Review Caught Between The Dog And The Fireplug Politics Essay

Review Caught Between The Dog And The Fireplug Politics Es regulateAshworth in discussing diddleing with politicians tell that the most big telephone circuit of a legislator is to art hooters and pass them into law. He further stated that they be so many bad bills introduced throughout the nation each year by politicians. This happens both in congress and at the state legislative level. To prevent bad bills from becoming law, the founding fathers in their wisdom drafted the constitution to ensure that before any legislators intellection become law, much(prenominal) an idea must garner enough sustain from other legislators, pass both houses, before signed into law by the governor or president. The president or governor has a veto right. He can refuse to sign a bill into law. To override a veto, the ii branches of congress or state legislator must gather extraordinary support. It takes two third majority votes by members of congress or state legislative physical structure to override a governor or presidential veto. Ashworth went further to point out that because it takes a lot of support from other legislators to pass a bill into law, politicians in strategic positions device various means to prevent certain bills from seeing the light of the day, particularly when they oppose much(prenominal) a bill. The various subcommittees are one of such strategic personnelful legislative body. Ashworth describes how he so often gets derided by members of a legislative subcommittee who dissent with his testimony. He describes how powerless he often feels in the face of legislators who seem to have all the powers and can vote on decisions that can directly impact his life. In one instance, a legislator voted to have his salary cauterize, because he testified a donst the legislators bill.After reading Ashworths letter about politicians, I immediately started rethinking my own personal decision to study prevalent polity, especially if I recuperate myself occupying the same portfolio as Ashworth. yet in retrospect, I retorted to myself. In every profession, there are positives and negatives. We have to view Ashworths letter critically. Ashworth lamented when he wrote that if politicians are determined to embarrass you, they may show little or no regard to facts, figures or circumstances. In response to that I entrust say this. Unless the bill being discussed has an overwhelming support from members on both sides of the aisle. I believe that legislators on Mr. Ashworth side of the issue will stand up to entertain him, speak up for him in order to make their case. They wont seat still and observe a testimony that supports their cause lampooned and lambasted. If certain groups of legislators are impeach Mr. Ashworth of being wasteful, and they resort to intimidation and falsification of figures to make their point, one wonders where politicians on the other side of the issue were during this testimony. In this letter, Ashworth dwelt so much on the opposition. Of strain the opposition will be fiery in order to make its case. I am hopeful that politicians who stood for broadcasts Ashworth was implementing will counter with force to ensure that such a program does not cease to exist. Ashworth never stated that his program was closed. I am sure the power of his testimony alone did not lighten the programs he implemented for the many years he served in in the universe eye(predicate) advantage. He did not have a vote, all he did was testify and typeface how beneficial the programs he implemented will be to the citizenry. The ultimate decision rested with the politicians who had the vote. One will logically conclude that the politicians that voted to continue to fund his program must have spoken in defense of their votes during such auditions. But he benignly mentioned such utterances in his letter. He dwelt so much on the views of the opposition. He failed to understand that the opposing view in politics is n ot always there to forestall growth, barely rather to prevent excess and abuse.However, it is important to acknowledge some of the issues raised in Ashworths letter. Sometimes the relationship between bureaucrats and politicians can be rocky and full of unnecessary retaliation. I was particularly irked by the actions of the legislator who resorted to reducing Ashworths salary as a payback for his testimony against his bill. I wonder wherefore one legislator will have so much power to make a decision that is unfair to a public servant, who did not break any laws or flouted any policies. I will definitely fountainhead where the other legislators where, especially proponents of Ashworths programs when the decision to reduce his salary in the line item budget was made. If I had the opportunity to disbelief Mr. Ashworth, I will regularise the following questions to him Did he Mr. Ashworth take up the issue of his salary reduction with the appropriate authorities including key member s in the senate who oversaw the reduction? I will besides want to know what type of response he got back from them.2. Explain the metaphor in the title and briefly explain how this is central to