A Variety of Society Factors Cause Homelessness Essay Example for Free

A Variety of Society Factors Cause Homelessness Essay National Coalition for the Homeless is a charity that fights to end the homelessness through grassroots organizing, public education, and policy advocacy. They have pointed out the causes for the increasing number of homeless people in the U.S since 2000 in the article â€Å"A Variety of Social Factors Causes Homelessness.† Why is the number of the homeless people increasing day after day in the U.S? Poverty and the homelessness are the current controversial problem that has so many different causes from different countries all over the world. There are three main factors that the National Coalition for the Homeless pointed out in their article such as eroding work opportunities, a decline in public assistance, and a lack of affordable housing in the U.S. Do the authors clearly explain the problem in their article? For an article to be effective, it is imperative that it is clear on its purpose. In the previous essay, the author is successful in identifying the principle behind the article. From the first paragraph, the author is focused on addressing the causes of homelessness in the society (National Coalition for the Homeless 1). Therefore, the reader is aware of the rationale behind the article and its functions after reading the first paragraph. Importantly, this is observable in the consequent paragraphs of the article. The heading choice is consistent with the purpose of the article. The key words in the heading depict that the author is exploring the issue of homelessness in the society. The topic depicts that there are numerous social factors that contribute to the issue of homelessness. This influences the mindset of the readers when they are engaging the article, since they are aware of the contents of the essay, which clarifies that homelessness is a result of complex social factors. This is instrumental in ensuring that the readers comprehend the contents of the article better. When exploring the problem in the article, the author focuses on the predicament of homelessness. In addition, the author uses relevant examples to highlight the problem in depth. This is evident in the statistical data in the third paragraph, which is relevant to the U.S. society: In 2000, 11.3% of the U.S. population, or 31.1 million people, lived in poverty. While the number of poor people has decreased a bit in recent years, the number of people living in extreme poverty has increased (National Coalition of Homelessness, paragraph 3, page 1). The author uses information on poverty levels, and current housing situations to explore the issue of homelessness comprehensively. The author is also clear on the causes of the previous problem. In the article, the author identifies poverty and lack of housing, which is affordable as the primary cause for homelessness in the society. These statistics from the Institute for Children and Poverty are particularly revealing: In the institute fo r Children and Poverty study, 37% of homelessness families had their welfare benefits reduced or cut last year. Additionally, a second study of six states found that between 1997 and 1998, 25% of families who had stopped receiving welfare in the last six months doubled-up on housing to save money, and 23% moved because they could not pay rent (National Coalition of Homelessness, page 2 – 3). However, other secondary causes are also highlighted in the article, and this includes lack of employment, low wages, and a decrease in social support, among others. The author correlates the secondary and primary causes to explore the problem. Despite the author actively highlighting the homelessness problem being experienced in the society, there is not solution provided for the problems. The author concentrates on the social factors which contribute to the problem and how they contribute. The essay is exhaustive when exploring the topic. The author uses numerous examples to explain the significance of the problem. For instance, the author explores the significance of the health sector in the issue of homelessness. This example gives a new dimension to the topic and shows the complexity of the social issues causing homelessness. In addition, the article is valid. This is due to the author’s use of authoritative sources in the field. This is evident in the statistical data, from studies by the Housing and Urban Development (HUD), on the previous problem. The author also engages credible and accurate information on the issue giving the article authority on the topic. The author uses relevant evidence to support the claims of the article. For instance, on this issue of poverty, the author quotes data of average incomes, which is earned by American families: In the data, a 1998 study estimated that 46% of the jobs with the most growth between 1994 and 2005 pay less than $16,000 a year; these jobs will not lift families out of poverty. Moreover, 74% of these jobs pay below a livable wage ($32,185 for a family of four) (National Coalition of Homelessness, page 2). This shows the level of income earned by the American population and its influence in the housing sector. The article also has other relevant examples to support the author’s sentiments. The argument of the author also appeals to