1. Is the introduction catchy? Does it grab attention?
2. Are the reasons surronding the controversy good enough?
3. Are the solutions reasonable?
4. Does the conclusion capture everything and leave a lasting impression?
5. What can be added to spice it up?
Monday, April 19, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
First Page of Core IV
Andrew Murray
English 1102/Sec 30
April 16, 2010
Andrew.murray@knights.ucf.edu
First Page of Core IV
(290)
Fraud has continually been considered the "kryptonite" to the insurance industry. From the beginning of time, fraud has existed when dealing with any kind of insurance. Whether it be the act of the consumer or the fault of the company, insurance fraud bears a serious concern as well as a cumbersome cost. Generally in the United States, fraud can cost nationally tens of billions of dollars annually. Prevalent in health care, the auto industry, and much more, whenever insurance is involved fraud tends to tag along. Crimes can range from individuals pretending to lose valuables and seeking restitution to business owners burning down their own buildings just so that they can receive money from the insurance company. Insurance fraud has evolved into a rampant crime throughout the years.
As time progressed so has technology in an effort to combat and annihilate fraud. Software has come into creation that allows insurance companies to detect fraud from the beginning stages. System-analysis programs have enabled firms to manage fraud by overseeing client's accounts electronically rather than manually. However, these innovate technologies can cost millions and sometimes even billions of dollars to introduce into the insurance company. Does cost play that large of a role in deciding whether to prevent fraud or should the company disregard the cost and do what is best for the company? With the conjoined effort of insurance
English 1102/Sec 30
April 16, 2010
Andrew.murray@knights.ucf.edu
First Page of Core IV
(290)
Fraud has continually been considered the "kryptonite" to the insurance industry. From the beginning of time, fraud has existed when dealing with any kind of insurance. Whether it be the act of the consumer or the fault of the company, insurance fraud bears a serious concern as well as a cumbersome cost. Generally in the United States, fraud can cost nationally tens of billions of dollars annually. Prevalent in health care, the auto industry, and much more, whenever insurance is involved fraud tends to tag along. Crimes can range from individuals pretending to lose valuables and seeking restitution to business owners burning down their own buildings just so that they can receive money from the insurance company. Insurance fraud has evolved into a rampant crime throughout the years.
As time progressed so has technology in an effort to combat and annihilate fraud. Software has come into creation that allows insurance companies to detect fraud from the beginning stages. System-analysis programs have enabled firms to manage fraud by overseeing client's accounts electronically rather than manually. However, these innovate technologies can cost millions and sometimes even billions of dollars to introduce into the insurance company. Does cost play that large of a role in deciding whether to prevent fraud or should the company disregard the cost and do what is best for the company? With the conjoined effort of insurance
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Last Journal Prompt
The Final Round of the Masters
Will Tiger Woods, four strokes behind, return to the spotlight in a positive fashion by winning his 5th Master’s Championship? Or will the rest of the field continue to thwart Tiger’s chance of a come from behind victory? The beginning of the Master’s coverage poses various questions as to lure viewers into watching the 18-hole drama filled afternoon of golf. Boring to some, the announcers manipulated the minds of viewers by throwing out situations and storylines to follow so that they aren’t only watching golf for the love of the game, but to cheer on certain players. By throwing statistical information and background history into play, viewers (including myself) devote their time to continue watching the five hour televised tournament. The announcers are exceptionally clever right before commercial breaks as well as they persuade viewers to not change the channel because they will miss Tiger’s important birdie putt for example.
Lose Yourself by Eminem
Considered to be one of the best pump-up songs of modern time, Eminem knows how to keep his listeners grasping for more. Lose Yourself is just one of many videos that tells a story to attract the viewer into watching to see what happens at the end. The first thirty seconds of the music video shows clips of the infamous city of Detroit, Michigan (Eminem’s hometown), during all hours of the day. The opening illustrates the inner city and enormous skyscrapers Detroit has to offer during the morning hours. The sunny morning scenes pan into a dark evening setting for is fit for the dangerous city. Once the scenes of Detroit are painted, catchy heart throbbing music starts as if a movie is about to begin. Immediately, Eminem appears in a sweat suit and skull cap, as if preparing for a fight, and poses questions to the viewer with no answer. That technique allows for the viewer to want to find the answers to these questions. Throughout the song from beginning to the end the song answers the questions. Eminem is a lyrical genius and performer and knows how to control a crowd. The Lose Yourself video is one of his many masterpieces.
Both use an opening that urges viewers to continue listening or watching. These are successful approaches which captivate the viewer’s attention. A strong opening, as shown through the examples, is crucial for overall success. I will try to implement the strategies that these two examples incorporate.
Will Tiger Woods, four strokes behind, return to the spotlight in a positive fashion by winning his 5th Master’s Championship? Or will the rest of the field continue to thwart Tiger’s chance of a come from behind victory? The beginning of the Master’s coverage poses various questions as to lure viewers into watching the 18-hole drama filled afternoon of golf. Boring to some, the announcers manipulated the minds of viewers by throwing out situations and storylines to follow so that they aren’t only watching golf for the love of the game, but to cheer on certain players. By throwing statistical information and background history into play, viewers (including myself) devote their time to continue watching the five hour televised tournament. The announcers are exceptionally clever right before commercial breaks as well as they persuade viewers to not change the channel because they will miss Tiger’s important birdie putt for example.
