Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 13

Management - Essay Example Also his duty is to prioritize things, lead towards actions and behaviors and assign tasks and duties. Management is important to individuals because it teaches them to conduct their own selves in accordance with set codes and procedures. It also asks of them to remain alert of the changes that are happening around them. Management is important as it ascertains their willingness towards different tasks and roles that are assigned upon them. Management is an art that is governed by only those people who make the best use of this skill in order to get the particular job done through their actions, behaviors and decisions. These undertakings are carried out by the people who work under the manager. Management is a very comprehensive aspect that entails within it scheduling tasks, prioritizing responsibilities and assigning individual duties. The four functions of management are related as they come about in a particular sequence. Planning is the foremost function without which no management activity can come about. Organizing makes sure that whatever has been planned comes into a solid basis. Controlling takes care of the responsibilities and delegated duties upon the individuals, and lastly leading is a comprehensive duty that rests solely with the manager who is indeed the man in charge. Managers have quite a few resources that are available at their disposal. They have teams working under them. Also the financial aspects are taken care of by the managers as they prioritize things and thus look to settle problems which arise on a consistent basis. Other resources include the meeting up of organizational expenses, time management aspects and other management related concerns (Allen 1999). Resources related to production as there is a definite link between the two. If the resources are not made available, it is quite possible that the production for the sake of the organization would not come about in an easy way. Hence it is

The Logic behind creating Software Prototypes from a usability point Research Paper

The Logic behind creating Software Prototypes from a usability point of view, and how they support Human centered Design - Research Paper Example Automobile manufacturers, architects, and sculptors develop models: circuit developers make â€Å"bread-boards†, aircraft designers test prototypes; artists usually experiment with working sketches. B. Identify key terms (software development cycle, prototyping, piloting, usability, human centered design, etc.) Software development life cycle (abbreviated as SDLC); prototyping; usability; piloting; and human centered design are the key terms that will be used and mentioned a lot in this paper (Source 1). Of course there are other terms that will be used but they are not as important as the abovementioned. C. Discuss types of prototyping used There are 4 types of prototyping, but only 2 are predominant and commonly used. They include the following: a) Throwaway Prototyping Also known as rapid or close-ended prototyping and refers to the development of a model that will be finally be discarded rather than forming a part of the eventual delivered software. After accomplishing pre liminary requirements collection, a simple functioning model of the system is built to visually demonstrate to users what their requirements may be when they are implemented into a complete system. Throwaway prototyping involves the creation of working models of different parts of a system at an extremely early stage, after a seemingly short investigation. The method employed in constructing it is normally quite informal, the most critical factor being the pace at which the model is released (Source 2). The model then becomes the foundation from which users can re-evaluate their expectations and clarify their needs. When this has been realized, the prototype model is discarded (disposed of; thrown away) and the system is officially developed based on the highlighted requirements. The most common reason for using this type of prototyping is that it can be executed quickly. If users can receive prompt feedback on their needs, they can be able to refine them in the early stages of soft ware development (SDLC). Making alterations early in the SDLC is very cost-effective because there is nothing to redo at that point. If a project is altered after much work has been done then small alterations may require significant efforts to implement since software systems come with numerous dependencies. Speed is important in implementing throwaway prototypes, since with a small budget of money and time little can be spent on a prototype that will be abandoned (Source 3). Another positive of rapid prototyping is its ability to build interfaces that users are able to test. User interfaces are often seen by users as the system, and because they see it in front of them, it is much easier to understand how the system will function. It is asserted that revolutionary throwaway prototyping is a more effective way in which to manage user requirements-related issues, and hence a greater improvement to software productivity in general. Requirements can be identified, piloted, and tested far much faster and cheaply when issues concerning software structure, maintainability, and evolvability are overlooked (Source 1). This, in turn, aids in the accurate identification of requirements, and the subsequent development of a valid and functional system from the perspective of the user via normal software developm