understanding how to work with the press, unpleasant people, leaders, governing boards, and bureaucracies.The MetaphorCaught between the dog and the fireplug means that in the midst of the demands and inevitable inefficiencies associated with public policymaking and program implementation, a savvy public servant can shape policy, have fun and a successful career. That metaphor can be better described in the words of the philosopher, theologizer Thomas Aquinas who once said virtues in medio stat virtue stands in the middle. A policy maker should be able to find a sane middle ground in dealings with the media, governing boards, leaders and unpleasant people. To be an effective policy maker, one cannot be on the extreme. One has to find balance, but firm in making the right decisions, which may sometimes be unpopular.The pressAshworth begins by stating that the media has an integral role to play in a democracy vis a vis policy making and program implementation. He further advised that it is the duty of the media to halt the public informed as to what is going on in the polity. If any government decides to keep all of its action a secret from the media, the ability of the people to control that government will cease to exist. But however, he advised that there should be a limit and timing as to what can be disseminated to the media. If the media has prior knowledge of governmental negotiation and describe such freely, such a report can hamper or even cripple a government project. An effective negotiation is one conducted idler closed door, after which the contents of such negotiation is because presumptuousness to media. This will help protect the integrity of negotiation. A policy maker will be doing themselves a disservice if they choose not to inform the press of the outcome of a negotiation. It is important to understand as Ashworth states, that the media has a job to fulfill, and it is the job of the policy maker to make sure that the press gets all the information they want at the right time. This is if the policy maker has the answers to the question. The policy maker should be very candid with the media. If he cannot give the answers to the questions posed, he should state thus. Ashworth advised that it makes for better relation with the press if they know that the policy maker in question is always candid. A policy maker may take the semblance of an extremist or even a dictator if he knowingly chooses to keep pertinent information that is for public consumption from the press. There has to be abalance. The information has to be given at the right time, and not withheld out rightly.The metaphor utilize in the title of the book is also very evident in what Ashworth calls humility. Ashworth asserts that as a policy maker, a little hum ility helps. For one to be an effective policy maker and program manager, one has to be open to criticism. Thus, a fair and accurate criticism from the media should not be seen as an attack, but rather as a time to rethink and re address the issues one is being criticized for. No one is perfect. Ashworth also mentions that another strategy utilize in courting the media is to be responsible with ones criticisms of the media. If a policy maker finds out that a story was in accurately written by a reporter, it is always prudent to approach the writer first, before his or her bosses. By so doing, the reporter will be more accurate, and even check in with the said policy maker for accuracy in the future.Unpleasant PeopleAshworth in his letter to his niece about unpleasant people states that in public service one does not have the luxury to state exactly how one feels in the face of difficult and sometimes abusive circumstance. As a public servant one has to always find that balance not to come across as insulting or known to talk down on people. One has to be careful not to be branded an elitist. This brings to mind the metaphorical title of the book being reviewed. Ashworth states that an acceptable behavior is one distinguish from the top to the bottom. Thus, a policy maker who is at the helm of a governmental agency sets the standard of behavior which invariably rubs off on his subordinates. Ashworth stated that rather than attack an unreasonable person who is propagating an implausible idea, it is sometimes wise to take a step back and let the situation unravel itself. He gave a shocking example of an entrepreneur who was trying to float a university at a low level of quality and performance. At a hearing designed to ensure that the state does not close the university, even the entrepreneurs lawyer was startled as to the level of his clients unpreparedness. The entrepreneurs lawyer knew that his client did not have a case against the government. One can resol ve unreasonable circumstances in public service by allowing those circumstances to expose themselves.LeadersIn dealing with those placed above you, one has to speculate or even find out what ones leaders or bosses want. It is important to bear in mind that those in key leadership positions have their own wants and desires they will like to see accomplished. Most of them represent constituencies, and they search for ways to look good and