PaY For Play Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

PaY For Play - Essay Example Sports players are a huge asset for the colleges because they enhance the college reputation and prestige. One of the realities of the current university and college system is that they derive a residual level of profitability from whatever sports programs that the school offers. This residual level of revenue has come to be an important funding stream that colleges and universities rely on to ameliorate the economic pressures of hard times. However, regardless of the degree of revenue that these institutions are able to garner as a result of their sports programs, the student athletes are not paid for their work outside the scholarships that they are oftentimes offered as an incentive to play the game. However, it is normally seen that the athletes or sportsmen have not given much consideration when it comes to upholding their rights. When it came to my college, I saw that our college athletes were not given due respect with regard to the reward structure. In our society college ath letes undergo much sacrifice and bring money but not be paid in return. I myself have been a football player in college and I understand what it means to be able to have spending money to survive during the university experience; a luxury that those not playing sports can readily achieve merely by picking up a part time job while in school. Thus, following inductive reasoning I can say that those college athletes who participate in major money making sports, such as football in the SEC, should be paid and not just in kind. The approach of ethos, pathos and logos is used in this paper to prove the point. For logical approach inductive reasoning is used based on facts, ethical appeal is used after considering views of different authors regarding payment of college athletes and an emotional appeal also lies underneath the arguments presented in the paper. Background of Sports Play at College and Problems in Pay for Play: Regulation regarding paying college athletes should be changed in order to compensate athletes and payment should be made mandatory. This is because these players bring in a lot of money and put in too much work for that without earning a paycheck. The idea of sports played in college came into existence during 1850. Soon after, sports achieved its place in the curriculum of the college activities. Gradually colleges started to prepare for the intercollegiate competition as a mean of boosting the self confidence and as a method of learning to overcome the obstacles in life. The first intercollegiate athletic competition held in America was secondary to the promotional wishes and was launched as a commercial venture. It has been regarded as the perfect physical activity and the desire of the young men. The competitive spirit and vigor which are parts of college sports enhanced the mental and physical pleasure of the students. The college authorities elaborately planned sports activities which motivated the students immensely and sports events at c ollege and national levels became a prestigious venture and money making phenomena for college authorities. The media kept the young athletes in the lime light and the scholarship provided by colleges to them stood as a bonus (Smith, 2011, pp. 1-8). However one should consider their importance to the colleges and their role as revenue earners in order to compensate them in cash and kind. Here lies the ethical appeal. Playing college sports has evolved to be an honor

International financial institutions, WTO and sustainable development Thesis Proposal

International financial institutions, WTO and sustainable development - Thesis Proposal Example The present approach to development recognizes that environmental and human rights protection is linked closely to economic growth and development (Kirk Herbertson). Kirk argues that the World Bank has invested in activities that promote sustainable development. But, the legal mandate of the World Bank has not changed to reflect this broader understanding (Kirk Herbertson).In the 1980 and 1990s, the World Bank demanded economic reforms. Now it allows the borrowing government to choose what is most appropriate for them. Sometimes governments demand funds for projects that are not environmentally sustainable. The civil society sometimes protests against such projects. In the recent past, World Bank has adopted policies to support sustainable development. In 2006, the Bank created its Sustainable Development Network. It provides financial support on issues such as climate change, agriculture, and natural resource management (Kirk Herbertson). The international financial institutions now serve more as advisors to government than regulators. Kirk further argues that in the next decade, the World Bank and other IFIs will play an important role in financing sustainable development. The IFI favourably responds to demands of government after considering the risk factors. Its fossil fuel related projects have grown.

