Reflection about nursing home visit Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Reflection about nursing home visit - Essay Example In order to improve on my verbal communication skills, as I am not a native English speaker, I think I need to improve my English speaking skills through practice and by enrolling in an English language course. Non-verbal cues include eye contact, touch and use of space, gestures, body posture and presentation, and use of voice. Non-verbal cues reflect the real emotions and feelings of individuals involved in the conversation. Such was the case in my conversation with the patient. By establishing eye contact, I was able to assess the sincerity of her words. I also paid attention to her gestures which told me if my questions were getting uncomfortable for her to answer. And if she got uncomfortable answering, I changed my questions. I noticed that she gestured with her hands a lot; and being a former teacher, I understood why she has this habit. When I first approached her, I maintained a respectful distance between us. Since it was my first time to meet her, I respected her personal space. I asked if I could move my chair closer to her, and she agreed. I maintained a 3-feet distance from her; it was close enough for us to hear each other, and far enough to avoid invading her personal space (Rhode Island Health Literacy Project, n.d). I think I need to improve my non-verbal communication skills by increasing my interaction with patients. Through increased interaction, I will be able to improve my interpretation of patients’ non-verbal cues (Earp, et.al., 2007, p.197). Establishing rapport is seen in how we relate and perceive our patients. It also involves genuine concern and empathy for our patients (Travelbee, 1963). Upon meeting my patient, I immediately set out to establish rapport by greeting her by her first name, shaking her hand, and introducing myself. I asked permission to converse with her and when she agreed, I sat

