Unit 10

Microfinance: Changing Lives $50 at a Time

Digital Magazine

Food Illustrated

The Tipping Point

Recycling Program Proposal

Study Techniques

When a student fails in his/her studies, maybe it is not only produced by cognitive problems; sometimes it is caused by problems with study techniques. Studying is a very important process that needs to be taken into account with all the importance it has because according to how you study, you can get good or really bad results. There are a lot of students looking for better study techniques in order to improve their performance in their studies. We want to explain three steps or aspects that we always have to use and apply when we study any topic. We believe that these aspects are the base of a good student’s performance. For us, three inevitable steps to be considered when we conduct a study process are: schematize, summarize, and memorize.

Once the reading of the text has been done, we need to prepare a schema using the key information from the text. A schema is the graphical representation of the text summary that helps students to see the main ideas in a fast and simple way. In connection with this, there are several kinds of schemas for example numerical, graphical, diagrams, and mixed. The process of preparing a schema forces students to put in order the ideas and thinking according to chronological events from the text. Finally, organizing ideas through a schema provides a kind of self-test where we can identify if we read the text in a good way and if we have the sense of the content clear.

Making summaries is an easy way to learn the material given in class and get positive results. To write a summary, it is necessary to study various techniques. For example, we can generalize those concepts that have features in common such as the solar system and not all the planets. Then, we can globalize the information, that is, giving a complete sense of the expression without forgetting important details. Finally, we can underline the most important information, rescuing the most relevant ideas.

To read and store a large text, it is necessary to take notes and follow the next advice. Reading the text aloud several times and trying to be quiet for greater retention of information is a very good technique. Copying the text at hand is another useful technique, as this will help students better understand the paragraphs. Reading through the text and creating a short outline, a summary of the main ideas is also an excellent suggestion. Many people prefer to read the text for further compression, but it depends on the person.

Studying is a very personal experience; in fact, everybody is looking for finding the best technique to study. If we discover our technique, we will improve our study process and learning and will increase our academic performance. The use of schemas facilitates the comprehension of a text in a graphical and logical way. Also, the summarization integrates the most important ideas and provides the key aspects that we should not ignore when our knowledge is proved. Finally, memorizing is very necessary because some information cannot be understood in a logical way or in several options; some information or specific data have to be memorized just as it is. We know that there are many study techniques and many types of people, but it is very helpful to find the correct and appropriate form that makes us to feel comfortable and that gives us the best results.

UNICEF’ presence: Haiti earthquake

UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) works for children’s rights, their survival, development and protection according to the Convention of the Rights of the Child. UNICEF focuses its efforts in a constant way in many countries around the world but, when an unfortunately disaster occurs, UNICEF does not hesitate in making an extraordinary movement to help. That is the case of the earthquake occurred in Haiti in 2010 where over 222,000 people died and over 300,000 were injured. UNICFE has been working with partners since the earthquake struck to make sure children get help. The most important help that UNICEF have given to children in Haiti is based on: medical care, food, and shelter.

After the earthquake in Haiti, the rates of under-five, and maternal mortality increased due to the lack of sanitarian conditions and the spread of diseases. Diarrhoea, respiratory infections, malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS are the leading causes of death. UNICEF had to seek for medical supplies from its partners in order to improve the routine immunization coverage. In a big effort to reduce maternal mortality, UNICEF provided medical equipment and training to reopen health facilities that had been closed for up to a year where a lot of pregnant women are expected to benefit. Finally, another important aspect is that UNICEF promotes voluntary counseling and testing facilities that have successfully kept rates of mother-to-child transmission of AIDS very low.

Obviously, another issue in Haiti is children’s feeding which is essential to prevent malnutrition, morbidity, and mortality. Many of the problems among Haitian children are due to chronic malnutrition and problems with the water supply systems. Feeding has always been a general problem in Haiti, but after the earthquake it increased mainly in children less than six months of age. These children need breastfeeding and sadly not all of them have their own mom. Due to that, the coordination and search of women for breastfeeding is very important. In the case of children above six months of age, UNICEF tries to give them the basic nutrients using age-appropriated food provided by local places if possible.

After the earthquake, the devastation was really unbelievable with kilometers and kilometers of debris from houses and buildings. People in Haiti tried to use that material because most of it was useful, but it was not enough to provide normal or minimal conditions to affected people. UNICEF searched for companies that could provide machinery, materials and professionals to help the labors in Haiti related to constructions of shelter especially for children. Problems that complicated this action were the lack of good communication systems; most of the accesses by land were destroyed in many areas. Even though, UNICEF did not stop its efforts and the constant seek of help from its partners and through world campaigns using celebrities, sports stars and many channels to let the people know the need in Haiti due to the earthquake.

