Cal Poly: Building for Sustainability? :: University Issues Essays

If you walk up Poly Canyon Road and take a left, crossing Brizzolara Creek, you will come to the agriculture portion of main campus. The abbotoir stands next to the bull pen and the creek. The bridge crosses a fish ladder to aid the salmon back up the creek to where they can spawn. If you continue walking you will come to a reservoir with pumps and machinery used by engineering students. On the other side of the reservoir, there is a small bird sanctuary and beyond are fields that are often full of students learning how to survey the land. Behind you a stand of trees blocks out the bustle of campus life and in front of you the fields are ringed by beautiful mountains. But this is all about to change. The abbatoir is going to be moved and the fields will become the concrete foundations of a new residential complex: Student Housing North. Student Housing North is a huge residential development that was approved and added to the Master Plan in 2001 and is projected to be completed in stages beginning in 2007. The complex will be comprised mainly of apartment style upper class housing but will also include restaurant and retail spaces. The plan is to double the number of students living on campus. The project will include two new parking structures in order to support the increase of students. A lot of controversy surrounds this aspect of the new project. The development aims to reduce traffic and congestion because 2,700 students will be living on campus instead of commuting to school everyday. But the problem is that Student Housing North is going to sit right next to Brizzolara Creek, an environmentally sensitive area, and a new bridge will have to be built to accommodate the road leading to the complex and the new parking structures which will have a negative influence on the creek. But on the other hand it will reduce the number of commuters and will create a living and learning community. The plan includes a village center with shops and dinning facilities so the inhabitants will not feel the need to drive off campus.

The Hobbit Hero’s Journey

â€Å"A hero ventures forth from the world of the common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from the mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man† (Campbell, The Hero with a Thousand Faces). Joseph Campbell, an expert on mythology has outlined a standard form for heroic stories. He identifies ten stages in a hero’s journey, noting that all of the stages have to occur in every heroic story. In the novel, The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkien, Bilbo Baggins is described as an unlikely hero. According to Campbell, heroes are often the most unlikely person that anyone would expect to be chosen for an adventure. Bilbo goes through many of the stages identified by Campbell for a hero’s journey such as: being called to an adventure, attempting to reject the opportunity, encouraging Gandalf, a helper whoguides  and protects him, and leaving the safe haven of his hobbit home to cross the threshold venturing into the unknown. Bilbo Baggins is described as a respectable hobbit who comes from a rich family that never did anything unexpected, and never took adventures. His peaceful life was interrupted one day by a visit from a wizard named Gandalf. Gandalf had decided that Bilbo would make an excellent burglar on an adventure he was planning, because he could move quickly and very quietly. To this request Bilbo promptly replied â€Å"We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner! I can’t see what anybody sees in them†¦Good morning!†¦ we don’t want any adventures here, thank you! (6). Gandalf does not really give the hobbit a choice about going on the adventure. He marks the hobbit’s door with his staff indicating that he is interested in an adventure, and soon after, dwarves start appearing at his doorstep. Bilbo had been called to an adventure by an outside force, attempted to refuse the call, and ended up accept ing the adventure. This is the first stage in a hero’s journey. Another component of a hero’s journey includes a  guide. Gandalf, a wizard capable of performing  magic spells  accompanies Bilbo and the dwarves on part of their quest. Like many supernatural aids, he is called upon at different points in the journey to save the others. Bilbo discovers three trolls sitting around a fire. The trolls catch Bilbo when he tries to steal a purse from William, one of the trolls. The dwarves are also caught. Then, the trolls begin to argue about whether or not they should eat the dwarves and Bilbo. Gandalf returns just in time, and saves Bilbo and the dwarves. According to Campbell, the hero must fulfill the quest using his own strengths alone, so he can learn what his strengths are. Where was Gandalf† (56). After Gandalf and  the company  are saved by the eagles from the Goblins and the Wargs, they are taken to safety to eat and rest. The next  day, Gandalf tells them that he must leave for a while. The guide  often disappears at some point along the journey to allow this to happen, which Gandalf does. With the help of  the guide, Bilbo evolves as a leader and a hero of the group by showing his strengths. Bilbo was very brave when he got was separated from the rest of the group, and had to find his way out of the evil mountain. He also thought of a clever plan to put all of the dwarves in barrels and sail them down the river to escape. These strengths  show  how Bilbo started out extremely cautious, and became a great leader. Bilbo eventually accepts the idea that he is leaving his safe haven in the shire and accepting the call and risks the adventure brings. â€Å"†¦. Bilbo could never remember how he found himself outside, without a  walking  stick or any money†¦running as fast as his feet could carry him down the lane† (28). He was on his way with Gandalf to meet the others at the Inn to begin the journey. He and the others mounted the ponies and headed into the Lone-lands. He even thought to himself early in the trip that adventures were not so bad after all. He had taken a big  step  as he crossed the first threshold leaving his home behind to enter a world unknown. This is a critical stage in a hero’s journey. Bilbo Baggins clearly emerges as a heroic figure as he progresses through the stages of a hero’s journey as outlined by Campbell. He was called to an adventure by an outside force, Gandalf. As with many heroes he attempted to refuse the offer, but was unsuccessful. Gandalf the wizard acts as hisguide  and protector along the journey, while still allowing him to reveal his own strengths. Bilbo takes a critical  step  in the  process  as he crosses the threshold from his safe environment into one  filled with  danger. He was transformed from a cautious, home loving hobbit at the beginning of  the story  into a brave confident hero by the end. According to Thorin, Bilbo had become†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦a good companion on our long road and a hobbit full of courage and resource far exceeding his size†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (191).