the readers emotions. This is clear in the approach of the author to highlight the effect of poverty on society and its influence on homelessness. This elicits emotions from the audience since the issues affect are relatable to the human situation. The article is characterized by the use of data and studies from various authorities on the issue. The author has been effective in making the key words in these studies clear for the audience through elaboration. Therefore, the important words in the article are defined effectively. In the second article, Homelessness is not societys problem, the author uses a challenging title, in that the view is provocative to the addressees. This appears to be a controversial perspective concerning the issue of homelessness due to the emotions related to the topic (Carnacchio 1). Despite the rationale of the article, the argument is not valid since the society cannot disassociate itself from social problems. However, the second article gives for the readers more sides of view about the homeless people. Only some of the homeless people who are not willing to assume the responsibilities associated with maintaining a job and a permanent residence. As White points out, â€Å"In Los Angeles’ inner city, Paul Koegel and M. Audrey Burnam found that nearly 80% of alcoholics in their sample of homeless adults ‘reported that their first alcoholic symptom occurred before they were first homeless’ and that in 57% of the cases this occurred at least five years before their first episode of homelessness.† (Carnacchio, page 2). The article A Variety of Social Factors Causes Homelessness provides a solid argument concerning the issue of homelessness. The author appears to be conversant with the topic and cites authoritative sources on the issue. The topic is instrumental in highlighting the numerous social factors that contribute to homelessness in the American society. Furthermore, homelessness is still a serious problem which has so many different causes but the society have not had the solutions for this problem. From all information of the article, I have learned more knowledge about the causes of homelessness in the U.S. which is a well-developed country but it does exist the homelessness. The cause is not only from the society, but it is also among to all people who are living in this world assume the responsibility for their life and their families. Works Cited National Coalition for the Homeless. A Variety of Social Factors Causes Homelessness. Current Controversies: Poverty and the Homeless. Mary E. Williams. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2004. Opposing Viewpoints Resources Center. Gale. Houston Community College. 18. Jan 2013. Carnacchio, C. J. Homelessness Is Not Societys Problem. Opposing Viewpoints: The Homeless. Ed. Jennifer A. Hurley. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2002. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Houston Community College. 21. Jan 2013.

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Death and the afterlife in ancient Egypt Death and the afterlife in ancient Egypt was considered to be one of the most important things to them at the time they had different methods of burial before mummification one of them was the sand in the blistering heat of the desert but after they started to believe that the body must stay in tact this what will be discussing in this essay. What Is Mummification? Mummification is the preservation of a body, either animal or human. Some mummies are preserved wet, some are frozen, and some are dried. It can be a natural process or it may be deliberately achieved. The Egyptian mummies were deliberately made by drying the body. By eliminating the moisture in the body, you have eliminated the source of decay. They dried the body by using a salt mixture called natron. Natron is a natural substance that is found in abundance along the Nile River. Natron is made up of four salts: sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, and sodium sulfate. The sodium carbonate works as a drying agent, drawing the water out of the body. At the same time the bicarbonate, when subjected to moisture, increases the pH that creates a hostile environment for bacteria. The Egyptian climate lent itself well to the mummification process, being both very hot and dry. Why Did The Ancient Egyptian's Mummify Their Dead? The Egyptians believed that there were six important aspects that made up a human being: the physical body, shadow, name, ka (spirit), ba (personality), and the akh (immortality). Each one of these elements played an important role in the well being of an individual. Each was necessary to achieve rebirth into the afterlife. With the exception of the akh, all these elements join a person at birth. A person's shadow was always present. A person could not exist with out a shadow, nor the shadow without the person. The shadow was represented as a small human figure painted completely black. A person's name was given to them at birth and would live for as long as that name was spoken. This is why efforts were made to protect the name. A cartouche (magical rope) was used to surround the name and protect it for eternity. The ka was a person's double. It is what we would call a spirit or a soul. The ka was created at the same time as the physical body.

