The Ivankiad free essay sample

A review of the novel, The Ivankiad, by Vladimir Voinovich. This paper reviews the novel The Ivankiad, by Vladimir Voinovich. A synopsis of the novel is given, highlighting how the plot illustrates the faults inherent in any bureaucratic system. An analogy about territorial claims is analyzed and the authors skillful use of humor, sarcasm, and satire to convey his feelings on his personal experiences is raised. Insights into human character and interpersonal relationships is also explored. The Ivankiad is Vladimir Voinovichs semi-autobiographical, satirical novel about Soviet bureaucracy and interpersonal politics. Voinovich as the protagonist is a writer living in the Moscow Writers Housing Cooperative, a profession-centered collective. When a member of the co-op moves to Israel, his empty apartment becomes the object of personal and political struggle. Voinovich, already hardened by the foibles of the soviet system, further exposes these bureaucratic improprieties to the peripheral characters as well as to the readers of the Ivankiad. We will write a custom essay sample on The Ivankiad or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The author does so with aplomb and good humor, never waxing bitter even in the face of these frustrations. Because no culture is immune to governmental deficiencies and corruption and because bribery and extortion are human, not Russian traits, all readers can relate to the Ivankiad. In fact, Voinovich deliberately makes references to American culture to emphasize parallels between the two societies

Free sample - Psychological Disorders. translation missing

Psychological Disorders. Psychological DisordersPsychological disorders which are also called mental disorders are models of behavior or psychological symptoms that influence many different areas of life. Such disorders cause affliction for the individual having these symptoms. Though psychological disorders are in general signalized by some form of strange behavior, sometimes it is hard to find out the abnormality, especially as it differs depending on the culture (Merrell, 2008). There are some kinds of standard approaches for determining abnormality with the aim to diagnose the disease. The statistical approach has to reckon up behavior by establishing how closely it relates to or differs from that of the most of people. Behavior of an individual can also be determined by whether it corresponds to social norms and cultural standards, an approach that eludes blaming heretics as abnormal for behavior that, while being extraordinary, may not encroach on social rules and may even be appraised in the certain culture. Personality is the mixture of thoughts, feelings and conducts that makes every individual unique. It's the way people treat, comprehend and relate to the world, as well as how they consider themselves. Personality is formed in childhood subject to the influence of two elements: - inherited tendencies, or genes, i.e. traits of character which influence an individual’s personality through parents, namely shyness or having a happy outlook which is known also as temperament. - environment, or life situations, i.e. the place where a person grows up, events that happened in his or her life, and relationships with family and other people. It also embraces such moments as the type of parenting a person had, namely loving or offensive (Coon and Mitterer, 2008). Personality disorders are considered to be caused by a mixture of these genetic and environmental features. Some individuals may be born with a genetic vulnerability to evolving antisocial personality disorder - and different life situations of a person may initiate its actual development. There may be a connection between an early lack of sympathy, i.e. realizing the perspectives and problems of other people, including other children as well - and later attack of antisocial personality disorder. A person may inherit such personality problems, so it they can be defined in early stage, it may help make better long-term results. The other way to evaluate if the behavior is to be considered as normal or not should be made by determining whether it is adaptive or maladaptive, and to what extent it intervenes with the behavior of everyday life of people. There are certain situations when psychologists may also determine the normality exclusively on the grounds of whether or not an individual is made unhappy or uncomfortable by his or her own conduct. Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by the behavior violating legal and moral standards that are typical for the society. American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is accepted to be the norm for the classification of psychological disorders; its latest edition is referred to as DSM-IV. It has established five axis for determining conduct and conception models, and presented a complete setting in which to determine a person's psychological image (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). According to DSM-IV people suffering the antisocial personality disorder are characterized by constant lying or stealing, conning for profit or pleasure, lack of behavioral self-control, impulsiveness and inability to plan actions and fulfill financial obligations, annoyance, intolerance, assault. Individuals with antisocial personality disorder may also have periodic difficulties with the law, promiscuity, they show tendency to encroach the boundaries and rights of other people, hostile, often cruel conduct; disposition to getting involved in fights, incapacity to permit tedium, neglect for right and wrong, poor or offensive relationships, irresponsible work conduct, indifference for safety etc (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Antisocial personality disorder has a tendency to be congruous with criminal conduct and is mostly known as sociopathic conduct. Individuals suffering from antisocial personality disorder have lack sympathy and tend to be superficial. In most cases they think very high about their personality while looking down on other people or blaming them for their problems. Besides, it is common for individuals suffering from antisocial personality disorder to show fascination which is helpful for taking advantage of others. Persons suffering from antisocial personality disorder show no compassion for hurting other people, will easily cheat in order to get profit or some other pleasure, and demonstrate a thoughtless inattention for their or other's safety. In many cases, such people will not have close relationships because of these conduct patterns. As for gender differences, it is proved that antisocial personality disorder affects more men than women at a three to one ratio. It is known that it is very hard to cure antisocial personality disorder. People suffering from such disorder may not even wish to be treated or think they have such an illness. People suffering from antisocial personality disorder may also need treatment for other illnesses, such as depression, fear or thyroid disorders. Such people may need help of family or primary care doctor, psychiatrist, pharmacist, members of the family and different social workers. Both psychological and pharmacological interventions for people suffering antisocial personality disorder are not researched enough and direct proofs on the treatment of this population are not numerous. Duggan reports that at least three researchers did not find positive effect of psychological and pharmacological treatment (Duggan, 2009). There can be some other ways of treatment of antisocial personality disorders such as stress and anger management skills, hospitalization, psychotherapy and medications. It shall be admitted that the effectiveness of anger management is doubted as anger is not a symptom of the antisocial personality disorder. Generally, the choice of treatment depends on the certain situation and severity of symptoms. DSM-IV informs that psychotherapy is the major kind of treatment of antisocial personality disorder, a general term for the process of treatment by talking about the illness with a mental health provider. The usage of psychotherapy was explained in a number of guidelines. Cognitive behavioral therapy is aimed to reveal unhealthy, negative opinions and conducts and supersede them with healthy and good ones. These guidelines also emphasize on the applying of moral reasoning as an active part of treatment, social information processing approach, and planning in order to prevent relapse. In addition, the treatment should be organized in the way that patients will be not required to tell about their emotional states. Asking them about ‘feeling states’ is not applicable for the patients who have difficulty with assessment of such states, and who may be aggressive if confronted with a potential personal shortcoming. High level of external structure (supervision of the patient a nd contingent reinforcement of specific pro- social behavior) is likely to lead to improved outcomes in antisocial patients. (Hesse, 2010). If you have a person you love who is suffering from antisocial personality disorder, it's essential for you to get help for yourself. Mental health professionals can help teach you the way how to protect yourself from the attacks, fury and indignation which are often present in the nature of people with antisocial personality disorder. Mental health professionals can also provide some recommendations about support groups for families and friends influenced by antisocial personality disorder Nowadays there is no certain way to prevent antisocial personality disorder from developing. The only thing that may help is attempt to determine those most at risk, such as children living with carelessness or insult, and providing early interference may help. Receiving proper treatment in early stage may forestall symptoms from getting worse.

