Myths: Education and Family

Interpreting and understanding myths depend on an individual’s personal views, beliefs, and ideas. With that in mind, the myth regarding the nuclear family and the myth of education and empowerment are all interpreted differently and argued, for and against, in many ways. Both have been perceived negatively by society, yet they have not always been a harmful folktale. Rather, the myth that education can improve someone’s life has been used, year after year, to motivate the youth in order to improve their own personal lifestyle.The myth of the nuclear family has also been used over and over again by the media as a prospective goal for everyone who wants to start a family. Although the passing of time has changed the perception of both myths throughout our society, to many, including myself, these myths continue to provide hope for a better life and a traditional family. Imposing the myth of the ideal family, which the media depicts as white, semi-rich and happy with â₠¬Å"†¦no rifts†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Soto 29) is what negatively impacts society because no one should set a standard on what a family should be like.As a result of this misconception, the ideal family has become the ultimate goal for couples who want the best for their children. Take Gary Soto’s â€Å"Looking for Work,† and picture an eight year old Mexican-American boy, who felt the need to change his family because he wanted them to act like the white families portrayed in television shows, like Leave it to Beaver. Why do these individuals have the need to create â€Å"the perfect family† portrayed by the media?According to Soto, as a child, he â€Å"†¦tried to convince [his family] that if [they] improved the way [they] looked [they] might get along better in life†¦ White people would like [them] more†¦ [White people] might not hate [them] so much† (30). Although the myth of the family has been attributed negative qualities because it crea tes a false sense of reality, it has, for many years, been the underlying reason why couples start a family of their own.For instance, if a couple could not decide on the number of children, they could turn to the myth and consider starting with two because the myth implies that an ideal family consists of â€Å"†¦Dad, Mom, a couple of kids, maybe a dog, [living in] a spacious suburban home†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Colombo et al. 18). Even though society has accepted the meaning of family to be between a man and a woman, moreover, it is evident that in the America of today there are families composed of same-sex couples. The myth however, was not created to incorporate same-sex couples as part of the efinition, as it is explicitly described in page 18 of â€Å"Harmony at Home:† †¦the traditional vision of the ideal nuclear family-Dad, Mom†¦remains surprisingly strong. †This myth has become so ingrained in society that even after the idea of the nuclear family stil l receives extensive support. Even the famous archaeologist, Margaret Mead, commented on the belief of the ideal nuclear family â€Å"As far back as our knowledge takes us, human beings have lived in families. We know of no period where this was not so.We know of no people who have succeeded for long in dissolving the family or displacing it†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (New World Encyclopedia). Similar to the myth of the nuclear family, the myth of education and empowerment introduces two different sides of the spectrum- the idea that education is not for everyone, as seen by John Taylor Gatto in â€Å"Against School,† and the idea that education does improve someone’s life, as seen by Malcolm X in â€Å"Learning to Read. † The literal interpretation of the myth shows education as a symbol of success and as the gateway to fulfill the American dream (Colombo et al. 11). Education, moreover, has not always been perceived negatively by society because to many people education r epresents social mobility and a shot for a better life. While there may be some frustration with the educational system, education, according to the myth, will always serve those who seek to better their lives and who want to be someone in life, as long they are not limited to the quality of education offered. However, the reality is that minorities have continuously faced obstacles that impeded them from receiving a high-quality education.For instance, if an individual comes from an affluent household, then as students they are more likely to receive a better educational foundation than an individual who goes to a lower or middle class school (Anyon 173). As a result of Jean Anyon’s findings, it is evident that social class plays a prominent role to the type of education that a student receives especially if â€Å"knowledge of skills leading to social power and regard (medical, legal, managerial) are made available to the advantaged social groups but are withheld from worki ng classes, to whom a more practical curriculum is offered (manual skills, clerical knowledge)† (170).But what if we, as a society, had followed what President John F. Kennedy mentioned in his 1960 