Technology to address challenges for intelligence agencies

Technology to address challenges for intelligence agencies Introduction After the terrorist attacks directed towards the United States on September 11, 2001, intelligence agencies shifted their attention to sealing hidden weaknesses in the existing defense measures. Over the years, there have been increased attempts to analyze security weaknesses and develop strategies to deal with emerging challenges. This has led to the establishment of research units in order to understand existing or future security threats to the United States.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Technology to address challenges for intelligence agencies specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Apparently, terrorist adversaries have been remarkably helpful in the search for potential emerging trends (Jackson and Frelinger 2). With the Internet available to be used by everyone without major restrictions, many people are today involved in helping the government address issues of security threats with or without their knowledge. Using sophisticated mechanisms, it is possible for security experts attached to different intelligence agencies to track information and understand possible approaches that may be used by terrorists. Generally, the task requires intelligence agencies to establish the various avenues that may be used for terrorist attacks including buildings, means of transport, or information technology. Apparently, almost anything today can be used to create extremely dangerous weapons. In addition, people associated with terror groups also provide make critical information available for intelligence agencies. By participating in forums organized by the terrorists, supporters share their thoughts and get to opportunities to know the other option available. When this information is exchanged via the Internet, it eventually becomes available to intelligence agencies. Clearly, the act of sharing information back and forth among the supporters of the terror gangs enable members of the intel ligence teams to quickly become aware of other possible forms of attack. Through their own investigation processes, intelligence agencies also discover and add on to what is collected from communication activities of terrorists. Although many of the operations detected during such activities are less operational, they provide a constant stream of novel potential attacks to challenge security planners. The media also serves as a useful channel for discovering how the terrorists carry out their operations. Through newspapers, television, and other forms of media, information regarding the operations of terrorist groups is exposed to the public. Intelligence agencies can the take advantage of the media activities to enrich their knowledge of terrorist activities and prepare to counter their illegal activities. The information gathered can be well documented and can be of help in future preparations of the intelligence teams to deal with security threats.Advertising Looking for essay on political sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It is, however, important to note that as security professionals continue to work hard to understand the mind of the terrorists and how they plan and execute their operations, new ways of concealing terror acts are being discovered almost every day. Although technologies exist to secure communication through the Internet, other emerging technologies are also available to compromise security on the Internet. Military Operations of the Future According to Graham, military operations of the future will be predicted on information dominance (29). Emerging technology enables the rapid collection, processing, and dissemination of an increasing volume of highly accurate strategic, operational, and tactical information. Much of this information comes from reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence assets in air and space but the national and international information i nfrastructure are of benefit as well. Beyond doubt, control of the information spectrum will be pivotal to the outcome of conflict in the twenty first century. It will involve not only the preservation of access to such information but also the denying of access to adversaries. The armed forces are vitally dependent on space systems for information, communications, and operational support that range from targeting assistance to weather reporting. It is clear that space will feature even more in defense programs and strategies of the future. As noted by Graham, the Air Force launches and operates more than ninety per cent of all Department of Defense space assets (30). The Air Force has also been designated as the Department of Defense executive agent for multi user space systems. The increasing importance of the military space program is such that it must be accorded priority in research, development, and funding by the Department of Defense and by the nation. Leading requirements i nclude routine, affordable, reliable access to space and better systems to detect and track theater ballistic missile launches. On recognizing the need to boost the security in the United States, President Clinton directed his government to ensure that intelligence agencies integrated technology in their operations. This move was meant to improve security both in the United States and globally in the face of a fast changing security environment and emerging threats to national and international security. Support for this was later provided through increased budgetary allocations for the operations of intelligence agencies. According to NRC, there are numerous technologies in the global market today that hinder the ability of intelligence agencies to relay their communications in a more secure manner (32). A quick scan of the market will, therefore, reveal many other security challenges in the global arena.