Lose Yourself by Eminem
Considered to be one of the best pump-up songs of modern time, Eminem knows how to keep his listeners grasping for more. Lose Yourself is just one of many videos that tells a story to attract the viewer into watching to see what happens at the end. The first thirty seconds of the music video shows clips of the infamous city of Detroit, Michigan (Eminem’s hometown), during all hours of the day. The opening illustrates the inner city and enormous skyscrapers Detroit has to offer during the morning hours. The sunny morning scenes pan into a dark evening setting for is fit for the dangerous city. Once the scenes of Detroit are painted, catchy heart throbbing music starts as if a movie is about to begin. Immediately, Eminem appears in a sweat suit and skull cap, as if preparing for a fight, and poses questions to the viewer with no answer. That technique allows for the viewer to want to find the answers to these questions. Throughout the song from beginning to the end the song answers the questions. Eminem is a lyrical genius and performer and knows how to control a crowd. The Lose Yourself video is one of his many masterpieces.
Both use an opening that urges viewers to continue listening or watching. These are successful approaches which captivate the viewer’s attention. A strong opening, as shown through the examples, is crucial for overall success. I will try to implement the strategies that these two examples incorporate.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Journal 9: Give Me 5 Good Reasons....
Thesis: Fraud has been an age old nuisance to insurance companies and countless individuals across the country; however, with the advancement of technology and increased human intervention, that problem can be a thing of the past.
Reason #1: New software has enabled insurance companies to monitor claims filed from various clients.
Evidence: Siebel Systems and Teradata, two large fraud software companies, have researched and developed programs to provide exclusive privacy and security in tracking all claims filed. Having a software system in place allows for nothing to be tampered with once a claim has been filed.
Reason #2: Without any supervision, over $1 billion dollars is lost due to fraudulent activity.
Evidence: 25% of the claims filed in the U.S contain some element of fraud. By incorporating solutions to combat that fraud like “new data solutions, innovative products, and improved risk management,” that burden of $1 billion dollars could be drastically reduced.
Reason #3: Technology improves on a daily basis, which essentially means the future is optimistic for the fight against fraud.
Evidence: As radical and preposterous as some solutions sound today, down the road into the future, they could be implemented into modern day culture. Specifically regarding medical insurance, one executive foresees microchips being implanted into patients which contain all of their medical history.
Reason #4: People as a whole need to increase awareness of insurance companies that they file claims with.
Evidence: 1 out of every 5 Americans experience insurance fraud. That statistic is rather eye-opening; however, it can be lowered with a cooperative effort between individuals and insurance companies. Many horror stories result from individuals entrusting the “perfect insurance company” to handle their claim, while they don’t realize that the company they filed with is actually a scam.
Reason #5: Anti-fraud technology cracks down on fraud at the beginning stages.
Evidence: Software stops fraud from growing and spreading into a malicious crime. Like a medical virus, preventing fraud in the beginning stages will save insurance companies and individuals large amounts of money as well as stress.
Reason #1: New software has enabled insurance companies to monitor claims filed from various clients.
Evidence: Siebel Systems and Teradata, two large fraud software companies, have researched and developed programs to provide exclusive privacy and security in tracking all claims filed. Having a software system in place allows for nothing to be tampered with once a claim has been filed.
Reason #2: Without any supervision, over $1 billion dollars is lost due to fraudulent activity.
Evidence: 25% of the claims filed in the U.S contain some element of fraud. By incorporating solutions to combat that fraud like “new data solutions, innovative products, and improved risk management,” that burden of $1 billion dollars could be drastically reduced.
Reason #3: Technology improves on a daily basis, which essentially means the future is optimistic for the fight against fraud.
Evidence: As radical and preposterous as some solutions sound today, down the road into the future, they could be implemented into modern day culture. Specifically regarding medical insurance, one executive foresees microchips being implanted into patients which contain all of their medical history.
Reason #4: People as a whole need to increase awareness of insurance companies that they file claims with.
Evidence: 1 out of every 5 Americans experience insurance fraud. That statistic is rather eye-opening; however, it can be lowered with a cooperative effort between individuals and insurance companies. Many horror stories result from individuals entrusting the “perfect insurance company” to handle their claim, while they don’t realize that the company they filed with is actually a scam.
Reason #5: Anti-fraud technology cracks down on fraud at the beginning stages.
Evidence: Software stops fraud from growing and spreading into a malicious crime. Like a medical virus, preventing fraud in the beginning stages will save insurance companies and individuals large amounts of money as well as stress.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Journal 8: Illustration of the Problem
A Real Life Nightmare
Joan Hangarter as you can say was living the “American Dream.” She was happily married with two amazing kids, lived in an up-scale community in Marion County, California, and engineered a thriving chiropractic company. It was 1997 and life couldn’t get better for the middle aged Hangarter. However, she sustained an injury while working on a patient that would forever change her and her family’s life. As ironic as it may sound, Hangarter never imagined getting hurt while taking care of her customers. Like any other motivated worker, Hangarter dismissed her injury and continued to work through the incessant pain. In her time away from work, she would receive therapy from other chiropractors twice a week in order to try to subside her pain. No matter what she tried, nothing worked. After much deliberation and extensive paperwork, Hangarter filed for worker’s compensation with an insurance company named Paul Revere Life Insurance Company. Promising $8,100 a month for disability, Paul Revere could never quite live up to its promise. After the company was bought out by a supposedly larger and more reliable company, Hangarter saw her life spinning out of control. The newer company soon went bankrupt and could not pay for any of the claim that Hangarter had filed, essentially fraud had been present inside the company. With the injury preventing her from going back to work and making money, she lost her home and her relationship with her husband soon followed. She was forced to take her kids and go live with her sister in a different part of California. Insurance fraud had caused her life to go from the top to the bottom in a matter of months.