Enginineer Economic and Costing Essay

The HKSAR government announced to the public on 24 October 2006 that the former site of Hong Kong International Airport (Kai Tak Airport) would be redeveloped as an international cruise hub. The whole project included two sub projects, â€Å"Site formation† and â€Å"Cruise terminal and ancillary facilities building†. In project costing Inflation factor is applied as refer to government inflation index in 2009 (2%) and 2010 (2.7%). As the reason of project postponed, the total cost increased nearly one billion dollars compared to the original plan due to retendering and ASD government requirements. Within project costing considerations, maintenance cost in cash flow out is estimated to be roughly 221.9 Million per year from 2013. For project revenue, two main factors based on fixed rent from tenant space ($13 million for ten year tenancy) and variable rent from percentages of annual gross receipt. Minimum acceptable rate of return (MARR) was also used and accounted for from Exchange Fund to calculate present worth analysis as well as benefit and cost ratio of proposed development. Aside from economic and cost based justifications for project analysis, three main factors of social impacts are also considered in competitiveness in the cruise market, employment opportunity, as well as promoting sustainability from an environmental prospective. Overall, the demand for worldwide passenger levels are ever growing, to promote the international image of Hong Kong, the proposal of building the Kai Tak Cruise terminal is feasible when considerations come into play for combination in socio-economic factors. 1Background In analyzing the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, we analyzed the socioeconomic implications for the development plan. The HKSAR government announced to the public on 24 October 2006 that the former site of Hong Kong International Airport (Kai Tak Airport) would be reissued for tender and to the redevelopment of reclaimed land that encompass 7.6 hectares with a general development cost estimate of roughly $8.2 billion. A brief background of the Kai Tak area is that it is the site of the former Hong Kong Kai Tak International Airport located in Kowloon side of Hong Kong. Due to the sensitivity of limited land availability and urban density characteristics in Hong Kong, many rounds of deliberation and planning review by the government was required to finally approve the decision of developing the Cruise Terminal. Ultimately, the new Cruise Terminal facility will serve as a mix use facility to not only serves Hong Kong’s resurgence as an ecotourism destination, but a place for exhibitions and alternate venues as well. 2Cost and Revenue Analysis 2.1Project Costing and Investment Since the fail of tender in 2008, the government decided to proceed with the Design, Build and Lease (DBL) approach. The initial investment includes two sub-projects: â€Å"Site formation† and â€Å"Cruise terminal & ancillary facilities building† were original estimated costing $7.2 billion based on the price in 2008. However, the construction cost in general had surged significantly in 2009 due to sharp increase of numerous materials’ cost like sand and steel reinforcement ect. Finally the cost for â€Å"Site formation† roughly estimated as $2.30 billion with inflation factor 2% applied. This part starts from 2009 and will finish in 2017. One year later, the construction of â€Å"Cruise terminal and ancillary facilities building† started and the inflation factor increase to 2.7%. The cost roughly estimated as $5.85 billion. Thus the total initial investment cost becomes $8.15 billion which is around one billion difference to the original plan due to price infraction. The cash flow out show as below: [pic] The 1st pier will be commenced to public in 2013 Q2 (2nd pier will be after 2017). Thus using 2012~13 FY as reference point and assume MARR to be 4.9 %, whereas the initial investment cost used after 2013 will also be calculated to the present value in 2013 for comparison. Therefore, the total initial investment of Cruise Terminal will be $8.1 billion. [PW(I) = 8.1 billion] (Refer to Appendix Table 1) Beyond the initial investment, the government estimates the annual recurrent expenditure arising from site formation to be $15.5 million and from cruise terminal & ancillary facilities building to be $206.4 million. Thus the total maintenance costs will be $221.9 Million per year after the terminal commences to the public. [pic] 2.2Project Revenue Direct renting revenue to the government In 2011, HKSAR launched an open tender for the tenancy. The Tender Assessment Panel considered that the Worldwide Cruise Terminals Consortium (WCT)’s tender had complied the tender requirements. And the Central Tender Board approved the acceptance of WCT’s tender with renting detail as following: WCT will pay to the government a fixed Rent of approximately $13 million for the 10-year tenancy. The Government will