Analyzing Pro Forma Statements Essay Example for Free

Analyzing Pro Forma Statements Essay Upper management has propositioned the financial analysis team to develop Pro Forma financial statements covering the next five years for the new product line that increases revenue in a similar but slightly different market. (The make-believe company is a restaurant group, the make-believe new product is pizza). The financial statement helps assess the possible financial impacts of pizza. The Pro Forma statements are based on the current year’s (2014) Balance Sheet and Profit/Loss Statement and are projected for an 18% increase in sales each year for the next five years. Analysis for the Pro Forma statement indicates that sales increases from the 2014 mark of $571,379 to $1,307,177 by the end of 2019. Consequently, the projected additional revenue will have the following financial, reflected on the Profit/Loss Statement: Cost of Goods Sold increases by $25,000 per year (pizza is a low cost product after the equipment and license overhead is paid for). Currently COGS is $182,129, after year five the COGS will be $282,129. Therefore projected gross profit will grow to $1,025,048 from $414,250 Wages increase by 12.5% in the first year because of the new hires. Every year after the wage expense increases 2.5% because of merit based raises and bonuses. In 2014 our wage expense is $172,704, by 2019 it will grow to $214,462. Credit Card Fees and Taxes are expected to grow 20% each year because of the additional sales from $14,852 and $17,800 to $37,325 and $44,292 respectively The budget for Supplies, Water/Sewage, Utilities, Repairs and Maintenance will also increase every year by 20% given the additional sales. The following table organizes this data: Net profit is projected to grow from $109,531 to $332,283 by 2019 The Current Assets accounts of Cash, Accounts Receivables, Inventories, Pre-paid Assets, and Other are also projected to increase. Cash is projected to increase from the current amount of $200,000 to $457,552 by the end of 2019. Accounts Receivables will increase from the current amount of $371,379 to $$849,625. Inventory will increase from the current amount of $9,100 to $20,819 by the end of projected period, and Prepaid Assets will climb from $2,500 to $5,816. Total Fixed Assets are not projected to increase, the property and equipment assets associated with Total Fixed assets will depreciate stagnantly by $15,000 over the 5 year projected period. The Asset category, â€Å"Other† will increase from $988 to $2,107. Along with the increase of these asset accounts, the Liabilities Account of Account Payable will increase from $147,179 to $365,682 by the end of 2019. From the prepared Pro Forma projections, expanding the product line to pizza is good for the bottom line. Net Profit will increase by approximately 322%  and Cash is projected to increase by 228%. The additional retained earnings over the five year period from the pizza line can be used to finance the project. In other words, by applying the retained earnings from the pizza line project back into the company we can finance the project in-house. References: Parrino, R., Kidwell, D. S, Bates, T.W. (2012). Fundamentals of corporate finance (2nd ed). Hoboken NJ: Wiley.

