Exploration of Struggles with Credit Cards in Maxed Out by...

Credit cards have become increasingly popular world-wide, making it easier to buy now and pay later but are they actually helping or hindering someone’s credit? â€Å"Maxed Out† by James D. Scurlock demonstrates how credit cards can hurt someone’s credit, while â€Å"Why Won’t Anyone give Me a Credit Card† by Kevin O’Donnell demonstrates how someone may have financial stability to pay off a credit card, but still be consistently denied one by the credit card companies. Owning credit cards is not the problem; the problem is being irresponsible with it. James D Scurlock’s â€Å"Maxed Out† focused on the revolving use of credit cards to charge now and pay later and the fact that once the credit card was maxed out another one was sent from the credit card companies and the whole process begins all over again. Scurlock’s essay made the reader aware of the downfalls and hardships that can occur when credit cards are constantly used for purchases compared to Kevin O’Donnell’s â€Å"Why Won’t Anyone give Me a Credit Card†. O’Donnell’s essay explored the opposite of Scurlock’s, his essay was geared more towards the fact of not owning a credit card prior to entering the professional world. He explored his point through an educated professional man, who was constantly denied an unsecured credit card in spite of having a full time employment, no monthly house payments, no finances owed to other lenders and no dependents that need to be taken care of. When looking at the effectiveness of both essays, one

Com176 outline and thesis statement - 1246 Words

University of Phoenix Material Outline and Thesis Statement Guide Create an outline that includes details that support your thesis. Identify at least three main points and at least two supporting details per main point. Write all supporting details and subdetails in complete sentences. Include both in-text citations in the outline and a references page following the outline. Many of your supporting details and subdetails will need in-text citations. Outline only the body of your paper (not your introduction or conclusion). Avoid bias and present a balanced case for your thesis—this will strengthen your writing. Your thesis statement: Societies dependence and advancement in technology are increasingly rising;†¦show more content†¦Here in the United States the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Federal White Collar Crime Center (NW3C) partnered and established the IC3, which is the Internet Crime Complaint Center. This is a central place where Internet crimes can be reported and then those crimes will be investigated and transferred to the appropriate law enforcement agencies as well as appropriate regulatory agencies. 1. The Internet crimes can often overlap between fraud and other crimes. Because of these overlapping crimes it is important the there is communication and cooperation between our own agencies and international agencies. 2. Discuss the level of cooperation between our law enforcement agencies and international agencies and the problems they face. B. The overwhelming amount of Internet fraud and crimes on individuals, small business, financial institutions can be overwhelming for law enforcement because of the lack of fully trained, qualified investigators. Basically we have more crime that we have laws and law enforcement officials can handle. 1. We must have sufficient laws against these particular crimes. Our judicial system faces challenges in developing the laws against the crimes. The other problem that law enforcement faces is the collection of evidence and the fine line between public and private information available online. In some cases there have been problems with collecting evidence and their relation to the first and

Computer Crimes And The Most Famous One Is Hacking

There are many types of computer crimes and the most famous one is hacking. Hacking is the ability of gaining unauthorized access to systems or resources. Hacking is now commonly defined as someone breaking into a computer system. Trojan Horses is a program designed to breach the security of a computer system. An example of this is someone writing a seemingly harmless program, while the program really contains harmful code and data. There have even been programs that were â€Å"Trojan Horses†. These programs were supposed to search and find viruses, but the program turned out to be viruses itself. Another type of computer crime is a worm. A computer worm replicates itself in order to spread to other computers. Worms can continually duplicate themselves until they slow or halt other tasks of a computer. This is usually the time when a worm is noticed. Worms can also be very harmful in networks. A worm can travel to a network and clog it up to the point of harming the computer. It then just gets up and moves to another network that becomes another victim of its destruction... The last computer crime I would like to talk about is theft. This crime occurs when a person violates copyrights and downloads music, movies, games and software. There are even peer sharing websites such as bittorrent.com, bear share, and utorrent.com. These torrents and websites allows software piracy and many of these websites are now being targeted by the FBI. Today, the justice system is addressingShow MoreRelatedHacking Is The Responsibility Of The Computer System920 Words   |  4 Pagesof the computer system to provide adequate security to keep hackers at bay are completely wrong. Neither their argument nor their perspective holds ground. Before we look into the reasons behind why they are wrong, it is important to first comprehend in detail about hacking and hackers. So what is hacking? The term hacking was first promoted by the famous MIT between 1950s and 1960s. 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PCs are Better than Macs for Home Users Essay Example For Students

