Should New Orleans be deploying a WiFi hookup citywide, or should this Essay

Should New Orleans be deploying a WiFi hookup citywide, or should this be left to the private sector - Essay Example In the aftermath of the disastrous Hurricane Katrina, the infrastructure of New Orleans was completely wiped out. This meant that traditional wireline phone service and cellular networks stopped functioning. The only communication network that was still intact was the wireless mesh network mounted on electric poles that was used to support the city's crime surveillance cameras prior to the storm. (Greene, 2006). Once power was restored to the storm ravaged city, one of the first steps undertaken by the Chief Intelligence Officer of New Orleans (CIO), Greg Meffert, was to expand the Tropos-based mesh network, link it to the Internet and open access to citizens to make IP calls through VoIP, (Voice over Internet Protocol) software from companies like Skype and Vonage (Greene, 2006). And thus the idea of a WiFi network for the city took shape, and on November 29, 2005 (just 3 months after the disaster) City Mayor C. Ray Nagin announced the deployment of the country's first free municipa lly owned wireless internet system in the downtown area. (Krim, 2005). The public Wi-Fi service, was set up with $1.2 million worth of equipment donated by Tropos and Intel (Hamblen, 2006). The case of New Orleans brings to light the increasing trend of municipalities across America and the world to launch their own free or low cost wireless internet service over entire city areas. As in the case with New Orleans, the arguments for deploying a municipally owned wireless internet are 1) To reduce the digital divide; a term which refers to those (individuals and businesses) who are disadvantaged by the inability to access high-speed internet because of their failure to pay for high speed DSL/broadband or their geographic location (rural America, where low population density ) which makes it infeasible to lay down the infrastructure needed for traditional wireline internet services. 2) Low cost of deployment: A WiFi network makes use of existing infrastructure like electricity poles, lamp posts, municipal buildings etc. to transmit signals over a sufficiently large area. The proposed cost of the WiFi network for 1.5 m people of Philadelphia was projected at $10.5 million; conversely it cost $ 8.5 million to build the traditional broadband cable and internet network, in Lebanon (Ohio), which is a small town of only 17,000 people. Thus the cost per person would be much lower as compared to a wired network and the time taken for deployment is also comparatively faster (New Millennium Research, 2005). 3) Municipally owned wireless network will bring forth efficiency and increased productivity in the working of the city councils and law enforcement agencies. This was seen in the efficient working of the building inspectors in New Orleans who were able swiftly process paperwork for reconstruction permits without wasting time in travel from city office to site. WiFi networks can also in the future