senatorial speech that â€Å"†¦ we [need] to rededicate ourselves to the principle of equal educational opportunity for all regardless of race, place of birth, or wealth. † Our society would be improved greatly, and the educational knowledge would be dispersed equally amongst all of the citizens; no one would be given a better education because everyone would receive the same quality.The significance that the education and empowerment myth has in society is that one: people who believe in education are more likely to finish their schooling because it symbolizes an achievement and because it emphasizes the credibility of what the United States represents-freedom, happiness, and success. Secondly, if an individual like Gatto believes that education is a waste of time (148) , then people will become discouraged and therefore there is a higher probability that these individuals will â€Å"fail† to fulfill the American Dream.The reason I am generalizing this concept and associating failure with not finishing high school or college, is because of the way that I grew up and the sacrifices that my parents had to endure in order for all their children to have the best education possible; to my parents, not finishing school is like giving up in life, and throwing all their sacrifices down the trash chute.Lastly, the belief that education brings you power and offers you an open door for a better life, has impacted society, because as the country progressed into the new era way before the revolutions that this country had to endure, such as the Civil Rights Movement and women’s suffrage, education was not opened to everyone. As time went by and people fought for their liberties, education became a universal liberty, rather than a right given to se lected individuals. All in all, the myth of the nuclear family and the myth of education and empowerment have not always been interpreted as negative ideas by society.They may have been by a few people, but the feeling was not mutually shared by everyone. Both myths served as motivational ideas that influenced people like Gary Soto and Malcolm X, to have the desire to try new things, even if what Soto wanted to try could have change his family completely; and the things Malcolm X wanted to experience, improved his capacity to learn and educate himself. Although, the myth of the nuclear family has not changed because it has not accepted same-sex couples, the myth of education and empowerment has changed with respect to who it is being applied to.In other words, the interpretation of the myth will vary with people from different backgrounds. For instance, to a Mexican like me, education is a gateway to a better life. To a Chinese person, education represents honor and recognition from his or her family. Lastly, the myths of education and the nuclear family gives us, the citizens of the United States, hope for a better life or a perfect family, depending on one’s respective point of view. Works Cited Anyon, Jean. â€Å"Social Class and the Hidden Curriculum of Work. 1980. Rereading America: Cultural Contexts for Critical Thinking and Writing. By Gary Colombo, Robert Cullen, and Bonnie Lisle. Vol. 162. Boston: Bedford of St. Martin's, 2010. 169-85. Print. First appeared in the Journal of Education. Colombo, Gary, Robert Cullen, and Bonnie Lisle. â€Å"Harmony at Home: The Myth of the Model Family. † Introduction. Rereading America: Cultural Contexts for Critical Thinking and Writing. Boston: Bedford of St. Martin's, 2010. 17-21. Print. Colombo, Gary, Robert Cullen, and Bonnie Lisle. Learning Power: The Myth of Education and Empowerment. † Introduction. Rereading America: Cultural Contexts for Critical Thinking and Writing. Boston: Bedford of S t. Martin's, 2010. 109-15. Print. Colombo, Gary, Robert Cullen, and Bonnie Lisle. Rereading America: Cultural Contexts for Critical Thinking and Writing. Boston: Bedford of St. Martin's, 2010. Print. Gatto, John Taylor. Against School. 2003. Rereading America: Cultural Contexts for Critical Thinking and Writing. By Gary Colombo, Robert Cullen, and Bonnie Lisle.Boston: Bedford of St. Martin's, 2010. 148-55. Print. This selection originally appeared in Harper's magazine. John F. Kennedy:  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Speech by Senator John F. Kennedy, Beverly Hilton Hotel, Los Angeles, CA – (Advance Release Text),† November 2, 1960. Web. 22 Oct 2012. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley,  The American Presidency Project. http://www. presidency. ucsb. edu/ws/? pid=25930. Marriage Equality USA. Prop 8 Hurt My Family – Ask Me How. 2009. Rereading America: Cultural Contexts for Critical Thinking and Writing.By Gary Colombo, Robert Cullen, and Bonnie Lisle. Boston: Bedford of St. Martin's, 2010. 84-88. Print. New World Encyclopedia. â€Å"Margaret Mead. †Ã‚  New World Encyclopedia. New World Encyclopedia, 16 Nov. 2011. Web. 22 Oct. 2012. ;http://www. newworldencyclopedia. org/entry/Margaret_Mead;. Soto, Gary. â€Å"Looking for Work. †Ã‚  Rereading America: Cultural Contexts for Critical Thinking and Writing. By Gary Colombo, Robert Cullen, and Bonnie Lisle. Boston: Bedford of St. Martin's, 2010. 26-31. Print.