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Technology to addre ss challenges for intelligence agencies specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Throughout the world, there have been various attempts to come up with technologies that are dependant as far as dealing with national and international security is concerned. In the Middle East, for example, efforts were made to develop nuclear capability for internal use to enhance security. Another development that has been regarded as dangerous is the return of foreigners to their countries after staying in the United States for a considerable amount of time. It is presumed that such people could have decide to return home after gathering information about the United States that will later be used to launch terrorist activities in the country. Silence is another silent threat that nations must be concerned about. Although often missed out, intelligence agencies must create time to understand the implications of silence. Despite the fact that people may be silent, it is possible that this can be an attempt to protect their secrets and hide their intentions from their intended targets (Khosrowpour 10). Intelligence and Technology in the Face of Emerging Security Threats From the preceding discussion, intelligence agencies have to work extremely hard to integrate technology in their operations. As attackers are constantly seeking more efficient ways to launch their attacks, it is vital for the intelligence team to keep abreast through research and new discoveries. According to NRC, technology is responsible for creating tremendous changes in the society because of their availability everywhere (29). An obvious need for the use of technology to deal with security concerns may be linked to the fact that they include sensors which are today used widely in a number of key operations across the world. Besides being used by the military, sensors are also used for many commercial services. The use of the radio frequency identification tags is an example that has received so much recognition globally. Although modern technology is far much better than the technology of yester years, what is available today borrows heavily from past technology. Beyond doubt, previous technologies offered a very strong foundation for the technology of today (Khosrowpour 13). Apparently most of these technologies had their beginnings in the United States supported by the Department of Defense. In the present world, one can not fail to notice the contribution of technology to the state of security throughout the world. There are many benefits that have so far been realized through the use of technology as far as managing security is concerned. As we move into the future, technology will continue to take a central position in the management of national and international security.Advertising Looking for essay on political sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Technology and Intelligence Led by the United States, many nations have now recognized the importance of integrating technology in intelligence operations. As the United States continues to allocate more resources for enhancing its national security, other countries are also following suit but a slower pace. For the United States, investment insecurity is driven by the desire to protect its citizens and to become a model for other nations to emulate. Due to its increased spending on security, the United States is now able to take pride in its improved level of security. Unlike in the past, intelligence agencies are forced to utilize technology to undertake numerous activities geared towards strengthening the country’s security. Despite being very sensitive area, technological advances regarding matters of security are often discussed openly. These include developments in cryptology as well as computer security that are very critical to the subject of security. Secure Hash Alg orithm (SHA) is major security technology that has been used quite extensively over the years. Though considered very secure, the standard is slowly being replaced by other modern technologies with improved features. On the other hand, however, it is almost impossible to understand how strong the government’s intention to use these technologies is since this information is never made available to the general public. Considering the emerging trend of threats, it is important to think about the software being used, the type of hardware, and to incorporate other technologies such as supercomputing, and use of communications systems. These are explained as follows. Software In any system today, software plays a major role. To achieve the best results, software designers must ensure that the software is developed in a way that can easily integrate with the desired security systems. Those who are more adept at designing, implementing, and operating large complex, software based sys tems will be at a distinct advantage twenty first century operations that are increasingly dependent on information superiority (Duyan 30). Poor software slows down the impressive gains made to date in computer hardware. As part of their duties, intelligence agencies should monitor the development of software to ensure that designs meet the required standards. This is exercise is especially important considering that many countries today are in the business of software development and they may be using different standards. Close monitoring is, therefore, necessary to guarantee quality. Without close supervision, designers can easily get a way with poor quality products that do not meet the set standards. The use of modern programming languages and techniques should be encouraged in order to factor in vital features that are required to produce reliable and extremely secure software. As new technologies continue to emerge, it is important to check that the design of software is able to offer support for thee technologies. It