Cengage Learning Essay Example for Free

Cengage Learning Essay After taking the survey regarding the climate of my organization, I gained interesting insight into my company’s position in the work/life area. The survey provided by the Work and Family Connection asked twenty questions, in which I enjoyed answering. 1. My manager/supervisor treats my work/life needs with sensitivity. Agree 2. It is usually easy for me to manage the demands of both work and home life. Agree 3. My career path at this company is limited because of the pressure of home life demands. Disagree 4. My job at this company keeps me from maintaining the quality of life I want. Disagree 5. My manager/supervisor is supportive when home life issues interfere with work. Disagree 6. My manager/supervisor focuses on results, rather than the time I am at my desk. Disagree 7. My manager/supervisor has a good understanding of flexible work hour practices. Agree 8. If I requested a flexible work arrangement, my manager/supervisor would support me. Agree 9. My manager/supervisor is often inflexible or insensitive about my personal needs. Disagree 10. I believe my manager treats me with respect. Agree 11. My manager allows me informal flexibility as long as I get the job done. Agree 12. My manager tends to treat us like children. Disagree 13. My manager seldom gives me praise or recognition for the work I do. Disagree 14. My manager seems to care about me as a person. Agree 15. I would recommend this company to others. Agree 16. The work I do is not all that important to this company’s success. Disagree 17. If I could find another job with better pay, I would leave this organization. Disagree 18. If I could find another job where I would be treated with respect, I would take it. Disagree 19. If I could find another job where I could have more flexibility, I would take it. Agree 20. I am totally committed to this company. Agree Since I scored seventeen, I am in the category that states that my organization is supportive and more flexible than most; however, there is room for me to grow (Snell Bohlander, 2013). This scoring seems highly accurate to me. I do feel as though I have a very supportive and flexible place of employment; however, I feel that there is room for improvement. References Snell, S. , Bohlander, G. (2013). Managing human resources. Mason, Ohio: South-Western Cengage Learning.

Coping As A Stepmom

Coping As A Stepmom As far back as I can remember, the one thing I always wanted to be was a mom. I had dreams of being the perfect mother, giving and showing love and affection to my children and having them give that same kind of unconditional love back to me. Unfortunately, that was not meant to be. It seems God had something else in store for me, something that I wasnt totally prepared for, and that was the role of a stepmom. Helping to raise one child that is not biologically yours is difficult, imagine having three of them. Coping as a stepmom is truly a work in progress, filled with rewards and challenges, and many of those challenges have to be dealt with through understanding, compromise, and love. My adventure in becoming a stepmom began on October 29, 2005 the day I married my husband and his three children. He had been divorced from his ex-wife for four years when we finally tied the knot. When I met him in 2004, he had been a bachelor and single dad for three years. Of course, he and his kids got use to being together and doing things together, so it wasnt easy trying to fit in especially for and with the kids. They quickly let me know they had a mother and werent too interested in having another one. One challenge we had to address early on was what were the kids going to call me. When we first met, they called me Miss Sheryl, and that was okay because it was respectful. They didnt know that their father and I were really serious about each other, and had been talking about the possibility of marriage by the time I was introduced to them (which was 4 months after my husband and I started dating). Right before we got engaged, I remember saying to the kids that they should drop the Miss, and just call me by my first name. That was simple, and didnt sound so informal and unattached. The youngest at the time, 9-year-old Trey, and oldest, 13-year-old Haley, thought it was a good idea and made the change right away with no problem. On the other hand, it wasnt easy for the middle child, 10-year-old Lunden. She had the hardest time because she was not ready to let go of the idea that maybe her parents would get back together. Once the engagement was announced and wedding plans were under way, she came around. Out of the blue, she just started calling me by my first name. When the conversation came up as to what they should call me after their dad and I were married, I told them to continue calling me Sheryl. I didnt want to put any pressure on them to call me something that would make them uncomfortable. Parenting experts say in their desire to present a close-knit family image, step parents and parents often push for relationship terms as mom and dad, or mama and papa, or straight mother and father. They go on to say that for the kids, these terms could symbolize the replacement or loss of the biological parent, and instead of unifying the family, it can put up a barrier (Visher, Visher, 1982). This is certainly not what I wanted to happen. By allowing them to continue to call me by my first name, which is what they were use to and most comfortable with, the transition from dads girlfriend to wife and stepmom was seamless