Importance of Companion Animals in Human Societies

Importance of Companion Animals in Human Societies Naomi Smallcalder Abstract Animals have been used throughout history as companions especially for people who mental and physical health problems. Even Florris Nightingale discussed the effects that birds had on patients that were confined to one room. However throughout history the same has applied to our relationship with animals. People will decide whether they want to have a companion animal in their life, and the relationship will begin. But how does this relationship effect the animals involved? Is our relationship with animals a symbiotic one or do we use them for our own needs? Introduction The Oxford English Dictionary defines a pet as: ‘Any animal that is domesticated or tamed and kept as favourite, or treated with indulgence and fondness.’ (Oxford University Press, 2014). This word is commonly used to describes animals that are kept for no obvious practical or economic purpose – i.e. pets, as apposed to livestock or working animals. Throughout history animals have been kept for symbolic purposes, they are used as status symbols, and were even used as toys, (Tuan, 1984). Pets are often referred to as ‘companion animals’, scientists believe that the human and animal bond can produce a positive and an affectionate relationship which is mutually beneficial for both, (One Kind, 2010a). History of Pet Keeping The keeping of dogs, cats and other species as household pets is so widespread in Western countries that it is usually taken for granted. It is believed that half of the households in Britain contain at least one pet animal, the number of pets is higher in countries such as France and the United States, (Serpell, 1986). In Australia the Aborigines kept Dingoes, Wallabies, Possums, Bandicoots and even frogs as pets, (Meggit, 1965). In Southeast Asia indigenous tribes would keep dogs, cats, pigs and monkeys, (Evans, 1937; Cipriani, 1966). North American tribes would keep a variety of animals such as deer, wolves, turkeys and a variety of small wild mammals and birds, (Elmendorf Kroeber 1960). Tribes inhabiting the American Basin, the keeping and taming of wild animals became a minor industry. Henry Walter Bates, an English Naturalist, was the first to record a list of twenty-two unidentified mammals which were living tame in Indian Settlements, (Galton, 1883a). Even though pet keeping was seen throughout Western cultures, it would be considered indecent in modern Europe or North America if a women was to allow a puppy or kitten to suckle at her breast. Yet in many tribal societies allowing young animals to suckle is considered normal and natural. Several years ago it was found that many North American tribes were extremely fond of pets but would also bring the animals up, (Galton, 1883a). In all societies people pamper, talk and name their pets. They even grief when they die or are separated from them. (Galton, 1883a). Impact and Significance of Pet Keeping for Humans Many scientists and people believe that they and others develop health benefits from relationships with their animal companions, several scientific studies produced over the past 25 years support these beliefs, (Allen et al, 2007a). Evidence has shown that animals are able to improve human cardiovascular health, reduce stress, decrease loneliness and depression, and provide social interactions between people who have pets, (Allen et al, 2007a). People who are terminally ill or pregnant are advised to not interact with companion animals due to risk of zoonosis. Although giving up their animals can have a detrimental rather than beneficial effect on their overall health, (Allen et al, 2007a). Research dating back to the 1980’s showed that pet ownership has positive benefits on human health. These benefits ranged from higher survival rates from myocardial infection; a reduced risk of asthma in children; a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and physical wellbeing in older people, (Friedmannm et al, 1980). As early as the 18th century William Tuke, a Quaker Philanthropist who ran an asylum for people with severe mental disorders, he discovered that his patients gained health benefits from being around animals. Thus the courtyards of the asylum were stocked with rabbits, seagulls and poultry in the hope it would give the people greater responsibility and self-control. It was recommended by the British Charity Commissioners that sheep, hares, monkeys and other domestic animals should be added to these institutions, to create a less hostile, more attractive environment. Florence Nightingale, wrote in her ‘Notes of Nursing’ (1880) suggested that people that were confined to the same room because of medical problems gained pleasure from the presence of a bird, (The British Psychological Society, 2011). Physiological Benefits There have been numerous studies which indicate that pets provide their owners with physiological benefits. Whether pet interaction is active or passive, it reduces the anxiety levels in people and reduces the progression of stress-related conditions, (Wilson, 1991). Blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate was recorded between 3 and 9 minutes and this was recorded in 24 subjects. They were recorded petting an unknown dog, a dog whom they had a bond with, or they read quietly. They discovered there was significant differences in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure between petting a dog where a companion bond had been established and petting a dog where there was no bond. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure decrease when petting a dog, (Baun, et al, 1984). Cardiovascular benefits It has also been noted that owning a dog can reduce an owners blood pressure, (Allen, 2001). Contact with any animal, even watching fish in an aquarium, can provide cardiovascular benefits. Health benefits are associated with animal companionship when the animal being cared for does not pose a burden to the person and the animals behaviour is acceptable to the person, (Friedmann et al, 1995). A three study by the Baker Medical Research Institute involving over 5,000 participants showed that pet owners had lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels than non-pet owners, even after smoking and weight was taken into consideration. Another study by Erika Friedmann, University of Maryland School of Nursing found that pet owners who experienced heart attacks had increased their survival rates compared to those who without companion animals, (Hering, 2008). Children and Animals Researchers have identified that kids who grew up with a pet, like a dog or cat, or who lived on a farm with plenty of livestock are less likely to develop asthma or allergies. From this they produced a ‘hygiene hypothesis’ – the idea that modern lifestyles are too clean, therefore our immune systems are not exposed to enough bacteria, viruses and parasites, (Fujimura et al, 2013a). A team of researchers from the University of Michigan exposed a group of mice to dust particles produced by a dog, the other group of mice they left. Both groups were then exposed to dust which triggered asthma. They found that the mice that had been exposed to the dogs dust showed a lower inflammation in their airways compared to other group of mice, (Fujimura et al, 2013a). The views of pets are completely different across the world. In Islamic culture dogs are seen as impure, several injunctions warn Muslims against contact with dogs, they believe dogs are not hygienic are therefore not kept in the house, (Banderker, 2014). America, Canada, Europe, Southern parts of Africa and Oceania, mainly Christians. Dogs are more popular in these areas of the world. Whereas in places such as Arabia, North Africa and parts of Asia, are mostly Muslims, dogs are not popular pets. In regions that are mostly Hindu, pets are very popular due to their importance in their religion. There is not a lot of evidence which backs up the importance of pets in Buddhism, (Bousfield and Brown, 2010). Impact and Significance to Animals The main studies have been conducted on how animals affect their owner’s lives, but not a lot of research has been conducted on the impact of animals kept as pets. Many people consider their pets to be members of the family. People who own animals suggest that the feeling is mutual, as their pets seek attention from their owners. Pets provide unconditional love to their owners, (Lin, 2014a). There are several arguments that suggest that cats, dogs and other pets suffer at the hands of their owners. Another argument is the relationship is inherently flawed and it is believed that humans are unable to provide the full lives that these animals deserve. This is because they are bred to be dependent on us, the basic relationship between human and animals is weak, (Lin, 2014a; Smith, 2014). Animals lives are restricted to the homes they live in, they must obey commands and are restricted on what they are allowed to do. It is believed that domestic animals retain many of their basic instincts, however it is not ethically acceptable to allow a dog to wonder on their own, as it is detrimental to their heath and others, (PETA, 2014). As domestic animals depend on humans for their survival, it would be cruel to allow them to live on the streets, (Lina, 2014a). There are too many situations where an animal derives no benefit being kept as a pet. Some animals such as ‘status dogs’ are acquired and traded more as trophies rather than kept as friends. In some homes pets are neglected or even ill-treated by their owners, (One Kind, 2010a). There are several pets which are exploited in the commercial trade. Breeding pedigree animals as pets can lead to severe health problems. There are many pet animals which have been selectively bred, which can cause dogs to have eye problems, heart, respiratory and skin conditions, and hereditary diseases, which is all connected to specialised breeding, such as the Pug and the Hairless Cat, both these designers animals have been exploited by humans for the benefit of humans. (Advocates for Animals, 2006). Many exotic species are unsuited for domestic life which is why a lot of research has been conducted on keeping exotic animals as pets. Exotic animals that are used in the pet trade are taken from Australia, Africa and Brazil, they are subjected to cruel transport. Parrots often have their beaks and feet taped and can be stuffed into plastic tubes, some animals are hidden in luggage and concealed in special vests so that couriers can bypass x-ray machines at airports, (PETA, 2014a). There is increasing evidence that the import of exotic species for the pet trade threatens not only the survival of wild species but can also risk the health of humans, domestic animals and native wildlife. Many exotic species suffer because owners do not know how to care for them properly. As these animals mature, they can become expensive to maintain, they soon develop behavioural problems and can become a long-term commitment. Owners then feel they can no longer handle the animal. Consequently these animals are often neglected, euthanized or released into the wild, (Schuppli and Faser, 2000). Conclusion Companion animals, play a very significant role in the lives of many humans. They advance psychological and physical well-being to their human companions. The basis of their relationship is that humans decide to keep animals. Some animals may choose to seek the company of humans. Although some humans change their lives to