Thomas Jefferson Essays (2133 words) - Thomas Jefferson,

Thomas Jefferson The third president of the United States, a diplomat, statesman, architect, scientist, and philosopher, Thomas Jefferson is one of the most eminent figures in American history. No leader in the period of the American Enlightenment was as articulate, wise, or conscious of the implications and consequences of a free society as Thomas Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743, at Shadwell, a tobacco plantation in Virginia. His father, Peter Jefferson, was a self-made success, and although uneducated he was a very intelligent man. His mother, Jane Randolph was a member of one of the most distinguished families in Virginia. Peter Jefferson died when Thomas was 14 and left him valuable lands and property. Denied a formal education himself, he directed that his son be given complete classical training. He studied with Reverend Mr. Maury, a classical scholar, for two years and in 1760 he attended William and Mary College. After graduating from William and Mary in 1762, Jefferson studied law for five years under George Wythe. In January of 1772, he married Martha Wayles Skelton and established a residence at Monticello. When they moved to Monticello, only a small one room building was completed. Jefferson was thirty when he began his political career. He was elected to the Virginia House of Burgess in 1769, where his first action was an unsuccessful bill allowing owners to free their slaves. The impending crisis in British-Colonial relations overshadowed routine affairs of legislature. In 1774, the first of the Intolerable Acts closed the port of Boston until Massachusetts paid for the Boston Tea Party of the preceding year. Jefferson and other younger members of the Virginia Assembly ordained a day of fasting and prayer to demonstrate their sympathy with Massachusetts. Thereupon, Virginia's Royal Governor Dunmore once again dissolved the assembly (Koch and Peden 20). The members met and planned to call together an inter-colonial congress. Jefferson began writing resolutions which were radical and better written than those from other counties and colonies. Although his resolutions were considered too revolutionary and not adopted, they were printed and widely circulated and subsequently all important writing assignments were entrusted to Jefferson. When Jefferson arrived in Philadelphia in June, 1775, as a Virginia delegate to the Second Continental Congress, he already possessed, as John Adams remarked, a reputation for literature, science, and a happy talent of composition (Koch and Peden 21). When he returned in 1776, he was appointed to the five-man committee, including Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, which was charged with the most momentous assignment ever given in the history of America: the drafting of a formal declaration of independence from Great Britain (Daugherty 109). Jefferson was responsible for preparing the draft. The document, was finally approved by Congress on July 4, 1776. Cut and occasionally altered by Adams, or Franklin, or the Congress itself, the Declaration is almost completely Jefferson's, and is the triumph and culmination of his early career. At this time, had he wanted to be a political leader, he could have easily attained a position in government. Instead, he chose to return to Monticello and give his public service to Virginia. Returning to the Virginia House of Delegates in October 1776, Jefferson set to work on reforming the laws of Virginia. He also proposed a rational plan of statewide education and attempted to write religious tolera tion into the laws of Virginia by separating Church and State by writing the Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom. In June of 1779, Jefferson was elected Governor of Virginia. He commenced his career as a public executive, confident of his abilities, assured of the respect and almost the affection of his commonwealth. However, he took up his duties at a time when the British were raiding Virginia. General George Washington did not have resources available to send to Virginia. Jefferson, during one of the raids, narrowly escaped capture at the hands of the British troops; and the legislators were forced to flee from their new capital city of Richmond. Jefferson, as head of the state, was singled out for criticism and abuse. At the end of his second term, he announced his retirement. General Washington's approval of Jefferson's actions as Governor is in marked contrast to the heated charges of

