Thursday, July 29, 2010

Life on Tracks and Roads - An Overview of Public Transportation Systems

Public transportation plays an important role in day to day life of a common man. More than 50% of people in India use public transportation for reaching their destinations. I was very much impressed by the transportation facilities of Chennai. The government of Tamil Nadu plays a major role in this area. It gives importance for the comfort of the public by providing different means of reliable and cheap transport. It is a very big city with a population of lakhs of people. Accessing the nook and corner of Chennai at any time of a day is very easy with the well established suburban trains and road transport system.
Suburban trains are used as a medium for transport by thousands of people daily. The punctuality and frequency maintained by suburban trains are highly appreciable. The timings of the train are planned according to the requirement. There are numerous trains within every 5 minutes during the peak hours, i.e.; morning and evening, when most people travel. All major locations are connected through suburban tracks and these trains are also very cheap and affordable to common man. The trains also have separate first class compartment which have good seating facility at a little higher rate. I made a mistake once while travelling on a suburban train with one of my friends. We were traveling in the suburban train for the first time and also we were new to the city. We took the tickets for ordinary compartment and accidentally went in to first class without noticing it. Actually we didn't know that such separate class was existed. After travelling nearly half of the way the ticket examiner came to examine the tickets. We just showed him the tickets without knowing that we were in the wrong compartment. He understood that we came in by mistake. He explained to us that the ticket we took was not for the first class. We were shocked to hear that the fine was more than 250 rupees for one person. But he was a very nice person. He was kind enough that he took the fine for only a single person.
Another major mode of public transport is the Buses from the Transport Corporation of Chennai. Buses are accessible to all the parts of the city where the trains cannot go. Buses connecting to various locations also play a vital role in day to day life. The bus routes are identified by numbers or codes which help people who are not familiar with the regional language. Buses also have various classes ranging from ordinary, deluxe, Volvo and so on with different comfort zones. Various tariffs are implemented for different people to choose travel facility as per the thickness of their wallets. Share autos also do remarkable service for transportation. You can choose share autos for short distance travel. You can also avail the facilities of call taxi at a very reasonable rate.
Autos are also a medium for public transport chosen by many people. But it is very expensive. The reason for this is that the government does not have any control over the charges imposed by these autos. As there is a huge amount to be spent for availing the transport permit for autos, the drivers are charging too high to recover that amount. The interesting fact I noticed is that their charges always ends with a zero. They do not care about the meter readings or they don't set the meters. I do not know why the government or the transport authority is maintaining silence in this matter.
The government of Tamil Nadu has set an example to other states by controlling the fares of transportation. The effort of the government to control the transport cost against the frequent rise in fuel prices is much appreciable. It has not raised the bus fares for the last 8 years. Flyovers are constructed in most of the areas which makes travelling easy through these roads. The conditions of the road are maintained in a well appreciable manner which reduces the accidents and the wideness of the roads wipes out the anticipated traffic jams. The role of domestic air transport is also playing a key role in meeting the day to day requirements of many people. It is common to see people travelling by domestic air to various cities and come back the same day after completing their job. To add with, the government has started extending the metro rail to improve the transport facility even better.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Notary Public Online Courses

To receive a notary public license, you must fulfill a number of requirements such as filling out an application, paying a fee to the commissioning authority, taking a notary public course and passing an exam. However, these requirements vary from state to state in the US. A notary public course provides you with the training and tools needed to pass the examination on notary laws and procedures. Local colleges and universities usually offer notary public courses.
Anyone thinking about attending a notary public class but cannot find a local institution that fits into their schedule, might want to consider an online notary public institute. Online notary learning is growing in fame as a tool for a solid education. Individuals can begin and study online any time from the comfort of their houses, offices or any place with Internet access.
Notary public online courses provide the same quality of education offered by a traditional campus. It is important to make sure that the online course fulfills the particular state?s requirements for a notary license. Legitimate online schools allow candidates to talk to their qualified students for references.
Many institutes now offer online preparatory courses in notary public learning. Notary Law Institute, Pennsylvania Association of Notaries, Notaries Equipment Company, Atlantic Bonding Company Inc., and American Society of Notaries are a few among America's leading experts on notary public training and education. Most of them aim at online notary public classes nationwide.
For the applicant?s convenience, the online classes offer system-automated registration and payment plans. Many institutes provide a protected way of payment through the use of SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) protocol. Applicants have the option to pay either by PayPal or an online credit card. Online course materials are written in simple language to guarantee a trouble free and complete learning experience.
It is easier than ever to learn notary public laws and procedures through online courses. It is advisable to make sure you choose an institute that offers the courses you need, and follow through with references.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Agency Nursing Jobs - Alleviating the Pressure on the Public Health System