Joan Hangarter as you can say was living the “American Dream.” She was happily married with two amazing kids, lived in an up-scale community in Marion County, California, and engineered a thriving chiropractic company. It was 1997 and life couldn’t get better for the middle aged Hangarter. However, she sustained an injury while working on a patient that would forever change her and her family’s life. As ironic as it may sound, Hangarter never imagined getting hurt while taking care of her customers. Like any other motivated worker, Hangarter dismissed her injury and continued to work through the incessant pain. In her time away from work, she would receive therapy from other chiropractors twice a week in order to try to subside her pain. No matter what she tried, nothing worked. After much deliberation and extensive paperwork, Hangarter filed for worker’s compensation with an insurance company named Paul Revere Life Insurance Company. Promising $8,100 a month for disability, Paul Revere could never quite live up to its promise. After the company was bought out by a supposedly larger and more reliable company, Hangarter saw her life spinning out of control. The newer company soon went bankrupt and could not pay for any of the claim that Hangarter had filed, essentially fraud had been present inside the company. With the injury preventing her from going back to work and making money, she lost her home and her relationship with her husband soon followed. She was forced to take her kids and go live with her sister in a different part of California. Insurance fraud had caused her life to go from the top to the bottom in a matter of months.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Core III Reflection
I will be forthright and honest, that this Core III essay has been a challenge. A challenge that was by no means a good challenge to try and complete. I was pulling my hair out and cringing by just simply writing it. For the annotated bibliography, I felt as though I repeated myself time and time again. I review and revised as best as I could but it didn't seem like I could have done anymore. I put plenty of time into composing this and I hope the final product will be one that is rewarding. Finding research was quite annoying because there was only one substantial viewpoint which supported my thesis. I hope that not finding any opposing viewpoints besides the obvious will be inadequate and affect my grade negatively. Other than that, I am glad the battle is over and I am striving to get a 95 as like I do on all papers.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Journal 7: Thesis and Analysis
Part One: Thesis Statements
1. Fraud has been such a dynamic threat to the insurance industry and companies have to regulate their sales more intensively.
2. With consumer fraud currently on the rise, insurance companies must enact policies to assure that fraud will not infect their company.
3. Fraud has been an age old nuisance to insurance companies across the country; however, with the advancement of technology and new ways to combat fraud, that problem can be a thing of the past.
Part Two: Analysis of the Reading
The author's thesis statement: "Congress and the administration acted without any careful or systematic effort to determine whether weakness in our surveillance laws had contributed to the attacks, or whether the changes they were making would hlep prevent further attacks. Indeed, many of the act's provisions have nothing at all to do with the terrorism."
Throughout the entire passage, the author stands strongly about his point of view and brings abundant validity and facts to support his thesis. His "points" which are broken down by subtitles, effectively convey how he thinks the Patriot Act is a violation to Americans. On the second page, specific examples of why the Patriot Act violates the Constitution are clearly drawn out and ultimately convices me to agree with this argument. Along with his explanations of why the Patriot Act is such a problem, the author provides solutions and suggestions as to what should be done to fix the invasion of privacy. This thesis statement is undoubtly effective and strong as its tone gets the point across successfully. I can take away the strength of his diction and tone. Without question, he captivates me from the beginning to agree solely with his point of view.
I think the "define the controversy" section of the essay is rather obvious. At the beginning the author clearly lists what the Patriot Act is and how it passed in Congress. It is not too drawn out and at the same time elaborately describes what you need to know without too much decadence. To me, it appears somewhat biased from the diction and tone that he sets up while introducing the subject. That tone is prevalent throughout the entire piece. The arrangement for the whole essay is: what the problem is and why, and then what the solutions are and how to go about it.
1. Fraud has been such a dynamic threat to the insurance industry and companies have to regulate their sales more intensively.
2. With consumer fraud currently on the rise, insurance companies must enact policies to assure that fraud will not infect their company.
3. Fraud has been an age old nuisance to insurance companies across the country; however, with the advancement of technology and new ways to combat fraud, that problem can be a thing of the past.
Part Two: Analysis of the Reading
The author's thesis statement: "Congress and the administration acted without any careful or systematic effort to determine whether weakness in our surveillance laws had contributed to the attacks, or whether the changes they were making would hlep prevent further attacks. Indeed, many of the act's provisions have nothing at all to do with the terrorism."
Throughout the entire passage, the author stands strongly about his point of view and brings abundant validity and facts to support his thesis. His "points" which are broken down by subtitles, effectively convey how he thinks the Patriot Act is a violation to Americans. On the second page, specific examples of why the Patriot Act violates the Constitution are clearly drawn out and ultimately convices me to agree with this argument. Along with his explanations of why the Patriot Act is such a problem, the author provides solutions and suggestions as to what should be done to fix the invasion of privacy. This thesis statement is undoubtly effective and strong as its tone gets the point across successfully. I can take away the strength of his diction and tone. Without question, he captivates me from the beginning to agree solely with his point of view.