be also received a percentage of the gross receipt of the operator as the variable rent. The percentages of the annual gross receipt to be shared with the Government by WCT are as below: [pic] 3Evaluation of Economic Viability 3.1Minimum Attractive Rate of Return (MARR) To understand the economic viability of carrying out this project, evaluation was conducted by applying the money-time relationships and the concept of Minimum Attractive Rate of Return (MARR). Average investment return of the Exchange Fund which is managed by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) was chosen as the MARR in the analysis. The Exchange Fund’s primary objective is to affect the exchange value of the currency of Hong Kong. The Exchange Fund may also be used to maintain the stability and integrity of Hong Kong’s monetary and financial systems, and can be invested in any securities or other assets to achieve investment return. According to the HKMA, the average return of the Fund was 3.5% over the last three years, 3.2% over the last five years, 4.9% over the last 10 years and 5.6% since 1994. In our analysis, the 10-year average investment return, which is 4.9%, was selected to be the MARR. The annual return of the Fund from 1994 to 2011 is shown in Appendix Table 2 shows the 2011 investment return and the average investment returns of the Fund over a number of different time horizons. The Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Project According to the HKSAR government, the total capital investment required for the project is HKD 8156 million and the estimated annual recurrent expenditure is HKD 221.9 million. The annual income will come from a fixed rent for the 10-year operation as well as a variable rent with the percentage of the operator’s gross receipts. The maximum percentage will be 34% when the gross receipts are greater than HKD 90 million. 3.2Evaluation of the Project by Present Worth method (PW) In our analysis, we first applied the Present Worth (PW) method, which is commonly used for evaluating private financed projects. Our aim is to find out the operator’s annual gross receipt required so that the project can be considered to be economically justified if public benefits are not included in the calculation. By using the PW method, all cash flows and outflows are discounted to the present point in time at the determined MARR (4.9%). The PW is required to be greater or equal to zero if a project is to be considered as economically justified. In our calculation, the evaluation period is 10 years and assuming that the annual recurrent expenditure is a fixed contract amount. To estimate the operating revenue of the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, reference to the operating revenue of Port Everglades in United State was made. Port Everglades is one of the three busiest cruise ports in the world. In 2010, its operating revenue from cruise sector was about USD 45.7 million (HKD 356.5 million). From the result of the calculation, the present value (2013-2014) is –HKD 8846 million (PW < 0) (refer to Table 3), which also means that the project is not economically justified when the public benefits are not included. The information used for the calculation and the cash flow are shown in Appendix Table 3. In addition, our analysis showed that the operator’s first annual gross receipts need to be HKD 3193 million (nearly nine-fold more than Port Everglades’) and then have 4% annual increase for PW to be greater than zero. Achieving this level of income is extremely difficult if not impossible. Table 3: Present equivalent of cash flow In next section, Benefit – Cost Ratio method, which is commonly used for evaluating public projects by considering public benefits, is applied in the analysis. 3.3B/C Ratio Overall economic benefit to Hong Kong Surely the government does not focus on the renting income but the overall economic benefit to Hong Kong. The project leads the development of the Cruise Economy which adds additional value to tourism, retail & dinning, travel trade and hotel etc. Based on the estimation from Tourism commission for latest cruise passengers’ expenditure data and multiplier effect, the cruise industry will bring following economic benefits to Hong Kong under different scenarios: The â€Å"low growth scenario† assumes growth brought by regional cruise operators developing cruise services with Hong Kong as homeport. The â€Å"high growth scenario† assumes growth brought by international cruise operators developing cruise services with Hong Kong as a homeport and port-of-call. We have calculated the B/C ratio for different scenarios as below with following assumptions 1) Interest rate is 4.9%; 2) The government only gets $13 million rent; 3) The Cruise Terminal continuous to operation till following year Therefore, even under low growth scenario, both conventional and modified B/C ratio greater than 1 after the Cruise Terminal continuous to operation over ten years, this project is worth to proceed. 