Reality TV Influence Youth Behavior

Reality Television and how it can influence the behavior of youth and teens There is no doubt that when it comes to American youth television is one of the biggest influences by far. Many parents would love to say that their child does not watch that much TV but in reality they are spending a lot of time watching television or using media in some way. â€Å"The study by the Kaiser Family foundation shows that children ages 2-8 spend an average of 5 ? hours a day â€Å"consuming media† kids 8 and older spend even more time in front of the tube nearly 6 ? hours a day† (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2005 ). Astonishingly, more time is being spent with media then doing homework, studying or even spending time with family. A child’s retention of what they watch depends on the child’s attention span, how they would process the information and of course their own e experience however limited this may be. Reality television can affect the attitudes and behaviors of children all over the U. S. through its stereotyping, violence and cultivating false perception of reality. This differs from family to family and depends on the values instilled in the child. While media manipulates the minds of youth and teens, the value portrayed on reality television by reinforcing negative stereotypes and idealizes body image to be accepted as the norm. Stereotypes are unavoidable in media especially in reality programming. In my opinion the stereotypes depicted in media can influence the way youth see people in real life. Basing their opinion on what they have viewed on television. Often time’s television tends to stereotype genders and racial groups in a negative way. For example by watching the shows â€Å"Jersey Shore† and â€Å"Jerseylicious† you would think that young Italian people are only interested in partying, excessive drinking, promiscuity, name brand fashions and working out. That’s not the best image to enact to young people. With all the media used by youth in America is there any wonder why children stereotype what they don’t know? Adolescent females are easily swayed when it comes to messages about body image. A show such as â€Å"America’s Next Top Model† demonstrates that in order to be a model a person must be slender. Recent research indicates that there is a marked link between TV and watching, and negative body and eating disorders† (British Journal of Psychiatry) Young people are always concerned with what their peers will say. I went around my neighborhood and asked a few teens some questions about body image and the media. I ran into a group of five girls and asked them do th ey feel that body image is important and if so how important is it. After a few moments one of the girls named Kayla who was 15years old said yes with a smirk. My follow up question was â€Å"Why is it so important? † she answered without a moment of pause â€Å"Because when you see someone who is overweight you automatically think they don’t care about themselves, they have bad BO and I don’t want people to think that about Me. † This conversation went on for almost an hour as she informed of her workout routine. Later, that day I saw some young males at the skate park and asked them the same questions as the girls the answers were the total opposite. A young man named Martin who was14 was the only one willing to answer my questions. He said he didn’t think it mattered about his body image or his friends. He later stated he thought it was dumb but when I asked him if he would ever date a girl that was overweight a little ashamed he replied that he wouldn’t. It is no secret that boys and girls are different but prior to this research I thought that all teenagers had basically the same outlook on how they view their bodies. Unfortunately the shows that children and young people are exposed to are not in a realistic light. Children see that the actors and actresses have perfect bodies, hair, and skin and clothing this is not realistic but the need to be perfect remains prominent in our society. With the desire to be perfect it often leads to eating disorders and death. â€Å"The mortality rate associated with Anorexia Nervosa is 12 times higher than the death rate associated with all causes of death in females15-24 years old. †(American Journal of Psychiatry 1995) Instead of children being taught that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and colors children are being pumped with the stereotypes that they identify in themselves. This is prominent in the African American community; it is often taught at a young age that if you are of darker complexion or have a curlier hair texture you are not as pretty as the lighter complexioned girl that you might know. It is assumed that the media is to blame for this way of thinking. Youth and teens are self conscious enough without these negative â€Å"airbrushed† and unrealistic images put forth in the media. Media is also being tied to the increasing violence in US children. Children are increasing anti-social and aggressive behavior, become less sensitive to violence and those who suffer from violence, children may view the world as violent and mean fearful of being a victim of violence. Children may desire to see