and painless in that respect. I know Im not their mother, and the last thing I wanted was to add to their stress level of feelin g disloyal to their mom because I was in their lives now. Speaking of their mother, the relationship between the two of us started out a little shaky. I must say this was one challenge that I didnt think would ever come to a peaceful solution, but it has to some degree. The first time Sharon and I met was awkward. My husband and I were still in the dating mode when we went to pick the kids up for a 4th of July picnic in the park. I tried to be as cordial as possible, but she wasnt having it. She gave me a quick and cold hello, and then went about her business of talking to my husband and her kids. I remember telling one of my girlfriends that I had never been treated so rudely, and that if she was going to treat me that way, I could easily reciprocate. But my girlfriend explained what Sharon was probably feeling because she herself felt the same way when she met her exs new girlfriend. Consequently, she told me to always keep the best interest of the children at the forefront. Audrey Seaton-Bacon, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist in Whittier, California says having your little ones see birth parents and step parent working as a team is valuable and helpful (Hunter, 2006). I have found that to be so true. When my step kids first heard that their parents and I actually sat down together to talk about them, I sensed they were shocked and relieved. My husband, his ex-wife and I try to keep the lines of communication open at all times. Author Anne Burt says this is the most important thing. She also says no matter how much dislike there may be between a biological parent and a step p arent remain respectful and never show any hostility or resentment in front of your child its important for mother and stepmother to be grown-ups (Burt, 2007). Now we all attend school plays, concerts, and other events as a family as much as we can be as a family without discomfort. A childs public events should be an opportunity for the whole family to bond (Burt, 2007). I think once my step kids mom realized that I wasnt a threat to her and she could never be replaced, she became less jealous of me and now shes even friendlier. That has been a positive for all of us. The kids love and respect her as their mom, and they give me the same as their step mom. Seaton-Bacon says its actually good for kids to develop a healthy attachment to a step parent (Hunter, 2006). We all agreed early on that when it came to the discipline issue, dad and mom would handle that. Like many stepmoms, I didnt want that responsibility for fear of resentment. On the other hand, I felt that my husband was too laid back and needed to improve in that department. It was hard for me to sit back and say nothing but I learned that was best. In one of her ten parenting tips for stepmoms, Rachelle Katz says when stepchildren misbehave, first focus your attention on your partner rather than the children. Let him know, gently and calmly, that you feel he needs to assert his authority in order to help his children grow and develop, and feel secure and protected. If he isnt capable of being a strong parent, then your life, his life, and your stepchildrens lives will suffer (Katz, 2010). This was and still is a touchy subject. No matter how gently I try to bring this to my husbands attention, he doesnt seem to take it too well. Im not giving up though, or backing down from sharing my feelings or thoughts on the matter. While trying to develop a cordial, working relationship with my step kids mom, I was also trying to find my place in the family structure. I know my husband loves me, but I had some hard truths to deal with the fact that he was married before, and that he had kids. I, too, was married before but did not have any kids. Therefore, my husband doesnt have to deal with my ex the way I have to deal with his. Extended family situations come up quite frequently, with his family or her family, and it takes a lot of patience and understanding to handle those situations. What seems to help me the most is remembering that I am his wife now, and my main role is to be my husbands wife and help mate. By doing this, I feel I have found my place. We are growing together and bonding as a family each and every day, and this process will continue for years to come. One thing that we had to do was come up with house rules that involved making changes and setting boundaries. At first, I always felt like an outsider, and I think that had a lot to do with not knowing what I was allowed to do or say in my own home. Once we established the house rules that each of us had to abide by, I was finally able to speak up, based on whether or not the rules were being followed. In her book, How to handle your husbands kids, stepmom and author Jacquelyn Fletcher says this is when she finally got some relief. One house rule for her family (and mine as well) was to keep common areas clean. Fletcher says she finally got to say, Hey guys, remember we have to take our toys upstairs. House rules (McKinnell, 2007). Just like her, I was finally able to say what I needed to say without holding back and holding it in. The new rules also helped my husband and I grow closer because we found common ground and a way to parent together. When everyone in the family knows the house rules, you and your partner can back each other up when a transgression occurs. Working together as a team is important for you as a couple and teaches children that they