The Man Group-

In a recent article, Dr. Amaal V.E. Tokars writes, "When the United States declared war on Iraq in 2003 Nelson Mandela declared that the invasion should be "condemned in the strongest terms." The voices of such statesmen from around the world were not centerpiece to the information being conveyed to American citizens during the time leading up to the invasion. Centerpiece to that information was strong conveyances linking Iraq to the Taliban, terror, and weapons of mass destruction.

These powerful conveyances were inaccurate and fear-producing. During the U.S. occupation of Iraq, al-Qaida forces have been allowed to enter the country, terror now reigns, and potential for weapons of mass destruction is mounting. "Just as hegemony in the form of fear-producing alerts about the other precedes every war, culturally damaging symbols of hegemony precedes every cultural-historical genocide (Seduced by Fear, 2007)."

The lack of authenticity and transparency in the way many issues have been underrepresented, overrepresented, or just distorted through misinformation is culturally damaging and paradoxical to the possibilities of peace. Relatively little was conveyed the American citizens about troops in 2003 firing upon 100 to 200 unarmed protesters in Falluja, Iraq. Very little was conveyed to the American citizens when a Los Angeles Times reporter discovered in 2005 that the Pentagon had contracted with a Washington D.C. firm to help place stories inside Iraq while sometimes posing as freelance reporters when delivering stories to Baghdad media outlets.

Although prior to the US invasion of Iraq; the Shiite were often being referred to as the minority, they actually represent the majority of the Iraqi peoples. Recently it was reported that Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad were to meet with the U.S. Administration on the topic of peace. Inauthentic conveyances create a textual imagery that is profoundly culturally damaging. In September, 51 tortured and slain bodies were discovered strewn about Baghdad in a 24-hr. period. The cultural-historical genocide of these peoples and this place is unfolding before us.

There is a parallel between the war in Iraq and the war in Afghanistan in that the violence of the U.S. war has been followed by unprecedented violence during U.S. occupation. Korean news; Chosun, reported in September that British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett met with President Talabani to discuss the eventual withdrawal of British troops from Iraq, but that the United States had delayed a ceremony scheduled for handing the command of the Iraqi army to Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki due to some technicalities. The International Herald Tribune of Europe reported in September that France, Germany, and Turkey have refused to provide more personnel for the war in Afghanistan. The clear correlation between war/occupation and violence resounds from around the world.

When Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf met on the topic of peace there was reported acknowledgment on the relationship between poppies, the Taliban, and violence. Although the U.S. had gone to war with Afghanistan to decimate and retaliate against those responsible for the terror attacks on the World Trade Centers and the Pentagon, there was no reported acknowledgment of the relationship between war, occupation, and violence.

Workplace violence has become one of the biggest concerns for managers, corporate executives and Human Resource Departments in the past several years. In fact, the shear number of incidents of workplace violence is staggering.

A report issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) after an extensive study, showed that "homicide is the second leading cause of fatal occupational injury in the United States. The report stated that almost 1,000 workers are murdered, and 1.5 million - about 1-in-4 - employees are assaulted in the workplace each year. According to the BLS Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), in 1998 alone, there were 709 workplace homicides which accounted for 12% of the over six thousand fatal work injuries in the United States that year."

A Global Concern

This issue is not limited to the United States, as some might assume. It seems that every country is showing a marked increase in the number, frequency, and severity of workplace violence incidents every year.

Duncan Chappell and Vittorio Di Martino, in their work entitled: "Violence in the Workplace," say that a 1996 European Union Survey showed that during the prior year, four percent of workers (about 6 million) were subjected to physical violence while at work or on duty. They also say that, "workplace violence - be it physical or psychological - has gone global, crossing borders, work settings, and occupational groups.

Who is at Risk?

