and more then 1,000 tactical nukes. Russia, as well as the United States, is cutting back on nuclear warheads and currently possess around 2,000 and 8,000 tactical nukes. Israel is the only country in the Middle East to have a nuclear arsenal. It has 100 to 200 nuclear weapons that can be delivered by plane or by missile. It is believed that Iraq is developing nuclear weapons; however, there is no confirmed evidence of nuclear development since weapons inspections have not taken place since 1998."
Abstract This paper explores the abuse and power and control issues associated with adolescent dating violence. It includes the characteristics of violence and the wide-spread extent of the problem. This work also identifies some of the common causes of adolescent dating violence by exploring risk factors, attitudes towards violence, and gender roles. Finally it identifies some of the devastating long-term consequences and lack of public awareness. All these factors present an unhealthy picture of the likelihood that teens will either be a victim of or at least exposed to dating violence with little public appreciation of the extent or devastating results of the problem.
From the Paper "Dating violence that is prevalent in the adult world is also common among adolescents. They experience physical and sexual abuse, threats, insults, denigration, social control, indifference and harassment. Three studies cited in Violence in adolescent dating relationships reveal problems specific to adolescent dating. A study by Lavoie in 1992 revealed that adolescent boys spread rumors to blemish the reputation of a girl after a breakup of the relationship or the girl's refusal to have sexual intercourse. Another study by Poitras? and Lavoie in 1994 found that kissing, necking and petting were the most common types of unwanted sexual experiences followed by sexual intercourse, and then attempts of penetration. The aggressors of the dating violence use coercion as their primary means to get what they wanted, but they also resorted to the threat or the use of physical force and the deliberate use of drugs or alcohol. Abuse of authority isn"t as common to adolescent dating violence as it is in the adult world because fewer adolescents are in positions of authority. Finally, another study by Lavoie and H"bert discovered that sexual harassment was the most common form of adolescent dating violence and including belittling the partner who refuses to have sexual intercourse or threatening to end the relationship if sex is denied, and getting a partner to take drugs or alcohol in order to have intercourse."
Abstract This paper examines how Galveston City was devastated by one of the worst ever storms to strike America on September 8, 1900 claiming the lives of more than 8000 people and the total destruction of properties. It looks at how in the book ?Isaac's Storm,? Erik Larson describes how Isaac Monroe Cline, a chief staff of the American meteorological department studied the progress of this devastating storm and how it had a destructive effect on the business climate of this once commercially vibrant city. It analyzes the effects the storm had on the development of the city as well its economy and industry.
Outline
Galveston City (Before the Storm)
Impact of Hurricane
Insurance Sector
The Current Economic Situation
Tourism
The Galveston Port
Conclusion
From the Paper "The impact of the hurricane on the corporate sector was not the least in any way. The Galveston economy was never fully restored or recovered from the terrible disaster. Galveston, which so far surpassed Houston in attracting business investors, suffered a big loss of confidence on the part of the investors. Oil business flourished in neighboring Houston and this lured the international business community away from Galveston. Furthermore the city which was serving as one of the busiest trading ports in the whole of the United States was experiencing a virtual trading dead lock. Galveston, which was a leading port in cotton exports, suffered a severe loss in that sector also. The greatly successful cotton trade was drastically affected because of the total ruin of the Galveston port. The city lost its position as the leading cotton trader in the country and this affected its economy in a big way."
Abstract This paper on April 18, 1906, San Francisco, California was hit by one of the most devastating earthquakes recognized by man, affecting 430 kilometers of the famous San Andreas fault ranging from northwest of San Juan Bautista to Cape Mendocino, reducing the city into a pile of rubble. The author points out that casualties from the earthquake were severe, with almost 500 deaths in San Francisco and 166 deaths reported in surrounding areas; people wandered about in a state of devastation, shock, helplessness, and sorrow, and thousands were evacuated by the Navy from the city in what was one of the largest evacuations in history. The paper reports that seismology has led to predictions about earthquakes in other areas in the U.S., including Boston and other regions of the East Coast and middle America.
Table of Contents
Geology of the Earthquake
The Human Toll and Economy
Rebuilding a Great City
From the Paper "The total length of the earthquake was felt for about 290 miles, the largest ever recorded. The magnitude of the earthquake was estimated between 7.7 and 7.9. Because seismology and the study of earthquakes were limited during the early 1900s, an accurate assessment of the magnitude is not possible. There are some accounts that suggest that the earthquake was as great as 8.3, but these are largely unproven. Before this earthquake, little scientific effort was dedicated to seismic research. After the earthquake however scientists took an active interest in the area of seismography and government issued investigations into earthquakes became quite commonplace."