cant divide and conquer (Katz, 2010). As my stepchildren and I have grown closer, weve developed quality relationships. The three of them have very distinct personalities and have to be treated accordingly. Parenting experts say enjoying time with your stepchildren is a necessity. Now that theyre all teenagers, Ive found ways to hang out with each of them that they enjoy. The oldest and I go shopping together. Our tastes in clothes are very different due to our ages, but she seems to value my opinion, and asks my advice. My middle stepdaughter and I spend a lot of time just talking. She is the one that needs lots of attention, and always seems to have something on her mind that she needs to discuss, so I provide that listening ear. My 14-year-old stepson is easy. Hes very creative and outgoing. Right now he is into writing song and rap lyrics. He asks for my opinions and suggestions all the time. The fact that I show an interest in what hes writing and why hes writing it has made all the difference in our relationship. H e is always thanking me for my support. The book, The Happy Stepmother, states that in order to have a good relationship with your stepchildren, youve got to spend some quality time with them. Since quality relationships are built from one-on-one interactions, spend private time with each of your stepchildren. Find common interests and activities, such as a hobby or a sport, to do with them (Katz, 2010). It has taken some time, but we understand and accept each other without any added pressure or stress. We feel what we feel, and thats okay. Love is an emotion that cant be forced. If you love your stepchildren, thats wonderful. If you dont, thats also acceptable, as long as you provide kindness, compassion and respect to them. No more and no less should be expected of you (Katz, 2010). I found that to be so true. Once I realized that I didnt have to love my stepchildren right away, and that they didnt have to love me back right away, it was easier for us to bond. All we had to do wa s be nice, kind, and respectful to each other. Finding the right family blend in a stepfamily situation can be difficult at best. There are so many obstacles to overcome and feelings to consider, but these family units can become strong. It has taken a lot of hard work but we have built a foundation based on trust and good communication skills listening and talking to each other. We know that were different from normal or first families both structurally and emotionally. An article written in 1997 for The Coalition for Collaborative Divorce states that stepfamilies would be the most common type of family in the country by the year 2010 this year! So maybe were normal after all. And weve already taken on some of the helpful actions listed in the article to deal with common stepfamily challenges and develop a happy and successful stepfamily life. As I mentioned before, we find time to sit, talk and listen to each other about what we were feeling. Dealing with and recognizing emotions are important factors when building a strong family unit. It is wise to assume that people have good reasons for their emotions and reactions, even if the reasons are not obvious. This attitude helps build respect and trust (Aronsohn, 1997). Weve come up with a new family tradition. Once a month, we get together for the Williams Family Gathering. This includes my husbands immediate family (his mom, siblings, and their families). This is where we all come together, bring a dish or two, and rotate eating at a different home. This is quality family time that we value and look forward to doing. This simple routine allows a sense of something stable, something to count on, something this family does (Aronsohn, 1997). My step kids are always asking when and where this month. They absolutely love it, and its something that wasnt done before I came along so it really is our new tradition. This extended family togetherness is good for our immediate stepfamily. The love, care and concern thats shown when I interact with my in-laws has also helped me to build solid relationships with my step kids. In conclusion, coping as a stepmom is not the same as the role of mom. It can sometimes seem like youre on a roller coaster ride that never stops. The frustrations, misunderstandings, and hurt that are part of that ride are too much to bear at times. Stepmoms have to tread lightly and cautiously. Every situation is different and needs to be handled in its own way. Weve had our ups and downs over the last 5 years, and Im sure well have many more. But now we have a stronger foundation from which to work from. We just need to accept and address each issue as it comes up. This work in progress will continue to remind us of the valuable lessons weve learned like understanding and compromising to develop stronger, more loving, and successful relationships between us. By working together and appreciating each others role in our blended stepfamily, weve reached some common ground that seems to be working for all of us. The challenges have not come without rewards. And one of those rewards was huge for me. During a celebration for my 50th birthday this past March, my three stepchildren stood together at the podium and told our family and friends that they consider me more of a mom than a stepmom. That was music to my ears. They admitted Ive made a difference in their lives and the life of their father. When they said how much they loved and appreciated me, it brought tears to my eyes. For the first time, I felt like Im doing something right as a stepmom.