4Social Impacts 4.1Higher competitiveness in cruise markets Compared to Shanghai and Singapore where the cruise terminals have been further developed, Hong Kong’s cruise market would be highly constrained if maintained at the original level. Because Hong Kong will require an additional berth between 2009 and 2015, and one to two berths beyond 2015 to sustain its development as a regional cruise hub in Asia Pacific region. 4.2Increase of employment chances Cruise vessels homeport at Hong Kong will create job opportunities in related industries including hotel, catering, shipping management, shipping supplies and insurance. It may support some 6900 to 10900 employment opportunities in 2020. 4.3Environmental impacts The terminal had obtained Platinum rating in BEAM Plus Project Assessment in 2012, which means a high level achievement in three Green aspects (energy saving, quality of indoor environment, and environmental impacts to neighbors) 5Conclusion From studies of worldwide passenger demand levels, it is estimated that there is a steady increase from 13.9 million to roughly 23.8 – 31.5 million by 2020. Although, this is a world estimate and Hong Kong is only small spectrum of the world, there is seemingly enough evidence from cruise terminal consultancy for Asia region to instill a predictable growth for Hong Kong. Overall, the project does not show promise economically with recurrent expenditures with operational revenues. It should be noted that the facility does not imply with an overall picture depicted in the B/C ratio. Therefore, to promote Hong Kong’s international image and standstill in the international sector, the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is a viable option for Hong Kong’s bright future.

Conformity Essay - 786 Words

A Japanese proverb says, quot;The nail that sticks out will be hammered down.quot; Society tries to place many rules on us as individuals as to what is acceptable and what is not. We must decide for ourselves whether to conform to such a social decorum. We are taught as soon as we are old enough to grasp the idea that it is bad to be unique and to avoid being different. At some point, however, we must decide within ourselves whether to spend every day trying to be like everyone else because society says we should or living each day true to ourselves. Our strength as a person is proven through what we decide. E. E. Cummings once said, quot;To be nobody but yourself-in a world which is doing its best night and day to make you like†¦show more content†¦We are simply told how to solve a problem or accomplish a task. We are never taught why or how something works. If we do not attempt to break out of that mold, we will never get to the point where we wonder why or how things work . A young child constantly asks quot;why?quot; He has yet to realize that it does not matter, according to teachers and leaders of society, why the sky is blue. It only matters that it is blue. Perhaps there is an underlying fear that if we begin to question innocent things like the color of the sky we will one day begin to question government policies, etc. Then we might discover that many quot;great leadersquot; in this world have convinced us to believe their version of the truth. quot;To be great is to be misunderstood†¦quot; (Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance). The greatest people in the history of the world were misunderstood. If we want to be great, we can safely assume that we must be willing to be misunderstood. However, we cannot be misunderstood if we conform to the standards of society. If we act and think and talk exactly as everyone else, we will never run the risk of being taken the wrong way. Therefore, by being ourselves we are grouped with the some of the greatest people who ever lived. We may not reach their ranks of fame simply by being ourselves, but, in essence, we are just as great as they are in that we have the strength to be ourselves. It has been said that fools seldom differ. So if we were notShow MoreRelatedConformity Vs. Conformity Theory1713 Words   |  7 PagesConformity theory is used to explain why people eat bugs, smoke cigarettes, enjoy boring tasks, following trending wardrobe styles, and under appreciate enticing opti ons (Jones Mills, 1999). These tactics are performed in an effort to maintain consistent views among group members and reduce the number of attitude conflicts and tension (Matz Wood, 2005). Conformity will be defined as changing one’s own response to be consistent with other group member’s responses (Asch, 1955b). 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On a number of occasions, Paul is forced to lie and steal to escape the conformists who wish to control him and stifle his unique imagination. However, his lying, stealing, and attempts to escape the conformists, only force Paul into isolation, depression, and feeling a sense of shame for his individuality. Throughout the story one might see