Statistics show that, although no single occupation is immune from violence, violence in the workplace can definitely be seen to be clustered in certain occupations. Occupations having many, if not all, of the following characteristics also show the highest rate of incidents:

* Contact with the public
* Exchange of money
* Delivery of passengers, goods, or services
* Having a mobile workplace such as a taxicab or police cruiser
* Working with unstable or volatile persons in health care, social service, or criminal justice settings
* Working alone or in small numbers
* Working late at night or during early morning hours
* Working in high-crime areas
* Guarding valuable property or possessions
* Working in community-based settings

Depending on the area, taxi drivers had, by far, the highest incident rates. But, again, this is not to be seen as a national or international thing, but something that is dependent on the region where the assaults occur. The number one occupational group suffering the greatest number of assaults is not police and security officers as is often believed. No, the occupation shown to be most at risk are retail sales people, including but not limited to, convenience store personnel. This group is followed closely by those in the service industries like administrative personnel, teachers, and medical professionals. In fact, a report on incidents in one of the "calmest" countries - Sweden - shows medical professionals to be the highest occupation victimized by assault and other workplace violence. And, contrary to popular belief as reported by the media, the greatest threat comes, not from within a company's ranks but from outside.

The most difficult part of getting to the truth of the matter, as with all statistical data, is the fact that the numbers are probably far lower than what is actually occurring. Just as Human Resource managers and the companies that they represent are concerned about legal action in regards to giving reference information about past employees, most are also fearful of their public image should word spread about assaults against their employees.

Prevention and Countermeasures The growing trend for dealing with the problem of workplace violence is in teaching employees, supervisors, and executive management how to spot trouble signs before they occur. This is an excellent place to start to build a sound program. As with anything involving danger, the more information and awareness that can be developed, the more effective we can be in preventing the danger from ever occurring.

However, no program can be considered complete without including employee training for effectively handling, escaping, and surviving actual physical assaults. The fact is, that no amount of understanding and preventative measures will stop certain assailants from attacking. At that point, all that remains is for effective action that will ensure the physical safety and survival of the intended victims.

Remember: Workplace violence is real. It can happen to any employee, in any company, at any time. And, it can happen to you or someone you care about.

As we all watch the horrific devastation in Israel, Gaza, and Lebanon on the news day after day, glued to the "tube," we have to be thinking, "Where does it end? When does it end? Will it ever end?" Periodic military and diplomatic solutions in the Middle East since 1949 have attempted to provide a lasting peace in the region. And yet, here we are again, in the middle of a war that has both local and global implications.

For terrorists, beyond patriotism and self defense, is the ability to kill innocents, non-combatants with no hesitation or regret. It becomes a strategy of war. What enters or does not enter the minds of terrorists? What does it take for someone to grow up to be a terrorist? It was reported that a Hezbollah member stated that they will be triumphant because they love death and the Israelis love life. How can someone have no respect for human life? Many, if not all terrorists seek power and control regardless of means. They see violence as a means to that end. This is instrumental violence. It does not differ from criminal violence anywhere in the world and likely has the same roots.

Criminal violence has it beginning in the abuse, neglect, loss of parents, and exposure to violence in early childhood resulting in disruptions in attachments. Those with disrupted attachments fail to reach pro-social maturity interpersonally, in affect regulation and self control, and in moral development. They may not understand human reciprocity. Relationships are superficial. They may have little or no empathy or remorse. To them the world is not safe and they must always be on the offensive in order to be safe.

Generations of war and violence in the Middle East continues to produce more terrorists. Children are not safe and they become orphaned. They are exposed to violence daily during times of open conflict and always have the fear of a new attack. The effect of this environment on everyone, especially youngchildren can be psychologically devastating.

The world finds itself in a quandary. How do we defend ourselves against these people who do not value life as we do without creating more terrorists? The answer is we cannot. War and violence inevitably creates more terrorists. In addition to efforts already underway, massive humanitarian aid to the region is what will curb the growing problem ofterrorism. Children and their families must be safe and well cared for so that they will not become cold, heartless and violent. Street children , one of the ripest recruiting grounds for terrorist organizations, must be well cared for and not left to be recruited by terrorists.

Terrorism will not end of its own accord. People must protect and defend themselves, as terrorists will not stop. Additionally, terrorism will not end by humanitarian aid alone. Everyone knows that a long term solution is needed. However, a permanent end to war, humanitarian aid and services for those who have lost loved ones, those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and children with attachments disrupted by war may have a chance of reducing terrorism in the Middle Eastern Region in the future.