Alcoholic Beverage and Personal Communication Essay Example for Free

Alcoholic Beverage and Personal Communication Essay Introduction The use of a range of drug types, including alcohol, are part of the traditions of many, if not all, communities in Fiji. The Fijian and Indo-Fijian communities have long traditions of psycho-active drug use in the context of ritual and ceremony. 1,2 It has been noted that seafarers, together with indentured labourers, brought cannabis or Indian hemp traditions to Fiji, with the sugar cane plantations providing fertile ground for cultivation. 2,3 Meanwhile, kava was widely cultivated and consumed by ethnic Fijians. The Indo-Fijian community slowly adopted kava drinking rituals and gradually others began to increase their consumption. In addition, marijuana use emerged and spread with increasing popularity amongst youth, especially males. 2-5 This literature review explores the current licit and illicit drug situation in Fiji. It considers peer-reviewed articles identi? ed using Pub Med, Health Internet Work Access to Research Initiative (HINARI) searches and ‘grey’ literature, including published and unpublished reports, and web based resources (e.g. UNDOC, WHO). The review found that there is limited data available to assist in understanding the current situation and associated harms in Fiji, but notes more studies and reports have examined alcohol consumption patterns and associated social problems when compared with studies on illicit drug use. 1, 5-15 Alcohol use in Fiji According to the WHO Global Status Report on Alcohol, data from the 1993 National Nutrition Survey indicate that consumption of alcoholic home brew use is widespread in Fiji, as in other Paci? c nations. These beverages usually contain up to three times the alcohol content of commercially produced beer and are mostly drunk by younger men. 16 After 1995, unrecorded alcohol consumption in Fiji was estimated to be 1. 0 litre of pure alcohol per capita for the population older than 15 years (estimated by a group of key alcohol experts). 17 Although there are no recently published statistics on the number of drinkers and abstainers, the same survey found daily drinkers to be 1. 4% among males and 0. 8% among females aged 12 years and over. 18 Estimates from alcohol experts show that the proportion of adult males and females who had been abstaining (in the year prior to the survey) was 74% (males) and 98% (females). 17 Research shows that single drinking sessions with a high rate of alcohol intake (common practice among Fijian youth) can cause abrupt mood swings resulting in violence, accidents and ? ghts, exaggerated emotions, uncharacteristic behaviour, memory loss, impaired judgement, communication problems, sleepiness, coma, stupor and death (at very high intake) and suicide attempts. Binge drinking has also been implicated in schizophrenic and other psychiatric episodes. 19 165 REVIEW PACIFIC HEALTH DIALOG MARCH 201 1, VOL. 17, NO. 1 While there is limited current information on the rate and consumption patterns of alcohol, cannabis and kava among young people,1,6,9 several studies2,3,8,11 were conducted to analyse the extent of tobacco and alcohol use among young people in Fiji in the 1990s and early 2000s. One of the studies4 found that alcohol is widely consumed in one form or another among young people, with about 2 in 5 of the young people surveyed having tasted it. The percentage of young people classi? ed as current drinkers ranged from a high of 26% among males to 9% among females. 4 Of concern was the high proportion of binge drinkers: about 3 in 5 young people reported having had 5 or more alcoholic drinks in one session. The study4 indicated that the high prevalence among 13-15 year olds poses a serious concern, and highlights the need for law enforcement and intervention programs to create an environment that promotes responsible drinking. Interestingly, the study found that when compared to smoking, alcohol and kava use, the proportion of young people using cannabis was relatively low. 4 A follow up survey of 2147 students in 2004 by the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council (NSAAC) found a general increase in substance use among secondary students (see table 1). Table 1: Youth Substance Use in Fiji (Comparison of the results for Fiji in the 1999 Global Youth Tobacco Survey by UNICEF and WHO and 2004 follow up survey by NSAAC). Substance Tobacco Alcohol Kava Marijuana GYT Survey (1999) 32. 3 40. 3 51. 9 12. 8 NSAAC (2004) 43 51 61 13 Signi? cant variations exist in the drinking habits of males and females in Fiji; there are many more male drinkers than there are female drinkers. 11 Ordinarily males consume the bulk of the alcohol in the company of other males, usually during drinking sessions with no special occasion, while most women drink alcohol during social functions or in night club settings in the company of men and other women. While women occasionally participate in drinking sessions, typically it is an exclusively male activity. 11,13 It is at these drinking parties where the most copious amounts of alcohol are reportedly consumed. Thus, when males drink, they tend to drink larger amounts of alcohol in one sitting than women do. Illicit drug use in Fiji Border Security and Drug Control Limited data exist to aid in understanding illicit drug use and the associated harms across the Paci? c. In addition, there are no surveillance systems. 20 However, Fiji by virtue of its geographical position is faced with the twin problems of illicit drug traf? cking and increasing use. 21,22 These are further aggravated by the rapid transitional and social changes arising from urbanization. These developments create an atmosphere which exposes entire communities to greater risk associated with drug use (Personal communication – Fiji Police Department, 2008). Minimal use of drugs such as heroin, morphine, cocaine and hallucinogens occur, but this review found that Fiji is considered a transit area for smuggling. [20-23]. Drugs such as heroin, methamphetamines and 166 PACIFIC HEALTH DIALOG MARCH 201 1, VOL. 17, NO. 1 REVIEW cocaine are not commonly used due to their high cost when compared to the average income. Raw cocaine has reportedly been found in Fiji and three Chinese men and a Fijian security guard were murdered in what was thought to be an organized crime execution linked to drugs. 22 National enforcement agencies have responded to curb traf? cking as is re? ected by the large seizures of illicit drugs. 24,25 In spite of this response, a drug laboratory found in Fiji in 200625 supports the view that organized crime groups could escalate their activities in the Paci? c islands. 21,25 A raid at an industrial estate in Suva, involving police from Australia and New Zealand and Fijian Customs Of? cer followed a major heroin seizure in 2000. 21,25] The lab identi? cation also suggests a transition of Fiji (and possibly other Paci? c Nations) from a transhipment point to a production base. According to the New Zealand Police, to succeed in future operations similar to the Suva bust, interested agencies need to work towards having â€Å"robust communication systems† across organisations to keep them connected and informed on crime in the region. 21 It is reported that there are about 5000 vessels transiting in the Paci? c on any given day. 21,24 Large shipments may be unloaded from a mother ship to smaller vessels, and can subsequently go in hiding at the many small, uninhibited islets and atolls, waiting for the next step. 21 Fiji has recently established a Transnational Crime Unit (TCU) with the Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority (FIRCA) as one of the key law enforcement agencies involved. This unit has been vigilant in promoting the cooperation between border organizations in order to assist the TCU in controlling the borders. 24 The Unit also compiles data for intelligence risk assessments throughout the year. It supports a Case Management Intelligence System (CMIS), whereby relevant information from the Police Department, Immigration Department, Local Government Authorities, Financial Intelligence Unit, and other Law Enforcement Agencies24 are automatically linked in the system. A number of cases which the TCU have been investigating include a Tongan syndicate smuggling drugs from Fiji to Tonga. In a recent example of program cooperation a number of TCU surveillance targets were arrested during a Police roadblock in Sigatoka (personal communication, FIRCA, 2008). Domestic Issues Cannabis is by far the most common and widespread illicit drug used in Fiji. 11 Like many other countries in the region, anecdotal evidence suggests there has been a considerable increase in drug use among young people4 despite the relatively small increase suggested by the 2004 NSAAC study (see table 1). However, it is not clear if the two studies they reported were directly comparable. Data collected by the St Giles Hospital and the Fijian Police Department support the view there has been an increase in use. Admissions data for St Giles Hospital reports on cannabis induced psychosis and other disorders. In 1987, ? ve young men were admitted to St Giles Hospital with cannabis related mental disorders. In 1988, the number rose to ? fteen with many more unreported cases. 26 The 2005 hospital data revealed that a total of 612 patients were seen at outpatients department diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder. These included 386 (63%) patients for marijuana, 59 (10%) alcohol, 99 (16%) kava and 99 (16%) tobacco use issues. In 2006, 272 admissions to St Giles Hospital were reported as drug related, consisting of 66% Fijians, 20% Indo-Fijian and 14% belong to other ethnic groups. It is probable that the political troubles in 2006 impacted on the number of admissions, but no data were available to con? rm or reject this view. Police arrest data report possession (see Table 2). 8,13,26 Statistics provided by Fiji Police showed 259 drugrelated crimes were committed in 2008. There was a 21 per cent drop from 2007 which had 329 drug-related 167 REVIEW PACIFIC HEALTH DIALOG MARCH 201 1, VOL. 17, NO. 1 crimes. 27 There are also reports of increasing cannabis cultivation as a form of inter-seasonal cash crop substitution among farmers. It is estimated that Fiji has between 500 to 1000 cannabis producers, some of them citing the country’s worsening economy as the motivator for production (personal communication, Police Drug Unit, November 2008). For generations, the villagers of Navosa have travelled for hours across rugged terrain to reach a road to the market to sell their produce with no guarantee their produce will be sold. Facing the same hardships as their ancestors, many of these villagers report having no choice but to resort to marijuana growing because â€Å"The product is lighter, it has a steady market and is economically viable† (Personal communication with growers, December, 2008). Production is predominantly for local consumption. Table 2: Recent Crime Data ( Drug offences recorded by the Fiji Police Forces from 2000 to 2006). Year Drug offences 2001 433 2002 417 2003 417 2004 312 2005 312 2006 333 The Save the Children Fund in Fiji reports that the continuing political and economic instability in the country has also led to a lot more children working as drug traf? ckers or prostitutes. [28] Concern over the increasing number of children involved in drug traf? cking was sparked by the recent arrest of three school children caught selling drugs in an amusement centre in Labasa. The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre reported an increase in young Indo-Fijian girls working as prostitutes in urban centres. Furthermore, the National Manager for Save the Children Fund in Fiji, says there is a growing trend among poor families to send their children out onto the streets. 28 Drug and alcohol legislation and policy According to the literature, there is no regional-based illicit drug policy for the Paci? c and few treatment programs. 20,29 Information from the Paci? c Island Forum Secretariat (PIFS) indicates that Fiji’s Illicit Drugs Control Act is an adaptation of the Regional Model Law on the Control of Illicit Drugs which was developed by the Secretariat. There was no formal committee, but it was endorsed by a Cabinet sub-Committee on legislation which was chaired by the then Attorney-General. Both the Fijian Government and PIFS are advocating for a regional legislative framework to respond to the increase in illicit drugs in the region (personal communication, PIFS, 2008). Amphetamines are a key drug of concern with the region’s geographical vulnerability highlighted as a key factor in the rationale for this approach. At the time of writing, Kiribati and Fiji are the only two PIFS member countries to have adapted and enacted the model law. Furthermore, a Code of Practice has been developed by PIFS to assist stakeholders such as law enforcement agencies and pharmacies to classify, register and dispose of illicit drugs (personal communication, PIFS, 2008). It may be adapted by Forum member countries with modi? cations to suit national legal and administrative arrangements. Legislative control on the consumption and sale of alcohol to minors has not been widely and effectively implemented. While minors are legally barred from consuming alcohol, the sale of alcohol beverages to under-age drinkers is common throughout the country. 11 For the minor who is unable to gain access to commercial alcohol beverages, homebrew is an easily obtained alternative. Anecdotal evidence suggests that minors make up a large and undetected percentage of consumers of alcohol beverages. 168 PACIFIC HEALTH DIALOG MARCH 201 1, VOL. 17, NO. 1 REVIEW Sexually Transmitted Infections Sexually Transmitted Infections, including HIV, are emerging public health problems in Fiji. 13 A recent WHO report indicated that the rise in the number of HIV cases, in addition to increasing number of patients accessing STI clinics, in an ongoing concern. In 2006, MOH statistics indicated30 that Fijians comprised 83% of con? rmed HIV diagnoses, Indo-Fijian 13% and ‘others’ 4%. Since 2004, Fijian males had replaced females as having the highest number of cases. Overall, males comprised 59% and heterosexual transmission accounted for 85% of all cases. By the end of 2004 a total of 182 HIV infections had been reported in Fiji13 and the number of new cases reported each year has increased for the last ? ve years. In Fiji, reported cases of syphilis and gonorrhea have ? uctuated between 1998 and 2004. In 2004 there were 852 reports of syphilis and 1182 gonorrhea. The number of cases reported for 2008 were 1004 for syphilis, 1064 gonorrhea and 283 HIV cases. 27 Recent statistics from Fiji’s Health Ministry on Sexually Transmitted Infections are a cause for concern with the high rate of STIs among people aged 20 to 29 increasing the risk for HIV infection. 31,32 Fiji’s Director of Public Health notes that statistics gathered over the past eight years by the Ministry show that gonorrhoea and syphilis are the most frequently reported STIs in the country, which â€Å"highlights the underlying concern of unsafe sexual behaviour among young people† and the â€Å"same high-risk behaviour for the transmission of HIV. † He also said that â€Å"sex is serious business† and that â€Å"anyone, especially young people, who participates does so at their risk, in view of the sad consequences of infection from so many STIs including HIV, pelvic in? ammatory disease and infertility. †32 Risk/Protective Factors Some religious groups in Fiji, such as Islam, strictly forbid the use of alcohol. Christian denominations such as the Assemblies of God, Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Seventh Day Adventist Mission also prohibit the consumption of alcohol. Individual members of these religious groups vary in the degree to which they adhere to these principles. Any negative effects of combining tobacco or alcohol with kava use are currently conjecture, with relatively little work done to explore the nature of the relationship between these substances in the Paci? c. 1,6,9,26,33 However, anecdotal evidence suggests an inter-relationship exists with social and health consequences. 1, 4-6, 9, 13, 26, 33, 34 Reports of kava drinking followed by a beer chaser, known as ‘washdown’, are not uncommon and suggests the need for further exploration of potentially harmful consumption patterns. Excessive drinking, drinking too frequently and too much, often re? ects the drinking pro? le of the majority of young people in countries like Fiji. 5, 11, 14 Excessive drinking is reported as a signi? cant contributor to motor vehicle accidents, violence and aggressive behaviour, unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and criminal activities. 3, 14, 15, 18, 26 It has been suggested that the alcohol consumption pattern of young Indigenous Fijian males follows the traditional kava ritual of drinking until there is nothing left in the kava bowl. In many instances, young people often end their kava drinking session by consuming alcohol (‘wash down’). [3, 5] It is reported that most youths drink excessively to manage their problems, but it may result in new problems like unsafe sex, crime and violence and even suicide. 5, 14, 15, 34, 35 A study in Fiji10, 11 revealed that alcohol was a factor in 58% of all homicide between 1982 and 1992 and approximately 80% of the crime in the country is alcohol-related. 10, 18 169 REVIEW PACIFIC HEALTH DIALOG MARCH 201 1, VOL. 17, NO. 1 Furthermore, the effects of alcohol on the physical, mental and social health of Fiji’s citizens have in recent years been the subject of considerable concern amongst health-care professionals and social scientists, as well as the ordinary citizens. 2, 3, 8, 10, 11, 23, 26, 33 At present there is suf? cient evidence from a variety of research ? ndings1, 6, 10, 11, 34 to suggest that the heavy consumption of alcohol contributes other health problems in Fiji, such as diabetes, heart problems, obesity and hypertension. Among the social consequences of excessive alcohol consumption in the country,10, 11 violent crime, domestic violence, and road fatalities have been identi? ed as the most serious. 8, 23, 34 While alcohol and home brew drinking are more common, marijuana cultivation, sales and distribution has become pervasive in some Paci? c Island countries. It has been seen as a good source of income. A further emerging substance abuse issue is glue snif? ng among school age children, mostly in their early teens. In addition, unemployment in youths is a major problem in the Paci? c. In Fiji it has been estimated that out of nearly 10,000 youths seeking employment, only 1500 can be employed. 2, 3, 13 Studies and observations in some urban areas of Paci? c countries point to an increasing numbers of people between the ages of 15-19 engaging in commercial sex worker with some aged even younger. 2, 3, 11, 15, 35, 36 Conclusions There is a range of evidence and data suggesting the potential for increased risk of HIV infection associated with substance use in Fiji, but there is a need to explore this issue further with social behavioural and qualitative research. While harmful substance use patterns and sexual health risk factors are increasingly reported, there is little current analysis regarding the interaction of the two. Of particular concern is the current environment of rapidly changing substance use patterns with little in the way of structural responses to protect the people of Fiji from the range of social and health-related harms. In addition, dif? cult economic conditions and the tangible bene? ts of cannabis growing and distribution (and potential for amphetamine production) lend urgency to the need to investigate these issues further and to develop viable interventions that are informed by robust data and research information. References 1. Goundar R, Kava consumption and its health effects. Journal of Community Health and Clinical Medicine for the Paci? c 2006. 13(3): p. 131-5. 2. Plange, N. K. , Social Aspects of Drug and Alcohol Abuse: An overview of the situation in Fiji. Fiji Medical Journal, 1991. 17(3): p. 5-12. 3. Plange, N. K. , Alcoholism and Crime among Urban Youth in Fiji. 1991, University of the South Paci? c. 4. UNICEF. , Substance use among adolescents in Fiji: A surveillance Report from the Fiji Global Tobacco Survey. 1999. 5. Rokosawa, M. Alcohol problems in Fiji. 1986 [cited. 6. Moulds RFW, M. J. , Kava: herbal panacea or liver poison? [For Debate]. Medical Journal of Australia, 2003(178): p. 451-3. 7. Morrison F, H. F. , Gaylord J, Leigh B, Rainey D. , Adolescent drinking and sex: ? ndings from a daily diary study. Perspective on Sexual Reproductive Health, 2003. 35(4): p. 162-8. 8. Adinkrah, M. , Homicide-Suicides in Fiji: Offence patterns, situational factors socio-cultural contexts. Suicide and Life Threatening Behavior, 2003. 33: p. 65-73. 170 PACIFIC HEALTH DIALOG MARCH 201 1, VOL. 17, NO. 1 REVIEW 9. Kava, R. , The adverse effects of Kava. Paci? c Health Dialog, 2001. 8: p. 115-18. 10. Adinkrah, M., Violent encounters: A study of homicide patterns in Fiji society. 1996, Fiji Council of Social Services. : Suva, Fiji. 11. Adinkrah, M. , Crime, deviance delinquency in Fiji. 1995, Suva, Fiji: Fiji Council of Social Services. 12. Plange, N. K. , Social aspects of drug and alcohol abuse: An overview of the situation in Fiji. Fiji Medical Journal, 1991. 17(3): p. 4-12. 13. WHO, National Workshop on Alcohol Related Problems in Fiji. 1986. 14. Naiveli, B. , Alcohol and Crime. 1986, Royal Fiji Police. p. 34,35 15. Kippax, D. D. , The Genesis of Alcohol -Related Problems. 1986, Fiji School of Medicine. p. 24-28. 16. Na tabili kavoro: The place of alcohol in the lives of Fijian people living in Aotearoa New Zealand. ALAC Research Monograph series: No. 4. Wellington, Sector Analysis, Ministry of Health for the Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand, 1997. 17. Alcohol per capita consumption, patterns of drinking and abstention worldwide after 1995. Appendix 2. European Addiction Research, 2001. 7(3): p. 155-157. 18. http://www. who. int/substance_abuse/publications/en/? ji. pdf, WHO Global Status Report on Alcohol 2004: Geneva. 19. Recommendations for policy to support health promotion. A report to the Minister of Health., N. C. f. H. Promotion, Editor. March 1998. 20. Devanney M, R. G. , Baldwin S, Crofts N, Power, R, Illicit drug use and responses in six Paci? c Island countries. Drug and Alcohol Review, 2006. 25: p. 387-900. 21. Drug Enforcement Administration Intelligence Division, Drugs Intelligence Brief: the paci? c islands region, v. Alexandra, Editor. 2004, Drug Enforcement Administration. 22. United States Of? ce on Drugs Crime, Paci? c Islands: UNODC Regional Centre for East Asia and the Paci? c. 2003. 23. Ratinisiva M, Drug Traf? cking, Prevention and Control in Fiji. Fiji Medical Journal, 1991. 17(3): p. 5-12. 24. Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority, Annual Report. 2006. p. 17. 25. Louisa, C. , Paci? c ripe for drug ring boom, in NZ Herald. 2004: Auckland. 26. Abusah, P. Y. , The Drug Scene in Fiji. Fiji Medical Journal, 1991. 17(3): p. 21-25. 27. http://www. stats? ji. gov. fj/Key%20Stats/Miscellaneous/15. 7%20crime%20cases%20recorded. pdf. 2008. 28. http://tvnz. co. nz/view/page/425822/37544, More Fijian youth in drugs, prostitution 2001. 29. Illicit Drugs Control Bill Draft. Fiji: Paci? c Islands Forum Secretariat. 2002. 30. Ministry of Health, Annual Report Shaping Fiji’s Health.2007. 31. http://www. health. gov. fj/index. html. 2008. 32. http://www. stats? ji. gov. fj/Social/health_cdeath. htm. 2008 [cited. 33. Council out to Fight Drug Abuse, in The Fiji Times. 34. Caswell, S. , Alcohol in Oceania. 1986, Alcohol Research Unit, Dept of Community Health and General Practice, School of Medicine, University of Auckland, New Zealand. p. 25. 35. Kippax D, O. M. J. , Alcohol-Related Problems in Fiji. 1986, Suva: Suva. 36. Ali, S. , Family Life Education. 1986, Ministry of Education. p. 36-39. 171 REVIEW PACIFIC HEALTH DIALOG MARCH 201 1, VOL. 17, NO. 1 172.