 

Helping people when a natural disaster occurs is a very good way to show our human sense, but to give this help as an international organization like UNICEF deserves a special mention. UNICEF has been crucial in Haiti before and after the earthquake in 2010. UNICEF has given not only help just because but also has precisely provided such help in an organized way. The need of taking medical care of children after that level of devastation is a big deal; in this case UNICEF’s partners took a very relevant participation helping to get medicines, equipment, and personnel. Also, imagine having feeding hundreds of children in many locations with access difficulties and communication problems that required a very good synchrony of human efforts. Finally, of course, people do not only need to be healthy and fed, they need a safe place to stay but with the destruction produced by a strong earthquake, all houses and buildings were destroyed. Here UNICEF one more time moved its resources and contacts to provide a minimal conditioned place where people, especially children could live. UNICEF is an exemplary global organization about what we should know more; we have to pay attention to this kind of global aid movements and find a way to help in the way we can.

Monasticism: a very different lifestyle…

Monasticism defines the mode of life of people who live in seclusion from the world, under religious vows and subject to a fixed rule, as monks, friars, nuns, or in general as religious people do. The basic idea of monasticism in all its varieties is a withdrawal from the world or society. Its object is to achieve a life which ideal is different from the majority of mankind. There are many religions where monastic life is present such as Brahmin, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, and Moslem. A monastic life is a synonym of self-renunciation and has three elements corresponding to the three evangelical counsels: poverty, chastity, and obedience.

 

Poverty: In monasticism, poverty is not referred to people that do not have food, clothes or access to basic social services. In this case, poverty means solidarity with that people; it means to live without wealth, in a simple way, and with basic supplies. This vow of poverty tries to promote sharing everything in common; everything that a member has is used for everybody on the religious order. A vow of poverty could be misunderstood because nowadays the entire world is trying to eradicate poverty, and maybe the action of living like a poor man may sound as mockery. The vow of poverty reflects the sacrifice and commitment with a belief and helps to not to pay attention to material aspects; it looks forward to being focus on spiritual aspects.

Chastity: If to leave material possessions is very hard for a human who decided to live in a monastic way, to leave things related to man's nature is really a challenge. The common sense of chastity is the sexual abstinence, but it is also in connection with sexual self control. Chastity means integrity in the sexual aspect according to moral standards; this gives chastity very much relevancy than many people do. People who practice chastity believe that their body is pure and that they are clean in their thoughts, words, and actions. For the effects of monastic life, chastity is related to not having sexual activity or sexual desires; that is a strong reason to say that monastic life is a very different lifestyle.

Obedience: A monastery is directed by a superior and all members live in obedience to that leader, and at the same time, this leader has to be obedient to what a monastic life dictates. Monastic obedience basically takes the normal concept of obedience but increasing its constancy and obviously its importance. When you decide to be obedient, you do not have to incur in any mistake or doubt respect to your leader and the rules of the monastery. Being “monasterially” obedient is not like being obedient in your normal life where you can sometimes follow the rules, but also you can incur in a little offense, etc. In this case you need to be strongly connected to the demands of the life you chose.

Monasticism is a very different lifestyle because it bases its meaning on just using and having only the minimal things required. It promotes the continence of sexual issues and requires fulfilling God’s purposes. Monasticism represents a heavy example of devotion and commitment with some people’s beliefs. As we can see, to live a monastic life implies to change in a big way our concept of a normal life where probably we have more than we really need; we do the minimal effort, and we choose what is good or bad. Monasticism gives us a chance to think if we are really dedicating time to important things such as our spiritual part.

Green Food

Green foods have a lot of benefits for health.

In general, green foods contain calcium, chlorophyll, vitamins A, K and C and represent an important source of dietary fiber. Green foods provide lutein, potassium and folic acid. All of them help the functions of our bones and muscles.

The color of this food comes from isoflavones, polyphenols and chlorophyll. Chlorophyll has been attributed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Similarly, green foods provide a wide range of health benefits such as anticancer, detoxification cells; they are incredible to protect the heart, hair, and skin.

In addition, properties are attributed to combat depression and improve mood, this happens thanks to green food’s content of magnesium and vitamin B6, which in combination act in the nervous system.

Green colors also protect against some cancers, maintaining strong bones and teeth and helping sight. Green foods help prevent cholesterol, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and prevent constipation.

Examples of green foods are:

Spinach, broccoli, green peppers, kiwi, avocados, green apples, green grapes, lemon, green pears, artichokes, asparagus, cauliflower, celery, squash, and cucumbers, Also green leafy vegetables such as parsley, cilantro and epazote, leek, lettuce, onions, peas, jalapeño peppers, watercress, and zucchini.

As we can see, green foods are very important and, in fact, green color is a nice color. Let’s eat green!