Nuclear Waste Essays (1235 words) - Nuclear Technology,

Nuclear Waste Although the government believes that Nevada is an ideal place for nuclear waste storage, it is simply overlooking the obvious implications that would threaten both the environment and the people of the land. Yucca was suggested to be a waste repository along with several other areas some years ago. This facility located at Yucca Mountain would house some of mans most dangerous elements, like plutonium. As with the Native Americans political power played a key role in the theft of their land. Nevada, having the least amount of political power has been exposed to the same issue Native American's faced years and years ago. There was said to be a handful of proposed nuclear waste sites that were supposed to be individually examined for pros and cons, but after a laconic effort to examine each site some how all proposed sites were decided to be dropped from the list of potential nuclear waste sites except for Nevada's Yucca Mountain. It is also important to point out that the only two potential sites for nuclear waste are on or near Indian lands. These facts show an unjust system of decision made by the Department of Energy. The Yucca Mountain region is one of the least populated regions of the United States and without strong political efforts made it will eventually become a permanent nuclear waste village that all Nevada's population will have to deal with and quite very possible be harmed by. One of the most prominent problems with nuclear waste is the lethal factor it poses to mankind. "To properly understand the scope of the problem it is necessary to take into account the detrimental health effects of these materials" (Kuletz 84). The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that as little as 10 millionths of a curie of plutonium if inhaled can cause cancer in an average human being. But even with these alarming statistics, officials are still willing to take the health risks of storing the waste in a permanent storage facility at Yucca Mountain that in the long run could result in millions of citizens being diagnosed with cancer. If they do end up storing nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain in the end, the only victims will be the citizens of the United States. Even with conclusive studies that are deemed un-conclusive by high paid scientists, the government insists on killing it's own people with mass production of nuclear waste pouring out nuclear plants everyday. Studies reveal these elements kill, yet the DOE or Department of Energy changes science to fit into their master plan. In the grants Uranium Belt region, a major source of uranium mining, over a hundred cases were reported of cancer and birth defects that directly relate to the nuclear materials such as uranium. Not only is nuclear substance extremely lethal to mankind, but the area of Yucca Mountain is said to have a incredible aquifer beneath it's desolated surface. If the nuclear waste were to ever make its way into the vast water channels located within the aquifer there would be complete devastation. At some specific spots on the nuclear landscape underground streams emerge from below and reveal the extensive underground water source in the Yucca Mountain are. It is noted in Kuletz's book on the numerous interviews she had with Native Americans in the Yucca Mountain region that a lot of them complained from thyroid cancer. Also many deaths have occurred in their families that they accredit to the tests and nuclear waste. One must not only examine the effects that nuclear waste has Nevada's water supply, but the adverse health effects when nuclear waste enters into our ecosystem and indirectly into our food chain. As Kuletz points out, "Scientists don't really know how the water will flow through this environment thousands of years from now, how gases will move through it along pneumatic pathways, and most importantly how stable the earth will be (Kuletz 278)." With the notion of a deep geological permanent waste storage facility it is difficult not to imagine the effects seismic activity could have on a such a (death barrel) located deep in the ground. In a world were weathermen have difficulty predicting what the weather will be like tomorrow it is difficult to comprehend waste will be deep in our mantle that is constantly changing and shifting as with the government always changing and neither of the two being static. As an earthquake occurs the epicenter feels the least amount of shock wave from the origin of creation. Which means that any deep

Free Online GED Testing and Resources

Free Online GED Testing and Resources We do so much online today that it seems natural to expect to be able to take the GED test online, too. Can you? Nope. There was some confusion when, in 2014, the GED test became computer-based. You now take the GED test on a computer, but not online. Theres a very big difference between computer-based and online. You can find free practice GED tests online in several places, but when youre ready to sit down for the actual test, you need to take it at a certified testing center, in person. The good news is that they are all over America, even in the smallest communities, so chances are very good that there is one near you. Google Adult Education in your town or city, or look it up in the phone book, if you still have one. So what kinds of GED prep resources can you find online? Plenty! Online High Schools - Thumbs Up or Down? Many people choose to attend an online high school. Are they safe? Some are. Youll need to do some serious homework. Its especially important to be sure the school you choose is accredited. What does that mean? Learn why  accreditation is important  before you sign up for any online high school. Online Prep If you just want some help prepping, and arent interested in signing up for a school, there are plenty of places online that offer lessons and practice tests. We list several of them in this article, Free Online GED Practice Tests and Free GED Classes. Remember that most communities, whether small or huge, have literacy councils that offer free tutoring for adults and children in many, many subjects, including GED, English, math, reading, and pretty much anything you need help with. Ask. If you have trouble finding them, check with the local newspaper. Theyll be sure to know. Studying for Your GED at   Home Earning a GED can be embarrassing, so many people choose to study at home, and now that there are so many resources available on the Internet, studying at home is so much easier. We have some tips for you in this article, Ways to Study for Your GED/High School Equivalency Diploma at Home Scams There are a lot of scams out there, and the people running them are pretty heartless. Please do not fall for offers that claim you can take the GED test online. Theyre all scams. They want your money, lots of it, in exchange for a meaningless piece of paper. Dont think employers or schools will fall for these fake certificates. Theyre smarter than that. So you will have lost good money and gotten absolutely nothing in return. Earn your GED the right way and be proud of it. And remember, you must take your GED test at a certified testing center, in person. Find a center near you by going to your states GED website or to the GED Testing Service.