James and Prout: Constructing and Reconstructing Childhood

James and Prout: Constructing and Reconstructing Childhood Child as a subjective word to be defined is what we call a structuring becoming and childhood thereby, can be termed as the time a child takes to be a complete adult. Some take childhood as an age from infancy to adolescence. However, most of the people believe that childhood includes all the three stages:- Infancy: One steps into the golden period of life, childhood, with the birth. During the stage on infancy, a child is in his early stage of his childhood. Infancy is generally considered till 1 year of age. However, without words or self independent movements, a child can express a lot with his innocence and crying and sobbing. (Moss Petrie) Kid: The next stage is what is called a kid stage. Child grows with time and so his childhood experiences. Knowing the family, getting to the new school, making new friends and having fun most of the time is what this stage is all about. (Moss Petrie) Adolescence: When it is about adolescence, it is to be noticed that it is the most complicated stage. This stage brings in various confusions along with tough learning procedures. Coping up with the study pressure along with the competition in friends is one of the most common features of this stage. (Moss Petrie) As such, three phases of childhood brings in all new and different experiences in the life of a child. This is what is called the structuring becoming. A child is incomplete, an extending ladder, a learning process and the future. In all, it can be said, childhood is actually the base of the person made in future. Childhood is innocent and childhood is what we call the incomplete adult age. It brings in various colors, colors of confusions, colors of innocence, colors of fear, colors of happiness and colors of truthfulness. (Moss Petrie) NATURE OF CHILDHOOD: CONSTRUCTION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF CHILDHOOD Childhood is uncertain and one of the most integral part of a persons life. The most prominent feature of childhood is its immaturity and innocence. However, how this immaturity of the child is studied and understood by the society is what we mean to be a part of child a social institution. The culture of the societies may differ from region to region and so these facts of culture and its impact is what is the integral part of the social construction of childhood. (James Prout, 1997) Alan Prout and Allison James have well presented the childhood as a part of society. They studied childhood as theory rather than just a function. Childhood, as believed depends on various sociological factors. Hence, how these factors affect the childhood along with the development of child is what is needed to be understood. These changes made in child with relation to the theories of social sciences indicate the theory of new emergent paradigm for the childhood sociology. (James Prout, 1997) The paradigm can be well understood under following heads: Childhood as a social constructive study: we are here talking about the early years of human life. The constructive study contributes in putting down in the context, the early stage of human life. Childhood is a variable in social representation: Every child has his own experiences along with the individual perspective. Hence, childhood is not a fixed factor. Rather, it is one of the variable factors while studying the representation of the society. Childhood carries variant social cultures and relationships: each society carries its own norms and values. A child is a blend of various societal norms and the cultural trends prevailing in the society. Childhood is an active social constructive stage: childhood is learning and constructive phase of human life. It is all about gaining the knowledge whether though books or experiences. It is a constructive phase which represents the prevailing norms in a society. Childhood is an input to future societal culture: todays child is the future adult. Hence, when the discussions are about the input provided in form of knowledge and culture to a present child, it is representing the future of frame of society. (James Prout, 1997) Hence, with the above points indicated in the theory of Alan Prout and Allison James, it is quiet clear that study of sociology of childhood is inevitable. It is a device through which the present and the future intellectual state of mankind can be determined. Also, the sociology will well indicate the importance of child development and the factors affected it. THE EMERGING MODERN APPROACH TO CHILDHOOD Before getting to the sociology of children, it is important to know what has been the approach to childhood and how it has been changing with the time. The primitive concepts to childhood with the restrictions and strict teaching has transformed to a modern, rational and friendly approach. The trends of knowledge have been changed to teaching to learning and from book to technologies like computers and microchips. Today, knowledge is everywhere. Unlike older times when school and home was the main source of information, todays children experience a wider field of exposure. The reasons can be studied as follows: Modern technology: technologies like internet and virtual world has opened gates to the massive source of information. World has become smaller with internet. It is easy to access and informative at the same time. Sitting at home, one can have detailed data of any other place. Also, the immediate updates are added