I think the "define the controversy" section of the essay is rather obvious. At the beginning the author clearly lists what the Patriot Act is and how it passed in Congress. It is not too drawn out and at the same time elaborately describes what you need to know without too much decadence. To me, it appears somewhat biased from the diction and tone that he sets up while introducing the subject. That tone is prevalent throughout the entire piece. The arrangement for the whole essay is: what the problem is and why, and then what the solutions are and how to go about it.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Journal 6: Research Research Research
Step Two
My personal research for other topics has been slightly different than my research process for Core II. When it comes to developing a research process for other subjects, honestly, I can say it is very lackadaisical and effortless. In History, I would rarely received research paper assignments, but when I did I solely relied on websites. I blatantly ignored using books, journals, and other scholarly sources. I don’t know why, but I just felt the internet had everything I needed. Why waste my time going to our school library-which basically was a deserted graveyard of books- when I could simply use internet search engines? That research process pertained to other subjects like chemistry, physics, and other sciences.
However, when it came to English research everything changed. Teachers assigned papers where not only did you have to look up background information, but you had to search for literary criticism. The internet was little to know help when it came to the latter. I motivated myself enough to adventure and explore other libraries rather than our obsolete one. Books and other scholarly sources now came into play. The local library helped, but it was the nearby college’s library where I conducted my best research. This probably sounds like something that doesn’t make sense and you would be right. English research papers required more time and dedication compared to that of the science related category.
Incorporating the information explained in my second paragraph into my research for Core III will be crucial. I have already been to the library more than once during my time here at UCF, so I can say that I am familiar what lurks there. In terms of researching particular topics, I will use the help of the database and card catalog to narrow down my search and specify my topic. Insurance fraud is certainly a broad topic and by breaking it down into small categories, that will enable me to have success with my research. Books, journals, and database articles are what I am hoping to use for all of my sources. I am going to try and stay away from simply using the internet search engines.
Step Three
1. What is the more prevalent type of insurance fraud, consumer or company fraud?
2. With regulations in place for some states across the country, how will states that do not have any types of legislation against fraud ensure that customers will be protected?
3. Which sector of insurance experiences the most crimes?
4. Has insurance sales affected the frequency of fraud attempts?
5. What is in store for the future of protection against fraud?
Background information:
Advancements in the industry:
Evidence to support claims:
Opposing Arguments:
Real life examples:
Step Four
Cohen, Erika. "Insuring Against Fraud." Business NH Magazine 1 Nov. 2009:
ABI/INFORM Dateline, ProQuest. Web. 20 Feb. 2010.
Hays, Daniel. "High-tech could both facilitate, thwart frauds." National Underwriter
20 Dec. 1999: ABI/INFORM Global, ProQuest. Web. 19 Feb. 2010.
Both of these database articles provide analysis of how insurance companies are dealing with fraud. They are relevant because they target my topic and controversy that I am pursuing. Both have expert information and are beneficial to my research process.
My personal research for other topics has been slightly different than my research process for Core II. When it comes to developing a research process for other subjects, honestly, I can say it is very lackadaisical and effortless. In History, I would rarely received research paper assignments, but when I did I solely relied on websites. I blatantly ignored using books, journals, and other scholarly sources. I don’t know why, but I just felt the internet had everything I needed. Why waste my time going to our school library-which basically was a deserted graveyard of books- when I could simply use internet search engines? That research process pertained to other subjects like chemistry, physics, and other sciences.
However, when it came to English research everything changed. Teachers assigned papers where not only did you have to look up background information, but you had to search for literary criticism. The internet was little to know help when it came to the latter. I motivated myself enough to adventure and explore other libraries rather than our obsolete one. Books and other scholarly sources now came into play. The local library helped, but it was the nearby college’s library where I conducted my best research. This probably sounds like something that doesn’t make sense and you would be right. English research papers required more time and dedication compared to that of the science related category.
Incorporating the information explained in my second paragraph into my research for Core III will be crucial. I have already been to the library more than once during my time here at UCF, so I can say that I am familiar what lurks there. In terms of researching particular topics, I will use the help of the database and card catalog to narrow down my search and specify my topic. Insurance fraud is certainly a broad topic and by breaking it down into small categories, that will enable me to have success with my research. Books, journals, and database articles are what I am hoping to use for all of my sources. I am going to try and stay away from simply using the internet search engines.
Step Three
1. What is the more prevalent type of insurance fraud, consumer or company fraud?
2. With regulations in place for some states across the country, how will states that do not have any types of legislation against fraud ensure that customers will be protected?
3. Which sector of insurance experiences the most crimes?
4. Has insurance sales affected the frequency of fraud attempts?
5. What is in store for the future of protection against fraud?
Background information:
Advancements in the industry:
Evidence to support claims:
Opposing Arguments:
Real life examples:
Step Four
Cohen, Erika. "Insuring Against Fraud." Business NH Magazine 1 Nov. 2009:
ABI/INFORM Dateline, ProQuest. Web. 20 Feb. 2010.
Hays, Daniel. "High-tech could both facilitate, thwart frauds." National Underwriter
20 Dec. 1999: ABI/INFORM Global, ProQuest. Web. 19 Feb. 2010.
Both of these database articles provide analysis of how insurance companies are dealing with fraud. They are relevant because they target my topic and controversy that I am pursuing. Both have expert information and are beneficial to my research process.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Pre-Review Reflection for Core 2
I think I just have to work on my conclusion of my argument. I honestly ended the paper just with a bunch of words that I threw together. That is my major focus going into the revision process. Other than that, there are other corrections like citations and grammar that need to be proofread again. I also have to go back and make sure my personal narratives are clean and well polished so that I can relate my stories to the reader effectively. Overall, I am going to go back into my paper and do a good deal of "construction."