JAPANESE GARDENS: NON COMMON GARDENS

When you imagine a garden, you think in flowers, many colors, artificial stuff and other complex elements. However, Japanese gardens are a very simple kind of garden in their appearance but with a big meaning. Consequently, these gardens are made of few natural elements that produce calm feelings. Therefore, the basic elements of Japanese Gardens are: water, materials like stones and wood, and trees.

Among the three components mentioned above, water is a key element. Water is related to the cycle of life, fish (carp), oceans, lakes, and rivers. Consequently, the Japanese gardens are tranquil sanctuaries that allow individuals to escape from the stress of daily life; these gardens are designed for a variety of purposes. For example, the cycle of life promotes the flow of the positive energy. The fish represents longevity and strength. Water is often seen flowing down the garden’s waterfalls representing the Yin and Yang, which describe how polar opposites or seemingly contrary forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world. Thus, energy, sense, love to nature, peace and relaxation are important benefits found in Japanese gardens.

The basic materials used in Japanese gardens are rocks which are the bones of the gardens. There are different types of stones, such as volcanic, steep, and irregular stones. The sight and sound of water combined with stones produces harmonic sounds helping to fight the stress.  Having a real island and bridge in this area is another important element as well as having a designated place for tea. The elements of Japanese gardens are very natural to relax and have peace.

Japanese Gardens must have a lot of green trees and vegetation. Green color inspires eternity, equilibrium, harmony, and stability. The main purpose of the green color is to produce calmness and relaxation; it connects people to nature. The combination of water with green vegetation evoke two of the most important elements of nature, and one of the principles of Japanese gardens is that nature is part of humanity. If you do not know about a near Japanese Garden, but you need some peace, try to find any green area preferably near a river to feel and enjoy nature.

Due to the few natural elements that Japanese gardens have, they are perfect places to be relaxed. Water is essential because it is one of the basic elements of nature, and it inspires the flow of our daily lives. Elements like stones, bridges, and real islands provide different visual perceptions. All those components reflected in a green landscape create a perfect picture of nature. Building a Japanese garden helps to preserve nature and to have balance in our lives.

Recycling Program Proposal

A recycling program is a very important plan today because of the growing consciousness that the world population has taken. Garbage and waste are no longer just that; they have become part of our lives. It is important that both, individuals and companies, primarily, practice recycling to reduce the waste impact to obtain, if possible, benefits from them. Because of that, we will propose the creation of a recycling program at Hospital Clínica Santa Rita where the recycling practices are minimal; waste generated is very different and require different treatments. For this reason, in order to achieve the implementation of our proposal, we have designed it in 3 main stages such as: completing resources, meeting expectations campaign, and implementing efforts & culture.

In stage 1, it will be created a Committee Appointment that is a group integrated by people who link us up with the environmental and recycling culture. Waste Management Company, Properly Recycling Container, and Environment Friendly Bags Selection will be supervised by an Environmental Manager who has the expertise on this topic. He will be working together with the committee mentioned above. In addition, advertising material will be posted by the committee in order to show the correct recycling procedure. This stage will be the platforms for the rest of our proposal due to the importance of having key people in charge of the recycling program. These people need to be very identified with the big importance of recycling, and they have to transmit that feeling to others.

Stage 2 tries to define the expectations from people mentioned in stage 1. The program needs good and constant communication that will be in charge of the committee by using e-mail, board information, and brochures in order to magnetize the employees’ attention. During this stage, the committee will locate the recycling resources (container, bag, ads). On the other hand, an official program launch will be led by the general manager and department chiefs in order to engage the employees’ commitment. If all these expectations are fulfilled, we could say that the program will be successful and will be conducted in the best way.

Finally, stage 3 looks for putting in action the program and controlling its progress using a near measurement and monitoring by specific committee members who will be in charge of evaluating the recycling quantities. A recycling materials picking will be made by specific committee members who need to control the recycling material picking and sale selected by the company. In connection with the communication matter, a web site improvement will be necessary; the recycling program results will be integrated in the Hospital’s web site in order to demonstrate the culture change. Also, a community outreach will help to show the recycling culture change to others with the employees’ participation. If we want to get better results in something, what we do is more important than what we say.

Our recycling program wants to create, in 3 simple but important stages, a Hospital that is successful in establishing groups of people aware of the importance of recycling, that achieves the minimum expectations of an appropriate recycling program, and that establishes and practices a pervasive culture of recycling. While there may be companies where the amount of waste is incredibly higher than the Hospital’s, small places are better to start. Raising awareness in each person in the company and sharing their commitment to acquaintances can generate a positive chain of involving more and more companies in recycling programs. A vital aspect is to promote in media such as website, recycling practices of the company since sharing something that benefits all of us is very useful. Recycling is caring for one another in this world, but sometimes we do not realize that this world is our home.