Strategies for Marketing Organic Food Products

Strategies for Marketing Organic Food Products There is a global growing demand and supply for organic foods. This has resulted from increased health awareness and food safety, a growing demand to protect the environment and animal welfare. The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) defines organic production as a process that relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects (IFOAM, 2010). Marketing the product will provide the link that will satisfy both the demand and the supply. Thus marketing the products will provide the link between the producers and the consumers. While the marketing of these products is developed in the U.S.A, the Asian marketing is just developing. This essay will analyze marketing of organic food products in the U.S. and in Asia. The organic food production in the Asian countries is mainly done for the export market as the domestic consumption is still emerging (IFOAM, 2004). This is in contra st with the U.S. market where the number of organic food product consumers has been increasing gradually (Dimitri Oberholtzer, 2009). Production In most Asian countries organic production is mainly for small farmers in order to assist them to be self sufficient and improve the quality of the soil. It is mainly done for export. Organic food production in Asia is yet to develop. Though the Asian countries form 25 percent of the members of (IFOAM) the area engaged in organic farming is still very small as by 2003 all the Asian countries had only utilized less than 1 percent of all agricultural land in organic farming with the exception of china IFOAM, 2004). The local markets in Asia are not established and are only emerging. Marketing initiatives are in the process of being launched. There are National Initiatives to develop the organic sector. There are initiatives by NGOs supporting to practice organic agriculture and training them on how to market the organic food products. Most of the organic farming has support from the grassroots level. In most Asian countries there are very rare national scale of organic production and only India has a government initiative. The Indian government (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APFPEDA)) initiative is only meant to assist in exporting of the organic food and not to develop the domestic market. APFPEDA offers training to producers and certification agencies, research and development services: promoting certification programs, developing policies, improving quality of services, promoting Indian organic foods. Lack of proper regulations and certification processes has hindered the development of the organic food production and marketing. However this trend is changing as there are already several countries that have developed National Organic Regulations to promote both export and domestic production. The regulations are responsible for setting the standards. Currently most of the Asian organic foods are certified by foreign bodies, with only China, Israel, Japan, Thailand, India and Philippines being the only Asian countries with their own certification (IFOAM, 2004). As one of the largest consumers and one of the countries with a high per capita income, any change in the U.S consumption trend will have an effect. Thus organic food production and growth has been affected by the U.S consumption. The organic food production industry noted an increase of 16-21 percent in 2008. The industry receives government support both in monetary terms and in developing policies. This contrasts with the Asian industry which is still in the process of setting policies (Report buyer, 2010). The 2008 Farm Act allocated $5 million to do further research on the marketing system of organic food products in U.S. There are regulations in the U.S. which are provided by the 2002 USDA National Organic Standards. Challenges The main challenges facing the organic food marketing are the pricing competition and logistics arrangements. The organic foods have to compete with other non-organic foods in terms of pricing, varieties and the frequency of production. The organic food products are expensive to produce. Their infrastructure is yet to be developed and thus it is hard for the marketing organizations to sell them at a competitive price. The organic food products are expensive both in the Asian countries and in US. In US organic foods are 10 to 30 percent more expensive than the conventional food products (Dimitri Oberholtzer, 209). The domestic consumers are not informed on the benefits of using organic products. Consumers have little information on organic food products and most consumers will only compare the prices of the food products as they do not know the benefits of organic foods to themselves and to the nature. Apart from this, the organic foods have faced competition with the already developed conventional food products. Since there are only a few informed consumers, the organic food companies have to compete for this small number of consumers. There is a need to create consumer awareness. There is therefore a need for the relevant authorities to device ways to first develop a domestic market for organic foods. There is potential of growth that results from the fact that there are concerns by most consumers with the high chemical such as pesticides remnants in many foods. In addition to this organic foods are also preferred by those who are been sick. Another challenge faced in Asia is that the producers lack in marketing skills. This leads to the producers facing challenges from having to compete with supermarket chains. Most of the organic suppliers are smaller as compared to the conventional food suppliers. This leads to discontinuation of those organic foods that are slow moving, thus disrupting the already developing trend. In addition to this, most of the countries have not developed labeling laws. Consumers will have more confidence when purchasing labeled products. This is crucial for assurance of quality considering there are many self proclaimed organic products in the market. In the U.S the organic foods are sold in branded product lines as well as private-label organic products, whereby this has resulted to an increase of the private-label products from 35 in 2003 to 540 in 2007 (Dimitri Oberholtzer, 2009) . There is a high consumption of organic products in the U.S. The consumption rate continues to increase. As a result of this increase, the retail prices of organic food products increased from $3.6 billion in 1997 to $21.1 billion in 2008, (Dimitri Oberholtzer, 2009). The growth rate was partly as a result of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) efforts of setting standards that gave consumers confidence in using the products. USDA also gave a guideline on how one would recognize that a product is an organic product. The consumption rate has however increased at a higher rate than the growth of the organic foods, thus creating a shortage in the supply of the products. This has mainly been attributed to the regulations that are required in converting and certifying a farmland to an organic farm. Product and marketing development In the Asian countries the farmers lack confidence in the organic food production. Again, the supply of the products has been growing at a higher rate than the demand, thus farmers have been left with surpluses of their produces. The marketing organizations will at times fail to buy all the produces from the farmers, thus the farmers have to look for their own markets. This frustrates the farmers who will shift to other farm produces. Being a new and young developing market, the producers have had to compete with unscrupulous traders. Again, the structure of marketing organization has had an effect in developing the market. Most of the marketing organizations were small organizations and they faced challenges, e.g. recruiting and retaining quality staff. Again due to the challenges of shortage of investments funds, they will go for direct marketing, such as home deliveries and mobile markets. There is a need for the producers and markets to unit and cooperate in order to fight these unscrupulous traders. The Asian market is in the same position as the U.S. market in the 1990s where independent small chain outlets and food-cooperatives were the sole distributors of the organic food products. Currently these food products are mainly supplied in the supermarkets. This is a trend catching up in the Asian markets. There are ways to develop and help support the marketing organizations for the organic food products in Asia. The local initiatives should provide those strategies that eliminate intermediaries, thus reducing the prices of the products and thus encouraging more buyers, while at the same time promoting the producers. Any non-commercial external funding should accompanied with organizations own increase in capital investment. This assures continuity after the external funding is pulled out. Most of the marketing organizations start small whereby some do not even have an office, and operate from home. This may be satisfactory to start with, but as the company grows, it should have an official location of operation. The location chosen is very important. It should be close and easily accessible to the customers and close enough to the producers. This gives it a professional appearance. The company should be particular on the choice of produce it starts with, e.g., vegetables, and then add the products as it grows. Pricing is crucial for the marketing organization, thus it should come up with the preferred pricing strategy. Most organic food products marketing organization prefer price differentiation. Another point to be considered is the connection between the producer and the consumer. This should be discussed so as to reduce disagreements between the two. The marketing organizations should learn to market themselves through the press. The marketing organization should learn the target market and stay updated on any new products that they may require. Conclusion The marketing of organic food products is more advanced in the U.S than it is in the U.S. The success in the U.S. market can be attributed to development of policies and guidelines that especially encourages the domestic consumption. The Asian countries should learn from the U.S. and develop their own domestic market. In addition to this, there is a shortage in the U.S of the organic products. Proper marketing strategies in Asian countries should satisfy this demand in the US market. Something the Asian authorities should think about and act on.