Autor: j_hardcastle89

For anyone living in the American society, it does not take a sociologist or a political scientist to call attention to which extend sports has permeated the American way of life. Newspapers devote an entire section of their daily editions to the coverage of sports such as golf , football, soccer, and more. Newsprint about sport surpasses even that given to economy, politics, or any other single topic of interest. Television brings into contemporary households over 1,200 hours of live and taped sporting events every year, sometimes disrupting the usual family life and other times it provides a collective focus to a family's attention.

Whether involved as spectators, participants, or sponsors, sport has been given an ideological foundation through the development of a belief system that outlines the supposed merits of sport. Sociologists support that sports open the door for the formation of amicable relationships between players, communities, racial groups, and even nations. Although sport has emerged as a relatively important element of people's dominant value system and has received unquestionable support from the vast majority over the globe, sports violence has not been accepted as a necessary ingredient of athletic societies. Since it is popularly believed that sports build character and provide outlet for aggressive energy, scholars have studied the implications of sport violence and scientists have come up with a number of theories to explain how human aggression brings violence into the sphere of sports.

Although the terms "aggression" and "violence" are frequently coupled in psychological reviews and books, an overt distinction between them is rarely drawn. According to Gerda Siann, a behavioral scientist, who attempts to separate the two terms, "Aggression involves the intention to hurt or emerge superior to others, does not necessarily involve physical injury (violence) and may or may not be regarded as being underpinned by different kinds of motives" (Siann, 1985).

In other words, violence may occur as a result of aggressive intent. This leads to another question; is violence always a result of aggressive intent? If violence is to be defined as the use of greater physical force or intent, is it possible to cite instances where such physical force is used to injure others without aggression being involved? If aggression is seen as the intentional infliction of injury to others, then any violence act must, if intended, be regarded as aggressive, according to the summative description Siann has proposed for aggression. This hypothesis, directly relates the issue to the theory of motivation. Sports are based on motivation theories since the core of athletic competition is linked to the human compulsion towards excellence and superiority. Thus, it seems logical to accept that sports are based on human motives (e.g. compulsion to win), which if not adequately fulfilled, can elicit extreme behavioral patterns (e.g. violent acts), which in turn are the byproducts of repressed aggression.

Source: Free Articles

Autor: drkathy2

In the last week alone, four shootings/murders made headlines. They shared something shocking in common ? the alleged offender was a teenager.

1. A teenager was arrested and charged with attempted murder in the shooting of five people at a club.
2. Sentencing for a 16-year-old boy who admitted stabbing his mother 111 times was postponed.
3. The first of four teenagers to be tried in the killing of a Chinese restaurant deliveryman was found guilty of first-degree murder.
4. A teen in a middle school shoots two classmates, but is stopped by hero teacher.

Dr. Kathryn Seifert a youth and family violence and trauma expert who has over 30 years of experience believes that a recent study sheds light on the issue of teen violence. While some behavioral (aggressive) disorders have a biological base, they may also have roots in childhood maltreatment and in exposure to violence. The overlap between behavioral disorders and histories of childhood trauma is greater than has been previously recognized,? said Seifert. While not all traumatized children become aggressive, there are warning signs that can help parents determine if their child needs to get professional help.

Using recent studies, other scientific data, and 30 years of experience, Dr. Seifert has created 7 questions to determine if your teenager may be at risk of committing violent or aggressive behavior. The more questions to which you answer yes, the more likely it is that your child needs professional help. If the answer to 6 or 7 questions is ?yes?, then data shows that your teenager may be at risk of aggressive or violent behavior and needs immediate professional attention.

1. Has your child or teen witnessed or been a victim of violence?
2. Has the child in your care been abused, neglected or abandoned by a family member?
3. Has your child been cruel to animals?
4. Has your child had moderate to severe behavior problems (such as stealing, punching holes in walls, or staying out all night without permission) that began before the age of 13?
5. When your child hurts or injures someone does he feel sorry he/she got caught, rather than sorry for the harm caused to his/her victim.
6. In the past, has your child assaulted another person that was not in self-defense? (This is particularly important if it was a younger, weaker child or a parent, policeman, or teacher.)
7. Has you child had severe learning and/or behavior problems in school for more than a year?