Native American Healing And Dance :: essays research papers

Native American Dance and Healing Native Americans in Contemporary Society: The population in the United States has increased steadily in the 20th century. In 1990 the number of Native Americans was almost two million, 8 percent of the total population. Slightly more than one third live on a reservation; about half live in urban areas. Indian reservations function as independent governments within the federal framework. Among many of the Native Americans, there are many musical styles, singing is the dominant form of musical expression, with instrumental music serving primarily as rhythmic accompaniment. Throughout the Americas the principal instruments have been drums, flutes, and whistles. The American Indian lived life in love with nature. Their wisdom showed in everything, their capacity for harmony with the environment, what they wore, what they created, what they ate and how it was prepared, in their philosophies and beliefs. Music and dance were confined to the native world or offered in tourist attractions as an illustration of a lifestyle unknown to many people. Over the past few years there has been a heightened interest in all Indian things, such as in their art. Expression in the art and dance among North American people this part of life in the form of function and ceremony as it is decoration or performance. Today the Indian Arts have been â€Å"discovered†, and a large cross section of humanity is enjoying its intrinsic excellence, vitality, originality and tradition they offer to the heart and head. Men’s Traditional Dance: They danced with exaggerated movement above the waist to simulate hunting, tracking, or fighting, but heavy grounded, flat footed loser body. This dance originated with members of warrior societies on the Great Plains. Costumes includes an eagle feather bustle and hair roach made of porcupine quills. Women’s Traditional Dance: This dance is extremely reversed in nature, simply a single or double step done in a circle. Sometimes as a up and down movement is done while standing in place. Costumes for women’s traditional dance also remains tribal specific, and sometimes with elaborate beadwork on a long buckskin or trade cloth dresses. Stomp Dances: This dance they get into nature by way of rhythm and it can make your body healthier and relieve stress. Native Americans believe then and still believe now that when the body works in harmony with nature, the natural rhythms of the body and spirit work together. It is that energy that makes one whole. In the Native stomp dances, in the habitats of the native homelands, when they get into rhythm with nature then your body becomes healthier, your mental stress is relieved and you become a whole person

Misunderstandings in Gender: Women Sexual Predators Essay -- Sexism Cr

There are many heinous crimes that have saturated our society; news reports of a woman being attacked while walking to her car late at night, a child being abducted and his frantic mother pleading with the assailant to let her child go. There is a common theme threaded into the reports we frequently see plastered on our television screens and that theme is masculinity in crime. It seems almost unfathomable that a woman could commit murder, least of all a sex crime. Due to this distorted thinking of the masses, society has shaped judicial systems worldwide to panelize women less frequently and even less harshly than their male counterparts. When a jury of peers sits in judgment of little Susie Q, wife and mother of 4, on counts of child molestation the initial opinion is that of disbelief. If this was a man sitting in Susie’s place, that man is likely considered a pervert, well before any facts or evidence is even mentioned. There are numerous cases of women committing violent and nonviolent sex crimes but rarely do we see them on a late night news broadcast. Is it because it happens less frequently than crimes committed by men? Maybe. Or have we been conditioned to think that women are mothers; sweet, all loving souls that comfort and support the ones they love. How lovely. Women are biologically equipped to be mothers and all sorts of other wonderful things, but because of this generalized view, it seems women are more likely to get away with harming someone and that in no way is acceptable. In the article â€Å"Theories of Sexual Deviancy† by Rosenberg and Associates, the author states â€Å"for the molester, he may find comfort and acceptance in the children he so desires.† This statement openly distinguishes a sex offender as singu... ...oodgates of communication so that we may be able to better understand and accept that sexual crimes do not discriminate based on gender. Trauma has no hormonal preference. When it comes to innocent people being harmed, gender should be completely excluded and the crime should be punished without prejudice preferential treatment. It is important that all people be held to the same standard when it comes to crime and sexual abuse and violence are no exception. Works Cited Burke, Dr. S. Abnormal Psychology/ LifeSpan Psychology Instructor, Washtenaw Community College November 2010. Munro, Kali. Mother Daughter Sexual Abuse: A Painful Topic. 4 December 2010. . Rosenberg and Associates. "Theories of Sexual Deviancy." Angelfire.com. 04 December 2010 .