A Brief Introduction to Systematic Living Essay -- Natural, Man Made,

an even larger system of systems. This is not to say that systems imply order. Nor do the terms â€Å"systemic† or â€Å"systematic†, although they are frequently used to suggest exactly that. Quite the opposite. There is an incredible amount of chaos that occurs at every scale, in both natural and man-made systems. Systems of any kind can be unpredictable, and take on a life of their own. One glimpse at the juggernaut of bureaucracy that is the U.S. federal government demonstrates this nicely without having to spend another breath proving the point†¦ I’ve been lucky enough in life to have been thrown into situations where it seemed I was always forced to reverse engineer a wide assortment of systems. Most people call these situations â€Å"problems†, and I did too for many years. My first career began during the U.S. Army’s transition into the New Army of the post-Cold War era. I served for nearly a decade, stateside and overseas, participated in the administration of multi-national task forces under U.N. control, and built and managed the deployment facility for the USARPAC power projection platform. I learned, by trial and error, the ins and outs of the personnel management bureaucracy and how to design computer-based solutions for many problems. Contrary to popular belief, the military was not at all bleeding edge in its attempts at automating even basic office documents, much less complex processes. We still used primarily tally sheets, log books, and typewriters to run Division-level operations even in the mid 1990s. The shining exception to this was Microsoft Powerpoint. Our generals lived and breathed their battle theaters through an endless barrage of Powerpoint slideshow briefings. My first Army Achievement Medal was award... ...its Own Reward Entity Relationship Mapping: What Software Teaches Us About Grammar Cooperative Evolution as a Systemic Norm Specialization vs. Generalization Design with Perpetuality Sweet Chaos Design with Intentionality This Cell Isn’t Big Enough for the Two of Us: The Prisoner’s Dilemma Preserving Hammurabi’s Palace KISS A LEGOâ„ ¢ in Every Pot Entropic Economics 101 Two is One, One is None Give Me My Damn Twinky! Natural Rights vs. Human Rights A Calendar for Every Season Can’t a Squirrel Get a Nut? Regulate Yourself Of Mollison and Gall, Dawkins and Waal The Lie of Dichotomy: Heads I Win, Tails You Lose When You Piss in the Global Wind, We All Get Wet Works Cited http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_projection http://systemic.permacultureuniversity.net/?p=3

Palamon Love Essay

Palamon wants Arcite to let his eyes of Emily and not interfere, but Arcite says â€Å"l loved her first as women and on my head I swear, love is a greater law than any other that may be given to any earthly man. † (pg. 89) love replaces all other commitments. They both show each other how much they love Emily. Later on, they both somehow manage to get out of prison. First, Arcite got out and after seven years Palamon. They both suddenly meet at grove in ngry looks and want to fight for Emily, while Theseus appearing there too with his wife and Emily. At first Theseus wanted to kill them, but seeing the situation of theirs he changes his mind and sets up arena for them to fght. They both are ready to do anything to grant Emily as wife. Then, Theseus builds 3 temples. Venus (the goddess of love), Mars (the god of war), and Diana (the goddess of chastity). Palamon went to Venus to ask to get Emily, Arcite went to Mars to ask to win the war, and Emily went to Diana to ask to say virgin or else marry a guy love her the most. After that, the battle begun and Arcite won the war with the help of the god that he visited, and Palamon lost, but in the end Palamon won and got Emily. Palamon won because of Pluto who sent earthquake at Saturn’s request for Venus. Arcite dies because of earthquake and fell from his horse and hits his head to ground. He died as noble knight to get Emily, and didn’t care about his brotherhood relationship with Palamon while fghing against him for Emily. The knight is noble, conqueror, gentle and has pity, which he is similar to Theseus the character in the story that he is telling. The gentle duke jumped down from his horse with pitying heart as he heard them speak†. (pg. 77) Theseus takes pity on those women that he meets on his way and gives what the women asked for. Which it looks like that the Knight is describing himself as Theseus. He likes fghting from the beginning so he made arrangement for Arcite and Palamon to fght over Emily. The story starts with battle of Amazons and after he marries the queen of Amazon as price of winning a battle besides the story also ends with Palamon marrying Emily in which he also get her by winning the battle.

Definition of Closed Timelike Curve

Definition of Closed Timelike Curve A closed timelike curve (sometimes abbreviated CTC) is a theoretical solution to the general field equations of the theory of general relativity. In a closed timelike curve, the worldline of an object through spacetime follows a curious path where it eventually returns to the exact same coordinates in space and time that it was at previously. In other words, a closed timelike curve is the mathematical result of physics equations that allows for time travel. Normally, a closed timelike curve comes out of the equations through something called frame dragging, where a massive object or intense gravitational field moves and literally drags spacetime along with it. Many results that allow for a closed timelike curve involve a  black hole, which allows for a singularity in the normally smooth fabric of spacetime and often results in a  wormhole. One key thing about a closed timelike curve is that it is generally thought the worldline of the object following this curve doesnt change as a result of following the curve. That is to say, the worldline is closed (it loops back on itself and becomes the original timeline), but that has always been the case. Should a closed timelike curve be used to get a time traveler to travel into the past, that most common interpretation of the situation is that the time traveler would have always been part of the past, and therefore thered be no changes to the past as a result of the time traveler suddenly showing up. History of Closed Timelike Curves The first closed timelike curve was predicted in 1937 by Willem Jacob van Stockum and was further elaborated by the mathematician Kurt Godel in 1949. Criticism of Closed Timelike Curves Though the result is technically allowed in some very highly-specialized situations, many physicists believe that time travel is not achievable in practice. One person who supported this viewpoint was Stephen Hawking, who proposed a chronological protection conjecture that the laws of the universe would ultimately be such that they prevent any possibility of time travel. However, since a closed timelike curve doesnt result in changes to how the past unfolded, the various paradoxes that we would normally want to say are impossible dont apply in this situation. The most formal representation of this concept is known as the Novikov self-consistency principle, an idea presented by Igor Dmitriyevich Novikov in the 1980s that suggested that if CTCs are possible, then only self-consistent trips backward in time would be allowed. Closed Timelike Curves in Popular Culture Since closed timelike curves represent the only form of travel backward in time that is allowed under the rules of general relativity, attempts to be scientifically accurate in time travel generally try to use this approach. However, the dramatic tension involved in scientific stories often require some sort possibility, at least, that history could be altered. The number of time travel stories that really stick to the idea of closed timelike curves are pretty limited. One classic example comes from the science fiction short story All You Zombies, by Robert A. Heinlein. This story, which was the basis of the 2014 film Predestination, involves a time traveler who repeatedly goes backward in time and interacts with various previous incarnations, but each time the traveler who comes from later in the timeline, the one who has looped back, has already experienced the encounter (albeit only for the first time). Another good example of closed timelike curves is the time travel plotline that ran through the final seasons of the television series Lost. A group of characters traveled backward in time, in the hopes of altering events, but it turned out that their actions in the past create no change in how events unfolded, but it turns out that they were always part of how those events unfolded in the first place. Also Known As: CTC