more violence in entertainment and real life, and children will view violence as an acceptable way to settle conflicts. †( Buchanan, A. M. , Gentile, D. A. , Nelson, D. A. ,Walsh, D. A. , Hensel, J. 2002) Astonishingly, more time is being spent on watching television then homework which differ from child to child. A child’s interpretation of what they watch depends on of their attention spans, the way in which they process the information, and their own limited life experiences. Entertainment media exposure can negatively affect attitudes and behaviors of the American child through violence, cultivating false perceptions of reality and stereotyping. Continued concerns researchers are finding exposure to the media violence causes increased levels of aggression and violence in children. Experts even suggest that the evidence linking media violence to aggressive behavior is as strong as the evidence linking smoking to lung cancer. â€Å"Among 10 to 24 year olds, homicide is the leading cause of death for African Americans; the second leading cause of death for Hispanic and third leading cause of death for Asian/ Pacific Islanders, American Indians and Alaska Natives. †(CDC2010a) While most adults realize that media violence is fabricated, children are more vulnerable. A Pre-K student will not know the difference between reality and fantasy. It is suggested that children who identify with an aggressive hero they see on TV are more likely to be aggressive. â€Å"They learn that violence is effective, courageous, and socially except able and rewarded, and they get caught in the aggressive cycle. † (American Academy of Pediatrics, 1995) In a book titled â€Å"Reality TV† in an article Teenagers Identify with the Issues Presented in Reality TV Shows by David Hiltbrand suggests there two reasons why teenagers are able to identify with reality shows are because the shows are â€Å"short† and â€Å"often deal with relationships and rejection. So, with this basic recipe of making reality programming teenagers are being drawn into this toxic TV. Youth can easily relate to the emotions and situations of the reality show stars, like trying to avoid rejection by making friends and/or alliances. Also in the article, David Hiltbrand states that the top shows watched by teens are reality programs. There is lots of evidence that shows the effect of reality television on teenagers and the fact that reality television is greatly consumed by teenagers today. So, there must be something about reality shows that make them able to pull in such a large group of teens, and that would be the fact that they are able to identify with reality show characters which makes the reality show more enjoyable. This goes hand and hand with the cultivation theory. This theory can have a negative effect on teens about the real world. The Cultivation theory put simply suggests that exposure to large amounts of television will over time cultivate viewers perception of reality. A large amount of television watching is seen as â€Å"cultivating† this theory suggests that you would become more engrossed in television programming than in everyday life. The idea is presented to a passive audience, such as children often accept the ideas and therefore influence large groups into conforming behind the ideas. This gives the media a significant influence over youth audiences. †(Cultivation Theory and Research) Children of a young age usually don’t get to experience the world and don’t have many life experiences to refer to, but by the time they do are using the ideas and thoughts that have been given to them through the media. Television can also fill with a wealth of good and educational programming. Having different news stations with different points of view, quality reality shows such as â€Å"Downsized† or a show like â€Å"Too fat for 15†. But are young people rushing home to watch these programs. The teens that I talked to admitted that they had not seen the shows. Although I know the opinion of a few really doesn’t make the majority. Many researchers are telling parents monitor their child’s television and media intake. By monitoring what they watch you can also monitor the amount. In my own experience this message rings true I often monitor the programming my children watch because I know they are young and impressionable. In conclusion watching TV or consuming other forms of media does seem to have replaced dressing up or reading books as the favorite pastime for our youth. Yes, media can alter the thoughts of young impressionable minds if consumed in large amounts but if monitored by parents and by parents steering their children in the right direction media can be a be a powerful tool to gain information about the world. People often refer to reality television as the armpit of entertainment. This may be so but it is just that entertainment and as far as the values portrayed in them I wouldn’t exactly call them that. Television stations have found a â€Å"formula† to make money; it’s not always a positive message behind it but there are a few with a positive message out there. Instilling the values in your children while they are young would be the best way to avoid them wanting to take the messages from TV and applying them to everyday life.