Dr. Seifert warns that although these questions can be easily answered, their answers should not be taken lightly. Adults and caregivers need to take immediate action to seek help for families and teens that have experienced traumatic experiences. Without professional help, such as counseling from organizations like Dr. Seifert?s firm, Eastern Shore Psychological Services, many teens may never get the help they need. And without help, a troubled teenager could become the next headline. With the proper interventions, youth violence is preventable.

Source: Free Articles

Power scooters are lightweight vehicles with a cylinder capacity
over 150cc. The term of power scooters also applies to the electric
chairs that often replace the classic wheelchair for the disabled.
Power scooters are of an immense help for people with mobility
problems, not to mention that their costs and advantages are remarkable
as well. Thus, in comparison with electric wheelchairs, mobility or
power scooters have the advantage of having the costs covered by health
agencies and insurance companies. The category of power scooters used
by able-bodied are otherwise more expensive with prices ranging up to
$9,000 for some Suzuki models.

A small 50cc scooter has a
lower traction force than power models, because of the capacity of the
engine and the overall technical features. With power scooters you'll
enjoy better speed, stability on the road and more storage space. Yet,
it is more difficult to ride power scooters because of their weight,
not to mention that you need a driving license too. The size and the
similarity of design could often make power scooters pass for
motorcycles particularly if you see them at the distance. Even so,
motorcycles and power scooters are two distinct vehicle categories and
they are sold as such.

In some countries or states, it is
common to see police officers riding power scooters for a better
intervention ability on the road. The mobility and easy access
facilities allow such vehicles to get more rapidly and without traffic
inconveniences to the place of an accident or crime. Other than this
institutional use, power scooters are a choice for people who for a
certain reason don't feel satisfied with the smaller scooter models.
Now, where can one purchase power scooters from? There are several
brand names that are famous in the industry but these are usually more
expensive, and there are also lots of no names, regularly produced in
Asian countries.

Regardless of the type of power scooters you
want to buy, make sure you get the chance to test the scooter to get a
good look at the seating, the leg space and the controls. Depending on
what you need individually consider all the technical features and the
circumstances in which the scooter will be used. Thus, check for all
the technical details, and choose a model that corresponds to your real
needs.

Co-author: Bike Frame Adapters.

The search for cheap scooters is a common quest online because small
motorcycles have all the advantages to combat the rise of fuel costs. A
scooter is a cheap acquisition, plus, its fuel consume is very
efficient and the operation raises no challenges. Cheap scooters can be
purchased for around $1,000, since most manufacturers carefully
consider the production of affordable lines that sell well. So, you can
get a brand name for little money. You can find cheap scooter deals
with authorized retailers or online, and get the vehicle delivered
anywhere in the country.

Cheap scooters serve for commuting
purposes and they pose no special conditions as participants to road
traffic. The category of cheap scooters is very extensive; for
instance, it even includes electric models produced for children use.
Such small versions reach no more than ten miles per hour, but they
surely help when you need mobility. This type of application is
suitable for people with various mobility problems, who can solve the
inconvenience with just a few hundred dollars. Moreover, electric cheap
scooters also make an environmental choice many of us should consider.

There are cheap scooters you can buy for a few hundred dollars and
cheap scooters that will cost you a few thousands. Very simple designs
are usually the most affordable, and such vehicles are often powered by
gas. The price of the electric variant is a bit more expensive,
although still cheap,, but they have zero pollution and the noise level
is minimal. The concept of cheap cannot be applied to all users because
there are lots of subjective factors that influence the choice of the
vehicle. The search criteria are therefore essential for choosing from
the cheap scooters that meet your demands.

Thus, you can shop
for cheap scooters in the older lines of famous producers. This is the
way to make a good deal for an Aprilia, Honda or Yamaha scooter, and be
certain of a quality level unparalleled by other manufacturers. The
least costly vehicles available in the scooter category are Chinese,
but the sad truth is that these cheap scooters are those with the most
numerous technical troubles. You can read a few online reviews and,
you'll see that you are a lot safer with a local product or a brand
name that is still affordable, although not a bargain.

Co-written by: Womens Bike Frames.