Essay on Affirmative Action

Essay on Affirmative Action Essay on Affirmative Action Essay on Affirmative ActionThe affirmative action emerged in response to the persisting inequality in the US society and attempted to close gaps between people that would help to prevent tension and confrontation between the privileged mainstream social group and discriminated groups, which consisted of low-income employees, minorities, and female employees.Historically, the affirmative action in the US was started by the US government and legislators and the growing public pressure and emerging social problems. The National Labor Relations Act also known as Wagner Act of 1935 was the first major legal act that has launched the affirmative action in the US. The Wagner Act aimed at low-income groups mainly and provided employees with the right to unionize without fear of being discriminated by employers. The development of FDR New Deal programs contained equal opportunity clauses that also contributed to the enhancement of the affirmative action policies in the US.Truman issued the Ex ecutive Order 9808 that established the President’s Committee on Civil Rights, which examined cases of violence and provided legal recommendations to prevent violence and discrimination.At the same time, the affirmative action policies aimed at specific industries. At this point, it is possible to refer to Nixon’s Philadelphia Order of 1969, which was the most forceful plan to guarantee fair employment practices in construction jobs.The affirmative action has a considerable social influence since it focuses on the inclusion of minority or discriminated groups and provides them with equal rights and opportunities facilitating their inclusion and integration into the workplace environment. The creation of equal employment opportunities contributes to the elimination of social differences and the society becomes less diverse and socioeconomic disparities become less striking.The group dynamics was, to a certain extent, one of the drivers of the affirmative action because different social and racial groups have a different group dynamics. What is meant here is the fact that some social groups progressed faster and enhanced their socioeconomic standing, while others stumbled and lived in poverty. The affirmative action aimed at closing the gap not only between these groups but also and mainly between the groups’ dynamics. In such a way, the affirmative action sped up the development of low-income or discriminated groups to help them to catch up with the mainstream group dynamics.The affirmative action has influenced substantially interpersonal relations between employees because employees from minority groups, for instance, African Americans, suffered discrimination in the workplace environment and had worse job opportunities compared to employees representing the mainstream culture. As a result, interpersonal relations between employees representing minority and mainstream groups were quite tensed. The affirmative action has eased the tension because it has contributed to the decrease of the difference and provided them with equal rights and opportunities. The equal position of all employees contributes to the improvement of their interpersonal relations because, having equal rights and opportunities, they view each other as equals.However, the implementation of the affirmative action faced several challenges, among which deep-rooted biases and prejudices have proved to be the most significant challenges. In this regard, it is worth mentioning the fact that white employees often opposed to the affirmative action which granted non-white employees new job opportunities, thus, enhancing the competition between white and non-white employees.The affirmative action was also viewed as the violation of human rights and contradicted to the traditional American culture and lifestyle because Americans traditionally believed the career of an individual to be a private matter and the government should not interfere into the regulatio n of the labor relations creating better employment opportunities for certain groups to close gaps between those groups and other employees, for example.Law enforcement agencies also confronted substantial challenges since regulatory functions also required professionals working in law enforcement agencies to overcome their biases and prejudices. As a result, they faced the problem of the adequate execution of legal norms that enhance the affirmative action.In addition, the affirmative action still failed to close the gap between the rich and the poor because of the historical difference in the development of the mainstream group and discriminated groups. For instance, representatives of African American and other non-white communities historically had the limited access to education that deprived them of better job opportunities even after the introduction of legal acts in terms of the affirmative action policies.   As a result, in spite of the affirmative action the inequality b etween employees persisted.At the same time, researchers (Greenberg, 2003) state that the affirmative action was an essential step to close gaps and prevent the further aggravation of the situation in the US. If the problem of persisting inequality has remained unresolved and the affirmative action has never been introduced, the US could have confronted the large scale social conflict and riots that could have outgrown into a new civil war. Furthermore, researchers (Hastings, 2006) are reasonable in their arguments that the affirmative action confronted the opposition from the large part of the US society because the majority viewed the affirmative action as the threat to their position. In addition, researchers (Hamby, 2001) point out that the affirmative action contributed to the enhancement of the employment legislation and tighter regulation of the employment relations which protected employees from discrimination.On the other hand, some researchers (Hastings, 2006) argue that t he affirmative action created the ground for protectionist policies conducted by the state. However, such argument is questionable in light of the long-lasting discrimination of minority groups. Also, researchers (Greenberg, 2003) argue that the affirmative action contradicts to the US democratic norms. But the discrimination of certain groups also contradicts to democratic norms and principles. Therefore, the affirmative action is fair practice. In addition, researchers (Hastings, 2006) argue that the affirmative action led to the overregulation of the employment relations. However, the affirmative action also contributed to the better self-organization of employees and their unionization that does not involve the excessive regulation from the part of the state.The affirmative action should not be just the matter of the government policy but it is also the matter of each individual. People should accept the affirmative action as the essential step to prevent social injustice. In ad dition, people should support the affirmative action maintaining fair practices in the field of employment. Such policies should be supported by the criminal justice system which should prosecute organizations and individuals violating principles of equality. Moreover, the criminal justice system should implement the principle of affirmative action within law enforcement agencies and courts to prevent further cases of discrimination.Thus, the affirmative action was and still is an essential policy to eliminate inequality and prejudiced attitude to certain social groups from the part of the mainstream group.

How to Write a Comparison and Contrast Paper †Pro-Academic-Writers.com

How to Write a Comparison and Contrast Paper We often hear phrases that begin with â€Å"In contrast to†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . Moreover, students often face assignments where they have to compare two or more things based on some reasoned criteria. Since elementary school where kids are asked to compare apple with the orange, we face the question of contrast and choice almost every day. Thus, this type of task is relevant for all ages. We’re going to discuss how to write comparison and contrast essay based on the most relevant academic materials and internet sources. When you write an introduction with thesis, you have to stress what you’re going to compare and contrast. In fact, words â€Å"compare† and â€Å"contrast† are synonyms. You should choose a specific topic in order not to waste time on many other subjects that can be compared. To begin your paper, search for good examples which you can download or view for free on the web. A compare and contrast essay example makes the majority of students wonder whether they need just to compare, just to contrast, or mix those two processes. Some people do not see the difference between these two. So, before you write different essays of this type, you must understand whether there any difference between comparison and contrast. Anyway, you should write about: General information on two topics Similarities Differences Arguments That is why it is recommended to take no more than 2 subjects at a time to write about. Well, some teachers prefer reading short summaries instead of detailed analysis, so they would love to see a comparison essay only. Others make the assignment more complex by asking to point to the similar features in a separate paragraph as well. After all, your essay would be too short with different points mentioned only. How to Write a Compare Essay Introduction and Other Parts? Because it is hard to find two 100% opposite things to compare, you will find at least one similarity for sure. No matter what you are asked to write about, your thesis statement must reflect your professor's expectations. Thus, if I had a desire to write about Social Networking sites like Facebook or Twitter, I'd have to come up with different thesis sentences according to my compare/contrast assignment. The final organization of your essay should look like: Introduction with powerful thesis 3-5 body paragraphs Discussion (if needed) Conclusion Compare and contrast essay is that type of task that do not require massive research and a lot of sources. Of course, if you write about something you know better than others. However, there are some exceptions. Comparing basketball and football, dancing and playing guitar, dogs and beavers  is an easy deal as you basically know the differences and similarities of these pairs. Besides, they are all coming from the same groups (sports, creative activities, and animals respectively). It is recommended to choose your subjects from one field before you write a compare essay. Using research is crucial when the time comes to write compare and contrast essay on things you know worse. I.e., when you are asked to compare more complicated things like balance sheets of company A and company B, you might want more specific information for your further paper. Pick Comparison Contrast Essay Topics We are often asked this question by students and even professionals of all ages. Marketing specialists often need to write about differences between various marketing analysis in order to discover and discuss what works better for company’s profitability. Anyway, how you write your contrast essay depends on how well you understand tutor’s instructions and whether you make a decision to start working for his or her improved academic performance. Does it seem too difficult to write comparison paper all alone? Sometimes it is better to leave the job to someone else, especially when you are not sure in own competence. Under â€Å"someone† students usually mean professional and trusted online academic companies. Today, every student can turn to creative academic writers that are eager to compare and contrast everything at the highest level in just one essay: from two, three to ten subjects at a time. You just need to mention whether you require a more artistic or offi cial approach. The example of a good comparison or contrast essay may be (in case you have to choose topic on your own): Hitler vs. Stalin World War I and World War II Harry Potter vs. Lord of the Rings Russian Literature and American Literature McDonald’s vs. Burger King You need to make your contrast essay related to your course readings, of course. If we deal with philosophy, most probably students would write about different concepts of freedom, equality, and justice in civic life. It also makes sense to find out what is the same and what is different between legal and ethical aspects of human life. Pay attention to the syllabus when you have to write a compare and contrast essay. It is full of great ideas for your introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. This paper usually has a list of good sources as well. By using them, you increase your chances of getting the highest grade. Let’s look at the structure of your future compare essay once again before you write: The title page should have â€Å"Running Head:† and an abbreviated Title flush left and the Page Number flush right. It works for APA and Chicago style only. Write your title at the bottom of your page and repeat it in the middle before your introduction. Your introduction should have a specific thesis. Compare and contrast things in the body paragraphs. Your conclusion should include a brief discussion of the main points. Don’t forget to cite every source properly and recall all sources in bibliography! Coming back to the question of online services, it is worth mentioning that all of the customers who order those essays from talented academic writers received their â€Å"A’s† as well as valuable experience in composing a contrast paper. Now they know how to write a paper on similarities and differences of several things better than anyone else. Who knows where they would need those valuable skills in their life? As we have told already, comparing and contrasting are those two necessary processes that assist us in making serious steps and decisions. While we write your compare and contrast essays to increase your academic performance, we are assisting you in your decision-making too. Solve your academic problems thanks to our certified English speaking writers – order comparison essay now!