PCs are Better than Macs for Home Users Essay For years, Macs and PCs have been competing for home users. Apple has recently released the new iMac, and the notebook version of the iMac the iBook. Even though several years ago, Macs were better than PCs, now, PCs are better than Macs for home users in terms of performance and expansion options. To some consumers, performance is often the most important factor in buying a computer. Performance doesnt necessarily mean how well the computer performs potentially, but only on specific tasks. Both iBook and iMac are designed for home users, most of whom neither care about number of floating-point operations per second, nor know what it means. Very few home users will pay $500 for Photoshop 5.0 to edit photos on their PC. The more likely uses for home computers are: word processing, browsing the Internet, and 3-D gaming. Since the most popular word processor is developed by Microsoft and allegedly optimized for Windows, it would be unfair to compare the Mac version of MS Word with the W indows version. However, comparing the performance in 3-D games and the Internet is fair. Even though PC Magazine specializes in PCs, it reviewed the iBook as soon as it came out. The article focused on performance of the iBook and compared it to a similar IBM-compatible notebook. Since there are no new IBM-compatible notebooks that match iBooks specifications, PC Magazine decided to use the notebook they believed to be closest to iBook the IBM ThinkPad iSeries 1480. They have very few similarities: the both notebooks are available in different colors, and neither notebook has the fastest processor from its platform. Apple claims that its notebooks are up to twice as fast as comparable Microsoft Windows-based portables (qtd. in Hill 53). This statement is very vague it doesnt say how they compared the portables, and what Apple meant by comparable. Since similar statements have been made about iMac, speed will be discussed in the next section; for now, lets make sure that PC Magazine selected an appropriate notebook. The G3 processor from the iBook is one generation behind Mac desktops, whereas the ThinkPads Celeron is two generations behind other IBM-compatible notebooks. Even though Celeron is somewhat obsolete, it runs at 466 MHz versus G3s 300 MHz. Since neither processor is top-of-the-line, and both notebooks are in the same price range, it is safe to conclude that the two notebooks are comparable. Apple declares that fast, easy access to the Internet is among the features that made the world fall in love with the iMac (Apple). As mentioned earlier, the Internet performance is one of the uses for home computers and should be thoroughly tested. In their review, PC Magazine uses i_Bench to test the Internet performance. According to i_Bench tests, ThinkPad outperforms the iBook on almost every test (Hill 53). The only exception is the test of QuickTime Transition Effects the iBook is faster than the ThinkPad (Hill 53). Apples QuickTime is one of many formats for viewing compressed video on the Internet and is rarely used because of poor compression quality. QuickTime should not be used to test the computers performance for several reasons: it is rarely used, and is most likely optimized for Macs. On the other hand, The Java Virtual Machine test should be looked at more carefully. Java is a platform-independent programming language originally designed by Sun Corporation for anothe r operating system, and is currently used for writing programs for the Internet. This test runs several Java programs within a browser, which simulates ordinary Internet browsing better than QuickTime. The ThinkPad impressively outperformed the iBook with the a score of 43,766 versus just 23,872 (Hill 53). Comparing the iMacs with IBM-compatible desktops creates the same problem finding the PC that is comparable to the iMac. Dave Glue, a programming student, sums up this problem in one sentence: If youre going to downgrade the PC to exactly match the iMacs MHz rating and hard disk, youll have a significantly cheaper PC than the iMac. Even when comparing computers of equal price, another problem appears they run two completely different operating systems. Apple uses BYTEmark (Apple), which tests the processors integer and floating point capabilities (Byte) to compare Macs with PCs on both operating systems. Byte claims that BYTEmark simulates real applications (Byte), but it does not explain why Macs perform so poorly in real applications even though iBooks receive the score two times higher than PCs. The Self Assessment Of College Students EssayComputer industry changes every month; what was considered top-of-the-line a couple of months ago, is now obsolete and no longer in production. There are two ways to keep up with the constantly changing technology: buy a new computer every time a faster one comes out, or simply upgrade your old computer (Perry xvii). Adding more RAM, changing hard drive, replacing