would certainly be wrong for a software developer to come up with any product that fails to accommodate existing technologies. The existence of wireless technologies and the coming of cloud computing and any other newer technologies must be thought about during the design process. Hardware Similar to software, it is important to think about the quality of hardware to be used to support the different security services that must be offered. To a large extent, the nature of technology to be used by the intelligence agencies must meet the required standard. The use of less superior hardware platforms will greatly compromise the performance of the security systems and create serious problems for the intelligence teams. A good practice is to liaise with the design team to ensure that the hardware acquired will yield the expected results. Generally, the advice received from the software developers is critical to ensuring that whatever is provided will perform as expected. In cases where the client has gone ahead to procure hardware without receiving professional advice from developers, the outcome has been quite disastrous and huge sums of money have been lost in the process. It is, therefore, prudent to take all the necessary precautions in order to avert disappointments later. Supercomputing In the recent past, a lot of interest has been generated about super computers. These computers have become the vocabulary of all educated persons throughout the world. Generally, supercomputers are the fastest and most expensive computers available at any given time. Although the cost of computers has been going down over the years, the cost of supercomputers has remained fairly steady. Given the requirements for security, intelligence agencies must never compromise on the quality of computer to be used. With its high speed of execution and power a super computer offers the best environment for managing security threats. Supercomputin g should therefore be encouraged in order to protect a nation and its citizens. Despite the fact that it is a very expensive computer to acquire, its services are equally admirable. Communications Systems and Related Technologies Although the Internet presents us with great opportunities for communication, it also comes along with serious challenges that must be handled effectively. One of the greatest challenges of using the Internet is the danger of ones communication being tapped into (Duyan 35). Despite the fact that various technologies have been developed to address the problem of Internet security, attackers are still able to go round the system and do as they please. This includes planning of terror attacks. Conclusion The ability to use technology to address challenges posed by emerging security threats globally is critical for intelligence agencies. Since offenders are often looking for new and more complex ways to launch attacks, intelligence agencies must work extra hard to come up with mechanisms of ensuring that criminals do not outsmart them. It is imperative for governments to equip intelligence agencies with the necessary tools to support their research activities and to build more secure systems that can not be easily be compromised. Duyan, Adil. Defense against Terrorism: Different Dimensions and Trends of an Emerging Threat, Kabul, Afghanistan: IOS Press, 2012. Print. Graham, Joseph. What the U. S. Military Can Do to Defeat Terrorism, Lincoln, NE: iUniverse, 2002. Print. Jackson, Brian, and David Frelinger. Emerging Threats and Security Planning: How Should We Decide What Hypothetical Threats to Worry About, Arlington, VA: Rand Corporation, 2009. Print. Khosrowpour, Mehdi. Emerging Trends and Challenges in Information Technology Management, Hershey, PA: Idea Group Inc, 2006. Print. National Research Council (NRC). Avoiding Surprise in an Era of Global Technology Advances, Washington, DC: National Academies Press, 2005. Print.

How Google Chooses Employees Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

How Google Chooses Employees - Essay Example    The case under discussion focuses on the hiring practices in use at Google along with the evolution of such practices given Google’s dynamic work environment. Google’s burgeoning structure mandates that around 200 people need to be hired every week out of a pool of around 100,000 people. Fitting criteria needs to be utilized in order to hire the best possible choices for Google. Google needs to better quantify its expansion and the resulting need for new employees. Merely the estimation that new employees are needed in technical, administrative and marketing positions is not enough to find fitting solutions. Moreover, Google needs to find criteria to narrow down applicants at the first step which is applying to Google. Instead of having to sift through hundreds of thousands of applications the best method would be to eliminate as many unsuitable candidates during the application process as possible. This could be done by placing restrictions on minimum experience required for each position advertised.   GPA or other such crude academic measures are not a guarantee of finding the most suitable candidate for a position. However, the use of GPA cannot be ruled out altogether either. A more holistic approach would be to use GPA as well as other related factors that account for suitability in the workplace. Google needs to classify the working conditions as wel l as roles and responsibilities for its employees on the quantifiable basis. The use of quantifiable means will ensure that Google can truly discover the right criteria with which to discern the most fitting individual. One of the best methods for Google to discern the abilities of people would be to try them out before hiring them such as through internships and temporary placement positions. Employees could be hired for a few months and then retained continuously if their performance measures up to the intended tasks.