Essay on Case Brief Kilarjian vs. Vastola

Essay on Case Brief Kilarjian vs. Vastola Essay on Case Brief: Kilarjian vs. Vastola Essay on Case Brief: Kilarjian vs. VastolaThe case of Kilarjian vs. Vastola is the case that raises the clash of the burden of buyers and sellers in terms of the real property contract, which sellers have failed to perform because of the poor health condition of one of the sellers.The issue raised by the ProblemThe issue raised by the problem is the failure of sellers to perform their part of contract because of the poor health condition of a seller. In such a context, the issue is whether the burden of the plaintiffs exceeds the burden imposed on the sellers.  The Rules of law that are applicable to the resolution of the issue.The breach of contract by the seller is the main rule of law that involves the failure of sellers to perform specific actions, namely to free the house by the date determined by the contract. The main rule is the gravity of the burden of participants of the contract. Rules of law imply that the party that bears the burden of the contract  The Application o r Analysis, that is the application of the rules to the particular facts set forth in the ProblemThe court’s ruling was in favor of sellers, since the burden of sellers exceeded the burden of buyers. To put it more precisely, the condition of the seller exceeded the disappointment of buyers, the plaintiffs, because of the failure to buy the house.ConclusionThus, the case of Kilarjian vs. Vastola reveals the difference in the burden of parties involved in the contract. Sellers’ burden exceeded the burden of buyers. This is why the court took the ruling in favor if sellers.

Understanding Political Process Theory

Understanding Political Process Theory Also known as political opportunity theory, political process theory offers an explanation of the conditions, mindset, and actions that make a social movement successful in achieving its goals. According to this theory, political opportunities for change must first be present before a movement can achieve its objectives. Following that, the movement ultimately attempts to make change through the existing political structure and processes. Overview Political process theory (PPT) is considered the core theory of social movements and how they mobilize (work to create change). It was developed by  sociologists in the U.S. during the 1970s and 80s, in response to the Civil Rights, anti-war, and student movements of the 1960s. Sociologist Douglas McAdam, now a professor at Stanford University, is credited with first developing this theory via his study of the Black Civil Rights movement (see his book  Political Process and the Development of Black Insurgency, 1930-1970, published in 1982). Prior to the development of this theory, social scientists viewed members of social movements as irrational and crazed and framed them as deviants rather than political actors. Developed through careful research, political process theory disrupted that view and exposed its troubling elitist, racist, and patriarchal roots. Resource mobilization theory similarly offers an alternative view to this classical one. Since McAdam published his book outlining the theory, revisions to it have been made by him and other sociologists, so today it differs from McAdams original articulation.  As sociologist Neal Caren describes in his entry on the theory in the  Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology, political process theory outlines five key components that determine the success or failure of a social movement: political opportunities, mobilizing structures, framing processes,  protest cycles, and contentious repertoires. Political opportunities  are the most important aspect of PPT, because according to the theory, without them, success for a social movement is impossible. Political opportunitiesor opportunities for intervention and change within the existing political systemexist when the system experiences vulnerabilities. Vulnerabilities in the system can arise for a variety of reasons but hinge on a crisis of legitimacy wherein the populace no longer supports the social and economic conditions fostered or maintained by the system. Opportunities might be driven by  the broadening of political enfranchisement to those previously excluded (like women and people of color, historically speaking), divisions among leaders, increasing diversity within political bodies and the electorate, and a loosening of repressive structures that previously kept people from demanding change.Mobilizing structures  refer to the  already existing organizations (political or otherwise) that are present among the c ommunity that wants change. These organizations serve as mobilizing structures for a social movement by providing membership, leadership, and communication and social networks to the budding movement. Examples include churches, community and nonprofit organizations, and student groups and schools, to name a few. Framing processes are carried out by leaders of an organization in order to allow the group or movement to  clearly and persuasively describe the existing problems, articulate why change is necessary, what changes are desired, and how one can go about achieving them. Framing processes foster the ideological buy-in among movement members, members of the political establishment, and the public at large that is necessary for a social movement to seize political opportunities and make change. McAdam and colleagues describe framing as conscious strategic efforts by groups of people to fashion shared understandings of the world and of themselves that legitimate and motivate collective action (see Comparative Perspectives on Social Movements: Political Opportunities, Mobilizing Structures, and Cultural Framing  [1996]).Protest cycles  are another important aspect of social movement success according to PPT. A protest cycle is a prolonged  period of time when opposition to the politi cal system and acts of protest are in a heightened state. Within this theoretical perspective, protests are important expressions of the views and demands of the mobilizing structures connected to the movement and are vehicles to express the ideological frames connected to the framing process. As such, protests serve to strengthen solidarity within the movement, to raise awareness among the general public about the issues targeted by the movement, and also serve to help recruit new members. The fifth and final aspect of PPT is contentious repertoires, which refers to the set of means through which the movement makes its claims. These typically include strikes, demonstrations (protests), and  petitions. According to PPT, when all of these elements are present, it is possible that a social movement will be able to make changes within the existing political system that will reflect the desired outcome. Key Figures There are many sociologists who study social movements, but key figures who helped create and refine PPT include Charles Tilly,  Peter Eisinger, Sidney Tarrow, David Snow, David Meyer, and Douglas McAdam. Recommended Reading To learn more about PPT see the following resources: From Mobilization to Revolution  (1978), by Charles Tilly.Political Process Theory,  Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology, by Neal Caren (2007).Political Process and the Development of Black Insurgency,  (1982) by Douglas McAdam.Comparative Perspectives on Social Movements: Political Opportunities, Mobilizing Structures, and Cultural Framing  (1996), by Douglas McAdam and colleagues. Updated  by Nicki Lisa Cole, Ph.D.