CPU, and installing a new video accelerator, can greatly improve computers performance. Installing TV-tuners, CD-recorders, and audio cards, adds new functionality to computers. However, in order to add components, computer must have room for expansion, which Macs lack. One would expect a lot of from a 6.6-pound notebook. However, iBook disappoints with very limited expansion options it so desperately needs. Among the things that need to be added are: speakers, because the sound is horrible (Hill 53); a DVD drive, because the 24X CD-ROM is outdated, and a floppy disk drive, which doesnt come with the system. As Hill states in his review of the iBook: There is no PC Card slot, no floppy disk drive, no serial or parallel ports, and just a single-channel USB-port (53). That means that iBook can only use one USB-based device unless an external hub is added; which defeats the purposes of a portable. Almost all IBM-compatible notebooks come standard with the ports mentioned above. The PC Card slots can accept many devices including multimedia cards and SCSI controllers (Perry 351; Norton 418), none of which will be available for the iBook. Basically, users are stuck with the iMac the way it is sold. The only possible option for expansion is adding memory, because the single USB port will probably be used for an external floppy disk drive. The iMac offers slightly better expansion options that the iBook. Besides an additional USB port, the iMac has two FireWire ports. FireWire is currently used only for transfer of images from digital video cameras, and is standard on many desktops including Sony Slimtop. The 24X CD-ROM is replaced by 4X DVD drive, but there is still no floppy drive. Unless users add an USB hub they cannot upgrade further, because a keyboard uses one USB port, and a floppy disk drive will take up the other port. This means that in order to add a printer, the user will have to purchase a sixty-dollar USB hub that will match the tangerine case. Apple does not give users a lot of choice for expansion users can only add external devices because there are no PCI slots. PCI is an internal bus that runs approximately ten times faster than USB, and supports many devices such as SCSI controllers, that USB does not. Also, the memory expansion is limited in terms of memory types. The iMac supports only 100 MHz SDRAM; whereas PCs support 133 MHz SDRAM and the new 800 MHz RDRAM, which greatly improves performance (Norton 285). Also, iMacs RAGE 128 VR video accelerator cannot be replaced with a faster GeForce-based video accelerator because it is designed for PCs and is not compatible with Macs. Most home users dont want to spend thousands of dollars on buying a new computer each year. PC owners have a wide choice of components for their computers, and can save money in the long run by upgrading PCs instead of replacing them. As one can see, theres no reason to buy a Mac because PCs for home users are better in every way. Home users do not care about Photoshop performance because they will never use a photo-editing program designed for professionals; however, performance on the Internet and in 3D games is important. The IBM-compatible platform gives more options for future upgrades, faster computers, and the good looks of iMac. Bibliography:Perry, Vivian, ed. PC Upgrading ; Maintenance. Alameda, CA: SYBEX Inc., 1997Norton, Peter and John Goodman. Inside the PC. Indianapolis, IN: Sams Publishing, 1997Hill, Jon. iBook Report. PC Magazine. 1 Dec. 1999: 53Rupley, Sebastian. iMac Overhaul. PC Magazine. 1 Dec. 1999: 34

Why Are so Many People over the Age of Twenty-One Entering College free essay sample

Once I began my journey in this teacher room and the way she carry herself I felt great in this classroom. My first year here at Thurgood Marshall I didn’t know what I was getting into I didn’t like my freshmen teacher ms Mack, My sophomore year with ms Biddle was great I love her so much she could really be my grandmother. And now my junior year Ms. Metoyer is my favorite teacher for 2012-2013. The conversation that I remember was saying about how she expect her class to be, how she work, and she also let us know what she will be teaching this year. If you continue reading then you will find out. The reason why Ms. Metoyer is my favorite teacher is because she is very concern about her students. when I first came to Ms. Metoyer class I did see a lot of stupid people that really don’t need to be in that class One when I was taking her exam I felt like I can pass her exam, but when I came to her she said, â€Å"No one pass my exam but one person I had to give 30 points†. We will write a custom essay sample on Why Are so Many People over the Age of Twenty-One Entering College? or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page I realize that I didn’t want to fail her class but when she told me that I start thanking her because I need that. I was thinking in my head that a lot of people need to change their schedule if they are not going to do any work. Every since I have been going to school I hate ELA because the teachers was too mean. Some teachers do not know how to talk to people, my freshmen teacher Mrs. Mack always recorrecting someone even if they just asking her a question. Ms Biddle stand out of the word mean she is a sweet lady she will not harm you but she will be honest with you. Ms. Metoyer work on a high level with her students because she wants her students to succeed.