Human Resource Change and Communication and Diversity essay

Human Resource Change and Communication and Diversity essay Human Resource Change and Communication and Diversity essay Human Resource Change and Communication and Diversity essayIn actuality, there are diverse change models that may be applied to the contemporary human resource management. In fact, the change management may involve different approaches and strategies that may either contribute to the success of the change management in a particular organization or provoke the failure of the change in the particular organization. At this point, it is possible to distinguish Lewin’s three steps model and Kotter’s eight steps model. Each model is efficient, if applied properly, although Kotter’s model is more detailed and may be helpful for organizations conducting complex changes. On the other hand, Kotter’s eight steps model is grounded on three main stages of the change, including creating a climate for change, engaging and enabling the organization, and implementing and sustaining the change.In fact, the first stage of the change, according to Kotter, includes three steps . In other words, creating a climate for change includes three steps: increasing urgency, building guiding teams, and getting the vision right (Peters, 2002). The engaging and enabling the organization stage includes three more steps: communication for buy-in, enabling action, and creating short-term wins. Finally, the last stage is the stage of implementing and sustaining the change that includes two steps: keeping the organization and the staff focused on the change and sticking to the change in a long run (Kotter, 1996). Therefore, Kotter’s model implies that the change management includes the preparation of the organization for the change that is followed by the implementation of the change and only after that the organization should retain the change and make it a norm.Lewin’s model undergoes through similar three stages of the change, including unfreezing, changing and refreezing (Thames Webster, 2009). Lewin stands on the ground that any organization has its ow n organizational culture, norms and rules, which are deep-rooted and, as the researcher defines it, frozen. The personnel of the organization take these norms and rules for granted. At the same time, any organization may need changes and this is the moment, when unfreezing is necessary. Unfreezing means the preparation of employees for the change (Peters, 2002). The second stage is the change proper. During this stage, the organization implements the change and makes it run smoothly. Finally, the refreezing the change is the last stage, when the organization ensures that the change has become permanent (Peters, 2002). In such a way, the change is complete and employees of the company perform their functions and take the implemented change for granted.Therefore, the two models of the HR change management are quite different but organizations and managers carrying out the change should make the choice on the ground of organizational needs and resources available to their organization. In such a way, managers should determine whether they will be able to complete the change successfully before the start implementing the change. They should also prepare their subordinates for the introduction of the change to minimize the risk of the resistance of employees to the change.The impact of equality and diversity, legislation on employmentToday, human resource managers should come prepared in the extremely diverse environment. As many organizations operate internationally and the movement of human resources internationally increases, human resource managers has to be able to work in the diverse, multicultural environment, where they have to adapt their management style to the specific organizational culture and environment. As a rule, human resource managers have to elaborate the specific management and communication style to match the specific organizational environment. They should elaborate their management style through the interaction and close communication with h uman resources. In such a way, they will learn which management style is the most effective in the specific organizational environment.At the same time, human resource managers should be very careful to avoid offensive behavioural patterns or inappropriate behaviour in relation to their subordinates. To avoid such negative behaviour patterns, human resource managers should learn the cultural background of their subordinates and elaborate the management style that matches cultural norms and rules of their subordinates. However, in the contemporary business environment, it is not always possible to elaborate the personalized approach to each employee, when the workplace environment is extremely diverse culturally. In such a situation, it is possible to recommend human resource managers to apply universal, humanistic approaches which are culturally neutral and allow them to maintain effective interaction and communication with their subordinates (Thames Webster, 2009). In this regard, equality is one of the main principles that helps human resource managers to prevent conflicts within their organizations and maintain the positive, healthy organizational culture. In such a way, human resource manager can elaborate the effective management style that helps them to maximize the performance of their subordinates and their organization.At the same time, professional knowledge and skills in the field of human resources are not enough for the successful human resource management today. In addition, human resource managers should be proficient in the legislation on employment because the lack of knowledge in this field can cause conflicts within the organization, whereas the violation of rights of employees can cause lawsuits being filed by employees against their employer. In such a situation, the main function of human resource managers is the prevention of such conflicts and the violation of rights of employees to prevent lawsuits and industrial action against their companies. The understanding and effective use of the legislation on employment allows human resource managers to build up their employment relations effectively (Bovee Thill, 2005). At this point, it is worth mentioning the fact that human resource managers should also come prepared to confront the pressure from the part of employees and unions, which may be willing to gain some extra employment benefits, if human resource manager is incompetent in the field of the legislation on employment (Hart, 2004). In such a case, manager can agree on some employment benefits to prevent the industrial action from the part of employees and unions. This is why the understanding and effective use of the legislation on employment help human resource managers to save costs, maximize the effectiveness of employer-employee relations, and keeps those relations within the legal framework avoiding excessive employment benefits, which mean extra costs for the employer, and keeping employees’ job satisfaction high enough, if employees feel their rights are respected and their employer conducts fair employment policies.Two models of communicationIn actuality, communication plays an important part in the successful business development and maintenance of the effective human resource management. In this regard, it is possible to distinguish different communication models which are widely applied in contemporary organizations. One of such models is the Berlo’s Sender – Messenger – Channel – Receiver model. The Berlo’s model implies that the information is sent from the sender to the receiver but before the receiver gets the information or the message, the sender chooses the messenger that means that a person has to word in the message and choose the appropriate means of the transition of the message to the receiver (Peters, 2007). In such a way, the sender shapes the message and determines the messenger and, when the message is shaped, then th e sender chooses the channel through which he/she will send the message to the receiver. For instance, the sender of the information can use the verbal communication to send the message to the receiver. Alternatively, the sender can use non-verbal communication, for instance, when the sender gives a sign to the receiver and the receiver interprets the sign properly (Clarke, 2000). In fact, the sender can choose a variety of channels of communication and various forms to shape the message, especially today when the development of information technologies and telecommunication systems has reached the unparalleled level of development.Another model of communication that may be applied effectively to the human resource management is the transactional model of communication. The transactional model of communication involves the close interaction between participants of the communication (Schein, 1999). Unlike many other communication models, the transactional model of communication impli es the interaction between sender and receiver of the information which involves not only sending the message from the sender to the receiver but also the reception of the feedback from the receiver by the sender. In such a way, the sender of the message can trace the response of the receiver to the information sent and, thus, the sender can choose the further strategy of the communication.In case of human resource management both models can be applied successfully. However, managers should be aware of the fact that the effective communication is possible only when the communication is a two-sided process. This means that managers should not just communicate messages to their subordinates. Instead, they should learn to listen and hear what their subordinates respond them or try to communicate in their turn. In such a way, the communication can become effective only if the human resource manager is bale to be not only a sender but also a receiver of the information. In this regard, e ither of the two models mentioned above can be effective, but human resource managers should remember that they should choose the model of communication which matches their personal inclinations, their communication style, experience, knowledge and understanding of their subordinates, the overall organizational environment and many other factors that may affect the effectiveness of the communication. In such a way, the communication model should match the organizational environment, culture and personal traits of character and communication style of participants of the communication process. In such a way, the communication process in human resource management may be effective and successful. Otherwise, communication gaps between human resource managers and their subordinates may emerge.