flavor to modern technologies. Resource: commercialization of children. (Williams, Compass (Organisation), 2006) Media: media has been playing a crucial role when it comes to children. Its affect can be studied by a fact that a 1 year kid is able to recognize Cadbury chocolate though he may not know his sir name. Similarly, kids recognize heroes or cartoon characters like Superman, Spiderman, Tom and Jerry etc though important things like their addresses etc may not be known. (Williams, Compass (Organisation), 2006) Modernization: one of the direct effects of modernization on children can be seen in their fashion statements. Today, every child wants to follow fashion trends of the movie stars like Hanna Montana and so on. Each child is aware of the current prevailing clothing and trends in accessories. (Williams, Compass (Organisation), 2006) It can be seen that with the modernization childhood has been transformed in a different way. Not only the parents but various other organizations also have a transformed approach. Now-a-days, children are commercialized and they carry a proud tag of being a different target segment for various companies. (Williams, Compass (Organisation), 2006) CHILDREN- A BRAND RECOGNITION Children are modern and well aware of the current market trends. They are no more shy and follower of their parents. Modern children, as today, are known for their individual choices and rock-star attitudes. Parents are well dedicated towards completion of each choice of their children and so do children make sure to get things of their own choices. This is the actual reason of commercialization of children. Kids are well aware of the market trends and thus are grabbing strong positions in the decisions of the family. From ice-cream to shampoos and school bags to mobiles, a child has a say in the decision making. Even the brands are aware of the strength a child is having, hence, they are focusing on these kids. A sheer example can be taken as the increasing emphasize on child artists in advertisements. Apart from that, brands like Hanna Montana specially produce products for children. (Williams, Compass (Organisation), 2006) As such, it can be well seen that with the increasing awareness among children, various problems has been increasing. The common problem is obesity and depression. Increasing stress levels and competition scale are responsible for increasing pressures on children. Apart from that slaughtering time from childhood and early maturity is another problem that is being faced by the society. This again adds to already increasing stress levels. Hence, children are more and more pressurized, be it because of the society or because of the modernization. (Williams, Compass (Organisation), 2006) Now, the changing trends of society can be well noticed with reference to the above discussion. Here the question arises how and why to bring in the changes in the childhood. The answers can be well understood with the contextualization of sociology of childhood. (James Prout, 1997) SOCIOLOGY OF CHILDHOOD A child is an integral part of the society and the childhood is the inevitable part of child. Not, only it brings in the base of an adult but also provides with huge learning process that is at its height during childhood. As Alan Prout and Allison James has widely discussed, it can be said that, construction and restructuring of childhood is inevitable. (James Prout, 1997) Child a social actor A child is a part of society and so the childhood is. Children are no more the neglected part. They are brand in themselves which can be noticed with the increased interest of traders in children. However, it is to be noticed that they are innocent and immature. Hence, they actually require more care and guidance than any part of society. They are active participant in social science as its the child who transforms to a responsible adult of a country. (James Prout, 1997) Child generational order There are major generation gaps prevailing in the society. It has been rightly said that children are ahead 25 years of their parents. The change in the time and change in the trend should be taken care off. Major responsibility lies with the parents when it comes to the generation gap as children are innocent and immature. Only the present situation is the foremost concern for them and forecasting future is out of their capabilities. The generational order has been one of the most fixed yet variable ingredients of social sciences. It is quiet fixed to be present but its extent varies from family to another. (James Prout, 1997) Child futuristic approach It is the child of today that will be the earning and responsible adult of tomorrow. They are the future of the current society. It is important to understand the childhood needs as the experience of childhood is what that frames an adult. (James Prout, 1997) Child the ethics Inculcating the sense of responsibility and humanity is the function of society. Human is a social animal, hence, it becomes inevitable to learn the norms and rules of the society. Social ethics are to be learnt by a child so as to be a responsible part of society tomorrow. As such, the norms may differ from a culture to another but; ethics, to be a part of the society are to be inculcated in a child. It not only helps retaining the essence of humanism but also tracks a positive future force. (James Prout, 1997) WELL BEING- CONSTRUCTING AND RECONSTRUCTING THE CHILDHOOD One of the major objectives of sociology of children is enhancing and improving childs