Nurse retention has become a workplace priority in hospitals and public health institutions. Recent studies have shown that the cost of replacing one nurse can equate to the yearly salary of that nurse, with the required training and loss in productivity that the disruption of services creates. However, it is becoming clear that the one-size-fits-all recruitment and retention programs offered by health institutions do not address the priorities and expectations of newer generations of nurses. According to the Journal of Nursing Scholarship, new graduates have shown that personal attention from the manager and input into hospital decisions appeal to the needs and desires of the generation X and Y worker.
The current nurse workforce continues to be challenged by shortages, competency issues, safety concerns and image problems. The continuing instability of the economy and erratic nurse re-entry into hospital practice for financial reasons have further contributed to the difficulties of recruitment, retention and effective management of nursing services.
The International Journal of Nursing Studies recently released an article that highlighted that the current international nursing shortage and the emphasis on developing quality practice environments has led forward thinking public and private health organisations to implement new workforce policies to address the growing shortages and need to improve services. One of the main strategies to achieving these goals is through the productive use of agency staff to fill available nursing jobs.
Agency nursing refers to the nursing services provided by agency nurses employed on a casual contract basis. The continuing shortage of nurses combined with an increased demand for their services have contributed to a greater reliance on agency nurses. As a result, nursing recruitment agencies are retaining and evolving their importance as staffing resources for those public and private health institutions that are suffering from shortages of nursing staff. The benefits of utilising a reputable recruitment agency to secure agency nursing jobs is well documented, with the most repeated advantage being control over their work scheduling.
Furthermore, the potential employee pool of professional nurses has traditionally been new graduates and foreign nurses. The foreign nurse pool is drying up because of global depletions of nurse supplies. According to a research report issued by Tulgan, the most reliable potential nurse pool continues to be the emerging workforce. Those that are in the process of training, are recent nursing graduates or those who are furthering their education with postgraduate studies, are becoming an increasingly important source of new nurses. Both local and international nursing students do not have the required time to dedicate to a full time nursing positions, and as a result, utilise professional nursing agencies to locate and secure appropriate agency nursing jobs.
As the model of nursing employment evolves, it is apparent that the importance of agency nursing positions will play an increasingly important role in providing quality and educated staff to fill the nursing shortages and enable public and private healthcare institutions to meet their organisational health goals.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

The Root Of The Injustice In Our Political System

With the recent turmoil in our economy, the uncertainties shown on Wall Street, and the inconsistent if not blatantly "disconnected" thinking we find in our elected officials; do you ever wonder just why things are going wrong?? Well, I have always felt that it is because once a person decides to enter public service and face our political system, that person immediately becomes a "victim" in that he/she is required to seek monetary support in order to pursue their political goals (no matter how "noble" or "pure" they are initially). It is a simply a matter of fact, precipitated by human nature, that campaign contributors "EXPECT a RETURN on their INVESTMENT". So when one accepts money in support of their campaign, there comes with it an "IOU for that expectation" which will inevitably be "called in".

So how can anyone, then, expect a politician to act and/or make decisions with a clear reliance on simply the facts or whatever may be in the best interest of the constituents?? It simply can't and won't happen!

Until we find a way to get our elected officials into office without having "sold away their souls" it will never happen. I often thought that it was admirable for individuals like Ross Perot and Malcolm Forbes, who ostensibly could afford to run for office with their own funds and did not need to raise money from "supporters", to try to truly change things. But such efforts on any "individual" basis is also simply in vain!! Any solution will require a CHANGE in the way ALL our elected officials are chosen.
So, how can this be done??

There could be a host of methods... but ALL MUST eliminate the need for acquiring campaign funds.
First, we obviously have an overwhelming ability these days to "host" all the necessary campaigning through the mammoth media network we have...TV, Radio, Internet, Print, etc,etc...

A system similar as has been done with "Pres. & VP Debates" could be expanded upon and developed on both local and national levels with the time and cost being paid for by advertisers (as is always done anyway). ALL Candidates would be allocated equal time and opportunity to discuss issues and their platforms in all the media outlets. No need for "handshaking", baby-kissing, and buying $3,000 plate dinners. I have always felt that they were ridiculous in the first place. Most importantly, there would be no need for any candidate to "obligate" oneself for any "IOU" promised for campaign money!!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Wealthy Domestic Abuse Survivors - Why the Affluent Fall Through the Cracks of Public Services

When it comes to healthcare, the wealthy are considered privileged. Yet when that care involves the social services of domestic violence intervention, the wealthy fall through the cracks of the system. Why?
Because one wealthy family has the potential to utilize the resources of an entire annual budget for a domestic violence victims' program. The net result of this is the wealthy often fall through the cracks of domestic violence assistance services.
When families of marginal means require domestic abuse services, they are easily managed through public domestic abuse agencies. Yet, when women of greater means come knocking at the door, they can be told "your case is a career," "the staff resources you may require could utilize, or even exceed, our entire annual budget."
I believe this is one of the reasons upper middle class women linger in what I call the "family violence transition zone" longer than their less economically advantaged counterparts. And the damage to these women in limbo aggravates their circumstances and compounds the aftermath of their trauma.
If you are in an affluent family and in an abusive relationship, you do not have to prolong your exit to safety, stability and well-being. If you are turned down for assistance, you do not have to give up on "getting out," or getting help, or most definitely on yourself.
Seek to uncover services suitable to you through professional networks. And call upon the public services for that which can be offered to you by them at little cost. Leaving an abusive relationship can be difficult and if you deal directly with the "money factor" in this sector of social services, you will walk this road with less frustration and disenchantment.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Ensuring That You Live Near Public Transportation

Purchasing your own home is a big step. A step that has many considerations you must take into account. While the neighborhood and crime rate is important, there is one common criterion that gets overlooked. That being public transportation.

Today more than ever we face a global crisis when it comes to population and energy. In order to help the green movement, you should choose a location near public transportation.

Although using public transportation is good for the environment, it also has a lot of other benefits. For example, your children will learn a lot from this method of transport.

By using public transportation, you can rest easy knowing your children are safe. This is especially true if your schedule does not allow you to drive them to places. When they grow into their teenage years and begin driving, they may just opt for public transportation if they want to save money on gas.

Of course, the most obvious reason for using public transport is the fact that you are helping the environment. It certainly saves on emissions and money you would usually spend on gas.

Furthermore, using public transport can also significantly reduce the amount of stress you have. You will no longer be getting frustrated with daily commutes or traffic jams. You may even find yourself with some free time - giving you the chance to read a report or catch up on certain assignments.

You may just be surprised by how much more refreshing it is to have another person do the driving. Not only that, but the cost savings you are benefiting from.

Often times when a community has a well developed public transportation system; it will also have a large array of other benefiting services you will be able to use. For the above reasons, take a serious consideration for an area with public transport.