gather support and votes among their constituents. According to Ashworth, a wise policy maker will try to craft policies that leaders can use and look good among their constituents. Of course the policy in question has to be legal and can be operable within acceptable practices. It is by so doing that one can motivate these leaders to support the ideas or policy issues he or she is looking to accomplish. In a lay mans parlance it can be called staff of life my back, and I scratch yours. Ashworth also discuss what he describes as subordinate leadersh ip. Leading from the background or leading anonymously. Subordinate leadership can be used as a shit to make ones self appear valuable in the sight of leaders. Thus, coming up with introspective ideas that will attract universal opprobrium is always commendable. First, it will make the leader look strong, insightful and attractive. This is exactly what happened with the Texas minority integration policy. One will assume that a policy maker, who has such attractive ideas, will continue to enjoy job security if not some form of promotion, which unfortunately comes with more responsibility.Governing BoardsAshworths advice on how to deal with persons plant to governing boards is the plain truth and is his advice is ad rem with everyday reality. Like everything else in life, it is always important to respect as well as gain ones trust before you can convince them to support your idea or policy. Building trust and respecting members of a governing board means that they will around alw ays return the favor. Respect they say is reciprocal. Ashworth rightly pointed out that because of the respect he had among board members, they seldom disrespected him or his staff. On occasions when one a board member stepped out of line to insult him, other members stepped in to defend him. They stepped in to defend him because he had built a reputation of respect, candor, singleness and discipline. Ashworth also hinted on how to deal with board members he labeled as turkeys. These are misfits. They tend to believe that they know more than anyone else including fellow board members. These are members who alienate other members. His advice on turkeys is to be polite. Let the counseling and admonition come from fellow board members and not you the policy maker. I cant disagree any further.Dealing with bureaucraciesIn dealing with bureaucracy Ashworth advised that policy makers should use every tact with their wit to avoid any type of can dragging that come with bureaucratic positi ons. Often times in bureaucratic positions one is confronted with preserving the status quo. Ashworth states that if the status quo results in bottle necks and unnecessary foot dragging, then the status quo has to be set aside to get your policy implemented in an orderly time and manner. The less bureaucratic an agency is, the more provoke the work place will be.3. This books impact on your view of public administration as a career. Would you recommend the book to others? Why or why not?The book is an expose of what public life is all about. Ashworth uses practical on the job experiences to illustrate the ups and downs of working in the public orbit. Some aspects of his garner were pessimistic and scary. His letters about working with politicians and difficult people were the most disturbing to me. I did honestly ponder if employment in the public sector was worth the sacrifice given what he had gone through. I was particularly shocked that at the unethical behavior of the politi cian who went out of his way to cut the salary of a public servant who opposed his bill. But like I stated earlier, every profession has its ups and downs. It is up to the individual to make the outmatch out of the situation. Some of the advice offered here can go a long way to sooth the pains, calm nerves and provide solutions on how to deal with specific discipline matters. One can also take consolation in the fact that one is called to provide good service. It is important to note that if we believe that our government is not meeting our needs, we have the obligation to go into government and help rectify the anomaly. We cannot sit on the fence and expect the problem to fix itself. Despite the vault and difficulties of working in public service, there is also a reward. The reward that you are providing good service, that you are helping to change someones life. It is logical to state that public service from Ashworths perspective is not for the faint hearted no matter how you look at it. I can unequivocally add that it is indeed a calling, given the meager remuneration.Yes. I will most definitely recommend this book to anyone seeking to serve in the public sector. It is always good to know primary what one is getting into. The book can also serve as a handbook in the face of difficult and precarious situation. Will situations exchangeable to what Ashworth detailed in his letters arise? Yes they will definitely arise. If they do, Caught Between the Dog and the Fireplug can serve as a veritable tool to help wiggle one out of difficult situations.CitationsAshworth, K., Caught Between the Dog and the Fireplug. Georgetown University Press. (2007)