accommodate an animal they still have the power to maintain or break the relationship – by selling the animal, placing the animal in a shelter or euthanizing that animal. When someone decides to keep a companion animal, the animals life will be controlled by humans to suit humans needs. Animals are affected by legislation – under laws animals are generally seen as possessions. Therefore the relationship between humans and animals, is more a form of animal use rather than a symbiotic relationship, (Sandoe and Christiansen, 2008). References Advocates for Animals (2006) ‘The Price of a Pedigree: Dog breed standards and breed-related illness’ [Online] Available from Advocates for Animals, http://www.onekind.org/uploads/publications/price-of-a-pedigree.pdf, Accessed 19/05/2014 at 12:05 Allen, K. (2001) Pet ownership, but Not ACE Inhibitor Therapy, Blunts Home Blood Pressure Response. Hypertension, 38; 815 Allen, K. Barker, S. Beck, A. Bell, D. Frederickson, M. Freng, J. Gerbasi, K. Gordon, E. Hart, L. Johnson, R. Ng, Z. Odendaal, J. O’Connor, A. Salman, M and Wong, B (2007a) ‘The Health Benefits of Companion Animals’ [Online] Available from Pets are Wonderful Support, http://www.pawssf.org/document.doc?id=15, Accessed 19/04/2014 at 11:19 Banderker, A.M (2014) ‘Animal Abuse and Welfare in Islam’ [Online] Available from IslamicConcern.com, http://www.islamicconcern.com/dogs.asp, Accessed 19/04/2014 at 11:53 Baun, MM. Bergstrom, N. Langston, NF. And Thoma, L (1984) ‘Physiological effects of human/companion animal bonding’ [Online] Available from NCBI, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6563527, Accessed 19/04/2014 at 11:38 Bousfield, B and Brown, R (2010) ‘What is Animal Welfare’ [Online] Available from Animal Welfare, https://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/quarantine/qua_vb/files/AW8.pdf, Accessed 19/04/2014 at 11:55 Cipriani, L. (1966) The Andaman islanders. London: Times Books Elmendorf, W.W Kroeber, K.L (1960) The structure of Twana culture with comparative notes on the structure of Yurok culture. Washington University Research Studies, Monograph 2, 1-28. Evans, I.H.N (1937) The Negritos of Malaysia. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press Friedmann E, Katcher AH, Lynch JJ, Thomas S (1980) Animal companions and one year survival of patients after discharge from a coronary care unit. Public Health Rep; 95: 30712 Friedmann, E and Thomas, S.A, (1995) Pet ownership, social support and one year survival among post-mycardial infarction patients in the cardiac arrhythmia suppression trial (CAST) Am J Cardiology 76; 1213 1217 Friedmann, E.A, Katcher, S.A, Lynch, T.J.J and Messent, P.R (1983a) Interaction and blood pressure; influence of animal companions. Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 171, 461-5 Fujimura, K.E. Demoor, T. Rauch, M. Faruqi, A.A. Jang, S. Johnson, C.C. Boushey, H.A. Zoratti, E. Ownby, D. Lukacs, N.W and Lynch, S.V (2013a) ‘House dust exposure mediates gut microbiome Lactobacillus enrichment and airway immune defense against allergens and virus infection’ [Online] Available from Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2013/12/13/1310750111, Accessed 19/04/2014 at 11:51 Galton, F. (1883a) Inquiry into human faculty and its development. London: Macmillan Hering, C (2008) ‘Health Benefits of Companion Animals’ [Online] Available from Health Insights Today, http://www.healthinsightstoday.com/articles/v1i2/animals_p1.html, Accessed 19/04/2014 at 11:46 Lin, D (2014a) ‘What are the Arguments For and Against Keeping Pets?’ [Online] Available from About.com, http://animalrights.about.com/od/companionanimalspets/a/Keeping_Pets.htm, Accessed 19/04/2014 at 11:58 Meggit, M.J. (1965) The association between Australian Aborigines and dingoes. In. Man, culture and animals, A. Leeds A. Vayda (eds). Washington DC: American Association for the Advancement of Science One Kind (2010a) ‘Should animals ever be kept as pets or are we simply exploiting sentient individuals for our own convenience and pleasure?’ [Online] Available from One Kind, http://www.onekind.org/take_action/campaigns/pet_origins/the_pet_keeping_debate/, Accessed 18/04/2014 at 12:22 Oxford University Press (2014) ‘Pets’ [Online] Available from Oxford University Press, http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/pet, Accessed 18/04/2014 at 12:43 PETA (2014a) ‘Exotic Animals as ‘Pets’ [Online] Available from PETA, http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-in-entertainment/exotic-animals-pets/, Accessed 19/04/2014 at 12:07 Sandoe, P and Christians, S.B (2008) ‘Companion Animals’ [Online] Available from Danish Centre for Bioethics and Risk Assessment, http://curis.ku.dk/ws/files/22431780/CompanionAnimals.pdf, Accessed 19/04/2014 at 12:15 Schuppli, C and Faser, D (2000) A Framework for Assessing the Suitability of Different Species as Companion Animals. Animal Welfare, Vol. 9, 359 – 372 Schuppli, C and Fraser, D (2000), ‘A Framework for Assessing the Suitability of Different Species as Companion Animals’, Animal Welfare, Vol.9, p.359-372 Serpell, J.A. (1986) In the company of animals. Oxford: Basil Blackwell Smith, M A (2014) ‘Why It’s Cruel to Keep Dogs as Pets’ [Online] Available from Hub Pages, http://melissaasmith.hubpages.com/hub/dogssuffer, Accessed 18/04/2014 at 14:41 The British Psychological Society (2011) ‘The Value of Pets for Human Health’ [Online] Available from The British Psychological Society, http://www.thepsychologist.org.uk/archive/archive_home.cfm?volumeID=24editionID=198ArticleID=1812, Accessed 19/04/2014 at 11:32 Tuan, Yi-Fu (1984) Dominance and affection: the making of pets. New Haven: Yale University Press. Wilson, C.C. (1991) The pet as an anxiolytic intervention, Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 179; 482-489