SALEM Manufacturing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

SALEM Manufacturing - Essay Example Since Salem is expecting a minimum acceptable margin sale price of 1,500,000 dollars and if the expected exchange rate of $1.56 per British pound goes below $1.50 per British pound, this would end up in a loss on Salem’s side which is not desirable and moreover such a hedge can increase the tax burden too. The option of Money marketing hedge would also prove us wrong for the same reason as explained above. By locking the British pound transaction in dollars, the company can also suffer losses as dollar value goes down per British pound. The Options marketing hedge will do no better than the previous strategies when the results are considered. Offsetting the British pounds and waiting for the price to be favorable would be risky in this scenario. So the best option among those we have is to remain Unhedged. This is considered to be the best strategy as in this method Salem’s exposed amount of $1,500,000 is subjected to the movements of the relevant exchange rate. In seve ral cases of this kind, the unhedged strategy has worked better to the hedge strategies yielding safe results. The hedge strategies usually work with special cases that come with biased conditions.

Decision Making, Decision Levels and Types of Problems Research Paper

Decision Making, Decision Levels and Types of Problems - Research Paper Example System theories such as decision theory (involving studies on how to choose better solutions) and game theory (involving studies on conflict identification and resolution) are useful in organizations today. However, as organizations are governed by complex systems, there are also corresponding approaches that go with these theories. According to Walonick (1993, para. 5), there are two different approaches used in understanding a system or its components, the cross-sectional and developmental approaches. In the cross-sectional approach, a system is analyzed in relation to other systems while in the developmental approach, a system is analyzed through the changes that it undergoes throughout time. These approaches are used to understand a particular, general system; either in its own context, or in the context of its relations to other systems. Accordingly, these approaches are practiced in various fields in arts (e.g. architecture) and sciences (e.g. medicine, computer studies). Gener al Systems Theory and Approach in Information Technology As system theories and approaches are used to understand the concepts behind a system, these theories and approaches are essential elements in the process of conflict identification and resolution. ... Considering this situation, it can also be said that system theories are necessary in the decision-making process of information system creation as those influence the design of the system. Decision Levels and Types of Problems The decision-making process in creating an information system consists of a combination of complex problems and solution. As mentioned by Skyttner (2005, p. 400), there are three types of problems (structured, semi-structured, and unstructured) and three decision levels (operational, tactical, and strategical) involved in the decision-making process. Additionally Skyttner (2005, p. 400) explains that structured problems refer to problems that can be broken down into different quantifiable elements while semi-structured problems points to problems that are â€Å"partly structured and partly unstructured. Furthermore, unstructured problems refer to problems that do not have clear conventions, which require the evaluative and insightful capacity of decision-make rs. Aside from the impact system theories in the identification of the problem structure, those theories are also essential in recognizing the appropriate decision level that should be maintained in conflict resolution process. In the words of Schmidt and Wilhelm (2000, p. 1510), the tactical level in the decision-making process refers to â€Å"the material flow of from suppliers to production facilities. In this process, decision-makers are able to choose the material that should be used in operation as well as where to get those materials. Following the tactical level in the decision-making process is the strategic level wherein decision-makers prescribe the use of specific materials in the production. Thus, strategic level decisions consist of pronouncements regarding production

Public Budget Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Public Budget - Assignment Example In other words, budget attempts to match the scarce funds through political processes in achieving visions of a real life. Financial management describes effective and efficient control of the projected resources to ensure achievement of the planned objectives. Below are proposed strategies for involving the public in the county financial planning process. At an increased level of involvement, the public will be advocating specific government policies by attending and sponsoring public meetings. For instance surveys, and citizen relationship management systems will be used as inputs to decision regarding the levels of services and preferences, the community priorities, and the governments performance. Traditionally, voting, public offices, being used by politicians as campaigners, and attending public hearings remain avenues of public participation in the budgeting process. In addition, keeping updated on essential issues of the day by reading government reports or local newspaper was also the way of involvement. 1. The county financial managers will be required to make investment decisions that distinguishes between the capital budgeting and working capital (Schick, 2014). Therefore, it will be important for the government to start by understanding what the citizens expect (Jones, Zalà ¡nyi & Erdi, 2014). The government should call on the public to present their views regarding projects that they need to be undertaken. Citizens participation at this point is necessary since the source of capital is taxpayers money. In this case, of unsuccessful undertakings the public will demand accountability from the government (Im et. al., 2014). 2. Decisions needs to be made regarding where to raise the financial resources from, how long will it take to finance, the cost of financing, as well as the expected returns. A well crafted public participation is of the essence. For instance, if