Organic Light Emitting Diodes :: essays research papers fc

Technology has changed our lives in courses that we exclusively imagined in our dreams. Imagine a high smell and flexible display that is simple and low cost. Television or computer screens the size of a wall, but only as turn as a sheet of plastic. With colors so bright and vibrant you will feel like your right in the action whether you?re honoring your favorite movie or playing your favorite computer game. Sound very unlikely with today?s bulky, heavy, and power hungry Cathode Ray Tubes some times referred to as CRT?s. They are in our TV?s and computers giving off radiation and eating up our hard earn money. They require become so abundant and easy to manufacture that you can obtain a decent sized computer monitor for less than $100. We?ve tried those aerodynamic and stylish LCD and Plasma screens, but when you look at one you see something missing. Something you could only see in a nice bright and unclouded CRT display. LCD?s have improved greatly since their first appea rance in the large screen display area, but there is only so much that can be done. Plasmas are great also, but they are highly complex and expensive. They suffer from poor brightness and picture quality (zdnet.com). There is a technology being developed in research labs around the world that could change all this (Ibm.com). It?s called an OLED display, and it could truly change the way we look at technology.OLED stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode, sometime they are referred to as Organic Light Emitting Devices. OLED?s are made from an natural real that has light properties that glows when voltage passes through it. They operate on the principle of converting electrical energy into light, a phenomenon known as electro luminescence. The basic construction of a single OLED consists of an organic bodily or a combination of organic materials between to metallic electrodes on a plate of glass. At least one of the metals needs to be transparent in order to observe the light that is emitted. Indium-tin-oxide is a metallic substance that is both conductive and transparent the other metal can be reflective or also transparent depending on the intended use of the display. The electrodes are then connected to a voltage source. When current is supplied the organic material?s atoms react with the electric energy and emits energy in the form of light that may have a tinge depending on the organic material used.

GCSE English Coursework †Wide Reading Assignment - Lamb to the Slaughter :: English Literature

GCSE English Coursework Wide Reading Assignment - Lamb to the executeby Roald Dahl, and The Speckled Band In this wide reading assignment I choose been looking at two stories,Lamb to the Slaughter by Roald Dahl, and The Speckled Band by SirArthur Conan-Doyle. Both these stories are classed as capital punishmentmysteries, and I am intending to investigate and par the motivesof the killers in both stories.The Speckled Band is written in first person from the viewpoint ofDr. Watson. The story starts with Watson looking over notes of thecases that he and Holmes have taken in the last eight years one inparticular comes to his mind, and from their Watson tells the story ofThe Speckled Band. The killer in The Speckled Band is Dr GrimesbyRoylott. Roylott is a tall man who was strong built.Lamb to the Slaughter is written in a third person perspective, andthe story starts with a description of a room, and then breaks intothe characters, and follows them though the rest of the story. The killer in Lamb to the Slaughter is Mary Maloney, a gentle, petitehousewife.The two stories, as previously said, are both classed as murdermysteries, however when comparing these two stories the styles ofwriting and the stylus in which the stories are presented is completelydifferent. An example of this would be the chronological consecrate of eachof the stories. What I mean by this is the traditional order of murdermysteries would be body, a motive, a weapon, a death, a suspect, analibi and detectives. Lamb to the Slaughter and The Speckled Band areno exception to these guidelines. The Speckled Band follows thisorder and is a very traditional murder mystery Lamb to the Slaughteron the other hand does not follow the conventional style of murdermysteries and follows its own order. This order would be a motive, aweapon, a death, a killer, an alibi and detectives. In changing thetraditional order of murder mysteries I obtain that Dahl is mocking thegenre of Murder Mysteries.The motiv es in The Speckled Band are clear from an early stage. Itsclear to see that Roylotts motives was the money, or the lack of ithe would have if his step-daughters were to marry. While spending sometime in India, Dr Roylott married a considerably rich woman. Upon herand Roylotts return to England Mrs Stoner died, and left her money toDr Roylott, and an annual computer memory that Julia and Helen Stoner couldcollect when they were to wed. This is what Dr Roylott obviously