La Vida de Fernando Botero :: Papers

La Vida de Fernando Botero Fernando Botero llevado en Colombia en 1932. En 1951, à ©l viajà ³ a Bogotà ¡, donde à ©l tenà ­a su primera exposicià ³n individual en la galerà ­a de Matiz. Él estudià ³ en Madrid en la academia del San Fernando y en Florencia, donde à ©l aprendià ³ las tà ©cnicas del fresco de los italianos. En 1956 à ©l trabajà ³ en la escuela de los artes finos de la universidad en Bogotà ¡ y viajà ³ a Ciudad de Mà ©xico para estudiar el trabajo de Rivera y de Orozco. Durante los aà ±os sesentas en Nueva York, Botero empiezà ³ una forma de pintura figurada del renacimiento y de pintura barroca con la tradicià ³n colonial de Amà ©rica latina. En 1969 su obras bellos fueron en el museo del arte moderno en Nueva York. Seises de sus trabajos de arte famosos son el cuarto de baà ±o, pares, una familia, hombre con el perro, los mà ºsicos, y un naturaleza muerta de la sandà ­a. Sus pinturas casi siempre son comentarios sociales con las polà ­ticas. Sus retratos satà ­ricos carà ¡cter en susn pinutras. La tà ©cnica del fresco y la historia estudiadas Botero del arte en Florencia a partir de 1953 a 1955 y à ©sta ha influenciado su pintura desde que. Durante este perà ­odo en Nueva York, à ©l comenzà ³ a experimentar con crear el volumen en sus pinturas y comprimiendo el espacio alrededor de ellas. En la pagina ciento en el libro de Paso A Paso, hay una pintura de Botero, la familia social polà ­tica. El tà ­tulo es ?La familia presidencial?, pintado en 1967. La pintura representa a una familia presidencial faimily quià ©nes parecen cerdos. Las siete personas en la pintura son todas gordos, el gato son gordo tambià ©n. Esta vida polà ­tica del satire. Una mujer gorda en el centro con un bolso y una ropa animal en un brazo. El sacerdote y el comandante està ¡n detrà ¡s de la mujer con el bolso y en el primero plano està ¡ una serpiente.