Organisation leadership Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Organisation leadership - Case Study Example 207). Traditionally, ineffective leadership has been considered as the absence of leadership, while research on leadership’s destructive aspects indicates that destructive leadership comprises a host of behaviors which is more than simply the absence of leadership (Ashforth, 1994). An example of destructive leadership in the workplace is the bullying offered to the employees by the leader or manager. Since they have the power and the decision making authority, seniors tend to inflict this power over the subordinates in an attempt to direct their actions. Bullying has a negative effect on the psychology of the employees and affects the organizational culture adversely. Other examples of destructive leadership behavior at the workplace include theft, corruption at the top level, and sabotage. The processes of socialization and assimilation administered by transformational leadership may, in effect, prove destructive. Some of the most unethical leaders with destructive behaviors in the history have been charismatic leaders, that have used their charisma for negative purposes rather than positive purposes (Luthans, Peterson, and Ibraveva, 1998; Padilla et al., 2007). A potential example of such charismatic leaders seen in the history is Hitler who although was very effective as a leader, yet made â€Å"a prime example of destructive leadership† (Padilla et al., 2007, p. 179). One of the values of Inquiro is to â€Å"focus on the user and all else will follow†. This means that Inquiro works according to the needs of the users and can go to any length to address those needs. Users’ needs may not always be ethical. Users may require information access to which, they are legally denied. For the same reason, Inquiro developed a stormy relationship with China. In its attempt to address the needs of the users, the company did not fully comply with the media censorship policies of China. Inquiro should have its own standards that should be consi dered the most important. According to Padilla et al. (2007, p. 179), dysfunctional leader behaviors interact with the susceptible followers in the contributing environment’s context to yield negative organizational results so that the followers are unable to resist and must consent to the destructive leader. In such a case, the destructive leader does not pay attention to the environmental context or the roles of the followers. As a result of this, an organizational petri dish is created in which unethical and destructive behavior is perpetuated in people who otherwise behave ethically. Inquiro should not require its employees to address those needs of the users that are not consistent with its established standards. Inquiro’s leadership is manipulative when it comes to paying the taxes. For the same reason, Inquiro was subjected to parliamentary scrutiny in the year 2012 because of its tax affairs. In the year 2011, the tax bill of Inquiro’s corporate was no m ore than 3.5 million pounds in spite of the fact that the company made a turnover of 396 million pounds. Inquiro manages to pay lesser tax by

The World of Regionalism and Globalism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The World of Regionalism and Globalism - Essay Example Globalisation is the process by which the various world economies become increasingly interlinked resulting in a worldwide economy characterized by global economic policymaking conducted by mandated international agencies such as the World Trade Organization (WTO). However, Globalization can also be perceived in terms an emerging global culture in which people consume similar goods and services across boundaries in addition to having a common business language for example English. The continued integration of world economies enables efficient and effective economic interaction and in turn, they are further promoted by it (Todaro and Smith, 2003). The increased interaction and integration leads to improved openness and willingness of different economies to undertake international trade which paves the way for financial flows and direct foreign investment. Therefore, Globalization enables the increased mobility of factors of production chief among them capital and labor which facilitates business carried out among states and global business actors. Global business actors, in this case, refer to the private sector actors who are in control of assets in more than one country and are also referred to as multinationals or multinational corporations (MNCs). The importance of this group in the assessment of globalization is based on their control over a growing share of international trade flows which are beyond the reach of their parent governments (Bremmer, 2010).

The structure and the role of the Federal Reserve Bank Term Paper

The structure and the role of the Federal Reserve Bank - Term Paper Example These banks are located in different cities of the United States of America, which include New York, Richmond, Philadelphia, Boston, Cleveland, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, St. Louis, Kansas City, Minneapolis, and San Francisco. â€Å"These branch banks retain reserves of currency, and each bank has its own President and board† (Smith, n.d.). The Board of Governors has also established 25 branches of the 12 Federal Reserve Banks in order to support the business activities of the Federal Reserve Banks. For each bank, there is a nine-member board of directors, which manages and controls the business activities of the Federal Reserve Bank. The members of the boards serve their respective banks for the period of three years. The Board of Federal Reserve selects three members of each board, also known as the Directors, whereas remaining six members are selected by the local member banks working in their respective districts. The members of each board are divided into three classes which are A, B, and C. Class C directors are selected by the board of governors whereas class A and Class B directors are selected by the commercial banks (Smale, 2005). The Board of Governors is the most powerful part of the Federal Reserve System. The board of Governors consists of seven members of the board and a chairperson. The President appoints the members of the board for a period of fourteen years whereas the chairperson serves a four-year contract. The Federal Open Market Committee is the third subgroup of the Federal Reserve System. It is a 12-members committee, which includes four presidents of the regional Federal Reserve Banks, the President of the New York Federal Reserve Bank, and the seven members of the Board of Governors. The basic role of the Federal Open Market Committee is to make the decisions regarding changes in the

Strategic management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Strategic management - Assignment Example In addition, an environmental analysis plays an important role in pointing out the potential opportunities or threats that a company may face in its external environment. The examples of external environment include the technological, political, environmental, and sociological trends that affect the business operations directly or indirectly. The main purpose of an environmental analysis is to aid in the development of strategies that helps in decision making within an organization in regards to the external environment (Caratti, 2004). An environmental analysis involves the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats during the development of a strategic plan. It is important for managers to conduct environmental analysis after a certain period of time depending on the nature of the business and be able to identify conditions or events in the external environment that help achieve a competitive advantage (Hitt & Ireland, 1999). Walmart is a multinational retail corporation founded in 1962 by Sam Walton. Their focus is to make a difference in people’s lives by selling their products at a discount thus making them save money and live better. The objectives of Walmart are to meet the needs of their customers at a value and treating people with dignity and depend on the associate partners for success. The company has implemented some environmental measures to increase efficiency and has grown to be the world’s largest and emulated retailer. A SWOT analysis represents an organizations core competency. Its framework is popular due to its ability and power to develop strategy. The analysis of the internal strengths and weaknesses of a company focuses on the internal factors that give it various advantages and disadvantages in meeting the needs of its target market. Strengths are the core competencies that provide a firm with the advantage of satisfying its customers. Analysis of an organizations strengths

Short Informal Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Short Informal Report - Essay Example During the follow-up visits, I cemented a rapport with the exhibitor representatives and ensured that they received appropriate Indium Corporation literature. Most of the exhibitors were manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, veterinary drugs, agrochemicals, and other chemical products. Chemical products distributors were also well represented. Most manufacturers were interested in the poster since some chemicals that Indium manufactures are raw materials for these companies. A good percentage of the distributors also had an eye on our poster. In total, according to my judgment, about ten exhibitors had a particular interest in Indium Corporation products. Our representatives gave them the Indium Corporation brochure and mini-poster (with Sticker). Five of them received the full-size version of the poster. I told exhibitors that I would telephone them within two weeks for purposes of following up. Richard Harris, technical manager, Grand Saw Machine Company. The company is a distributor of industrial chemicals for metal cutting, maintenance, cleaning, corrosion protection, lubrication, laboratory chemicals, and machine wear reduction. Products include sawing fluids, brighteners, laboratory reactants, sawing fluids, and cleaners. Ronald Franklin, regional manager, Kinex Pharmaceuticals. The company makes pharmaceutical products such as immunology and anti-cancer therapeutics. They thus require starting as well as intermediate raw materials like anhydrous acetate, hydroxide hydrated, and sulfate. Brenda Stinson, General Manager, Dynasty Chemical Corporation. The company requires chemicals from the manufacturing industries in order to distribute to customers. Indium Corporation manufactures most of the chemicals that the distributor needs. The conference gave me an overall impression that that there is a growing market for industrial chemicals.

Freedom of Expression Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Freedom of Expression - Essay Example According to the research findings, it can, therefore, be said that as with various popular terms over the history of English language, the term â€Å"freedom of expression† has come to mean a wide variety of things and is definitely open to interpretation. It could mean freedom to act in any matter at any place whatsoever without regard to any standards. But it has been defined within certain limitations and exceptions, the most relevant to the case under consideration being defamation and obscenity. The woman with the t-shirt that caused her eviction from the plane was expressing a political opinion, and as such cannot be held responsible for defamation. For defamation to be established, it should also be shown to be causing tangible harm by the publication of an alleged fact, which is false. None of the images printed caused any actual damage to their subjects because the t-shirt made no false claims based on facts about the subjects depicted on it. An opinionated statement is not defamation, and a citizen reserves the right to express an opinion. Where the conflict comes in, however, is the display of profanity. The print draws a parallel with a popular movie title "Meet the Fockers", which was not banned for obscenity as in the title it was a clever pun and not much else. The t-shirt replaces the "o" with a "u", which makes it an explicit term, unsuitable for a captive audience aboard a plane, which might include minors. Possibly exposing minors to strong language is not an exercise in freedom of expression, but rather its curtailment for others involved. The venue of the incident was not public space, but private property owned by the South West Airlines, and as such, they retained the right to object to words unacceptable to them or other passengers.

