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Studies have demonstrated that the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic have not been equitable. Using survey data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Census Bureau, my research examines the employment rates for each industry within the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton tri-city area. Comparison of these rates indicates that the economy took a dramatic hit in the area of leisure and hospitality, which lost the highest percentage of its workers by far; workers in this category also have the lowest average salary and are disproportionately women and people of color. Because low-income workers, and more specifically women and people of color, were more likely to have lost their jobs, the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton economy cannot be considered equitable. Additionally, the
intersections of these social groups are evident, highlighting the necessity for government intervention in order to account for underlying inequalities.
Keywords: coronavirus, economy, pandemic, inequality, unemployment
This paper seeks to explain the factors that explain what makes Scandinavia so unique, successful, and prosperous. The first of the factors described is the education system, particularly in Finland. They spend less money and time on students yet see exemplary results. The second factor is the health of their people. They consistently rank at the top in life expectancy and other measures of health. The third factor is the economy. It is a unique blend of free markets with large social programs that also encourages small business. The last factor is both the historical and current high level of equality between genders in Scandinavia. This paper describes each of these factors in detail and explains how they contribute to a high standard of living.
Keywords: Scandinavia, Nordic, Education, Economy, Equality
This study examines the role that money plays in American politics, specifically focusing on the corrupting influence of dark money and Super PACs. The author outlines the role that money has played throughout American history and the laws governing the current system and analyzes the effect and corrupting influence that money has on each branch of American government: the executive, legislative, and judicial. A comparison is made between the role money plays in the American political system and the political systems of European nations. There is a discussion regarding the validity of money in American politics. The author concludes by presenting solutions to curb the unethical behaviors of dark money groups and Super PACs to decrease corruption, increase transparency, and shift the balance of power influencing politicians from the economic elite and special interest groups back to the American people.
Keywords: campaign finance, elections, Super PACs, dark money, Citizens United
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how people visit parks and protected areas, including participation in interpretive programs. This project investigated the impacts of COVID-19 on the number of programs offered, visitor attendance, staff workloads, safety precautions, and program goals. In the fall of 2020, we interviewed Alberta Parks’ visitor services coordinators and environmental education managers. Thematic analyses and descriptive statistics revealed that, because of COVID-19, fewer programs were offered, program attendance decreased, safety measures were implemented for visitors and staff, workload increased for interpretive staff and supervisors, and interpretive goals changed slightly. These results will help park interpreters, environmental educators, and park managers plan for and manage interpretive programs in order to make the programs safe.
Keywords: COVID-19, interpretation, parks, Alberta, impacts, programs
Children are uniquely sensitive to harmful environmental toxins, which can have a lifelong impact on brain development and behavioral functions (National Research Council, 1993). Children’s immature and undeveloped bodies are especially vulnerable to toxins, due to their physical and biological differences compared to adults. Adolescents are simply not little
adults (Landrigan & Goldman, 2018). Therefore, implementation of the U.S. Government regulations is crucial to protect pediatrics, and to educate parents and caregivers about the risk and dangers of environmental toxins. Common and toxic environmental toxins that can be encountered daily include; pesticides, lead, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), Bisphenol A (BPA), and talc. These frequent and harmful chemicals are often non-regulated, and are constantly persisting in our environment, posing adverse health effects on human health and development (Landrigan & Goldman, 2018).
Keywords: Environmental toxins, Health science, Pediatrics