well being. Well-being here may refer to various ingredients of childhood that includes the material conditions, development of relationship of a child with family, friends and teachers, physical and mental health and facing the fears of life. It is the central motive of society to take care of the complete and concrete development of childhood. (Child wellbeing and child poverty, 2009) One of the factors that have been affecting quality of childhood is poverty, though being a different aspect of wellbeing. It is the poverty that leads to poor living conditions along with deteriorated childhood experiences. In European countries the figure has been absurd in child wellbeing index, especially in case of UK. UK is the 24th country in child well being index, out of 29 European countries, listed. When it comes to health, subjective well being, education and material inputs, UK is one of the last five countries. However, taking into account the factors like housing, environment, relationships etc UK somehow manage to get a middle position. This figure very well describes the condition of childhood in advanced country like UK. Similarly, indexes of other countries are like Hungary, Greece, Bulgaria are not much acceptable. Hence, some steps are to be taken by these countries to construct the childhood in a better way. (An overview of child well-being in rich countries, 20 07) Child health and safety: special measures should be taken for the health of children. Initiatives regarding better immunization and infant care should be taken. Low rate of immunization is one of reasons of low health care. Right vaccination at the right time is the mantra to be followed. Also, hygienic conditions should be provided to children so as to avoid any mishap with health. Mental and emotional health: emotional and mental strength de[ends on he upbringing of child. To have a positive attitude towards life along with taking care of development of mental strength in a child should be the central objective. Helping in the development of relationships with friends and family and guiding them on right path should be the prime objective of society. (An overview of child well-being in rich countries, 2007) Stop the classroom discretion: it further adds to the difficulty of the poor child when classroom are divided on the basis of performances and competition. Increasing competitiveness adds to the stress levels in children. Hence, may hamper a healthy growth in a child. Especially, when it comes to the children who are already living in economically chaotic conditions, the classroom divide further stops them to have a better exposure to knowledge. (An overview of child well-being in rich countries, 2007) Incentives and public services: Poverty is one of the common factors that is affecting childhood to major extent. Hence, there should be some incentives for children who are not able to have a standard childhood due to lack of resources. A fair set of public services like free education, job opportunities etc should be provided to children so as to make sure that their future is safe and bright. (An overview of child well-being in rich countries, 2007) Rational approach: Modernization of world has changed a lot of things. Rational and practical approaches should be part of guidance. Stale and old ideas and approach may affect childhood adversely and stop from a better growth. (An overview of child well-being in rich countries, 2007) Practical study: children today are getting matured faster. Unlike, older times challenges of life today are tougher and approaches faster. Hence, rather than the bookish knowledge it is important to inculcate experiences through practical study. Live projects, case studies are few of the realistic approaches that may help a kid to grow in a better person. (An overview of child well-being in rich countries, 2007) CONCLUSION The emerging new paradigm laid by Alan Prout and Allison James has a rational and new approach. It very well claims that childhood is a continuous phenomenon that is being structured and restructured by society. It is the norms of the sociology of childhood that is directly proportional to the approaches prevailing in the society. However, there are few things that are to be taken care off. First thing, the sociology of childhood is important. It is the present sociology of the childhood that determines the future adult and right combinations of approach in future society. Hence, there is the need to protect the children mentally, physically and economically. Also, the process of construction of childhood in society is important. It is the societal approach that provides a firm base or the childhood. Hence, there is a need to reconstruct the societal norms with the change in time. A modern and informed approach help todays children to grow better and have a profound future. Apart from that, the negative impressions of children being over-loaded with information and competition are to be removed. Negative factors like poverty and division of education must be removed with initiates taken in the society. Also, the new paradigm approach relating to the modern world and new technologies should be taken care of. It is to be understood that children are no more unaware, they may be immature though, and however, their thoughts and ideas should be welcomed to the society. Basically, a child is a bud that takes time to blossom, hence it is the duty of the society to provide that time in form of quality childhood and retain a better quality of future adult force.