Apple Inc Occupational Emergency Response Plan Research Paper

Apple Inc Occupational Emergency Response Plan - Research Paper Example Just as is the case within all other working environments, the ‘occupational emergency response plan’ is very relevant to the organization especially for such emergencies as injuries that would be sustained in the process of computer assembly as well as in operation of the machines during production. This paper therefore intends to develop an occupational emergency response plan for the Apple Inc organization as a mandatory and necessary tool within any working environment. The Apple Inc has a commitment to providing safe and secure working environment to its employees and as such takes any possible way to eliminate any hazard at work places in order to protect all people and in the process reduce the cases of illnesses or injuries at work place. For instance, within the suppliers ‘code of conduct’ of the organization, the organization’s commitment is to ensure all working conditions within the supply chain are safe and that employees are treated in a dignified manner as well as environmental safety is maintained for the well being of all (‘Apple Inc.’, 2009). The EPA as well as the OSHA has taken an active role in ensuring that organizations adopt an active role towards ensuring the safety of the working conditions within which their employees are. They require that organizations develop such occupational emergency response frameworks through which resources as well as specific responses towards particular situations are outlined and which often are refined regularly. Basic elements that are expected in a good response plan are up to date contacts of persons responsible for various duties within an organization in case of an emergency as well as ensuring that all departments as well as facilities work as stipulated within the plan to avoid confusion . Besides, it is as well necessary to stipulate resources to be used in case of such an emergency at work place (Hamel, 2012). The Apple Inc is obligated to have thoroughly trained response team personnel who would be set to offer immediate response in case of any emergency. The plan should sp ecifically outline the procedures and routes of escape in case of such an emergency as a fire, special assignments obligated on specific persons in response to any hazard and proper system through which employees will be accounted for after such a hazard. Besides, the plan should have a well stipulated mechanism of detection and communication of such a hazard as a fire within the working plant and immediate response procedures such as switching off the power mains. Therefore, the key elements that must be represented in an emergency plan within any organization are management structure, emergency responsibilities and assignments for emergencies as well as general procedures that employees should follow in cases of emergencies. This is because the main aim in developing the plan is to ensure that safety for employees within the organization is guaranteed against any hazard that faces the organization. Apple Inc occupational emergency response plan 1.0 Introduction: The following is a sample model of ‘Apple Inc occupational emergency response plan’ to a fire hazard. The organization’s activities in assembly and packaging of the computer systems occur within housing facilities, which are susceptible to fire outbreaks. Causes of such fires