Designed mainly for urban usage, the 150cc scooters are a very
popular means of personal urban transportation. Superior in size to the
50cc scooters, the 150cc version can be used at up to 55 mph given the
fact that there are speed limitations within the city. They provide a
great choice for people who want to make fuel economy or who don't have
the money to invest in a car. The initial purchase cost of 150cc
scooters is somewhere between $1,500 and $2,200, but you can find more
expensive versions too. As compared to inferior classes, 150cc scooters
also bring improved visibility , because, although they are lighter
than the 250cc models, they still make a considerable part of urban
traffic.

If compared to motorcycles, 150 cc scooters are
neither powerful nor fast; yet, people buy them extensively because
they are safe on the road and easy to ride. Every manufacturing company
has an original design for the lines of various scooter categories.
Brands that are worth mentioning here include Cushman and Salsbury in
the United States, Honda and Suzuki in Japan or Bajaj in India. The low
complexity of the designs makes the scooters easy to operate even in
the conditions of heavy traffic.

Many 150cc scooters are built
according to ultra-modern technical standards. Besides the four-stroke
features, the engines are air-cooled and able to reach a cruise speed
of 65 mph. Plus, such modern variants will also include disc brakes
both for the rear and front wheels. The aerodynamic design, the
windshield, the headlights, represent other important features to
consider when searching for 150cc scooters. There are also deluxe
variants available and they stand out by the ergonomic seats, MP3 audio
systems and anti-lock brakes. These are the kind of elements that make
the prices of 150cc scooters climb way out of the reach of the average
budget.

Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that all
the above mentioned technical details are normally available with all
classes of vehicles and they are not limited to the 150cc scooters
alone. Plus, the modern complexity of the equipment is also the
explanation for the potential high costs of some vehicles. In
conclusion, you can find 150cc scooters at various prices, under
different brand names and with all sorts of extra features, then you
can take your pick depending on budget, preference and needs. Get more
details from authorized dealers and test any vehicle before buying it.

Co-submitted by: Bike Frame Pads.

Author: Francis Githinji

It is a misconception that only women suffer from abuse at the hands of men. Men too suffer from domestic violence and there is no much difference between how men and women experience the ordeal. If you are a man who goes through abuse, don't feel like you are the only one. There are other male victims of domestic violence who suffer in silence. British crime survey revealed that 20 percent of the domestic crime victims were men. Half of this statistic were reported to suffer violence in the hands of female abusers. Whether the victim is a man or woman, it makes no difference because being hurt by someone you are in love with can be very traumatizing. It a confusing feeling as the victim takes it as if it is his/her fault.

As male victims of domestic violence it might feel embarrassing to admit to yourselves and others that it is actually happening. What you should know is that, it is not your fault. You are not less a man and you can get help. Men feel so bewildered and embarrassed to share what they are going through with someone else. As a man people might not believe you when you tell them you are abused by a partner. Even if you are trivialized, you should know that it is always good to speak out your problems as we all know that a problem shared is a problem half solved. You might fail to get immediate help but never give up. Keep trying and you will finally succeed.

Male victims of domestic violence should realize that just as women, they have the right to feel safe in their own homes. People of all genders have the right to be served by police, social services, housing departments and crown prosecution service. In this world where we advocate for gender equality, men and women are governed by the same laws. Anyone who is inhuman enough to assault another person can be prosecuted whether a man or woman. If you are a male victim who is facing physical violence it is wise to call 999 or call for social and housing services for more practical help. You can be helped with family legal issues and so do not just sit down and mourn. Do something.

A point to note is that, male victims of domestic violence in gay kind of relationships, i am afraid they might not be covered by the family law act. The best thing is to boldly seek legal advice from a supportive lawyer who is understanding. Make sure you document every domestic violence evidence because it will be put into account while making decision on your residence and future help. If your egoistic nature forces you to keep quite about the matter, relationship abuse might dominate your life forever. I am sure you do not want to go through emotional turmoil all your life. Read self-help books and do all that is within your reach to save yourself from abuse.

Source: articlesbase.com

Lots of people think that doing sports only mean that you get to sweat a lot, show off your physical abilities and competitiveness. This seems pretty obvious but it is not the only thing that a sports buff such as yourself can do. Learn web marketing and earn money online. You don't have to own an expensively-financed website just to do this. You can start first with what you know about your favorite sports and share it with others who can just be going through the same thing as you are.