Value Creation in the Global Apparel Industry free essay sample

The apparel industry is considered a buyer driven, highly profitable and fast moving industry, and it is therefore imperative for Zara to understand the external environment in order to maintain its dominance. Although Zara’s value chain is difficult to copy, Zara must continually look out for new threats and opportunities, and be prepared to instantly move on them with new strategies and state of the-art- technologies. Competitive Environment: Zara’s principal key issue is rivalry in the apparel retailing market, mainly from GAP and HM. Swedish HM differs from Zara because they outsource all of their production, spend more money on advertising and are price oriented. Likewise, they are both European based companies, fashion forward at lower price retailers and have a strong international expansion strategy. U. S. -based Gap has a number of advantages, including brand recognition, more stores and bigger revenues. In does not have however Zara’s cheap chic fashion appeal. We will write a custom essay sample on Value Creation in the Global Apparel Industry or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Economic Environment: As the market is labor intensive despite continually advancing technology, labor costs are a major issue. While more and more retailers source from low labor cost countries to benefit from the cost advantages associated with it, Zara insists on sourcing mainly from Europe and relying on its in-house design and production, which provides advantages such as short lead times, effective logistics control and high response rates to clothing trends. The major impact of currency rates on operational and labor costs make Zara financially vulnerable due to the European currency’s strong value. Political Environment: More than 40 percent of Zara’s garments are manufactured in Spain. Although this ensures timely delivery and service, any disruption caused by uncontrollable political factors, such as terrorist attacks from the Basque separatist group Eta, which is very active in the country, could shut down nearly half of the production and affect Zara dramatically. Socio-cultural Environment: Zara’s expansion plans include markets such as the U. S. and Asia.

The Effects of Nuclear Weapons on Plants, Animals and Humans

The Effects of Nuclear Weapons on Plants, Animals and Humans Purpose of the research: The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effects of nuclear weapons on plants, animals and humans. The hypothesis for this research is that nuclear weapons-related radiation has far reaching consequences on the health and the general welfare of the affected human population, and also affects animals as well as plants in the affected area.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Effects of Nuclear Weapons on Plants, Animals and Humans specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Research Methods: This research paper is based on a review of literature. My point of research will be internet data gathered from different websites, which have documented research findings on the subject of nuclear weapons and their effect on the plants, humans and animals. The research paper is based on the facts found during the research. Introduction To date, Hiroshima and Nagasaki goes down in history as the two surviving cities where nuclear weapons were used during the World War 2 and to devastating effects. Apart from the instant deaths that occurred right after Americans bombed Hiroshima and three days later, Nagasaki, thousands of deaths have been registered due to radiation related illnesses occurring from the two bombs. Although there are no accurate numbers of the deaths in Hiroshima, the United Nations estimates that by December 1945, the death count was at about 140,000 people (Sublette, 1997; Walker, 2005). The Nagasaki death count on the other hand is estimated at 70,000 people. Apart from the deaths, the survivors and their descendants continue registering bodily injuries and other damaging effects to date (US dept. of Energy, 2007). Literature review According to D’Arrigo (2004), radiation is â€Å"energy that travels in waves†. Unfortunately for humans, radiation can not be smelled, felt, seen or heard. In a nuclear weapon blast, nuclear radiation is usually 15 percent of the activity, with 50 percent of the explosion being presented as blast energy and the remaining 35 percent as thermal energy (atomic archives, 2008). Of the 15 percent nuclear radiation, 5 percent affects animals, plants and humans as the initial radiation. Such occurs within a very short period of the explosion usually less than three minutes (atomarchive.com, 2008, p.1). The remaining 10 percent nuclear radiation is gradual, which involves radioactivity of fission products usually present in the weapon debris, residue and explosion fallout. Fallout radiation usually occurs minutes after the nuclear explosion and happens from radioactive distributed in the air above the explosion site during the explosion. Advertising Looking for research paper on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The radioactive particles eventually fall to the