Analytical Review Of From Out Of The Shadows History Essay

Analytical Review Of From Out Of The Shadows History Essay From Out of the Shadows is a study of Mexican women, who had migrated to America before the World Wars, their struggles and achievements. Vicki L. Ruiz is a professor of History and Chicano/Latino studies , University of California and has authored a number of books including the well known book Cannery Women, Cannery Lives. Vicki L. Ruiz exposes the strife the Mexican women had to face after crossing the border early in the century. The book tells us about the endeavors of these courageous and enterprising women and the society they helped to build in an alien land, quite often under hostile conditions. In her book she writes From Out of the Shadows focuses on the claiming of personal and public spaces across generations (Ruiz, xi). Ruiz was motivated to chronicle this aspect of American history by the stories she heard as a child from her mother and grand-mother. Her imagination was kindled by the images of village life, the difficult living conditions and the discrimination women faced in those days. From Out of the Shadows also emphasizes the different types of political activism in which the Mexican-American women participated and created public awareness, which included fighting for the cause of civil rights and organized protests against the Vietnam War. For a newer edition of this book, Ruiz has added a preface that carries on the story of the Mexican womens experience in America and traces the growth of Latino history. The book describes the first exodus of women crossing the border from Mexico to California seeking refuge from tyrannical husbands or in search of a better life earlier on in the century. Over one million Mexican men and women migrated al otro lado between 1910 and 1930 (Ruiz: 6) Ruiz throws light on the effort made by protestant groups in an attempt to Americanize the Mexicans but whose efforts generally failed because the Mexican women relied on their own community groups like the rural community groups, religious groups and labor unions to help them absorb into mainstream American society. The book talks about the conflict that arose between mothers and daughters when the daughters were forbidden to use makeup and the mothers insisted that teenage girls attend a dance or go for social outings like movies with a chaperone. What this book reveals is a portrayal of a distinct culture in America, one that has slowly gained momentum and richness in the past several years. From Out of the Shadows is a significant contribution to the largely unrecorded and undocumented history of Mexican-American women. She has chosen to integrate the cultural diversity based on gender, class, region and generational experiences. She has used a variety of sources in her research such as records of census, journals and scholarly texts. In the introduction, Ruiz tells her readers that Mexican women have made history, no matter what their occupations. However, somehow their tales have remained in the shadows (Ruiz xi). In her work, Ruiz has tried to address the issues of interpreting these unheard voices and defining strength within individuals, families and communities. Conventionally the history of America has focused on the Northern European immigrants and their progeny as the settlers in a male dominated, capitalist society. In her writing, Ruiz demonstrates the hardships the Mexican women faced in their journey to become a part of the American community. Ruiz draws upon the lives of women, their dreams, aspirations and decisions and gives these issues a platform. She examines the influx of Mexican women into the States before World War II. Her writing also illustrates their responses to the pressures and challenges of adjusting to the newly forming American culture and Americanization of society in general. The women had to live with altered social values during the inter-war period and the end of young Mexican American women who took to chaperoning. The increasing political and social activism of Mexican women and their role in resisting financial oppression as well as their espousal of the cause of feminism through the 1960s and 70s has been faithfully chronicled in the pages of this book. As yet not much has been documented and published about the activities and importance of Mexican women in twentieth century America. In that perspective this book may be considered as a pioneering attempt to record the contribution of Mexican women in building a multicultural American society. The book is full of interesting anecdotes and tales of how the women struggled to make sense of an alien world, into which they had migrated, and of their efforts to make their lives and of those around them meaningful. The thoughtful way in which personal interviews of Mexican women with very long memories and lots of stories to tell, adds poignancy to the text. The narrative increases the readers admiration for the courage and doggedness displayed by these women in their struggle to realize their rights and for a chance to get equal opportunities, work and wages. To present an unbiased analysis of the book one must draw attention towards some of the draw backs in the book as well. While this is a monumental effort to chronicle the contribution of Mexican women and the integration of Latino people to the American society it becomes hard to comprehend the frequent use of jargon that impacts the flow of the narrative. In portions the author becomes too involved in the account and loses sense objectivity and neutral research. Ruiz, however, admits that she has written from the heart (p.xii) and this kind of impassioned approach may appeal to a good many of her readers. Readers looking at this book as a traditional source of historical data may find this approach subjective and a bit unconventional. It must be emphasized here that the data collected and recorded in this book is of great importance to students of American history and to all those generations of Mexican-American people who have now become assimilated in the multicultural American so ciety. The book will find a ready readership amongst scholars in who are taking courses or researching in the areas of Diaspora, immigration and ethnic studies. It is also an asset for teachers who have to teach courses in this filed. This book is of special interest to women all over the world and to anyone who wishes to learn about the Mexican settlers in America and the contribution Mexican-American women have made to the development, organization and sustenance of Latino culture in the American society. Through the pages of this book Vicki Ruiz has truly rescued the Mexican- American woman and drawn them From Out of the Shadows. Work Cited: Ruiz, V.L. 2008. From Out of the Shadows: Mexican Women in Twentieth Century America. New York: Oxford University Press. Print. .

Critical Response: Jack London :: Biography Biographies Essays

Critical Response: Jack London Jack London, a well known American author, has written a fair share of truly classic works.   The Call of the Wild and White Fang are staples of middle and high school reading requirements.   His other novels, such as The People of the Abyss and Sea Wolf are not as well known, but are still regarded as brilliant pieces of literature by many scholars.   Lesser known are his many volumes of short stories; "To Build a Fire" being the most popular.   I cannot say that I have read even a small percentage of London's works, but from what I have read, I noticed some recurring similarities.     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   During the semester in class, we have learned how authors utilize various elements of writing to make their point more prominent.   For Jack London's earlier works, his Yukon setting and rugged, adventurous characters appear quite frequently.   Such is the case with the three stories I chose to study; "Love of Life," "The League of the Old Men," and "To Build a Fire."   Along with this, I believe that the theme of survival appears in these three, as well as many other stories from London.   I took it upon myself to try and find out why London used survival as his main theme.   To demonstrate this recurring theme, I will give a brief synopsis of the three stories.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   "To Build a Fire" is a story about a man who is traveling alone in the frozen Yukon.   He knows that it is not safe to be traveling when it is so cold, but stubbornly keeps moving.   He falls through a crack in the ice, wetting his feet.   In order to stay alive, he must build a fire, warm his feet and move on.   Despite several attempts, the man fails and dies.  Ã‚   Of the fourteen pages within "To Build a Fire," eight of those are devoted to the events of the man trying to make a fire; the other six mainly focus on the setting.   The man's determination to build the fire is evident-a simple annoyance at the beginning leads to a frantic demise at the end.   The plot was as simple as one man's attempt to survive against nature.