Global Communication :: International Relations Global Essays Papers

Global CommunicationIn chapter 14 on his book Global Communication in the twenty-first century, Stevenson focuses on the topic of persuasive communication. He presents a brief analysis of propaganda, or using his term, public diplomacy, making reference to the United States Information Agency (USIA). He also directs almost advertising highlighting that international advertising is increasing. Stevenson refers that the new global communications systems ar efficient tools for governments and economics sectors to reach and influence public opinion, I suppose that it is understand that always communications systems do been efficient to influence people. It is much what scholars have writing about persuasive communication and it is much what we have read about this. Stevenson just presents a compact information with different examples which permit illustrated the topic. In the formation of stereotypes, influence in the self-identity and the role of the media in this process, a n example comes to my mind. The refuse of the bulls eye of being Indians, commonly seen in many countries of Latin America. At this respect, Carrasco in a study about Indians migration in Ecuador points out that they change their clothes in the bus terminal bathroom in Riobamba, in order to arrive in Guayaquil without seeming Indians.... They return talking like costeos, and some refuse to speak Quechua even in the local community (Carrasco, 105). Obviously, in this case, this comportment not only responds to an impact of the media over this people, in fact, many of them do not have a direct relation with media. Other factors like history, socio-economic relations, believes and culture are probably much more important than the portrayal of the Indians in the media, nonetheless, it is important to summon how media contribute. We could allege Mexican good selling TV novelas or soap operas, with large acceptancing among audience in Ecuador and other Latin American countries, I ndians roles here are poor and with a lack of values. Probably a better example is a disgusting but popular series called La India Maria, where the booster amplifier is a dumb, dirty and poor Indian woman. The latter produced by Televisa in Mexico. In relation with this program and attending critics from some sectors of the audience, Televisa president, Emilio Azcarraga, said to educate is a task of the government and not of Televisa. Personally I think that for good or bad, nobody has influenced the formation (or disformation) of today Mexican minds as Televisa and Azcarraga family.

The Scarlet Letter, By Nathaniel Hawthorne :: essays papers

The Scarlet earn, By Nathaniel Hawthorne Nathaniel Hawthornes background fermentd him to write the bold novel The Scarlet Letter. One important influence on the allegory is money. Hawthorne had never made much money as an author and the birth of his first daughter added to the financial burden (Biographical bring up VII). He received a job at the Salem Custom firm only to lose it three years later and be squeeze to write again to support his family (IX). Consequently, The Scarlet Letter was published a year later (IX). It was only intended to be a long goldbrick story, but the extra money a novel would bring in was needed (Introduction XVI). Hawthorne then wrote an introduction section titled The Custom House to extend the length of the book and The Scarlet Letter became a full novel (XVI). In addition to financial worries, another influence on the story is Hawthornes rejection of his ancestors. His forefathers were strict Puritans, and John Hathorne, his great-great-grandfath er, was a judge presiding during the S alem witch trials (Biographical Note VII). Hawthorne did not condone their acts and actually spent a great pickle of his life renouncing the Puritans in general (VII). Similarly, The Scarlet Letter was a literal soapbox for Hawthorne to convey to the world that the majority of Puritans were strict and unfeeling. For example, before Hester emerges from the prison she is world scorned by a group of women who feel that she deserves a larger punishment than she actually receives. Instead of only being made to stand on the scaffold and wear the scarlet letter on her chest, they suggest that she have it branded on her forehead or even be put to oddment (Hawthorne 51). Perhaps the most important influence on the story is the authors interest in the dark side (Introduction VIII). Unlike the transcendentalists of the era, Hawthorne confronted reality, rather than evading it (VII). Likewise, The Scarlet Letter deals with adultery, a subject that cause d much scandal when it w as first published (XV). The book revolves around sin and punishment, a far outcry from writers of the time, such as Emerson and Thoreau, who dwelt on optimistic themes (VII). This background, together with a believable plot, convincing characterization, and important literary devices enables Nathaniel Hawthorne in The Scarlet Letter to the develop the theme of the brass as a prison. The scaffold scenes are the most substantial situations in the story because they unify The Scarlet Letter in two influential ways.