Gender Roles in Japanese Culture Essay -- Traditional Values, Societal

Gender roles are stereotypical labels placed on males and females within a specific culture. In addition, gender stereotypes for males and females are products of cultural aspects rather than their physical differences (Kincaid, 2013). As time inevitably progresses through history, a coherent pattern can be identified in regards to changes in gender stereotypes. These changes in gender roles are directly correlated with the alterations in societal advancement. The changes in societal and cultural development over the course of history can be thoroughly recognized in specifically Japanese culture. Although gender roles in Japanese culture deviates from western norms, perpetual emphasis is placed in adopting desirable characteristics for men and women in media and society (Kincaid, 2013). Contrarily, professional studies, conducted by Yoko Sugihara and Emiko Katsurada, indicate that gender role differences in contemporary society are diminishing as time progresses (Yoko and Katsurada, 2002). In the primordial times of the Heian period, Japan procured and practiced matrilineal systems within their isolated society for over 2,000 years. During the Heian period, situated in 12th century A.D., women were given the privileged of inheriting, managing, and retaining property of their own (Kumar, 2011). It was not until Japanese culture adopted the Confucian ideas of China that the society began to integrate a patriarchal system. Confucian ideals had a prominently drastic impact and influence in Japanese society. The Confucian ethical system stressed the utopian idea of a society in which a hierarchal structure is maintained. The hierarchal structure’s foundation is based upon the subservient and submissive idea of subordinates’ obedi... ...ime in 1997 (Yoko and Katsurada, 2002). Works Cited 1. Sugihara, Yoko, and Emiko Katsurada. "Gender Role Development in Japanese Culture: Diminishing Gender Role Differences in a Contemporary Society." Sex Roles 47.9/10 (2002): 443-452. Academic Search Complete. Web. 16 Dec. 2013. 2. Kincaid, Chris. "A Look at Gender Expectations in Japanese Society." JapanPowered. JapanPowered, 7 July 2013. Web. 16 Dec. 2013. 3. Kumar, V. "Japanese Views on Gender Roles." Vkumar.ExpertsColumn.Com. ExpertsColumn, 26 June 2011. Web. 16 Dec. 2013. 4. Kephart, Jesse. "Gender Roles in Japanese Society." Japan: A Unique Country. Weebly, 2 June 2013. Web. 16 Dec. 2013. 5. Kanagy, Ruthy. "Gender Roles in Japan." Moon Travel Guides. Avalon Travel, 4 Aug. 2013. Web. 17 Dec. 2013. 6. News, S. "Japan's Gender Roles." Teacher Bien. FourHalf Inc, 12 July 2012. Web. 17 Dec. 2013 Gender Roles in Japanese Culture Essay -- Traditional Values, Societal Gender roles are stereotypical labels placed on males and females within a specific culture. In addition, gender stereotypes for males and females are products of cultural aspects rather than their physical differences (Kincaid, 2013). As time inevitably progresses through history, a coherent pattern can be identified in regards to changes in gender stereotypes. These changes in gender roles are directly correlated with the alterations in societal advancement. The changes in societal and cultural development over the course of history can be thoroughly recognized in specifically Japanese culture. Although gender roles in Japanese culture deviates from western norms, perpetual emphasis is placed in adopting desirable characteristics for men and women in media and society (Kincaid, 2013). Contrarily, professional studies, conducted by Yoko Sugihara and Emiko Katsurada, indicate that gender role differences in contemporary society are diminishing as time progresses (Yoko and Katsurada, 2002). In the primordial times of the Heian period, Japan procured and practiced matrilineal systems within their isolated society for over 2,000 years. During the Heian period, situated in 12th century A.D., women were given the privileged of inheriting, managing, and retaining property of their own (Kumar, 2011). It was not until Japanese culture adopted the Confucian ideas of China that the society began to integrate a patriarchal system. Confucian ideals had a prominently drastic impact and influence in Japanese society. The Confucian ethical system stressed the utopian idea of a society in which a hierarchal structure is maintained. The hierarchal structure’s foundation is based upon the subservient and submissive idea of subordinates’ obedi... ...ime in 1997 (Yoko and Katsurada, 2002). Works Cited 1. Sugihara, Yoko, and Emiko Katsurada. "Gender Role Development in Japanese Culture: Diminishing Gender Role Differences in a Contemporary Society." Sex Roles 47.9/10 (2002): 443-452. Academic Search Complete. Web. 16 Dec. 2013. 