Investigating the Communicative Phenomena in Multi-User Dimensions :: Internet Computers Technology MUDs Essays

Investigating the Communicative Phenomena in Multi-User Dimensions CHAPTER 1: Rationale and Literature Review Magnafix says, "Have you figured out the secret entrance to Kahn Draxen's castle?" Newtrik sighs deeply. Newtrik says, "I think so, but I haven't found the stone key yet!" Magnafix grins mischievously. Magnafix gives a stone key to Newtrik. Newtrik smiles happily. Newtrik shakes hands with Magnafix. Newtrik says, "Thanks!" Magnafix grins broadly and says, "No problem..." Newtrik leaves west. Introduction Purpose The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the communicative phenomena to be found in those environments known as Internet MUDs, or Multi-User Dimensions. These text-based virtual realities are presently available to students and faculty at most learning institutions, as well as anyone with a computer and a modem. Though the term "virtual reality" has become connected for many with visions of fancy headgear and million dollar gloves, MUDs require no such hardware. They are, however, a form of virtual reality, "because they construct enduring places, objects, and user identities. These objects have characteristics that define and constrain how users can interact with them," (Holmes & Dishman, 1994, p. 6). Having been created in their most rudimentary form nearly two decades ago, the technology that supports MUD interaction is well developed and has spawned a new variety of communicative environment, one that thousands if not millions of users have found fiercely compelling. Since MUDs are generally restricted to text-based interaction (some support ANSI codes, and the graphical MUDs are gaining popularity), one might expect that the interactions therein are characterized by a lack of regulating feedback, dramaturgical weakness, few status cues, and social anonymity, as Kiesler and her colleagues have suggested (Kiesler, Siegal, & McGuire, 1984). While these characteristics may be readily attributable to the majority of interactions within experiments on computer conferencing and electronic mail, such is not the case for MUDs, as each (there are hundreds) is a rich culture unto itself, as will be shown. This thesis is meant to explore the modalities by which MUD users avoid the drawbacks mentioned above, specifically, how nonverbal communication takes place in a virtual world composed solely of words. Background History of network computing The first computer network was created in the late 1960s in an effort by the Department of Defense to link multiple command sites to one another, thus ensuring that central command could be carried on remotely, if one or several were disabled or destroyed. Once the hardware was installed, the military allowed educational institutions to take advantage of the research resources inherent in multiple site networking. This interlaced network of computer connections spread quickly, and in the early 1980's, the network was divided into MILNET, for strictly military uses, and ARPANET, which, with the advent of

Ethics and Ethical Behavior

Ethical behavior in the workplace helps a company ensure that every employee is able to perform there duties in and safe and comfortable environment. When a company set-up procedure to help with work ethics there are three important things to consider; understanding of diversity so that the employees understand the difference between ethics and cultural acts, the next to consider is an open door policy so that employees will be able to discuss ethical behavior with the company, and third is a place that the employee can go in confidence to report unethical behavior. Ethical procedure should be general and relates to all employees without causing ethical issues dealing with race, religion, or gender. The procedure should be in place to address unethical behavior as stated in laws and regulations. Human resources is the department that will be the handler in the company for ethical behavior and to make sure that all employees are treated equal. The price for a lawsuit in an ethical case is more than taking the time to make sure the procedure are in place and that all employees are trained in ethical behavior. Many companies take the time to train employees on ethical laws for the industries that they are working in when they first join the company. As we have seen in the news unethical behavior among employees in a company can cost the loss of investors trust. Each department in a company ethics might be different, finance tracking cost and how revenues are tracked, where equipment and tooling money is showing in the financial reports. For a purchasing department how dollars are collected from suppliers, or kickbacks that are usually not allowed in a company. The most common employee taking money, so with ethical issues like this a confidential hot line is usually established for an outside company to be called and by an employee to snitch on employees who are doing unethical things in the company. What ever procedure that a company might have you must make sure that there is a way for any ethical behavior to be reported and death with the most confidential and legal way.