ground. In the rainy season, the rain water carries t he contaminated water to wider areas therefore causing more radiation effects to plants and animals. Naturally, the earth releases natural radiation that affects human being, animals and plants and can lead to cancers in both animals and humans. In the case of the World War II bombings, the radiation that occurred during the two bombs led to fatalities within a 500 meters radius of where the bomb was dropped. However, people as far as five kilometers from the bombing place would later start developing symptoms of radiation poisoning, which included radiation related cancers. According to Linsley (1997), the environment has cosmic radiation that exposes all organisms to natural radionuclide. However, nuclear weapons contain artificial radionuclide, which have higher adverse effects than those that occur naturally. D’Arrigo (2004), states that uranium that is usually found in the ground lacks in the concentration and the interactivity that would negatively affect the environmen t to great levels. However, human beings have over the years learnt the art of mining the same, enriching it and converting it to gaseous forms such as Uranium-234, Uranium-235 and Uranium-238 among others (Auxier, 2004). The enriched Uranium is then used as nuclear reactors, nuclear power or fuel. While the fuel form may seem like the least harmful to human beings, D’Arrigo (2004) states that every link in the fuel chain creates radioactive emissions, which are released into the environment consequently adding to the background radiation that affects human, plants and other organisms. That aside, there is growing concern that the nuclear weapons even though never used on the human population again since World War II, continue releasing radiation to the environment during creation and testing. The negative effects in radiation comes from ionized radiation, which according to D’Arrigo (2004) breaks molecular bonds hence causing erratic chemical reactions. According to D’Arrigo (2004), ionizing radiation is the energy or matter produced by an unstable atom’s nucleus as it decays or tries to reach a stable state. The energy released is either in form of waves (X rays or gamma rays) or subatomic particles (beta and alpha). Uranium, which is used in the production of nuclear weapons, is among the radioactive elements that result in man-made radiation and radionuclide.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Effects of Nuclear Weapons on Plants, Animals and Humans specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More When radiation hits the cells or tissues of living organisms, it either damages or kills it. According to D’Arrigo (2004), a damaged cell is well able to rejuvenate and heal correctly. However, this does not happen all the time. In some cases, the cells or tissues repair incorrectly thus impairing their ability to grow or reproduce or it can repair incorrectly, but still reproduce. When the latter happens, the defects of the cell or tissue are passed over to subsequent generations. Nuclear radiation has also been found to reduce the immunity of animals and human beings drastically thus compromising their ability to fight off diseases (Sublette, 1997). More to this, radiation causes mutations in the body cells, and especially in the defective body cells thus meaning that the spread of cancer is more probable in people and animals exposed to nuclear radiation than people in normal environments (D’Arrigo, 2004; Pike, 1998). Testing of nuclear weapons continue releasing ionizing radiation pollutants into the environment. According to Catcott (2003, p. 228), the effect of ionizing radiation released by such tests takes two forms; 1) acute radiation effects, 2) long-term or delayed effects. In Acute radiation effects, signs of injury develop within hours and could last up-to weeks after exposure. Such effects occur to areas close enough to the testing sites. Long term or delayed effects on the other hand are not immediately noticeable, but eventually, the effects lead to the development of different types of cancers among the affected population, shortened life spans, which involves non-specific aging and/or mutation effects in the genes of the affected population. The latter could last for generations following the initial exposure to ionizing radiation. According to Glasstone Dolan (1977, p. 542), radiation in nuclear weapons either occurs as nuclear radiation or thermal radiation. Of these, nuclear radiation is the most intense, often palling in comparison to the effects of the blast and the thermal radiation. This however greatly varies according to the position of the nuclear attack. An air bust, a surface burst and an underground burst would all have different levels of radiation. Using the World War II airburst nuclear attacks on the two cities in Japan as an example, Glasstone Dolan (1977, p. 543) concludes that the kind of shelter that people (and animals) are during nuclear attacks affect the level of their exposure to radiation. Statistics on deaths and injuries during the Japanese attacks indicate that people who were outdoors died most, while those inside wooden structured