2. Kincaid, Chris. "A Look at Gender Expectations in Japanese Society." JapanPowered. JapanPowered, 7 July 2013. Web. 16 Dec. 2013. 3. Kumar, V. "Japanese Views on Gender Roles." Vkumar.ExpertsColumn.Com. ExpertsColumn, 26 June 2011. Web. 16 Dec. 2013. 4. Kephart, Jesse. "Gender Roles in Japanese Society." Japan: A Unique Country. Weebly, 2 June 2013. Web. 16 Dec. 2013. 5. Kanagy, Ruthy. "Gender Roles in Japan." Moon Travel Guides. Avalon Travel, 4 Aug. 2013. Web. 17 Dec. 2013. 6. News, S. "Japan's Gender Roles." Teacher Bien. FourHalf Inc, 12 July 2012. Web. 17 Dec. 2013

A Guide to Health

The choices I voluntarily make are ones that impact how I feel in my awareness of being robust, and how those factors define my outlook of what health is. Every second of simply being alive in a way is almost a tribute to one's health. How we feel physically throughout the day, mentally from stress, and even emotionally from social interaction are all aspects of our health. One way these ideals came to prominence is from a quote the World Health Organization (WHO) used to define health in 1948, which follows as â€Å"Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or Infirmity'.I find myself agreeing very strongly with the WHO because we experience health solely on these three major Influences of physical, mental and social. The outermost part of the human body comprises of the nervous system and how we react to different stimulus. To many people physical attributes are considered an inferior part of health in comparison to mental; however the sensations experienced from it are how we feel major determinants such as pain that influence our overall mood and perception of life.Any activity simply done by using our bodies is physical, and as such we affect this form of health by our choices of whether to exercise or not, maintain balance or even by putting strain on the body. We also experience health from a mental perspective which many people arguably say is the most Important component of all. The mind is what naturally makes a person him or herself, and any alteration or absence of It could greatly change a life. All humans experience mental health more than any other health because every conscious second we have makes use of It and how It corresponds to the other aspects of health.Lastly we experience health as well through a social or emotional proportion. Social health can be a double edged sword because statistically speaking people that interact and have support from others are more likely to be resistant to illness and overall more healthy from the influences peers. However, the choices we make as to who we choose to surround ourselves with can have negative effects, as well as leads to high stress and emotional outbursts which in some cases can allow some diseases to develop.Due to this, we experience health based upon our actions and decisions in everyday life that will mount overtime to our current state of health and how It will continue to grow in the future to come. Health Is greatly affected by the choices we all make in how we all wish to live our lives In a way that provides satisfaction and pleasure. However, what Is It that determines how we make these choices? Well because health Is such a diverse and Immense topic, there really Is not an answer or rather a correct one because health is entirely personal.Everyone has their own interpretations and how much and what they eat, hygiene, maintain required sleep and other activities ND so on. There are many different reasons why people do the things they