Do you like chocolate?

â€Å"Do you like chocolate? † If asked, most people would smile and say, â€Å"of course I do. † But if that same person asked if you thought chocolate was a good for your health, even beneficial, you’d probably have some doubts. For those doubters: Think again. Evidence has lead scientists and health-specialists around the world to agree that chocolate can be beneficial to your health. Dark chocolate has gotten a bad rap, almost since the late 1800’s when a man named Hershey began an empire lacking the true essence of chocolate. Today, when people consider cardiovascular strength and fitness, chocolate is probably one of the last things they’d add to a health-conscious diet regimen. Then, if we pair dark chocolate consumption with empowering the heart, people would be waiting for the punch line. Dark chocolate and a good healthy heart can, in fact, be allies. But there are some rules and guidelines that must be followed. Christopher Columbus, during his ship-going years, made a stop off the Honduras coast and discovered that natives had a strange almond-like nut. It was a cacao bean, the heart of what chocolate is. Chocolate, specifically dark chocolate, has received kudos from scientific research. Researchers correlate dark chocolate to a component of a healthy diet. When we enter the dessert and snack world of chocolate, there is potential for danger, even harm. The mass-production of Hershey’s and other chocolate companies have belittled the essence of pure chocolate of Belgium. Many people are more likely to agree with the old adage that says, â€Å"Beware, chocolate is not good for you. Thus, there is some truth to this statement. Archeologists say that Olmecs, which is now Mexico, were a people who drank chocolate a thousand years before Christ. The Mayans, a very cultured race, were the first to create a sacred drink of cacao. The Mayans roasted and powdered the beans. They mixed it with chiles, herbs, and wild honey to produce a special beverage. The cacao drink was regarded as one of the most special drinks of the Mayan race, being saved for times of tribute. With all this historical strength behind cacao and chocolate, we can see that there is power in chocolate. Today, there are many types of chocolate, so the benefits depend almost entirely on what kind of chocolate that you choose to eat. Dark-chocolate-research has found evidence that it can help in building in a better heart and strengthening the cardiovascular system. Dr. Joseph Mercola, author of Total Health Program, was very skeptical when he first began to look at chocolate as a healthy snack. This skepticism might be most people’s initial reaction because it’s been ingrained into our minds from a very young age that although chocolate tastes great it’s not good for you. To further Dr. Mercola’s skepticism, he found out that the basis of his secondary research came from a chocolate company. Dr. Mercola was concerned that this chocolate company was biased and merely attempting to reach consumers with a marketing technique to increase sales. The conflict of interest was too obvious. But his skepticism was soon diminished when he looked at some astounding scientific proof. In just the past seven years, there have been more and more independent confirmations that dark chocolate truly has health benefits. These confirmations, according to Dr. Mercola, appeared to establish a framework for strengthening the fact that there indeed are health rewards from eating small amounts of flavonoid-rich dark chocolate. Careful reflection and study of the birth of chocolate helps to clear the picture a bit further. Chocolate, as I mentioned, stems from the cacao bean. Trying to ingest pure cacao lead you spit it out due to its bitterness. The cacao, however, is a key ingredient surrounding dark chocolate’s health benefits. The missing ingredient of course is sugar. Sugar needs to be filtered in before chocolate can be regarded as such a luxury dessert that it’s matured into for society. There are hidden drawbacks to chocolate that must be remembered. For one, when shopping for dark chocolate keep in mind that many of the popular, processed brands readily available in markets and grocery stores are often contaminated with large amounts of lead. You must be wary of those Hershey’s bars. Just as in most undertakings in life, moderation is the key. Dark chocolate consumption, when ingested in small amounts can actually be very good for you. Dr. Mercola wrote, â€Å"It is important to keep in mind, however, that you can derive a majority of the benefits chocolate provides (via flavonols) by consuming fruits like blueberries, apples