suffered more casualties than those housed in brick or concrete buildings. Research findings Burns According to Glasstone Dolan(1977, p. 560), nuclear weapons-related thermal radiation causes burns on people and animals directly through the absorption of radiant energy through the skin or indirectly through heating and consequent of ignition of clothes. Advertising Looking for research paper on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Direct burns are referred to as â€Å"flash burns† since they are caused by the flash that occurs when the nuclear fireball releases the thermal radiation. Indirect burns on the other hand are known as â€Å"flame burns† or â€Å"contact burns†, and are similar to skin burns sustained during ordinary fires or through contact with hot objects. In the Japanese case, Glasstone Dolan (1977, p. 565), notes that the flash burns were more than flame burns. This was especially because the two bombs targeted highly populated areas, and the fact that the weather in Japan at that time was warm. In Nagasaki alone, it is reported that 42,000 people suffered flash burns in areas as far as 1.1 miles away from the nuclear bomb. Less serious cases of flash burns were reported as far as 2.6 miles from the nuclear bomb site (Glasstone Dolan, 1977, p. 566). Radiation contamination According to Catcott (2003, p. 227), radiation from nuclear weapon testing contaminate human and ani mals’ food chain. The radioactive elements deposited in the soil, are eventually taken up by plants or washed into the water bodies. The plants may be eaten directly as human food, or are eaten by animals, which may end up on the dinner table. While current statistics indicate that contamination through such means is negligible at the moment, not research has ever found how much the human body can tolerate the contaminated food supply chain. Researchers however indicate that there is bound to be some long-term biological effects on animals and humans if the radiation-contaminated food continues to be eaten (Catcott, 2003, p. 230) Eye Injury According to Glasstone Dolan (1977, p. 567), nuclear radiation can also cause Keratitis- an eye condition where the cornea becomes inflamed. In cases where thermal radiation exposure to the eyes is high, permanent cornea opacity can occur. This happens because the cornea is the transparent part of the eye, which registers thermal energy received as part of the spectrum by the eye in normal circumstances. This is however a reversible condition and most people regain normal eyesight in approximately three years (Glasstone Dolan, 1977, p. 570). Researchers however suggest that if a nuclear explosion is to be conducted in the night, when it is usually dark and hence the eye pupil is bigger, the thermal radiation would be more intense. More to this, they also suggest that if the nuclear fireball occurs near the visual proximity of most people, the effects of the thermal radiation would also be dire. According to the researchers however, the fact that the pupil is often shielded from intense light from the eyelids comes as a mitigating factor since it the lids would prevent the inner eye from too much exposure to the thermal radiation (Glasstone Dolan, 1997, p. 571). The bright flash that accompanies a nuclear weapon detonation usually produces two effects to the eyes: retinal burns and flash-blindness. Retinal burns are permanent injuries to the eyes, which happens when the retinal tissue if exposed to excess temperatures. This is especially the case when a person looks directly at a fireball thus exposing their eyes to the intense heat generated by the fireball. According to Glasstone Dolan (1977, p. 571), the primary pigmented cells in the eye absorbs most of the radiation energy generated during a fireball explosion and consequently increases the temperature in the eye. Temperature increases of between 12 to 20 degrees centigrade in the eye, causes thermal injury, which injures not only the pigmented layers, but the adjoining rods and cones. This in turn causes permanent visual loss in the affected part of the retina. According to Glasstone Dolan (1977, p. 571), humans are naturally inclined to look at an exploding fireball thus increasing their chances of suffering retinal damages. However, unless the damage to the retina is expansive, some people rarely notice they have suffered any d amages. This is especially the case when the damage is minor and centrally located along the central axis of one’s vision. The latter is the temporary impairment of sight, which occurs from the bleaching â€Å"rods and cones†, which act as the light sensitive elements in the retina. This condition can occur in people and animals that look directly at the fireball, or from scattered light affecting the eyes of people and animals that were looking elsewhere when the fireball exploded. Sufferers of flash blindness (even in cases where nuclear weapons are not involved), state that their entire visual fields are blurred out and in their place the bright afterimage of the fireball or any other bright light remains as the constant image. This however only last for a few minutes before the affected people regains their normal