Postpartum Depression And Postnatal Depression Psychology Essay

Postpartum Depression And Postnatal Depression Psychology Essay Presently at hand there is a reoccurring social problem that is alarming to pregnant women collectively. The social dilemma is identified as postpartum depression otherwise to some as postnatal depression. Postpartum is a significant type of clinical depression that inhibits women emotionally and physically following childbirth. Postpartum depression is a form of depression that follows child birth in particular mothers. Cases can be mild or severe enough to be labeled psychosis and require hospitalization ( ). When people contemplate desolation, many assume depression as just erratic mood swings, anxiety, or guilt which is self inflicted. However depression is beyond mood swings and impulsive emotions. Depression is the fourth leading cause of global disease burden for individuals and society (Brundtland, 1998).Depression is a clinical diagnosed ailment that hinders the world population. Depression can be treated and alleviated, although overlooked may develop into severe mental and physical problems. Postpartum depression is a grave illness that requires immediate attention by qualified physicians. Those who are diagnosed with depression often encounter symptoms similar to guilt, anxiety, sleeplessness, and constant thoughts of suicide. PPD is a serious social predicament that should not be ignored, if manifested PPD can be very detrimental to the welfare of families and children. Although men can develop PPD, typically PPD troubles women who undergo the early phases of childbirth usually proceeding three months of delivery. Women are more vulnerable to PPD given that their bodies undergo extreme psychological, physical, and developmental change in such a short duration. There are various explanations and diagnosis into why PPD develops within women post birth. Some of these reasons include Hormonal change, sudden vary of lifestyle, mental illness, along with stress. Furthermore PPD is not just an obstacle that occupies a few; PPD is universal and in fact common in many child births. One in six women is affected by mental distress during pregnancy or postpartum, and was found to be the leading cause of maternal death between 2000 and 2002 (Lewis 2004). Some intellects may regard these manners simply as the baby blues; nevertheless expert studies have revealed that PPD is indeed a well documented illness that inhabits women of every populace. Furthermore this r esearch paper will confer the issues of postpartum disorder along with providing adequate information concerning the causes, symptoms, impact on child development, and methods for treatment. Now that I have identified postpartum depression, lets acknowledge as well as analyze the causes and symptoms of PPD. It is often difficult to diagnose or even pin point the sources of PPD; however several doctors explicate that PPD may be triggered by unexpected change in hormones, sudden adjustment of lifestyle, mental illness, or stress. Postpartum depression occurs in 10-15% of women in the general population ( ). Women who undergo pregnancy usually encompass higher levels of hormones which in essence can alter cognitive behaviors and emotions. All women are unique; many go through intense body and hormonal changes. Subsequent to birth it is common for women to have decreased levels of estrogen and progesterone which can instigate mood swings, nervousness, as well as extreme fatigue. Following pregnancy, mothers who experience PPD frequently endure the postpartum blues; moreover 85% of women experience some type of mood disturbance. For most women, symptoms are transient and rela tively mild, however 10-15% of women experience a more disabling and persistent form of depression and 0.1-0.2% of women experience postpartum psychosis ( ). The postpartum depression or baby blues traumatic symptoms include of anxiety, sleeplessness, loss of energy, guilt, and at some levels severe mental psychosis. Another cause of PPD is the abrupt change of daily routine. The change of lifestyle from time to time may be overwhelming or even too demanding for newborn families. Mothers and Fathers are sometimes unaware the drastic lifestyle changes a baby initiates. In other words some families are unprepared for the consequences and responsibilities of nurturing a newborn. This is particularly true when it comes to younger couples who engage in unplanned pregnancies. You see this scenario all too often, couples who lack maturity, experience, as well as responsibility do not understand what it takes to be a suitable parent. This is why education plus counseling is crucial to counteract PPD. Many families who lack the resources, education, healthcare, or economic means are further susceptible to PPD; as a result the lower class citizens usually suffer largely. Additional contributing factors to PPD consist of patients who suffer from substance abuse, unplanned pregnancy, financial problems, poor relationships, and those who already endure a history of mental illness or depression. If this problem is left untreated, postnatal depression can last for months or even years, therefore endangering yourself and your childs welfare. Next I plan on discussing the impact that postpartum depression has on newborn babies and child development. The early stages of child maturity is significant, otherwise health problems may transpire. Children of mothers with postpartum depression are more likely than children of non depressed mothers to exhibit behavioral problems (e.g., sleep and eating difficulties, temper tantrums, hyperactivity), delays in cognitive development, emotional and social deregulation, and early onset of depressive illness( ). Implying families who bear post partum depression may in fact negatively affect parent-infant relations. Newborn babies require constant attention and nurturing, however if the family is experiencing PPD, this may result in neglect ion of the Childs physical and emotional upbringing. The mother and infant bonding is essential for childhood growth, furthermore PPD could hold a profound impact on the Childs well being. Untreated postpartum affective illness places both the mother and infant at risk and is associated with significant long-term effects on child development and behavior therefore, appropriate screening, prompt recognition, and treatment of depression are essential for both maternal and infant well-being and can improve outcome ( ). If the symptoms of PPD persist, the child may unconsciously withdraw or reject the mothers parenting. At this point we have recognized Post partum depression as well as documented the cause and effects of PPD. Therefore lets focus on the process for treating PPD. No two women are alike, so treating PPD can be tedious even overwhelming sometimes. The most important factor for treatment of PPD is early detection. Realizing there is a problem and early treatment is crucial for reducing PPD. And though PPD is categorized as a disorder, there are several affective methods for healing. A number of techniques used to counter PPD include counseling, antidepressant drugs, and importantly education. Post natal depression is in fact a curable illness but it takes time along with education which is the crucial. It is also essential to surround yourself with quality caregivers. In addition its vital to encompass a good support system like family, friends, collegues, or even co workers to help ease the symptoms of depression. Medication and professional counseling can often be successful for reduc ing or eliminating the symptoms of PPD. Many doctors believe that counseling plus anti depressants including nortriptyline, paroxetine, and sertraline will help counter the symptoms of PPD. And I know this day and age drugs are not always the answer; however experts agree that antidepressants along with therapy plus counseling are well documented for alleviating PPD. As you can observe postpartum depression is as significant illness that plagues women of all stature. Postpartum depression has been established in numerous studies to have a negative effect on a mothers ability to provide optimal care for her infant ( ). One in six women is affected by mental distress during pregnancy or postpartum, and was found to be the leading cause of maternal death between 2000 and 2002 (Lewis 2004). PPD is a serious social issue that needs further attention. This is not a dilemma that discriminates between race, gender, or age. Everyone is susceptible to PPD and this illness is increasing with the hardship of times. There is a dire need of education and healthcare for families that experience PPD.