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Journal 5: Reading and Research
Analysis of the Reading
Buzzell from the beginning of his article makes it clear of what the subject is. He states the research question, of course, but then he goes on to describe himself. Blatantly, he tells us that he wants medical marijuana for technically “the wrong reason.” His personal narrative is a chronological piece that explains his trials and tribulations of trying to obtain the medical drug for his PTSD. Throughout his thought process, Buzzell uses flashbacks as well as excerpts of certain documents that further validate his personal accounts. The description and language that he effectively uses makes it appear that he is telling us the story in person. Attention to detail is a device that he is well equipped with. He never bores the reader with his narrative. For example, the time he spends on each new “story” is never too drawn out, which is because he keeps everything flowing with new, constant information. Even though he convinces the audience of his position on medical marijuana, he also mentions the complete opposite end of the spectrum. Toward the end, he begins to wrap everything up by introducing his fellow war veterans. The ending is what I personally found most ironic. After Buzzell receives the marijuana, a veteran says to him “Welcome home.” To the audience that can be a phrase that can be taken in more than one direction. As a writer, that is a perfect way to end, in my eyes.
Personal Research
Before jumping into the whole process of getting books from the library, I had to organize myself and determine which topics I would pursue. I needed to narrow down my research question and figure out the angle as to how to approach it. The insurance industry as a whole is immensely broad, which is why I chose to research the topic of fraud inside the sector. My research question explains my methodology in completing this Core II, “With the rise in corruption, can the insurance industry remain clean of fraudulent crimes?”
Once I figured all of my background information out, it was time to head to the library with a purpose. I decided to hit the internet card catalog and search for books on crimes and fraudulent acts in the insurance industry. The moment I found the first publication, the rest was smooth sailing. (I will list all of my books after I complete my library narrative). I knew not only did I need books concerning fraud, but I needed to search for books describing the history of fraud in the industry as well as a synopsis of the insurance career. My thinking was that this could provide concrete support to my personal narrative as well as my opinions and such. The good thing about finding that initial book is that, generally in the surrounding vicinity that I found the book on the shelf, others are not too far away. I felt that I struck gold picking up three additional books in the matter of inches from the first book. Typically, this is my research method in doing “research papers,” which is why I ultimately did not have trouble finding what I needed.
I will admit, the database search was something that was completely new to me. In career as a “researcher” I have never used a database search. I’ll be honest, but I was lost at the beginning of how to use the database that I needed a library assistant to help me with the task. I felt embarrassed, but at the same time I was happy that I knew how to use a database search now. Once I got the hang of it, I decided to use the ProQuest database which helped me obtain four different articles on fraud inside the insurance industry. I was able to find an interview where insurance fraud was discussed which is incredibly beneficial to my research process. After gathering four articles from that database I knew that I had substantial information, for the time being, that I needed to begin my Core II essay.
My overall experience was definitely worthwhile; I learned new things as well as building upon older skills. If there comes a time when I get lost during my compilation of the Core II essay, I will have to travel back to the library to get more fuel for my research.
Books:
1. Automobile insurance fraud study HG9970.35.F6A87
2. Risk management : computers, fraud, and insurance HG8059 .A73 1987
3. Automobile insurance : road safety, new drivers, risks, insurance fraud and regulation HG9970.4.C2A94
4. Handbook of insurance HG8061 .H36
Database Articles:
1. Insuring Against Fraud
2. FRAUD: Interview with John Beadle, Counter-Fraud Manager, RSA
3. High-tech could both facilitate, thwart frauds
4. Protect Yourself From Insurance Fraud
Buzzell from the beginning of his article makes it clear of what the subject is. He states the research question, of course, but then he goes on to describe himself. Blatantly, he tells us that he wants medical marijuana for technically “the wrong reason.” His personal narrative is a chronological piece that explains his trials and tribulations of trying to obtain the medical drug for his PTSD. Throughout his thought process, Buzzell uses flashbacks as well as excerpts of certain documents that further validate his personal accounts. The description and language that he effectively uses makes it appear that he is telling us the story in person. Attention to detail is a device that he is well equipped with. He never bores the reader with his narrative. For example, the time he spends on each new “story” is never too drawn out, which is because he keeps everything flowing with new, constant information. Even though he convinces the audience of his position on medical marijuana, he also mentions the complete opposite end of the spectrum. Toward the end, he begins to wrap everything up by introducing his fellow war veterans. The ending is what I personally found most ironic. After Buzzell receives the marijuana, a veteran says to him “Welcome home.” To the audience that can be a phrase that can be taken in more than one direction. As a writer, that is a perfect way to end, in my eyes.
Personal Research
Before jumping into the whole process of getting books from the library, I had to organize myself and determine which topics I would pursue. I needed to narrow down my research question and figure out the angle as to how to approach it. The insurance industry as a whole is immensely broad, which is why I chose to research the topic of fraud inside the sector. My research question explains my methodology in completing this Core II, “With the rise in corruption, can the insurance industry remain clean of fraudulent crimes?”
Once I figured all of my background information out, it was time to head to the library with a purpose. I decided to hit the internet card catalog and search for books on crimes and fraudulent acts in the insurance industry. The moment I found the first publication, the rest was smooth sailing. (I will list all of my books after I complete my library narrative). I knew not only did I need books concerning fraud, but I needed to search for books describing the history of fraud in the industry as well as a synopsis of the insurance career. My thinking was that this could provide concrete support to my personal narrative as well as my opinions and such. The good thing about finding that initial book is that, generally in the surrounding vicinity that I found the book on the shelf, others are not too far away. I felt that I struck gold picking up three additional books in the matter of inches from the first book. Typically, this is my research method in doing “research papers,” which is why I ultimately did not have trouble finding what I needed.