Compare And Contrast Essay -- essays research papers

One of my favorite things to do is to reminiscence with my father. It is so relaxing just to sit back and talk about old times. Something that it really funny when my father and I discuss things from the past is the major differences between our pasts even though we both grew up in the same town. Now when people say that "times are a changing'" I really know what they mean. In my town there is a beautiful lake. The scenery around the lake is absolutely breath taking. When my father was younger, him and his friends would always swim in the lake. He would tell me amusing stories of the bike rides and walks down to the lake. My favorite part of the stories of the lake have to be what him and his friends did before they actually jumped in the lake. They had to throw rocks in the water to scare away the snakes! I couldn't even imagine swimming in a lake knowing that there were snakes in the water. When I was younger, I was never aloud to go to the lake. The bike ride was extremely to far away for me and my friends to take on. The lake was posted private property by new owners of homes in the area. Plus, as rumor has it, the lake is contaminated from a new large company in the area. Hence, I never spent my summer days swimming around in the lake in my town like my father did. One of my beloveded memories deals with going to the local park. My mom or dad used to bring me there wi...

Homelessness In Britain

Try to imagine waking up in a cold shop doorway, dirty and hungry. There's nowhere to wash and you have to beg for three hours before you have enough money to buy yourself a cup of tea, there's also nowhere for you to get warm. It's a terrible thought, but its okay because it will never happen to you, or so you may think. Tom Watts was A wealthy businessman with a devoted wife and two lovely children, he worked in London and often passed homeless people in the street, often chucking them some spare change as he passed, not even giving them a second thought until now. You see, Tom Watts is no longer the big businessman with the big house and the big car, he lived beyond his means and became bankrupt losing his house. Because of all the stress he also lost his wife and children. Now he sleeps wherever he can, this morning he woke up in the London underground he  says † I just take one day at a  time, I never know where I'll be one day to the next†. Tom's only wage is the 65p he gets from every copy of the Big Issue, which is sold for à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½1 – a magazine sold by the homeless. Tom can officially earn up to à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½17 a week before his à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½38-a-week social security is under threat, he says â€Å"The money I earn is not much at all. But if I could just find a place to live I could then go about getting a job and once I'm settled I can go to court, and see about getting to see my kids, but without a place to live it won't happen†. That's where shelter comes in Tom like hundreds of other homeless people are on the waiting list for temporary housing, it gives people a head start. It's not just a hostel where you have a first come first serve basis, while your in temporary housing shelter help you to find a more permanent placement. They also help you to find a work placement and any legal advice you may need. Shelter was launched in 1966 to bring housing problems to everyone's attention and  appeal for money to improve things. In 1970 shelter opened its first housing aid shelter to give people with housing problems or nowhere to live free advice. Tom sells the Big Issue: â€Å"I just want to see my kids† Some of the main reasons for people becoming homeless are job loss, break-up with a partner, heavy debts, drug addiction and even mental illness. The majority of people start off moving round sleeping on friends sofas or floors, but before long you realise you've been there for a few weeks or even months and think you're beginning to out stay you're welcome and can't abuse their hospitality any longer and leave. More than 326,000 people are homeless in Britain, sleeping rough, in hostels or moving from place to place with no home to call there own. Experts believe the problem is extremely bad and is worsening and without the help of charity the problem would rapidly increase.