Strategic management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Strategic management - Assignment Example In addition, an environmental analysis plays an important role in pointing out the potential opportunities or threats that a company may face in its external environment. The examples of external environment include the technological, political, environmental, and sociological trends that affect the business operations directly or indirectly. The main purpose of an environmental analysis is to aid in the development of strategies that helps in decision making within an organization in regards to the external environment (Caratti, 2004). An environmental analysis involves the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats during the development of a strategic plan. It is important for managers to conduct environmental analysis after a certain period of time depending on the nature of the business and be able to identify conditions or events in the external environment that help achieve a competitive advantage (Hitt & Ireland, 1999). Walmart is a multinational retail corporation founded in 1962 by Sam Walton. Their focus is to make a difference in people’s lives by selling their products at a discount thus making them save money and live better. The objectives of Walmart are to meet the needs of their customers at a value and treating people with dignity and depend on the associate partners for success. The company has implemented some environmental measures to increase efficiency and has grown to be the world’s largest and emulated retailer. A SWOT analysis represents an organizations core competency. Its framework is popular due to its ability and power to develop strategy. The analysis of the internal strengths and weaknesses of a company focuses on the internal factors that give it various advantages and disadvantages in meeting the needs of its target market. Strengths are the core competencies that provide a firm with the advantage of satisfying its customers. Analysis of an organizations strengths

Freedom of Expression Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Freedom of Expression - Essay Example According to the research findings, it can, therefore, be said that as with various popular terms over the history of English language, the term â€Å"freedom of expression† has come to mean a wide variety of things and is definitely open to interpretation. It could mean freedom to act in any matter at any place whatsoever without regard to any standards. But it has been defined within certain limitations and exceptions, the most relevant to the case under consideration being defamation and obscenity. The woman with the t-shirt that caused her eviction from the plane was expressing a political opinion, and as such cannot be held responsible for defamation. For defamation to be established, it should also be shown to be causing tangible harm by the publication of an alleged fact, which is false. None of the images printed caused any actual damage to their subjects because the t-shirt made no false claims based on facts about the subjects depicted on it. An opinionated statement is not defamation, and a citizen reserves the right to express an opinion. Where the conflict comes in, however, is the display of profanity. The print draws a parallel with a popular movie title "Meet the Fockers", which was not banned for obscenity as in the title it was a clever pun and not much else. The t-shirt replaces the "o" with a "u", which makes it an explicit term, unsuitable for a captive audience aboard a plane, which might include minors. Possibly exposing minors to strong language is not an exercise in freedom of expression, but rather its curtailment for others involved. The venue of the incident was not public space, but private property owned by the South West Airlines, and as such, they retained the right to object to words unacceptable to them or other passengers.

Patriot Act Essay Example for Free

Patriot Act Essay An act was created in the dark days following the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001. It was created to allow the agencies of law enforcement and intelligence to have more authority in order to prevent any future attacks by terrorists on the United States. Additionally, it made available monitoring tools within the United States to aggressively address the Bush administrations domestic war on terrorism. The draft title of the act was â€Å"Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001†. However, today it is better known as the USA Patriot Act. The Patriot Act was responsible for drastic changes in over 15 important government and constitutional statues. All which lead to the increased ability of the government and law enforcement to secretly monitor, conduct surveillance, and investigate anyone at anytime. Previous to September 11, 2001 there were several attempts by the Republican Party to allow for the electronic surveillance of citizens within the United States however these provisions were highly criticized as being anti-constitutional and therefore anti-American. It was this single act of terrorism which promoted Congress to tear apart the rights granted to every citizen in the United States Constitution and allow the rights of privacy to be completely subordinated. When asked why, congressional officials always cite the 9/11 terrorists attacks. Even the former White House John Podesta challenged their decisions stating that the devastating events of 9/11 emotionally pressured the members of Congress to agree to allow new legal implements to help fight the terrorists. He continues â€Å"But we should not forget what gave rise to the original opposition- many aspects of the bill increase the opportunity for law enforcement and the intelligence community to return to an era where they monitored and sometimes harassed individuals who were merely exercising their First Amendment rights. † After the establishment of the specific content of the Patriot Act, congress was given only a single week to pass the act. John Ashcroft not only had a time limit but also required there would be absolutely no changes to the act. Several congressman headed by the the Vermonts Patrick Leahy did convince the Department of Justice to make some changes and gradually members of Congress worked together and improvements were made. The process was not fast enough for John Ashcroft and he pressured Congress and the public by repeatedly warning that additional terrorists attacks were upon the United States and only Congress had the power to stop them by passing the Patriot Act. At that point all the revisions to the act were taken away and was passed. The Act was passed 357–66 in the House of Representatives. President Bush signed the Patriot Act into law on 26 October, 2001. What is most baffling about the Patriot Act is very few people can actually explain what the Patriot Act is and what is says. John Ashcroft on several occasions tried to explain exactly what the details of the Patriot Act is: Prosecutors will seek judicial authority to intercept communications related to an expanded list of terrorism-related crimes such as: the development, possession, or use of chemical or biological weapons; financial transaction with a terrorist government; or providing material support to terrorists or terrorist organizations. Investigators will use `roving wiretaps to intercept communications and thereby thwart the ability of terrorists to evade surveillance by switching phones or communication devices. Investigators will now aggressively pursue terrorists on the internet. The legislation permits investigators to obtain senders and receivers e-mail addresses just as it is done with telephone surveillance. Terrorists employ sophisticated technologies to evade detection and the legislation updates the law to the technology. Investigators will use search warrants to obtained unopened voice mail and e-mail. However, the most important parts of the Patriot Act were left out of his description. Under the stipulations of the act, obtaining warrants are much easier. It also approves unspecified search warrants to be used without notification. These particular components are in direct contrast to those given to all citizens in the Fourth Amendment which gives protection against â€Å"unreasonable searches and seizures. † The the real power the Patriot Act is in the subpoena. This allows the authorities to search and find credit card and bank account information of any suspected terrorists on the world wide web. This â€Å"will allow investigators to identify the terrorist who hides behind a fictitious internet name. The question remains how does the government determine who is a potential terrorist or not- could it be you or me? The truth is there is no defined methodology. Therefore, this allows the FBI to order anyone  to turn over anything  for any  reason. These pieces of information can include library records, medical records, business records, emails, and student information. This is legal as long as the FBI believes the information will help in an â€Å"authorized investigation†. This is extremely vague and all inclusive. This is a clear violation of privacy rights outlined in the Constitution. The Patriot Act continues that only a single court order is needed to do a communication search that is world wide. Under normal circumstances the court order is only effective in the judicial district it was initiated in. It continues Law enforcement and intelligence committees will share information on terrorist activities and thus better coordinate their efforts to prevent terrorism. It is obvious that the Patriot Act is actually a secret tool which can be used against terrorism but can also be used anytime against anyone the government feels necessary. Mark Corallo of the Department of Justice, was quoted as saying â€Å"The Patriot Act was not meant to be just for terrorism. An article in Newsweek has reported that the government had used the provisions set up in the Patriot Act, to investigate 1000 people who have had absolutely no terrorisms connection. Many critics draw a comparisons to Orwells 1984 in which the general public was constantly monitored. Tampering with the founding document of the United States is a bad idea and no matter how many times the President of the United States states that The Patriot Act defends our liberty,† it simply is not true. Benjamin Franklin, a great American thinker, said decades ago Those who are willing to give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. By passing and using the Patriot Act we are giving up our liberty for safety and in this case pseudo it is safety. The Patriot Act allows the government to treat every citizens as a potential terrorist. Based on that idea the government has the legal ability to question, search, and detain anyone. In recent months the Patriot Act has been renewed temporarily. However, it is clear that both members of Congress and the general population have lost faith and confidence in George Bush – in his actions and words. There are a number of outspoken critics of the Patriot Act including the American Civil Liberties Union who believed that the â€Å"Act gives the attorney general and federal law enforcement unnecessary and permanent new powers to violate civil liberties† and these infringements go way beyond those necessary for fighting terrorism. Many congressional officials who voted for the act in 2001 believe they made a mistake. John Kerry has been extremely open of his opinion that the Patriot Act was misrepresented and misused by the government. To be passed again, the Patriot Act must have substantial changes which will restore those rights granted to all American citizens. In fact there are almost no supporters of the Patriot Act as is, excluding those directly involved the Bush Administration. The governmentally run site which lists the reasons why the Patriot Act is beneficial lists the reasons why the act improves â€Å"counter-terrorism efforts. † They list four reasons including the following: the ability to readily investigate organized crime and the trafficking of drugs, allows information to be shared between governmental intelligence agencies, addresses new technology which is used in potential terrorist organizations, and increased the criminal punishment for terrorist activities. They also had the audacity to include on their web pages quotes of the Declaration of Independence as support for the the constitutionally debilitating provisions of the Patriot Act. The Patriot Act not only contradicts the United States Constitution but makes a mockery of the the hard work our founding fathers did to secure liberties for all of America and its citizens. By enacting into law our governmental officials took way our unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Our actions in the passing of the Patriot Act, the mistreatment of those who simply â€Å"look† like terrorists, and our self righteous behavior abroad in Iraq supports the idea that the United States is gradually becoming what killed all those people on September 11th, 2001 – a terrorist nation. And how long will the world wait and placidly watch America reek the same devastation worldwide?