I will admit, the database search was something that was completely new to me. In career as a “researcher” I have never used a database search. I’ll be honest, but I was lost at the beginning of how to use the database that I needed a library assistant to help me with the task. I felt embarrassed, but at the same time I was happy that I knew how to use a database search now. Once I got the hang of it, I decided to use the ProQuest database which helped me obtain four different articles on fraud inside the insurance industry. I was able to find an interview where insurance fraud was discussed which is incredibly beneficial to my research process. After gathering four articles from that database I knew that I had substantial information, for the time being, that I needed to begin my Core II essay.
My overall experience was definitely worthwhile; I learned new things as well as building upon older skills. If there comes a time when I get lost during my compilation of the Core II essay, I will have to travel back to the library to get more fuel for my research.
Books:
1. Automobile insurance fraud study HG9970.35.F6A87
2. Risk management : computers, fraud, and insurance HG8059 .A73 1987
3. Automobile insurance : road safety, new drivers, risks, insurance fraud and regulation HG9970.4.C2A94
4. Handbook of insurance HG8061 .H36
Database Articles:
1. Insuring Against Fraud
2. FRAUD: Interview with John Beadle, Counter-Fraud Manager, RSA
3. High-tech could both facilitate, thwart frauds
4. Protect Yourself From Insurance Fraud
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Insurance Industry
Ever since the beginning of freshman year in high school, I feel that the insurance industry has been part of my life. My uncle, a successful insurance broker for over 30 years, had needed someone to help him out because one of his assistants had moved on from his company. Who would have thought that his Godson would fill a position that required experience and knowledge in the industry? Subsequently, not much time elapsed from his assistant leaving to me filling her position.
Let me just state some background information before I continue on. My uncle and I have an incredibly close relationship and he has played an influential role in my life. Whether it is shooting a round of golf, grabbing a bite to eat at our favorite restaurant, or simply relaxing on the sandy beaches on a family vacation, we have a Godfather and Godson bond that cannot be broken.
Working with my uncle started from a once every other weekend occurrence during my freshman year to a four day a week job beginning my senior year in high school to the present day. A routine of filing away paperwork, organizing insurance policies, and making phone calls is something that has grown on me and continues to intrigue me. My curiosity in insurance has allowed me to embrace it much more than in the early days of freshman year.
Recently during the winter break, my uncle sat me down in his office and decided it was a time for us to have a one-on-one man-to-man talk. Cutting to the chance, he elaborated and opened up that one day after I finish my collegiate education that his business would be handed over to me. After receiving that breathtaking news, I was speechless and jubilant at what lies ahead in my future. Watching what my uncle work as hard as he does every day, it motivated me to work even harder in my journey through college.
Once the news sunk in, I almost immediately wondered what life would be five to six years from now. I was eager to find all of the kinks in the industry and what I was destined for. I, for sure, would not want to spend my life in insurance dealing with a living nightmare.
Research Questions
1. Is the insurance industry one that will be affected by the fluctuating economy?
2. With the rise in corruption, can the insurance industry remain clean of fraudulent crimes?
3. How do you customers react when there is a change in power from one generation to the next?
4. Is the insurance all that is hyped up to be with all of the opportunities it offers?
5. Do larger, more powerful insurance agencies tend to influence the ways that smaller, less aggressive insurance companies operate?
Let me just state some background information before I continue on. My uncle and I have an incredibly close relationship and he has played an influential role in my life. Whether it is shooting a round of golf, grabbing a bite to eat at our favorite restaurant, or simply relaxing on the sandy beaches on a family vacation, we have a Godfather and Godson bond that cannot be broken.
Working with my uncle started from a once every other weekend occurrence during my freshman year to a four day a week job beginning my senior year in high school to the present day. A routine of filing away paperwork, organizing insurance policies, and making phone calls is something that has grown on me and continues to intrigue me. My curiosity in insurance has allowed me to embrace it much more than in the early days of freshman year.
Recently during the winter break, my uncle sat me down in his office and decided it was a time for us to have a one-on-one man-to-man talk. Cutting to the chance, he elaborated and opened up that one day after I finish my collegiate education that his business would be handed over to me. After receiving that breathtaking news, I was speechless and jubilant at what lies ahead in my future. Watching what my uncle work as hard as he does every day, it motivated me to work even harder in my journey through college.
Once the news sunk in, I almost immediately wondered what life would be five to six years from now. I was eager to find all of the kinks in the industry and what I was destined for. I, for sure, would not want to spend my life in insurance dealing with a living nightmare.
Research Questions
1. Is the insurance industry one that will be affected by the fluctuating economy?
2. With the rise in corruption, can the insurance industry remain clean of fraudulent crimes?
3. How do you customers react when there is a change in power from one generation to the next?
4. Is the insurance all that is hyped up to be with all of the opportunities it offers?
5. Do larger, more powerful insurance agencies tend to influence the ways that smaller, less aggressive insurance companies operate?