Troy Davis: Guilty or Not Guilty…?

Troy Anthony Davis was an American man convicted of having murdered the police officer Mark MacPhail in Savannah, Georgia in 1989. Many people and organizations believed Troy Davis was not guilty because of the lack of the gun used to kill the police officer. On the other hand, there are evidence and factors that provide reasonable certainty of Mr. Davis`s guilt. In connection with this, a video shows how prosecutor says he has no doubt about Troy Davis' guilt. Three of the most important reasons to believe that Troy Davis is guilty are witnesses, bullets recovered and Troy Davis`s past.

Seven witnesses testified they had seen Davis shoot MacPhail, and two others testified that Mr. Davis had confessed the murder to them. In a trial about homicide, testimonies like these are very heavy and definitively give a strong argument to be considered. Moreover, there were 6 other witnesses who testified in defense of Mr. Davis claiming for its innocence, one of these 6 witnesses were just Mr. Davis. Although there were “six” witnesses in favor of Mr. Davis, the other nine witnesses gave important arguments and opinions that supported the Mr. Davis`s culpability.

The murder weapon was not recovered but ballistic evidence presented at trial linked bullets recovered at or near the scene to those of another shooting in which Mr. Davis was also charged. He was convicted of murder and various lesser charges, including an earlier shooting. In July 1988, Mr. Davis pleaded guilty to carrying a concealed weapon; he was fined $250 as part of a plea agreement in which a charge of possession of a gun with altered serial numbers was dropped. Davis maintained his innocence until his execution. In the 20 years between his conviction and execution, Davis and his defenders secured support from the public, celebrities, and human rights groups. Nevertheless, this past of shootings and trouble with the law did not help Mr. Davis  very much.

Mr. Davis had not only past problems with law; he also had problems in his normal life. Mr. Davis was the oldest child of a Korean War veteran Joseph Davis, and a hospital worker, Virginia Davis.  The couple divorced when Mr. Davis was very young.  Davis obtained his high-school equivalency diploma from Richard Arnold Education Center in 1987. A teacher noted that he attended school regularly but seemed to lack discipline. Davis's nickname at the time was "Rah," or "Rough as Hell" that is a very illustrative nickname about the kind of personality he had.

 

Due to factors like witnesses’ testimonies, ballistic evidence and Mr. Davis`s past, he was convicted to lethal injection. Witnesses identified Troy Davis as the person who killed the police in a parking lot. Also, recovered bullets were consistent with those of other shootings in which Mr. Davis was involved. Finally, Troy's past behavior was easily relatable to a potential murderer. All these reasons confirm that Troy Davis was guilty and needed to be punished for his crime.

Internet: Amazing tool... BUT...

Internet is a powerful tool used most of the time for research. Internet helps people to find any kind of information anywhere at any time. Also, a big benefit of Internet is that research is very easy and fast. You can seek information about the most complicated topic with no need of go out to a library or specialized center. However, Internet could affect negatively aspects such as people`s education, interpersonal relationships and health.

It is very common to hear students saying that they find everything on the Internet and that doing homework is as easy as “copying & pasting”. Many students do not try to think or create their own works. This is called “plagiarism”. A study of CQ Researcher (1) shows that a lot of students copy phrases or ideas from other authors to make their “own” creations in universities in US. It is not possible that students do not get worried for their responsibilities due to internet provides the work already done.

Internet reduces personal interaction. People spend (or waste) a lot of time “surfing” the net looking for unimportant things leaving apart their family, friends or their own normal life. People today “go shopping”, “talk”, “share their lives” just by doing “click”. People do not talk face to face anymore. In fact, many people do not know how to talk to someone if it is not by e-mail or in a chat room. Sometimes this is very helpful for people who are shy but at the end does not help with the improvement of interpersonal relationships.

Being on the net a lot of time around 20 hours at day in front of a computer, with hands and fingers just typing and doing “click”, is not a good habit for health. Being hooked on the net produces eye disease, bad posture, hurting hands and stress injuries. Many people cannot leave their seat when they are using internet. They do not sleep, eat or take a bath; they are like hypnotized by the net. It is incredible to think that internet affects our health, but it is a reality and we should be alert.

Because of the help of Internet to make fraud and the detrimental effects on people´s communication and health problems, Internet is considered a negative tool. Students are not making efforts in their classrooms; they believe Internet will do everything for them. Dependency of Internet is so dangerous that many people do not go out and try to meet people in a bar or in the park; they prefer just to get in to a chat room and make “Cyberfriends”.  The worst thing is that doing that all, we are damaging our health postponing our basic human habits. When you consider using Internet to research something, please do not ignore the fact that Internet is just a tool, not a lifestyle.

(1) http://www.cqpress.com/docs/Combating%20Plagiarism.pdf)