Comparing Natural Law to Legal Realism in the case of Carlton versus Wa

In the case of Carlton vs. Walkovzsky, I will discuss facts, main legal issues, majority decisions and reasons for the dissent. This case took place on September 26, 1966 in the court of Appeals of New York. Judge Fuld J wrote the majority decision, while Judge Keating wrote the dissenting decision in the case. I will be applying Natural Law and Legal Realism to the case to argue my position, and ultimately prove that the theory of Natural Law is more applicable to the case. According to the facts in this case, Walkovszky was hit by a cab four years ago in New York and the cab was negligently operated by defendant Marches. The defendant Carlton, who is being sued, owned and ran the cab company in which he set up ten corporations, including Seon. Each of the corporations had two cabs registered in its name. The minimum automobile liability insurance required by the law was $10,000. According to the opinion of the court the plaintiff asserted that he is also ?entitled to hold their stock holder personally liable for damages, because multiple corporate structures constitutes an unlawful attempt to defraud the general member of the public.? The main legal issue before the court arises, in determining whether liability should be extended to reach assets beyond those belonging to the corporation and whether the corporate veil should be pierced with regard to personal liability to others. Judge Flud wrote the majority decision in the case, and found that Carlton was not personally liable for the damages to Walkovszky. Flud also found that in his reasoning, Walkovsky has ?failed to state a valid cause of action against defendant Carlton?. Flud states that if the corporation ... ...ook at the fact that he had enough money to put forward to his liability insurance. However, he chose not to and he stayed with the minimum amount, which Carlton knew would not be enough to cover any sufficient damages of an injury. In referring Legal Realism to this case, Legal Realism can be defined as the way judges formulate law from their own personal conception of justice, not from precedent or rules. Each decision involves a personal choice. Judge Flud gave the majority decision in the case and his decision is that Carlton came from a higher background. Flud?s background already holds a high status in society, therefore it affected his decision in the case in favor of Carlton and not Walkovszky. This higher status enabled Fuld to appreciate Carlton?s perspective and what it might mean if Walkovszky was able to piece the corporate veil.