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Pre-Review Reflection
Looking back on my first draft of Core I, I can honestly say that the conclusion of my paper is definitely the weakest part. I tried to arrange it so that I didn't repeat anything from the previous material in the paper, but I don't think I was too successful. Secondly, throughout the paper I had a feeling that it was repetitive by saying the same information over and over again. Going through the revision process, I'll make sure to distinguish where there is repetition and where there is not.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
The Imus Fallout
Language and Quotes: The content of this article about the Imus fallout uses very distinct language that probably most other articles would be fearful to use. The overall synopsis that James Poniewozik writes about is that Imus as well as other popular big shots have crossed “the line.” However, the author deliberately incorporates specific words and examples into his work to create a sense of irony. If taken out of context, this author can pass as a racist. Cleverly, the tone of the overall allows for a conversational tone rather than a brash condescending one. He interacts with the reader, for example, “You blurt. You deny. You apologize…” Since he chooses the word “you” continuously throughout, he makes it feel as though you are having a conversation over a cup of coffee. By inputting commentary after certain examples, Poniewozik attempts to provide a softer mood so that the reader isn’t constantly inundated with hateful slurs. After using specific language such as, “faggot” or “nigger”, the author startles the reader, but at the same time supports his choice to use the words as he describes certain scenarios in which mostly everyone can relate to. More specifically, bringing up celebrities like Mel Gibson, Sacha Baron Cohen, or even Quentin Tarantino and how they “cross the line” like Imus provides validity to his argument to implement that sort of diction in his article.
Personally, I do not use offensive language. However, there have been times where I have dug myself into a deep hole involving certain situations. In person, my use of a sarcastic, conversational tone has caused for mixed reactions in people. A phrase that was intended to come out as a sense of humor quickly changed into something hurtful. Having experienced that multiple times in my life, I had to manipulate the way I presented my tone. Learning from the Imus fallout and moving forward, I need to realize when the right time to use the sarcastic tone is appropriate and when it is not.
Personally, I do not use offensive language. However, there have been times where I have dug myself into a deep hole involving certain situations. In person, my use of a sarcastic, conversational tone has caused for mixed reactions in people. A phrase that was intended to come out as a sense of humor quickly changed into something hurtful. Having experienced that multiple times in my life, I had to manipulate the way I presented my tone. Learning from the Imus fallout and moving forward, I need to realize when the right time to use the sarcastic tone is appropriate and when it is not.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Showing vs. Telling
Andrew Murray
ENC 1102/Sec
January 25, 2010
Andrew.murray@knights.ucf.edu
The Land of the Unknown
(518)
Peering into the realm of the Libra Community at the University of Central Florida, one would notice that one dormitory triumphs over the rest. Rising four stories high into the sunny Orlando sky, Flagler Hall greets its guests with superficial salutations. However, the naive daily visitors are beguiled into believing that Flagler is the paradise of all the land, not knowing the ongoing antics and surprises that plague everyday residents.
It is 10:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning. Just a mile down the road, restaurants are in full swing as customers sit to enjoy a fresh, warm first cup of coffee to start the day. Families gather for breakfast and cherish each other’s presence. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the first floor of Flagler Hall is quiet and placid as if an F-5 tornado had immediately blown through just several minutes ago. The spacious pod area has turned from organization of two tables with four chairs tucked meticulously around each table into a pandemonium of overturned furniture and pieces of furniture mysteriously disappearing. Three red couches somehow dwindled down to one lone green couch. To top it off, crumbs of various foods are scattered throughout the carpet as if a chef was sprinkling grated mozzarella on top of a pizza. The walls where sparkling, flamboyant decorations and hand-crafted posters once stood were now bare simply plastered with disheartening white paint. The only question one can put together is, “What on earth could have happened the night before.”
A young third grade boy named Alex sits at his desk in a quaint classroom surrounded by his other classmates as they follow along in their textbooks. His older teacher, dressed in a business suit unlike most teachers, monotonously lectures a math lesson to his students in a dull drone voice. As he turns the page he discovers a mysterious beige envelope which reads “Happy Birthday Alex” in dark bold writing. Immediately, once the envelope is opened, balloons in the shape of Mickey Mouse ears escape and colorful fireworks ignite, lighting up the entire classroom. Alex and his other classmates, and even the classroom hamsters, are appalled and amazed at the splendor of the phenomenon which interrupted the lesson. Consequently, the students from inside that ordinary classroom transition to the magical world of DisneyWorld. Accompanied by the Pirates of the Caribbean, Alex and his friends, donned in pirate apparel, celebrate a birthday with the help of the enchantment of DisneyWorld. The end of this thirty second commercial concludes with the announcer saying, “Celebrate your birthday at Disney parks.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFTV29CJd3o&NR=1
After using the showing vs. telling techniques for both the advertisement and place on campus, I found it to be much easier to write about the place on campus. Having said this, there is more of a three dimensional feel to it. On an advertisement there is only so much that you can write about describing it, while on campus you can add sensory details that you actually experienced, which is why the advertisement was more difficult.
ENC 1102/Sec
January 25, 2010
Andrew.murray@knights.ucf.edu
The Land of the Unknown
(518)
Peering into the realm of the Libra Community at the University of Central Florida, one would notice that one dormitory triumphs over the rest. Rising four stories high into the sunny Orlando sky, Flagler Hall greets its guests with superficial salutations. However, the naive daily visitors are beguiled into believing that Flagler is the paradise of all the land, not knowing the ongoing antics and surprises that plague everyday residents.
It is 10:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning. Just a mile down the road, restaurants are in full swing as customers sit to enjoy a fresh, warm first cup of coffee to start the day. Families gather for breakfast and cherish each other’s presence. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the first floor of Flagler Hall is quiet and placid as if an F-5 tornado had immediately blown through just several minutes ago. The spacious pod area has turned from organization of two tables with four chairs tucked meticulously around each table into a pandemonium of overturned furniture and pieces of furniture mysteriously disappearing. Three red couches somehow dwindled down to one lone green couch. To top it off, crumbs of various foods are scattered throughout the carpet as if a chef was sprinkling grated mozzarella on top of a pizza. The walls where sparkling, flamboyant decorations and hand-crafted posters once stood were now bare simply plastered with disheartening white paint. The only question one can put together is, “What on earth could have happened the night before.”