Abstract This paper studies the devastation of child abuse within the family unit. The paper examines the causes and characteristics of child abuse and outlines coping strategies and solutions. The author of the paper begins with a definition of child abuse and a discussion of the difficulty in diagnosing it, especially when parents assert that they were merely disciplining their children. The paper includes statistics about common forms of abuse, which are committed by virtually every parent, including screaming and yelling in rage. In order to distinguish abuse, the paper suggests a litmus test of several factors, including frequency, duration and type of neglect, and potential consequences. Next the paper examines why child abuse occurs so rampantly in the U.S., asserting that as a society, Americans do not sufficiently value children. The paper concludes with a discussion of social strategies to end child abuse and to mitigate its devastating impact on young victims.
From the Paper "Child abuse includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological or physical abuse, and general, medical and educational neglect. There are problems in diagnosing what can be construed as examples of each of these, though. These problems have arisen because while the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect has established a set of working definitions of the various types of abuse, the specific acts that constitute the various forms of abuse are defined under state law and, thus vary from one jurisdiction to another (Lewit 233). In addition to the difficulty in providing a legal definition and proof of child abuse, it is also likely to be interpreted differently by different individuals. Besides, there are no universal standards for child rearing, and what is considered neglect in one culture may not be considered abnormal in another. For example, the norms in Western countries of allowing infants to "cry it out," children to sleep alone at night, and children being forced to wait for meals may be considered neglect in some other cultures."
Abstract In this paper the author outlines the issues surrounding domestic violence. He starts with a look at the history of domestic violence and the first institution that was set up to help protect against domestic violence, specifically for children. He then proceeds to discuss the statistics of domestic violence that are known today and continues with the devastating effects that domestic violence can have on children in later years. The author suggests ways of helping children who have suffered from domestic violence citing many examples of studies that have been carried out. In conclusion he suggests that communities can help by supporting and expanding programs to help and protect children. Visitation centers which are safely located and monitored can be established to allow the batterer time and space to visit the children while he or she is involved in intervention treatment, without causing either children or the victim fear for their safety.
Table of Contents:
When Did It All Begin?
The Cold, Hard Facts
The Cycle of Violence: Its Devastating Effect on Children
Breaking the Cycle of Violence
From the Paper "Children across the country are struggling to survive the devastating effects of the violence they encounter in their own homes. (Children In the Crossfire v-vii). The key issues which surfaced during interviews author Maria Roy conducted of children in violent homes concerned physical and sexual abuse, psychological trauma, self-destructive coping mechanisms, assumption of parental or guardian role, educational neglect and poor school adjustment, auto-phobia, use and abuse of drugs and alcohol, peer paranoia, distrust of adults, unresolved conflicts and ambivalence about their parents, transition induced stress, accidental victims of abuse, confused values, violence between teen couples, and cynicism regarding their future."
Tags: school, family, single, parent, abuse, prevention, tolerance, physical
Abstract This paper details the plot and the main characters of Kurtz and Willard in Coppola's film which focuses on America's involvement in the Vietnam War. This paper also examines the plot and main characters of Kurtz and Marlow in Conrad's novel which depicts the devastation in central Africa brought on by colonialism and imperialism. This paper analyzes the similarities in the characters of Kurtz in both works. This paper discusses the similar endings in both stories in which Conrad and Coppola succeed in offering the reader and viewer a small glimmer of hope. This paper explores the manner in which Coppola and Conrad use nature, primarily the jungle, to depict basic human instincts such as anger and fear. This paper also analyzes Conrad's and Coppola's similar portrayals of the cruelty and devastation of colonialism and imperialism albeit in different parts of the world and in different eras.
From the Paper "For Conrad and Coppola, colonialism and imperialism destroys the psyches of both the oppressor and the oppressed. In Heart of Darkness and in Apocalypse Now, the protagonists struggle between their sense of duty, loyalty, and obligation with their sense of compassion and sheer disgust. Marlow and Willard both signify the probable state of mind of many American soldiers during the war in Vietnam, and of many European traders during the colonial era. Their illusions shattered by what they encounter in the jungle, Marlow and Willard can nevertheless not completely wrest themselves from their origin and cultural identity. One of the reasons Kurtz is such a legendary figure in both stories is that the man attempted to traverse the worlds. Both Kurtzes suffer immensely as a result, and both come across as being egomaniacal and completely deluded. The Kurtzes simultaneously despise the native peoples and love them, but their love is not borne of respect."
Abstract To understand the extent of devastation of the 17 October 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, we must consider all the factors that played a role in the damage. This includes the history of the local geology around the Marina District of San Francisco, where the most damage from the quake had taken place, and also the geology and tectonics of the surrounding faults. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the geology before the quake, evaluate its aftermath, and predict what may happen in the near future.