Clinical versus management tracts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Clinical versus management tracts - Essay Example Pediatric nurses work in hospitals or clinics. According to Datta (2007), they may play many roles, such as providing treatment, inserting IV lines amid other therapies. Informatics nurse helps in identifying, managing and communicating data, information and analytical knowledge to the medical doctor. This entails the incorporation of science and compound data management strategies (Mettler & Raptis, 2012). Geriatrics nurses help provide health care to elderly patients. This is considering that old patients have an increased risk of injuries and illness. Therefore, a geriatric nurse helps these elderly patients avoid further illness and injuries. Additionally, they assist the elderly patients and family in coping with old age illnesses (Makary, Segev & Pronovost et al., 2010). Clinical nursing opportunities entail working as pediatricians, geriatrics in clinical care settings or emergency rooms. According to Alligood (2013), mainly they manage psychiatric or rehabilitative types of care where they attend to patients enduring pain and anxiety. On the other hand, management tracts entail managing or directing nurses who provide nursing care to patients. Besides, nurse managers play a crucial role in hiring and retaining nurses (Alligood, 2013). They also work collaboratively with medical doctors in managing patients and enable patients and their families overcome pain, suffering and illnesses. As a nurse, I am intrigued by taking a managerial position in nursing. I am well aware of the demands that management-level nursing entails, such as carrying out leadership roles and running administrative duties in a clinical setting. I enjoy taking part in a decision-making process in a clinical setting and pursuing the nurse management role will help me achieve this desire. Nursing management also entails undertaking managerial duties, such as strategizing, scheduling, staffing, managing and

Canadas Health Policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Canadas Health Policy - Essay Example The Chapter discusses how social structure and healthcare policy correlate. How is the correlation of social structure and health Socioeconomical factors are deterrent of health. There is no question that income levels have direct link to health. For example, social classes of higher income are more likely to report their health as good. Those below the poverty level are more likely to address their health as poor. How does socioeconomical status affect people psychologically, physically, and emotionally These variables are referred to as stressors. Stressors are interconnected with the bodies physiological results its common knowledge that high levels of emotional issues are heavy influence on common diseases such as respritory illnesses and even worse illnesses. The example given in this chapter done by Kiecolt-Glaser, Malarkey, Cacioppo on page 169 discusses how abusive relationships between married man and women lead to decreased levels of proved decreased levels of health protecting hormones. This decrease was much more promanate with women then with men. The Social Gradient discussed on page 164 and beyond details into deeper theory into how social class influences health. This distribution of inequality of classes within a country has different healthcare reactions due to the actual country. Comparative examples of how social status affects countries would be alcohol related deaths in France, coronary diseases in Great Britain. Easily states, different illnesses in different countries. The Social Gradient is indirect support of the main theme of SES. Human's relative position in society is a factor but not as stated further into the chapter. Stressors have a larger impact of an individual's health. However, it's a well knows fact that higher income levels are more likely to care better and seek better levels of care. This Chapter addresses the basic fundamentals that create the demographic data needed in shaping Canada's Healthcare Policy. Economists value the state of the economy, culture, and distribution of wealth among the country when deciding in care coverage and reimbursements. How are the needs of the citizens distributed across the country This is just a surface scratch of how the Canadian government formulates and controls healthcare and provides access to all its citizens. Socio-economoical class fits inside both Interpretivist and Positivist Approach. If the premise for Interpretivist is the truth is experienced, then social experience needs to be witnessed first hand and the voices of the people of the community must take a very active role in forming health policy. Positivist Approach asks the questions how truth and facts. This is the scientific and analytic approach based on empirical evidence. Demographic Data can be collected, analyzed, trended and statistically manipulated in order to conclude on such ideals as income levels influence heart attacks. How does the status of social groups form healthcare policy The different groups address the different needs of patient population throughout the country. Do these groups require different levels of care and coverage The current healthcare policy as a universal policy promotes equality among the social classes. Many classes in society have the same basic needs