do, and one of the most notably characteristics is one an individual has no control over; genetics. The genes a person inherits is from their family's history and dominant traits that persist. Whether good or bad, genetics to a degree play a major role in how a person thinks and how they are susceptible to not only certain diseases and illnesses but also personality types and attitudes.For instance, in many scientific studies there are experiments that support the fact of alcoholism being dominant in n offspring if the parent is shown to have a history with it, and results have shown a positive correlation so far. However as health is a very complex topic, there are also other factors to consider such as one's environment. The places we all grew up, the people we meet, and so on also play a role in who we become as people and how we think the way we do. Childhood is often considered the most crucial time of development for humans, and as such w e can be greatly affected by it.Our housing environments and surroundings raise the question of are our physical, mental, social ND security needs met as a child? We receive influence from how we are brought up from our families and our peers as well as the media as everyone offers different ideals and perspectives on any issue in life. Depending on the reality and influences we experience in our life time affect how we process information and decide how to interpret it. The people we become from our development and experiences as a child are how we evaluate and have our beliefs on matters such as health.Just as anyone else I am no exception to this principle and have my own background in health throughout my life. In my own personal opinion I agree strongly agree with many people that the most important aspect of health is mental. I feel that it is what drives us to have motivation and compassion to pursue what one desires whether it is good health or something else. With a strong and clear mind even people that are physically disabled inspire so many others by their determination to overcome their weakness and inability.Even without being physically healthy, as long as one has their mind they can still be happy and satisfied in their life which to some people is considered healthy since everyone has their own definition. Because of this I also think health cannot be measured on a scale or specifically to determine what is essentially â€Å"healthy'. Many reliable institutions such as the government put forth their ideals in what being healthy is, such as the Canadian food guide. However not every person eats the required amounts of servings listed in the Canadian food guide. And does that make them unhealthy?I do not believe so because as I have stated earlier health is a personal and very complex topic as there is no correct answer entirely. However I think that with regards to guides on health as the Canadian good guide and Body Mass Index (IBM) should ra ther be used as references or scales for one to model their life after. No one needs to follow these guides exactly, but should incorporate the knowledge they give into their lifestyle as way to improve health and keep it within a reasonable standard of being healthy as long as some of the criteria to a degree is met.I myself use this as my own interpretation of these public forms of information to better my health, however it is up to me use my own Judgment and exactly aligned with these paradigms, and that is perfectly alright. At times we usually want to be like everyone else or follow the standard, but occasionally you need to stick your head out the clouds and form your own opinions with the information given.Health is no exception as a concept we design and personalize ourselves to fit our own perceptions of what a healthy lifestyle involves. The components of physical, mental and social as well as the factors that influence are all tools we use to create our own definition of health and we apply it to our everyday lives. Being healthy to some may simply include Just being and feeling happy with one's self by having pride and inspiration to continue or change their options to improve and encourage health habits.