Episcopal Social Services Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Episcopal Social Services - Essay Example From its humble beginnings of providing assistance to needy immigrants in New York, ESS has expanded its activities to take on several social activities, starting with children and going on to adolescents requiring support and then on to adults. At the heart of the social activities lies the theme of improving the capabilities of individuals to become productive members of society and improve the quality of their life. This paper describes Episcopal Social Services and its activities as a social service organization. This paper has been written after visiting Episcopal Social Services, 305, Seventh Avenue, New York and collecting information from Naomi Hopkins, their Communication Manager. ESS was founded in 1831 by members of the Episcopal Church, in an attempt to assist the vast number of immigrants arriving in America to overcome their difficulties. Though it had a religious background ESS from its founding days remained non-sectarian as it reached out any person that was poor, sick, homeless, hungry, or imprisoned to provide the needed service (Episcopal Social Services, 2011). Throughout its 180 years of existence ESS has maintained this mission of attempting to transform and better the lives of the disadvantaged and needy residents of New York City (Episcopal Social Services, 2011). These services cover children, families and children. As early as 1864 ESS reached to provide convalescent homes and summer camps for the infirm and the undernourished; temporary lodging; clothing, food, and emergency funding for the destitute; trade schools for developing skills in the unskilled; and social clubs and free reading rooms to help keep poor people off the rough and dang erous streets of New York (Episcopal Social Services, 2011). Expanding their activities, ESS in 1907, set up an office at Ellis Island for the purpose of providing assistance to newly arrived immigrants, who were quarantined

Peuasive Speech on Uniforms Essay Example for Free

Peuasive Speech on Uniforms Essay Studies have shown that schools with uniforms function as a whole better than schools without them. Their attendance is better and there are fewer distractions. They instil school spirit and students look more professional. They eliminate fads and jealously between the students because of the latest designer labels. Everyone is treated equally with uniforms and it encourages self expression and individuality through academics, extracurricular activities and not by the clothing they wear. They eliminate a reason to feel self-conscious, helping to improve self-confidence of students. School uniforms ensure that students will come to school in appropriate clothing, and ready to learn. In grade 7 I learned that we would be getting uniforms for my grade 8 year. I wasn’t too pleased to hear the news but I soon realized all of the benefits of a uniform. Safety is a big issue in schools these days, especially with all the gang violence and shootings happening in Toronto. When a school has a uniform it is very easy to spot an outsider because of the way they are dressed. If everyone at school is wearing the uniform and someone enters a school not wearing the uniform they can easily be spotted and reported to the office. Many of you are on teams, be it in school or outside. Teams have uniforms to show pride and unity for the school or club they represent. How good does it feel putting on that football or rugby uniform before a game? When you put that uniform on all you can think of is the sport that jersey represents, your performance on the field. That uniform or jersey was specially made to be worn during that sport. When you win you feel pride in wearing the jersey around, and being seen in it. These same key points apply to school uniforms. School uniforms infuse school spirit inside and outside of school, when you put on that uniform and come to school all you should be thinking about it your performance in school, which encourages less distractions. A school uniform is designed specially to promote education and professionalism. Think about how much you spend on your school clothes each year. Regular clothing is becoming far more expensive than a uniform. Back to school shopping would get some much easier, with a school uniform. You would be able to get more nice and expensive clothes for outside of school. A school uniform is very durable and lasts longer than regular clothing because they are made especially for repeated wash and wear. They can also be handed down through siblings going to the same school.

Essay --

By now, R.K Narayan took a turn from his usual way of writing. Moving away from writing books, which were more or less auto-biographical, his exposure to foreign lands would have inspired him to move beyond his world and hone his creativity. Starting right from ‘Mr. Sampath’ (1948) to ‘The Vendor of Sweets’ (1967), this trend was seen in all books written in this period. ‘The Guide’ and ‘The Man-Eater of Malgudi’ is analyzed here, in this context. ‘The Guide’ is R.K. Narayan’s best and most famous work. A 1958 novel, it won the SahityaAkademi Award for English in 1960. It was made even more famous and popular by the on-screen immortalization by DevAnand and WaheedaRahman in the 1965 movie of the same name. Tracing the story of Raju, commonly called ‘Railway Raju’, the novel delineates his transformation from being a railway shopkeeper’s son to a sought after tour guide to later on become the country’s most famous saint. Raju, who took over his father’s shop after his death realized that taking people around the city of Malgudi as a tour guide is his forte. His life witnesses an upheaval when he is attracted to one of his customers, Rosie, a married woman who is neglected by her workaholic husband, Marco. Rosie’s potential to become a successful dancer, which is overlooked and ignored by her husband is spotted by Raju who encourages her to dance more. Following this, Rosie separates from her husband and rises to fame as a Bharatnatyam dancer with Raju’s help. A mistake by Raju, later on earns him a two-year prison sentence. On his release from prison, Raju is mistaken to be a saint. Following a series of interesting events, Raju takes on h imself a 12 day hunger-fast to pray for rains in the drought-stricken area. The story ends ... ...t manner in ‘The Man-Eater of Malgudi’. The underlying essence of the novel is based on the age-old saying which says that a man’s deed leads him to his destination. Inspiration from the Bhasmasura’s myth is also seen in the book. Vasu is compared to being a ‘rakshas’ (demon) who causes his own downfall himself. The 1954 KumbhMela stampede, which killed about 800 people seems to have affected Narayan as he mentions deaths due to stampedes in his book. While Nataraj is attempting to persuade Vasu not to create a ruckus during the procession, Vasu talks about how ‘melas’ are held to manage the population of the nation and to keep it under control. Population explosion of the 1950’s and 1960’s would have been the source of inspiration for this mention, which is taken up again in ‘The Painter of Signs’ where the female lead works on the issue of population control.