A young third grade boy named Alex sits at his desk in a quaint classroom surrounded by his other classmates as they follow along in their textbooks. His older teacher, dressed in a business suit unlike most teachers, monotonously lectures a math lesson to his students in a dull drone voice. As he turns the page he discovers a mysterious beige envelope which reads “Happy Birthday Alex” in dark bold writing. Immediately, once the envelope is opened, balloons in the shape of Mickey Mouse ears escape and colorful fireworks ignite, lighting up the entire classroom. Alex and his other classmates, and even the classroom hamsters, are appalled and amazed at the splendor of the phenomenon which interrupted the lesson. Consequently, the students from inside that ordinary classroom transition to the magical world of DisneyWorld. Accompanied by the Pirates of the Caribbean, Alex and his friends, donned in pirate apparel, celebrate a birthday with the help of the enchantment of DisneyWorld. The end of this thirty second commercial concludes with the announcer saying, “Celebrate your birthday at Disney parks.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFTV29CJd3o&NR=1
After using the showing vs. telling techniques for both the advertisement and place on campus, I found it to be much easier to write about the place on campus. Having said this, there is more of a three dimensional feel to it. On an advertisement there is only so much that you can write about describing it, while on campus you can add sensory details that you actually experienced, which is why the advertisement was more difficult.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
The First Post of the Semester
Andrew Murray
ENC 1102/Sec 30
January 13, 2010
Andrew.murray@knights.ucf.edu
The Worst Essay Known to Mankind
(455)
Throughout my high school and college academic career, I have written many essays on various topics ranging from Abraham Lincoln to explaining the theme of Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. A majority of these essays have pushed me to my limit as a writer because they truly tested my ability as a writer. However, the essay that I remember vividly to be the greatest struggle occurred last year during my AP English class. Dealing with the novel Jane Eyre written by Charlotte Bronte, our teacher assigned us to read the whole book and then made us write a narrative as one of the most pointless characters in the novel. This was the worst essay topic I have ever received and consequently the worst essay I have ever written.
To begin with, Jane Eyre was at least 400 pages long and this assignment was given with less than a week to complete. Not to mention, being a senior in high school with an extreme case of senioritis made the assignment seem rather preposterous. Not to feel less guilty, but the other students in the class shared the same opinions about this assignment as I did. I remember walking out of class once it was over thinking, “Sparknotes.com is going to be my best friend while I write this paper.”
After blatantly disregarding my teacher’s instruction of reading the book, I decided to begin writing the essay with the help of Sparknotes.com. Laziness and fatigue accompanied me throughout the entire journey of this assignment; clearly this was the last thing that I had wanted to do my senior year in high school.
The final product of the essay consisted solely of a character summary that could be found on Sparknotes.com. Nonetheless, the essay wound up looking like a bunch of words sloppily thrown together, as if it was written in a foreign language. Asking students to read over 400 pages is one thing, but assigning a paper that dealt with a narrative of pointless character was another thing.
Throughout the construction of this paper, I constantly questioned my ability as a writer because I felt guilty by almost plagiarizing someone else’s ideas for basically the whole narrative. The moment after I turned this essay into my teacher, I knew this was the worst essay I have ever written.
Ever since that day occurred over a year ago, I have been blessed to never have to write an essay of that caliber again. I have regained my confidence as a writer and now, more than ever, am eager to write because I know no essay will ever compare to that disaster.
ENC 1102/Sec 30
January 13, 2010
Andrew.murray@knights.ucf.edu
The Worst Essay Known to Mankind
(455)
Throughout my high school and college academic career, I have written many essays on various topics ranging from Abraham Lincoln to explaining the theme of Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. A majority of these essays have pushed me to my limit as a writer because they truly tested my ability as a writer. However, the essay that I remember vividly to be the greatest struggle occurred last year during my AP English class. Dealing with the novel Jane Eyre written by Charlotte Bronte, our teacher assigned us to read the whole book and then made us write a narrative as one of the most pointless characters in the novel. This was the worst essay topic I have ever received and consequently the worst essay I have ever written.
To begin with, Jane Eyre was at least 400 pages long and this assignment was given with less than a week to complete. Not to mention, being a senior in high school with an extreme case of senioritis made the assignment seem rather preposterous. Not to feel less guilty, but the other students in the class shared the same opinions about this assignment as I did. I remember walking out of class once it was over thinking, “Sparknotes.com is going to be my best friend while I write this paper.”
After blatantly disregarding my teacher’s instruction of reading the book, I decided to begin writing the essay with the help of Sparknotes.com. Laziness and fatigue accompanied me throughout the entire journey of this assignment; clearly this was the last thing that I had wanted to do my senior year in high school.
The final product of the essay consisted solely of a character summary that could be found on Sparknotes.com. Nonetheless, the essay wound up looking like a bunch of words sloppily thrown together, as if it was written in a foreign language. Asking students to read over 400 pages is one thing, but assigning a paper that dealt with a narrative of pointless character was another thing.
Throughout the construction of this paper, I constantly questioned my ability as a writer because I felt guilty by almost plagiarizing someone else’s ideas for basically the whole narrative. The moment after I turned this essay into my teacher, I knew this was the worst essay I have ever written.
Ever since that day occurred over a year ago, I have been blessed to never have to write an essay of that caliber again. I have regained my confidence as a writer and now, more than ever, am eager to write because I know no essay will ever compare to that disaster.
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