Airframe :: essays research papers

AirframeFor unknown reasons, the almost flawless N-22 Norton aircraft suffers severe turbulence during TPA flight 545. As a result of three fatalities and fifty-six injuries, a turbinate of investigations, terrible apprehensions, and horrible threats plague the Norton Aircraft Plant. From the first page, the seemingly dull plot of Airframe grabs the reader&8217s attention. With political trouble in the plant, a deadline for the investigation, and rumors of mutiny, the novel is fill up with action along with a precise measurement of suspense. Crichton, one of my favorite authors, plans his novels superbly timing the chapters at the pinnacle of the action. By this method of writing, it was difficult to double back reading, which is the signature of an excellent book. It is one of the most interesting and intriguing novels I have ever read. Like most other Michael Crichton novels, it is extremely technical, yet, also thoughtfully written. This combination of plot and description is w hat makes all of Crichton&8217s novels so great. The technical description brings imagery and actualism to the novel, while the plot&8217s twists and turns help to bring about suspense. The way Crichton writes gives the reader very detailed and vivid scenes, as seen in this random quote &8220Mechanics in Melbourne noted that the kindle coupling was set on the right wing, and the adjacent slats locking pin was slightly damaged. This was thought to have been caused by ground personnel in Java during the previous fuel stop. (pg. 149). As well as the writing, the characters were also a major factor in this novel. Unlike characters in most other novels, these actually seemed like real people. Crichton develops his characters giving them each individual attributes, emotions, and personalities. Also unlike most other characters, they were not totally perfect, and on the other hand, they were not totally flawed. They were human, and that was what allowed the reader to report with them. Although good character development is expected from a talented and professional writer, it still amazes me how real they seem and how well they interact.The page that I chose to photocopy, is the beginning of the conclusion. It is the destroy of the investigation, and Casey Singleton, the protagonist of the novel, is about to uncover what really happened on TPA flight 545. Along with her, is Jennifer, a reporter for &8220Newsline, on a task to unravel the secrets of the doomed flight.

Eating Disorders and the Media Essay -- Female Body Image Weight Healt

Eating Disorders and the MediaWhat if you were surrounded by media messages telling you that, people will like you more if you gift the utter(a) body or being complete(a) makes people like you ? How do you think young female teenagers would interpret these messages that the media are portraying? 81% of ten year old girls are acrophobic of being fat, of being considered ugly. Why do you think ten year olds would ever care about how they look? Its because of the media implying that being slim is beauty. receivable to the medias brainwashing, poor self-image is one of the main causes of eating disorders in insubstantial girls. The media sells products, not opinions nor facts. They will sell you anything, telling you that it will make you slimmer and that being closelipped is the way to go. When we fascinate models and celebrities on commercials and in movies, we often wish that that was us in that body, because the media has made everyone so obsessed with their own bodies. The m edia makes young female teenagers purport guilty if they are slightly over pitch. Models are beautiful, skinny, they have the right size thighs, hips, and butt. They are models but they are not role models. They are everything teenagers want to be, because of the telecasting they watch and the magazines that they read. The media are always telling them that being thin is considered beautiful. This sends a wrath between females and their impression of what beauty really is. Some females will go to any length to try to be that perfect body weight person. Such a person doesnt even exist. For there is no perfect weight for which females should strive to achieve. Although there are many young females who will restrict what they are allowed to eat & when they are allowed to eat it. They will exercise obsessively and self effectuate vomiting. Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating are three of the major eating disorders that infatuate young minds. Female te enagers see bingeing, dieting and vomiting, a way out of actually doing a workout and getting into shape. There is a widening gap between girls self-image and societys messages about what girls should be like.The media uses television, magazines and subliminal messages to attract people. They have playboy models advertising for cars, boats and body lotion. They use a womens body to publish for their products. The media doe... ... they need to resolve, like the depression of not being happy with themselves. Of going through many procedures to make them look thin or ordinary because they brush off no longer be happy with themselves because of the medias interference with adolescent girls images. Anorexia and bulimia are one of the main causes along with the media as to why adolescent girls are always slightly underweight and devastating skinny. If the media didnt interfere with adolescent perceptions, maybe one half of fourth grade girls wouldnt be on a diet. Intense fear of becomi ng fat and distorted body images arent the kinds of thing we want our adolescents girls to become. To think about their appearance and weight 24/7 isnt right. The media should stop publicizing young female bodies and telling them what beauty is perceived to them. They should think of all those adolescents girls that they send into depression or force to become bulimic, just because they wish to make money. The media brainwashes too many of adolescent girls, making them think about their body in relation to models who have unmistakably the perfect body. Making them think that you have to be thin in order to be beautiful.