vision. Ionization and its effect on living organisms According to Glasstone Dolan (1977, p. 575), the harmful effects registered in nuclear weapons-re lated radiations are mainly from the ionization and excitation processes, which occur in cells of a living organism once it is exposed to the radiation. When ionization occurs, some cell constituents responsible for its normal functioning are either destroyed or altered. More to this, the products that are formed as cells react to the radiation may be poisonous to the cell, and may result in chromosome breakages, swollen nucleus, swollen cells, increased cell fluid viscosity, weaker cell membranes and hence higher permeability, or even overall destruction of the affected cells. Iodizing radiation not only breaks or damages the chromosomes but also damages the DNA when the unstable compounds and free radicals are formed when molecules in the body react with the radiation compounds. More to this Sublette (1997), states that the reactions in the cells interfere with the normal cell chemistry hence resulting in immediate effects on both the replication and metabolic processes. The lon g term effects mainly relate to the genetic structure of the affected population, and this is usually passed over to their offspring’s. Further research suggests that when a cell is exposed to radiation, mitosis (cell division) is less frequent. In such a case, the normal replacement cycle for the cells in inhibited this affecting the general well being of the organism. In the event of a nuclear explosion, the immediate radiation would cause burn and eye infections as discussed above, but the long-term effects would take anything between several weeks to almost a millennia in plants, animals as well as human beings (Glasstone Dolan, 1977. P. 576; Pike, 1998). In addition to the burns and the effects to the eyes, animals and humans suffer other symptoms immediately or weeks after suffering the radiation exposure. Such include nausea, vomiting, malaise and loss of appetite. Glasstone Dolan (1977, p. 583) states that the higher the doses of radiation exposure one experiences, the higher the intensity of the symptoms. Usually, these symptoms disappear within a day or two of development only to re-appear after two or more weeks. This time however, they may include fever and diarrhea. Glasstone Dolan (1977, p. 583) further indicates that more often than not sufferers of nuclear radiation poisoning will start to hemorrhage in various body organs including the skin. Blood in the urine usually suggests that the kidneys too are bleeding. When hemorrhage occurs, it is an indication that the radiation affected the blood platelets and the clotting mechanism. Other symptoms seen as a result of nuclear weapons related radiation include loss of hair, and the body becoming more susceptible to disease, which it would normally be able to deal with. This is mainly because the radiation affects the white blood cells as well thus jeopardizing the body’s immunity. Bioaccumulation The radioactive materials released in the event of a nuclear explosion leads to the re lease if radionuclide into the environment. Accordingly, this leads to an increased circulation of the same in the biosphere. In such a case, the radionuclides end up in water bodies, plant tissues and animal tissue. According to D’arrigo (2004; Bushberg, 2009), this bioaccumulation of radionuclide ends in the biosphere affects animals on the high part of the food chain. Further, the effects to human beings who eat vegetables and meat from the same biosphere are undeniable. An example of the radionuclide harmful to both human and animal health is Strontium 90, which according to D’Arrigo (2004), mimics calcium and is thus deposited in the bones consequently causing leukemia or bone cancer. Cobalt on the other hand mimics vitamin B6. Conclusion The effects of nuclear weapons on human, animal and plant lives were laid bare by the Hiroshima and Nagasaki incidences in 1945. Research into the same subject suggest that nuclear radiation is able to cause short-term and long term misery to human and animal lives. As such, it is comprehensible even to the layman the fear that nuclear weapons elicit even to the world powers. Regulatory agencies have been put in place to ensure that necessary measures are put into place in order to protect human beings as well as animals from radiation. However, different experts allude that enough protective measures are not in place yet. Whether this is true or not remains to be seen. References Atomic archives (2008). The effects of nuclear weapons. Retrieved from: atomicarchive.com/Effects/index.shtml Auxier, J. A. (2004). The effects of Nuclear Weapons. Retrieved from: hps.org/hsc/documents/effects_of_nuclear_weapons.pdf Bushberg, J. T. (2009). Radiation exposure and contamination. The Merck Manuals. Retrieved from: merck.com/mmpe/sec21/ch317/ch317a.html Catcott, E. J. (2003). Effects of Air Pollution on animals. 221-232. Retrieved from http://whqlibdoc.who.int/monograph/WHO_MONO_46_(p221).pdf D’Arrigo, D. ( 2004). Ionizing radiation from nuclear power and weapons and its impacts on animals. 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