and grapes, and most all vegetables, including broccoli, greens and onions. This is obviously a method Dr. Mercola would prefer most people utilize instead of chocolate. It’s been ingrained in our heads since infancy to â€Å"eat your vegetables. † It’s easy to see why Mercola counters his discussion regarding chocolate-health by promoting—as an aside—that you eat your vegetables, too. This is a wise promotion—especially for a doctor wanting to maintain his reputation for the mass public and his patients. However, a bowl of broccoli doesn’t have the same rewards as a little dark-chocolate-sugar-boost every once in a while, particularly when you realize it is good for your heart. As I mentioned, when we consider dark chocolate as a moderating alternative, vegetables are boring—at least to the chocolate lover. Just remember, too much chocolate tips the scales toward disaster. So, if chocolate is something that makes you salivate then remember to follow some of these common sense rules: 1. Eat only dark chocolate—or organic, if you want to really streamline the healthy components of chocolate consumption. 2. Organic chocolate carries specific antioxidants that can shield the body from oxidative stress. 3. Do not eat chocolate if you are battling serious disease or ailments. According to scientific data, the Kuna Indians of Panama eat three to four cups of flavanol-rich cocoa daily. The main ingredient, epicatechin, is responsible for offering vascular health benefits to the Kuna Indians. When they drank certain cocoa—another favored past-time of civilized nations around the world—they received higher levels of nitric oxide, where the flavanol was absorbed into the bloodstream. Lead contamination can be found in processed chocolate—sometimes extremely high quantities of lead. The concern of lead contaminants in chocolate is not new. There was great concern, in the past, over processed cocoa plants being contaminated by leaded gasoline. The source of additional contamination is unknown. It might have come during the shipping process or somewhere along the manufacturing lines in chocolate plants. As scary as it sounds, there is some evidence that points out that high blood-lead levels in children can result in learning disabilities, damage to a child’s brain processing, and loss of some memory skills. To counter this grave concern, further chocolate studies performed in two reputable scientific journals say dark chocolate is good for you, NOT white or milk or processed chocolate. Along with flavanol, there is evidence of other benefits. For one, flavonoids can raise levels of HDL cholesterol. This is beneficial cholesterol. It also acts as an antioxidant which protects human cells from free-radicals. It’s these very radicals that can lead to aging, heart disease, and certain cancers. Plant phenol is another substance that can help individuals out by lowering blood pressure. The location of where chocolate is made is another important consideration. Chocolates that are made in Europe tend to be richer in cocoa phenols in comparison with cocoa in the United States. The United States, unfortunately, since the early 1900’s chose to focus on mass production and not on getting the most of this luxurious cacao bean. Now that you’ve got a glimpse of the health benefits of dark chocolate, it’s important to remember this: Nothing is simple about good chocolate and you won’t find it in most drug stores. In fact, if you ask some chocolate connoisseurs about it, they’ll tell you that the term good chocolate was derived from palet or, which, when translated means â€Å"pillow of gold. † David Lebovitz, a pastry chef and chocolate connoisseur, is another fierce advocate for the fancy final product of unprocessed dark chocolate. He has developed some recipes such as an easy-to-prepare Red-Wine and Apple Tart? David offers over 100 recipes to tantalize the taste buds while keeping health at the forefront front of your dietary plans. In closing, it’s important to remember that good dark chocolate is available all over the world. Many European pastry chefs claim it is their art—and there is a lot of presence in Europe—but there isn’t a code set to be cracked by the nationalities of Europe. It is a world-wide consumable. You just have to do a little research to find the true chocolate where you live. Also remember that the benefits of chocolate come from using common sense and following these simple guidelines: 1. Eat only dark chocolate; 2. Eat chocolate in moderation; 3 do not eat processed chocolate. Share this information with friends and loved ones as you add this delectable sweet to your health-conscious diet.