Should Organisations Have a Mentoring Scheme for all Employees Essay

Should Organisations Have a Mentoring Scheme for all Employees - Essay Example According to Olian, Carol et al (2004), studies show that the age of the mentor and the work experience of the mentee has no effect on the relationship between the two. Mentoring at the organizational level Mentoring literally means to advise or train someone, but at organizational level, mentoring changes meaning. Mentoring at organization levels does not limit itself only to advising and training but to a complex system of employer and employee relationship involving notions of reflection, openness, uncertainty, complexity and restoration. Mentoring is being studied alone from decades, where mentoring in organization is relatively newer research. Mentoring is a precious tool for managing and bringing a change in any organisation. (Conway, 1995). It is also considered as an economical way of transferring knowledge from a specialist to a learner. (Bjorson & Dingsoryr, 2005) According to a research conducted by Trevor, more women proteges than men felt that their thinking and performa nce was inspired by mentoring. Functions of a Mentor The mentor’s role is to act as a guide, provide insight, and also advise a mentee in his/her department to reach the highest potential level. Mentors advise on the basis of their professional and personal experiences and guide the mentee on short/long term basis depending on the company’s policy. The mentee’s performance is not usually catered but through guidance, help and advice, the mentor helps the mentee to provide great insights, fast move learning, and also support and improve any drawback of the mentee. On-the-job relationships between employees and employers have been greatly focused in recent years and great emphasis has been laid. There are two types of mentoring; informal or formal in an organization. Informal developmental relationships occur naturally in the workplace between senior managers, lower managers and, subordinates or peers. A combination of assistance is provided through such relations hips such as feedback, role modelling, counselling, mentoring, coaching, and skill building. Thus it brings lasting benefits to an organization.( Singh, Bains  &Vinnicombe, 2002) However, with the passage of time, informal developmental relationships have declined. This decline is mainly due to changing demographics, introduction of technology, and intense competition. As informal relationships decline, there is a rise in formal mentoring called â€Å"formal developmental relationships†. These are distinguished from informal relationships by the fact that they are assigned, maintained, and monitored by the organization, usually through an established program. An employee can interact with senior manager, peer or external consultant in a formal relationship. Although, nowadays, most organization facilitate on creating and implementing programs that would help relationship between senior and junior managers to get better. This helps the communication, trust, and productivity to rise as both sides of managers feel part of one organization. (Douglas, 2003) Formal mentoring is widely being used in the organizations which are rapidly changing and becoming leaner in hierarchy. This type of mentoring helps in the personal and career development of employees. (Tabbron, Macaulay, Cook, 1997). Prof. Dr. Antal Arriene presented four case studies of formal mentoring

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Research Paper

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - Research Paper Example Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, 2010 will go down in history as a major health care reform bill that has been signed into law. It has a comprehensive coverage that would see 31 million Americans currently uninsured getting a medical cover. If this new proposal, the government will incur approximately $848 billion over the next 10 years, consequently, there will be a gradual increase in taxes and revenue is proposed to reduce the total cost of this cover by $131 billion within the same period (Eaton 2010). The proposed reform aims at achieving a number of strategic healthcare goals. Firstly, it aims at ensuring that every US citizen can access, quality and affordable health care. In essence, this is an important component of the entire reform agenda. In light of the increasing burden of increasing burden of disease and skyrocketing prices of health care services, the government undertook this deliberate strategy to ensure that there is universal health care insurance cover age. Today, the majority of US citizens continues to battle with out-of-pocket financing, which is prohibitively expensive (Junior 2010). Secondly, it aims at improving quality and efficiency of healthcare by establishing a vibrant health care workforce that would meet the growing demand for healthcare services. In addition, there is a growing body of evidence showing an increase in the burden of chronic diseases, this proposed health care financing in its full implementation will see the middle and elderly persons receive a comprehensive cover that focuses on affordable health care services for chronic diseases. United States (2010) states that the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has determined that the fully paid patient protection  scheme, in the end, will ensure that more than 94% of Americans will be covered within $900 billion limits set by President Obama.