Analysis of Girl Interrupted

Movie Analysis: Girl, Interrupted. Brittany Clontz Nursing 114 Girl interrupted is a gripping tale of a girl’s maladaptation to the challenges of life. The movie focuses on a young girl named Suzanna Kaysen growing up in the 1960s and struggling with the world around her. Suzanna is admitted to Clarmoore institution after she consumes a whole bottle of aspirin and alcohol to deal with her pain. When admitted to Clarmoore she claims she was not trying to commit suicide, but that she just had a headache. She is overwhelmed and apprehensive as she enters the institution and observes the people around her .Suzanna is quickly introduced to many patients, including her roommate, a pathological liar named Georgina. Polly, a woman who burned herself as a child in attempts to remove the rash she was receiving from her dog so she would not have to part with him. Down the hall from Suzanna is Daisy, a girl suffering from various mental illnesses stemming from her over intimate relationsh ip with her father. The most whirlwind introduction is the arrival of Lisa, a sociopath returning from her most recent escape from the hospital.Suzanna is immediately intimidated by Lisa and her sociopathic ways. It is Suzanna first mediated apt with her very self-indulgent parents that her diagnosis is revealed. Suzanna is taking aback by the doctors words, borderline personality disorder. Suzanna exhibits her defiance and affirms the doctor’s diagnosis by becoming a side kick to Lisa’s maniac ways. Suzanna becomes an accomplice to Drugging a nurse to steal music supplies to cheer up Polly, breaking into the doctor’s office to view her medical records, and being noncompliant with her medications.Following Lisa’s return from her most recent treatment for a maniac episode Suzanna reveals her true dependence on Lisa by following Lisa in her escape from the institution. Lisa has planned for them to stop by the new house Daisy’s dad bought her when she got released, then head to Florida to work at the new Disney world. When they arrive at Daisy’s, Lisa further reveals her manipulative disorder by pushing daisy about her dad, how she is not recovered and pulling up Daisy’s sleeve revealing the cut marks along her forearms.The next morning Suzanna goes upstairs to find Lisa’s twisted words had pushed daisy over the edge and she hung herself. Suzanna is devastated at the sight and the fact that list doesn’t seem supposed. She finally realizes she has been under Lisa’s spell and she will never recover this way. So while Lisa runs, Suzanna lets the doctor take her back to the intuition and focuses on her recovery. Suzanna’s return marks a change in the movie and she makes great strides towards recovering.. The day before her release, the one women who could tear it all down returns.At the sound of commotion Suzanna looks out the window to see Lisa being brought in by an officer. That night Lis a steals Suzanna journal and reads aloud all her private thoughts, including remarks about the other patients Suzanna had befriended. When Suzanna hears her reading her private thoughts it seems Lisa may get her wish and tear all Suzanna progress apart. But in a twist so revealing of her recovery, Suzanna stands up to Lisa and tells her she is the one who needs help and she is dead inside.It is this action of wanting to be out in the real world and standing up to this women who she has let control her that shows the strides she has made. Suzanna’s final departure is not a bitter one, it seems she has made a difference in every patient there and is ready to begin her new life, with her new diagnosis, borderline personality disorder, recovered. In my opinion this movie uses the main character, Suzanna, to illustrate the various ways a mental illness may present.Suzanna’s chart states â€Å" Psychoneurotic Depressive reaction, highly intelligent, but in denial of her con dition and person pattern disturbance ,resistant, sixed type, r/o undifferential schizophrenia. Diagnosis: Borderline Personality Disorder. † This diagnosis seems quite confusing if you don’t know the characteristics of a person with borderline personality disorder. Because in all honesty at first it just seems Suzanna is a young girl, growing up in a rough era and just struggling to cope. But this struggle to cope and maladaptation to the stressors in her life are the triggers to her illness and her attempt at suicide .According to Townsend Borderline Personality disorder is described as â€Å" A pattern of intense and chaotic relationships, with affective instability and fluctuating attitudes toward other people. These individuals are impulsive, are directly and indirectly self-destructive, and lack a clear sense of identity. † (Townsend, 2011, Pg. 569) This is a broad definition but even at first glance I can pick out some of the behaviors Suzanna exhibited in this movie. Suzanna exhibited intense relationships with men, and she developed a very intense and beyond chaotic with the other patient on the ward, Lisa.She exhibited constant acts of impulse and instead of coming up with these acts on her own, they were often thought out by Lisa and Suzanna just followed. This consistent following of Lisa and lack of personal decision making clearly revealed Suzanna’s devoid sense of a clear identity. According to the DSM IV a person suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder exhibits five or more of the following nine criterions. 1) Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment. 2) A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation. ) Identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self. 4) Impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e. g. , spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating). 5) Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior***. 6) Affective [mood] instability. 7) Chronic feelings of emptiness. 8) Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (e. g. , frequent displays of temper, constant anger, recurrent physical fights). 9) Transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms. (NAMI)Suzanna exhibits many of these symptoms throughout the film. A few very evident symptoms are her uncertainty about her identity that leads to her dependence on others and her impulsivity and self-damaging behaviors. On admission she seems to have a clear understanding of what’s right and wrong but is in denial of why she is there, yet by the middle of the movie she is throwing her beliefs and values to the wind and participating in Lisa’s schemes. She becomes very codependent on Lisa and when Lisa is transferred to another ward after the drug a nurse and steal music equipment, Suzanna spirals into a different person.Suzanna becomes defiant, refuses to get out of bed and becomes easily angered. Her main thought is where is Lisa and when is she coming back. This demonstrates her lack of her own identity, without Lisa she is back to being confused about her life. Suzanna not only shows impulsivity with her actions with lisa, she shows impulsive sexual tendencies as well. Before her admission she was having sex with a married man who was a friend of her family. She also has a relationship with a man named toby who she met at a party after high school.When toby surprises her at the institution her first actions toward him are sexual advances. He takes her outside and says he is going to Canada to avoid the draft and that she is going with him. She tells him she is not living and admits to trying to kill herself. That evening she starts kissing a male orderly she knows is very fond of her. Her sexual tendencies are clearly self-destructive and they s how how every relationship is completely lacking emotion. Suzanna’s diagnosis of Borderline Personality disorder has no certain cause but several risk factors have been identified.Genetic, family and social factors all play a role in the development of Borderline Personality Disorder. Suzanna’s mother clearly has some mental issues of her own although a diagnosis is not ultimately stated in the movie. Borderline personality disorder is also more common in women than men. Suzanna’s parent also show little regard for her condition and seemed to be more concerned about keeping up appearances. All these factors and the little to no communication with her family can account for factors that may have contributed to the development of her mental illnesses.Borderline Personality disorder is diagnosed through a psychological evaluation and assessment of risk factors. In the movie Suzanna’s doctor is fairly quick to give her the diagnosis of Borderline Personality disorder after very few visits with her. Although throughout the movie Suzanna’s actions give evidence to her diagnosis. Common treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder consists of medication therapy to stabilize mood, decrease impulsivity and help the patient develop a more logical way of thinking.Psychotherapy is used in combination with these medications and patients usually participate in therapy sessions several times a week. Suzanna’s treatment plan was not quite evident until the end of the movie when she finally opened herself up to the possibility of recovery. Although the medication names were not stated she received medication therapy along with therapy sessions with the Dr. Wick two to three times a week. Suzanna also used expressive therapy during her treatment. She wrote down her thoughts in a journal in order to clear her head and participated in expressive art.One aspect that contributed to her recovery that is not presented is how the other patien ts affected her. Lisa’s actions were the most influential on her in the beginning but in the end she develops the ability to stand up to Lisa. Daisy’s suicide also played a big factor in her recovery, she realized you can’t want to die, but once Death is staring you in the face your perception of the world changes a little bit. Girl Interrupted is an eye opener to several regarding several different mental illnesses. By the end of this movie the stigma of mental illness and an institution is gone and replaced by an accepting attitude.The main character Suzanna paints a picture of the various ways mental illness may present itself, but also that management and recovery of mental illness is attainable. References Encyclopedia, A. (2010, November 15th). PubMed Health. Retrieved September 1st, 2012, from Borderline Personaility Disorder: http://www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001931/ NAMI. (n. d. ). Mental Illnesses: Borderline Personality Disorder. Retrie ved September 2nd, 2012, from National Alliance On Mental Health: http://www. nami. org/Template. cfm? Section=By_Illness&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay. fm&TPLID=54&ContentID=44780 Townsend, M. C. (2011). Essentiasl of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing fifth edition. Philadelphia: F. A Davis Company. Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment through Psychotherapy What is Psychotherapy? Psychotherapy is the first line of preferred treatment for patients with borderline personality disorder. Psychotherapy is a one on one or group interaction with a therapist to address symptoms that occur with Borderline Personality Disorder. The most important factor in psychotherapy is developing a trusting bond with you therapist.When a trusting relationship is established between patient and therapist, research shows Psychotherapy can relieve some symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder. Types of Psychotherapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This type of therapy can help identify and re lieve beliefs and behaviors that cause inaccurate perception of themselves. This type of therapy can help reduce mood swings, control anxiety and can be helpful in reducing suicidal behaviors. Dialectical Behavior Therapy: This type of therapy focuses on being attentive and aware of the current situation.The therapist teaches skills to help control overwhelming emotions and reduce self-destructive behaviors. This therapy is also helpful in helping clients improve relationships. Schema-focused Therapy: This therapy stems from the idea that borderline Personality Disorder stems from a person’s dysfunctional self-image. Therapy combines several different types of psychotherapy to help change a person’s self-image. This therapy is helpful in helping people interact with others; react appropriately to their environment and proper coping methods to problems and stress. Plan of Care for: Susanna KaysenNursing Diagnosis: Ineffective Coping Risk Factors: Lack of impulse control , Anxiety, Denial of mental illness NOC Outcomes (Nursing Outcomes Classification) Client will verbally express feelings and actively participate in learning coping strategies. Therapeutic Interventions * Encourage Client to participate in constructive outlets to address feelings. ( writing ,painting ,etc) * Provide the client with positive feedback. * Teach effective coping strategies. * Discuss clients diagnosis and address questions regarding diagnosis. Nursing Diagnosis: Personal Identity DisturbanceRelated Factors: Symptoms related to diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder. NOC Outcomes (Nursing Outcomes Classification) Patient will discuss various aspects of individuality that make up their personality. Patient will be able to distinguish behaviors, thoughts and feelings that differentiate their personality from others. Therapeutic Interventions * Work with client to recognize their own individual thoughts, values, and beliefs. * Encourage client to discuss feelings and claim ownership over these feelings. * Use photographs to increase clients awareness of their individuality.

Filling Vacancies in the US Senate

Senate seats become vacant for a variety of reasons — the Senator dies in office, resigns in disgrace or resigns to assume another position, usually, an elected or appointed government position. What happens when a Senator dies in office or resigns? How is the replacement handled? Procedures for electing Senators are outlined in Article I, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution, as later amended by paragraph 2 of the Seventeenth (17th) Amendment. Ratified in 1913, the 17th Amendment not only changed how Senators are to be elected (direct election by popular vote) but it also outlined how Senate vacancies are to be filled: When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct. What Does This Mean in Practice? The U.S. Constitution grants the state legislatures the power to determine how U.S. Senators are to be replaced, including empowering the chief executive (the governor) to make these appointments. Some states require a special election to fill a vacancy. A few states require the governor to appoint a replacement of the same political party as the previous incumbent. Typically, a replacement holds office until the next scheduled statewide election. From the Congressional Research Service: Prevailing practice is for state governors to fill Senate vacancies by appointment, with the appointee serving until a special election has been held, at which time the appointment expires immediately. In the event a seat becomes vacant between the time of a general election and the expiration of the term, however, the appointee usually serves the balance of the term, until the next regularly scheduled general election. This practice originated with the constitutional provision that applied prior to the popular election of senators, under which governors were directed to make temporary appointments when state legislatures were in recess. It was intended to ensure continuity in a state’s Senate representation during the lengthy intervals between state legislative sessions. Exceptions or Where Governors Do Not Have Unlimited Powers Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin do not allow the governor to make interim appointments; state laws require a special election to fill any Senate vacancy. Oklahoma also requires that Senate vacancies be filled by special elections, with an exception. If the vacancy occurs after March 1 of any even-numbered year and the term expires the following year, no special election is held; rather, the governor is required to appoint the candidate elected in the regular general election to fill the unexpired term. Arizona and Hawaii require the governor to fill Senate vacancies with a person affiliated with the same political party as the previous incumbent. Utah and Wyoming require the governor to select an interim senator from a list of three candidates proposed by the state central committee of the political party with which the previous incumbent was affiliated. In the event of a Senator’s death, his or her staff continue to be compensated for a period not exceeding 60 days (unless the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration determines that more time is needed to complete the closing of the office), performing duties under the direction of the Secretary of the Senate.