A Case Analysis of Cirque Du Soleil

Cirque Du Soleil is a company that has built its success on its ability to be creative and innovative. It has successfully developed a new market and continued to expand on that market. This makes Cirque Du Soleil an example of a company that has creativity and innovation at its base. The following paper will focus on Cirque Du Soleil as a creative and innovative company. It will consider its product and creative strategy. It will look at the structure of the company and how this enhances creativity. Finally, it will look at the threats facing Cirque Du Soleil and what the company can do to ensure its ongoing success. Cirque Du Soleil's product is a performing circus. The basis of the company is a show combining music, dance, and theater. The show uses acrobats, gymnasts, clowns, and other performers. The show also uses a type of music based on a created language. The purpose of the music is to transcend cultural boundaries and make the show accessible to everyone. The company's show is also multicultural in nature. It is designed to reach the widest audience possible. This is done by using the music that is not based on any real language. It is also done by using performers from around the world. The company is global and shows are performed throughout the world. Cirque Du Soleil has also expanded into other areas. This has included releasing two films and a television special. This has also included ventures in publishing and merchandising. Cirque Du Soleil also opened a permanent theater near Disneyland, Florida, in 1998, with the theater including a Cirque Du Soleil store. These expansions show that the company is diversifying in a creative way. The expansions are all based on ways to increase the value of the Cirque Du Soleil show. This shows creativity, not in creating new things, but in finding new ways to benefit from the basic product of the company. The organizational structure of Cirque Du Soleil is based on recognizing the value of the performers. The case study describes the former tour director Vincent Gagne stating that he always emphasized to tour staff that they were there to serve the artists. This shows that the artists are recognized as representing the value of the company. The other services then become support services. This is not a case where the artists are at the top of the organizational hierarchy. However, it is a case where the artists are recognized as delivering the service that allows the organization to succeed. Gagne also suggests a good metaphor for the organizational structure, which is that of a circle. The performers can be considered as being at the center of the circle. They do not have high positions or decision-making authority, however they are the basis of the organization. The support staff are in the next circle. They have greater decision-making authority, but their work is defined by their need to satisfy the performers. Several of the employees described in the case study are in this level and they all describe their work as being focused on the performers. Gange does this when he states that the tour staff and technical people have to realize that they are there to support the artists. The casting director for Cirque Du Soleil, Cantin, describes how she looks for performers based on whether they will be able to fit in at the company. This shows that the performers are central to the organization and to the decisions made. In the final outer layer of the circle are the upper management. They have the greatest decision-making authority, but they are also operating based on pleasing the performers. This structure supports creativity because it puts the creative people of the company as central to its functioning. At the same time, the decision-making being at higher levels allows the creative people to be free to create and be innovative, without having any concerns related to how the company functions. Another key part of the organizational structure is that it is informal. This is seen in the case study, where Gagnon describes the company as not having a handbook on employee conduct. It is also seen in the case study where Gagnon describes employees as being fired and then rehired. Gagnon also describes an employee newsletter where employee's uncensored comments are published. These all show an informal structure and an organizational culture that is based on employee freedom and low authority over employees. Schein (2003, p. 121) notes that a culture of freedom increases employee creativity. Daft (1997, p. 325) also notes that â€Å"many organizations today are becoming less formal in order to be flexible and responsive to a changing global environment. † In the case of Cirque Du Soleil, the structure has always been informal and this allows it to encourage creativity and be more flexible and capable of change. One of the key environmental challenges is related to the artists and performers. It has been noted that the artists and performers are central to Cirque Du Soleil's product. This makes ensuring the good performance of the artists a key concern. There are several factors that are risks for the company. The first is that the artist's may rebel against the company. The case study notes that this occurred in 1987 and 1988, when many performers rebelled over concerns that management was not doing what was best for them and that the company was not operating based on the original spirit of the group. As the company expands furthers, it seems reasonable that the performers may again feel that the company is not operating in the same spirit as before. This is especially likely to occur as the company becomes more focused on finances. This may lead to either artist rebellion again or to artists leaving the show. Another problem related to performers is the high injury rate. The case study notes that 37 injuries were listed for 57 artists three-quarters of the way into the United States tour of the show Dralion. This shows an ongoing problem that has the potential to reduce the quality of the show produced. Finally, the work of the performer is demanding, with the case study noting that many performers leave because they cannot handle the touring life. These problems related to the performers are critical ones for two reasons. Firstly, the performers are the basis of the company's product. Secondly, finding, hiring, and training employees is a considerable expense. This makes it crucial that Cirque Du Soleil find a way to manage employees effectively, while promoting their creativity. Another challenge that faces Cirque Du Soleil is based on one of its key success factors, which is its ability to offer a new and unique show that impresses the audience. There are two main reasons that this ability to astonish an audience may be lost. One of them is seen in the experience of the conductor at Cirque Du Soleil, Oberacker. Oberacker notes in the case study that he is not as highly impressed with the show as the audience is. He links this to his experience on Broadway and notes that he has seen more astonishing things. He also notes that the shows ability to impress is not based entirely on the artists, but on how it is presented with lights, costumes, and music all adding a larger sense of awe. There are two potential problems that this indicates. The first is that other companies may realize the success factors of Cirque Du Soleil and become direct competitors. Currently, theater companies, drama companies, Broadway shows, and operas are competitors in the entertainment market. However, they target a high social class and tend not to be accessible to the general public. Cirque Du Soleil is offering a similar product, but it is targeted to a more general audience. This leaves the possibility that the competitors mentioned above will adjust their marketing strategy and become direct competitors of Cirque Du Soleil. One source notes that this is a significant problem for companies that are based on one specific product (Kotler, Armstrong, Brown, & Chandler, 1998). This is true for Cirque Du Soleil since even though they have diversified into new areas, their basic product is the performance they offer. If other companies start to compete with similar shows, Cirque Du Soleil will lose a significant part of their market. The other problem is that audiences may become used to the show and its elements. If this occurred, the show would not create the same sense of astonishment in an audience. This is also related to the perception of the product. Perreault and McCarthy (2000) note that a product's success is not based on the product itself, but on how well it meets or exceed expectations. For the astonishment factor to be achieved, Cirque Du Soleil need to exceed the expectations of customers. With the excellence and quality of the show is generally recognized, this leads to increasing customer expectations. The end result is that Cirque Du Soleil has to constantly improve to remain impressive. To remain successful, Cirque Du Soleil has to manage creativity and continue to innovate. One change that may be required is to take the emphasis off the performance requirements of the show. The case study notes that the number of shows has increased. The question this raises is how Cirque Du Soleil can continue to create new shows that will have the astonishment factor. It is suggested that this could be achieved more successfully if the company limited the number of shows produced. This would create a demand for the product. This strategy takes into account that the success of Cirque Du Soleil relies largely on its image, where the show is recognized as something astonishing and unforgettable. If this quality is lost, the entire company will be at risk. This suggests that limiting the amount of productions would be effective. It would allow artists and performers to concentrate their creativity on creating one show of the highest quality. This strategy would also be an effective way of managing performance staff. Performance staff would be heavily involved in development and be the creative force for the new shows. With a significant amount of time available for development, performers could innovate, experiment, and develop new ideas. At the same time, their energy would be better directed into the shows because the demands would not be as high. Revenue could then be increased for Cirque Du Soleil by focusing more on merchandising and finding other ways to increase income. This focus is based on recognizing that Cirque Du Soleil's reputation makes it a brand, where a brand's value is not just based on a product or service, but based on a perception about the company overall (Reynolds, 2004). Cirque Du Soleil has a strong brand and could diversify by increasing the number of ways that additions are made to the brand. This would allow the company to continue to grow, but in a way that does not place additional demands on the basic performance product.