Articles of Confederation : an Ineffective Government

Articles of Confederation : An Ineffective Government Whoever said that the Articles of Confederation provided the United States with an effective government was completely incorrect. The United States were not united under this government. The United States could not stand up for itself against other countries. Also, the United States were not stable economically under the Articles of Confederation. The Articles of Confederation did not provide a good government for America. Under the Articles of Confederation, the United States were not united at all.The Articles of Confederation created a central government that was not strong at all. The government established a tax quota for each of the states and asked them please to contribute their share on a voluntary basis. They were lucky if the states paid one-fourth of the requested amount. America had just gotten away from England and all of its taxes, so there was no reason to let their own government do the same. In John Jay’s letter to George Washington in 1786, he says that he is more worried about impending crisis caused by the Articles of Confederation than he was about the Revolutionary War.He was thinking that some people were not in agreement with the government and wanted it to be completely gone. He was worried for a good reason because three years earlier there was an attempt by a group of farmers from Pennsylvania to run the government out of Philadelphia. Also, the states acted like their own countries and only looked out for themselves. Rhode Island is a good example of this because they rejected a request by Congress to put a tax on imported goods. They ignored the fact that America was in a massive amount of debt to the Spanish, French and Dutch.They chose to better themselves rather than to better the country. They said that the tax would be hard on their state and would go against the constitution of their state. Rhode Island denied a tax that was suggested by the country’s central government because it conflicted with their own government. Also, based on the map of WESTERN LANDS CEDED BY THE STATES, the states were claiming territories as their own and not as a whole nation. Virginia claimed more than two-thirds of the Northwest Territory from the other states. There were also disputes over boundaries and taxes put on goods from state to state.New York taxed firewood from Connecticut and cabbage from New Jersey at one time. Also, there were a few rebellions. A noticeable one was Shay’s Rebellion, which had debt-ridden farmers tried to free themselves from the demands of the government. All these different conflicts and incidents point to the nation being not united due to the weakness of the Articles of Confederation. While under the Articles of Confederation, the United States could not stand up for itself. The Articles of Confederation stopped the country from successfully raising an army.To do so, the government had to ask the state to meet their t roop quotas, which usually did not happen. The government had no power to enforce this. The weak central government also did not have the power to back its foreign policies with military strength. John Jay had experienced other nations not taking the United States seriously. When Jay negotiated with the Spanish Minister de Gardoqui, he attempted to regain use of the Mississippi, which had been closed to American Commerce in 1784. Jay said that the Spanish should be careful because the American population was growing rapidly and de Gardoqui denied him.The minister of Spain said that the Americans should relinquish their right to navigate the Mississippi. Despite Jay’s warning, the Spanish Minister refused to take the United States seriously. Since the Articles of Confederation would not allow the government to raise an army effectively, Spain had no reason to take the United States seriously. The country had no way of standing up for itself. England felt that America stabbed t hem in the back and for that, did not send a minister to the capital for eight years.England poked fun at how little unity the states had by saying that if they sent one minister, they might as well send thirteen. John Jay gave specific instructions to the United States Minister to England. He wanted the minister to be very respectful and make the United States look better. Since the United States could not actually stand up for itself under the Articles of Confederation, Jay wanted it to look like they did. Also, Spain gave the United States trouble. Spain took Florida which had been given to the United States by England in 1783.No country took the United States seriously and would continue to walk all over them until the United States could stand up for itself. The United States were not economically stable while under the Articles of Confederation. One main reason for economic struggle was that there were so many types of currency being used that trade with other states was near impossible. There were fourteen total types of currency, one from each state and the rarely used Continental. The Articles of Confederation did not allow the government to control commerce.This left states free to make different, often contradicting, laws of navigation and trading. With all of this conflict, making money was very difficult because one state always had to pay another for some navigation law to do any trading at all. The Articles of Confederation also left the government unable to levy taxes. The government could ask the states nicely, but couldn’t actually enforce the payment. Another economic struggle was caused by European countries such as England and Spain. England declined to make a commercial treaty and also would not remove its old navigation laws.England was just trying to be a â€Å"thorn in the side† of the United States. If the United States were under a better government, they could make up for the monetary losses to England by levying taxes of their own. Based on the chart showing the United States’ value of exports to England and population, it seems like the numbers are all over the place. The export profits are never constantly increasing even though the population is increasing. Usually, if the population goes up, so do the number of goods exported and prices will go down.That is true for this time period, however, England is not buying all that the United States have to export. The central government of the United States cannot regulate trade at all and it is deeply affecting the profits. Also, Spain closing the Mississippi River does not help the American trade. The entire western part of the United States uses that river for exporting. That cut off a large amount of profit for Americans. None of that would have happened if the United States were under a stronger government than the Articles of Confederation provided.The Articles of Confederation did not help American trade. Some people may have thought t hat the Articles of Confederation provided an effective government, but they did not. The United States were not united at all under the Articles of Confederation. The United States could not stand up for itself and be taken seriously under the Articles of Confederation. The Articles of Confederation caused the United States to be economically unstable. The Articles of Confederation never provided the United States with an effective government.