Social Networking Playing A Role In Our Generation Media Essay

Social Networking Playing A Role In Our Generation Media Essay Social networking websites play a major role in our generation as time increase. Social networking is all around us any where we go. One Famous website consider a social networking website is schoolnotes.com .Websites like Facebook allow for relationships to be created on their website. Thiers is a lot of hidden benefits you may not see at first. Small and invisible things like these websites builds creativity and help develop computer skills in younger generation as well as old. When there is good in something there are lots of negatives that come with these kinds of websites such as; the information post on theses website causes a danger for the user. These websites can also be used for evil with crimes such as cyber bullying. These social networking websites come with many benefits such as reconnecting family and many down falls for example these websites have many sexual predators Networking Today. The way Social networking works is fairly new to this generation but is greatly embrace at a rapid speed. These websites work by you signing up to their website. Once you are stored in their database you can add friends you know by searching for them. Once you find your friends that you know you are part of their network and they are as well a part of you network. From this connection you can see who else is in your friend network and see if you know them. You can even see who is in your friends friend network Social Networking in Plain English. These websites just connect different users who know each other together with the middle man being the website removing the position of a postal service. This can be problematic too because different people can search and find you and add you. This can be very bad allowing all your information posted on these websites to be view to many unwanting people. The first of its kind was sixdegree.com social networking.  and followed other major we bsites for example Facebook, MySpace, eHarmony. A major websites implanted in our life is YouTube. YouTube  is a video-sharing Web site on which users can view, upload, and download video (YouTube). Social networking websites can be used to build relationship with other users with the user accessing the website Networking Today. Websites like MySpace and Facebook can be international accessed for almost any country. Many families in other countries can communicate with distant family in real time. From personal experience of being an immigrant in the United States of American i can personally say that this feature is very helpful. This feature that allows me to keep international connects with my family in Trinidad helps keep the bond that was broken with the migration. These features are available absolutely free with these websites. Many of my friends are created in school, but these websites offer a whole new way to communicate with these individuals. Instead of text messaging or emailing students can communicate real time using IM or Instant Messaging. These services are free to the standard user. This website gives a user the ability to learn new information about their fri ends and find out what might be the best present for their birthday the next time. Social Networking websites also builds creativity in students in many ways. Websites like MySpace give the ability to anyone to create and edit photo and videos for the world to see, rate, or comment on the image they created. Other opportunities rise from these websites like the way of being invited to a social event and entertain and have fun meeting new people. Social networking websites is close to eliminating the social hierarchy in high schools allowing everyone to talk and share information about their selves. Social networking has many opportunities to be very potential. President Barack Obama used websites like these for his presidential race social networking. The President right now gives weekly updates on Youtube about what was accomplished the current week in the White House. This is very important because it involves the youths in more important subject matters and gets them involved in what the government is doing. This is why the President chooses Youtube because it has a larger group of youths accessing this website. Fans can also find these websites of great benefit for their craving desire for their favorite musician, actor, and other symbolic figures of their choice. Many celebrities create their profile on websites like twitter and keep their fans updated with the latest information happing in their life and upcoming performances to keep their fans updated and interested in events. As for the good in anything there is always a bad. The bad in these websites is mostly concentrated on the privacy and security of the user. Websites like Facebook state in their term and conditions for all signing up users WE TRY TO KEEP FACEBOOKà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦SAFE, BUT YOU USE IT AT YOUR OWN RISK (Facebook). This statement must be put heavy on the scale of signing up for one of these social networking websites. All the information anyone posts on these websites is saved and poses a danger to the user. Whichever information you post on these sites you leave a virtual footprint. This footprint can be easily tracked back to your exact location. Any one that can view a photo or video of you on these websites or on a computer to be in general can save it their computer and print this image and share around or save it for their own sake. Plus that embarrassing picture or video of you gulping down a keg of beer even has the potential to mess up your next job interview or review. Companies looking to hiring can view these embarrassing moments and have doubts in hiring you leaving you looking for a new job opportunity Networking Today. Many sexual predators also prey on these can of websites to manipulate their victim into thinking they are safe and friendly. There is no way of blocking these can of inhumane acts when signing up. Anyone can create a fake user name and convince their victims to meet them. Many shows like Dateline: To catch a predator gives us a glimpse on how easy someone can manipulate young teens into setting up conference with them to do sexual activities. MySpace identified 90,000 registered sex offenders with profiles on the site (Networking Today). Cyber bulling is the official name for when kids go on these websites and make fun at other children, these the acts can lead fatal (Cyber bullying). Cyberbullying is what I like to call killing the youths from the inside out. Teens go on to these websites and just taut and make fun of other children to make them depress and keep them down. This constant barrage of false lies and abuse can easily lead to suicide. This soon became a true reality check for Tina and Ron Meier when their daughter Megan Meier han ged herself after being cyber bullied. Not only are teens are doing these crimes adults too. It is also said that the use of Social Networking websites can lead to the brain disorders in children. When workers using these websites during work hours they cost their business millions of dollars. A 2007 study found that workers using Facebook in the office were costing Australian businesses up to $4.5 billion (US) per year Networking Today. The productivity of the workers drop immensely when they search the internet all day talking on websites like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and not complete their daily task Networking Today. These companies are now forced to emplace proxy servers and remote computer monitors to view if their workers are staying on task. They servers can cost millions annually to install and maintain. In many ways social networking websites affect our daily life today. Whether for the good or the bad these websites are here to stay. These website help children in poverty ,with the access, to the internet to build basic knowledge on how to operate computers and design pictures and edit videos. Websites like MySpace help develop many computer fields skills like edit, write, and understand HTML with picture and video editing. Social Networking Websites does not even charge the user any money to learn these skills. The user learns these skills by the interface provide by these websites to customize their own homepage. However certain websites like Facebook does not offer much customization of the user page. In contrast to these wonderful befits these websites can cause personality and brain disorders in kids (Derbyshire). They also have many of evil people with access to these websites. If they have access to these websites that means they have access to our children and their profile information. In addition when some teen post information like school, location, age, grade and other information about themselves on these websites they are opening the doors to sexual predators. These website cannot offer real protection to our children on these websites and they hold no responsibility for anything that happens on their website. Work Sited Page Cyberbullying. What Is Cyberbullying?. 12/7/2009 http://www.ncpc.org/cyberbullying David Derbyshire, Social Websites Harm Childrens Brains: Chilling Warning to Parents from Top Neuroscientist,  Daily Mail,  Feb. 24, 2009   Facebook. Social Networking Website. 12/7/2009 . Jones, Steve. YouTube.  World Book Advanced. World Book, 2010.  Web.   7 Jan. 2010.(Book) Networking Today. Are social networking sites good for our society?. 12/7/2009 . social networking.  Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia. 2010. Grolier Online. 7 Jan. 2010 . Social Networking in Plain English. Common Craft. 1/7/2010 .(Video) Word Count: 1,591

Transcendentalism and Transcendental Meditation :: essays research papers fc

Transcendentalism and Transcendental Meditation   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"The Transcendentalist adopts the whole connection of spiritual doctrine. He believes in miracle, in the perpetual openness of the human mind to new influx of light and power; he believes in inspiration, and in ecstasy.†(Emerson 196). These two lines written by Ralph Waldo Emerson exemplify the whole movement of transcendentalist writers and what they believed in. Though to the writers, transcendentalism was a fight for a belief, unknown to them they could have been fighting for the betterment of human health. The transcendentalist writings of Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson have directly affected the health of modern society through the idea of transcendental meditation. Through modern science, scientists have linked increases in health among individuals through the use of transcendental meditation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"The term transcendental came from the German Romantic philosopher Immanuel Kant. The term refers to the idea that matters of ultimate reality, God, the cosmos, the self transcend, or go beyond, human experience.†(www.geocities.com). Transcendental later developed into Transcendentalism, which is The transcending, or going beyond, empiricism, and ascertaining the fundamental principles of human knowledge. Kant (1724-1804) was born and educated in East Prussia. He founded critical philosophy and Transcendental Logic. â€Å"Kant made significant revisions to just about every branch of philosophy.† (www.philosophy.ucdavis.edu). In the Critique of Pure Reason (1781) Kant showed the great problems of metaphysics: the existence of God, freedom, and immortality and how they are insoluble by scientific thought. Kant’s writings had a major influence on Emerson and Thoreau during the time of Transcendentalism and â€Å"still have an influence on modern philosophy to the present day.† (www.ilt.columbia.edu).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Emerson gives notice to Immanuel Kant in his lecture The Transcendentalist by stating â€Å"It is well known to most of my audience, that the Idealism of the present day acquired the name of Transcendental, from the use of that term by Immanuel Kant, of Konigs berg.† (Emerson 199). Most transcendentalist were idealist that believed in the perfectibility of man, and they were often engaged in projects intended to make this ideal a reality. On of which was a self-governing, experimental community that met in Emerson’s house. This community mainly believed in a monistic universe, or one in which God is immanent in nature, which means that God is permanently and directly present in all things. One of the members of the community and a close friend of Emerson was Henry Thoreau.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  On July 12, 1817 in Concord, Massachusetts, Henry David Thoreau was born.

Florence by Alice Childress Essays -- Florence Alice Childress Essays

Florence by Alice Childress This 1950 play by Alice Childress takes place in a train station waiting room in a very small town in the south. The play describes how Miss Whitney, an old black woman, discovers that her premonition of the success of her daughter, Florence, as a black actress is undesirably similar to that of a racist, white society. This troubling discovery has just as strong an impact on the reader as it does on Miss Whitney. This drama teaches the reader how the views and opinions of individuals or groups can influence other individuals or groups to approach situations with the same reaction, although their views and opinions may be opposite. Marge, Miss Whitney's other daughter, first introduces this frame of mind to as she accompanies Miss Whitney at the train station. They sit in the "colored" section of the train station while Miss Whitney awaits a train to Harlem to convince Florence to come back home to the south. Florence fled to Harlem with ambition of being an actress. After she calls home to ask for money, Marge is convinced that Florence will fail because she is a black woman attempting to make it in a business dominated by whites in a racially segregated society. Although Miss Whitney seems to have a little bit more faith in Florence, she still wants to convince Florence to come back home. They even have a check ready to pay for her trip home, which is causing them to be late on their rent. This reveals to us that they are willing to sacrifice a little in order to prevent Florence from possibly failing in her quest for success. As Marge speaks to her mother she reveals her mentality in regards to Florence's situation, "She ain't gonna get rich up there and we can't afford t... ...a powerful message. Before Miss Whitney's conversation with Mrs. Carter, she felt Florence wouldn't make it as an actress. After realizing that a racist white woman felt the same way, Miss Whitney reevaluated her reasons for wanting Florence to come home. Realizing her reason's weren't much different, she felt the best thing to do is to encourage Florence to follow her dream no matter how hard it may be to achieve, rather than make her believe it was impossible, just as the white society wanted her to believe. Once this message is conveyed to the reader you can't help but look upon your own past and wonder if you've ever been guilty of letting somebody else's opinions influence what you believe is or isn't possible. This play teaches us to be more open-minded as well as not being a hypocrite. This play is a masterpiece by Alice Childress to say the least.