Huckleberry Finn Essay

Fathers are an important aspect of every person’s life and have a great influence their children. In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, a novel by Mark Twain, Huck in a way has two fathers. While Pap Finn is Huck’s real father, Jim also becomes a father figure to Huck because Jim is Pap’s foil. He becomes what Pap is unable to be by protecting him and teaching him right from wrong. While Pap Finn and Jim both become fathers to Huck, they influence Huck in many different ways. Pap lets Huck get away with bad habits and Huck had even stopped cursing, but now he â€Å"took to it again because pap hadn’t no objections† (34). When Pap first finds out Huck goes to school, he says, â€Å"you drop that school you hear? I’ll learn people to bring up a boy to put on airs over his own father and let on to be better’n what he is† (29). Pap thwarts Huck from getting ahead in life, just because he can’t read or write himself. Pap also wastes much of his life and money on alcohol. When Pap hears that Huck has six thousand dollars, he immediately finds Huck to get it from him. When Pap threatens to beat Huck, he â€Å"borrowed three dollars from Judge Thatcher, and pap took it and got drunk† (31). He also teaches Huck things like stealing, and says to â€Å"take a chicken when you have a chance† and that it isn’t â€Å"no harm to borrow things, if you was meaning to pay them back, sometime† (76). Jim however is very genuine and honest. When Huck and Jim separate from each other in the fog, Jim becomes terrified, but when he finds Huck next to him safe he is very happy and grateful. However when Huck starts to play a trick on him saying he was there the whole time he says â€Å"trash is what people is dat puts dirt on de head er dey fren’s en makes? em ashamed† (98). Huck then feels very guilty and apologizes. Jim teaches him right from wrong, and Huck knows now not to hurt people’s feelings. Jim, unlike Pap, values his family as well. Jim is always â€Å"thinking about his wife and his children? and he was low and homesick†, which teaches Huck that black people and white people aren’t very different, and that Jim â€Å"cared just as much for his people as white folks does for their’n† (167). Huck also has a choice of giving Jim up to his rightful owner or helping him escape slavery. Huck finally decides that he’ll â€Å"go to hell† if that is what it takes to save Jim. Because of what he has learned from Jim he disregards what society has taught him and follows his gut to save Jim (227). Because Pap and Jim are so unlike, they teach Huck many different things and have a great impact on him. Pap and Jim treat Huck very differently as well. Pap constantly abuses Huck, and beats him for no reason, and â€Å"by-and-by pap got too handy with his hick’ry† and Huck had welts all over (34). Even when Pap finds a picture that Huck got for doing well in school he tears it up and says, â€Å"I’ll give you something better-I’ll give you a cowhide† (29). Jim however protects Huck. When Huck and Jim are floating along the river, they come across a house. Huck’s father was dead in the house, but Jim finds Pap first and covers him up and tells Huck to â€Å"come in? but doan’ look at his face-it’s too gashly†, without telling Huck who the dead man was (60). Jim wanted to protect Huck from seeing his father dead, despite how Pap treated Huck. Jim is also very grateful of Huck. Jim reminds Huck many times that he is â€Å"de on’y white genlman dat kep’ his promise†, and that Huck is his best and only friend (102). Pap Finn and Jim both affect Huck differently because of the way they treat him. In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain, both Pap and Jim can be seen as Huck’s fathers. Because they are so different, they have very different influences on Huck by teaching him different things and by the way they treat him.