A Severed Head by Iris Murdoch Essay

Iris Murdoch constructs the novel, considered widely to have ushered in the Sexual Revolution of the 60s and 70s in England, with a first person male character, Martin Lynch-Gibbon. Martin is an upper class wine merchant, and it is with him that the novel begins, as we are given a picture of him lying in bed with his younger lover, Georgie, a student at Oxford, in the bliss of a vigorous, sexually driven relationship alongside a stable and convenient marriage. However, it is soon after this, when upon returning home, that his pampered wife Antonia tells him that she has been in love with his psychoanalyst and a family friend, Palmer Anderson. They wish to continue their cordial relationship with Martin, though Antonia has decided to seek divorce and marry Palmer. Martin falls back on his relationship with Georgie Hands, though we are given a sense at this point in the story, that the vigor is no more to be found, and it is reminiscent of something like Florentino’s womanizing in an attempt to rationalize the meaning of the loss he has suffered in Marquez’ ‘Love in the Time of Cholera’. It is Fermina’s rejection that drives him into a situation of bankruptcy, and it is here too that Martin tries to keep the different pieces together, though with a sense of loss that had made his relationship with Georgie complete. This missing part is his sense of security, his marriage of convenience, and a wife that he is otherwise indifferent to, Antonia. It is also the sense of having lost her to his friend, when he had taken for granted that fact that his ‘maleness’ in his liaison with Georgie had made him something of an artifact, a severed head to be held onto by the anthropologist; A man who would not lose his wife’s attentions. As a wine merchant, he chooses whiskey as a preference, and as a Marquezian lover, misinterprets his own charm. What is to be understood is that Antonia can only be truly free when she has broken out of the construct in which she finds herself pampered, materially lack of want, but missing a sort of impulsive romanticizing that will give her otherwise mundane life an aesthetic appeal. She needs to be tested for her love, and this can only happen when another male is involved, preferable someone close to and trusted by Martin himself. Thus, the betrayal is complete. Martin refuses to acknowledge the ethical impunity involved in his affairs with college girls, and the in his brazen pursuit and courting of Honor Klien. His decision to break into her house tells us again that his impulses will bring him no romantic merit, but only add to the tragicomic reality of a middle age well off man looking for sensual adventure but in a society that is already so riddled with misplaced and mismatched relationships, that each encounter will reveal a murkier reality to him. His breaking into Honor’s house finds her in bed with her half brother. This can only mean chaos for him. In his infatuation, childlike advances steadily give him a sense of failure, and slowly, acceptance. Martin is shown in a hedonistic light, and so are the other characters at different times in the novel. The pursuit of pleasure is seen as worthwhile in itself, though whether it conforms to conventions, or places them in opposition to a strangely rebellious modernity, is where Murdoch toys with the idea of a new sexual order to replace what England had come to be known for throughout the 17th to 19th centuries. At different times, the characters try to assert that they are independent agents, and by virtue of being so, they must naturally seek pleasure as their objective. Freud’s theories of motivation in human nature is a slight variant of this belief, and slowly we com to be acquainted with Freudian ideas, as relationships are confused, partners become parents and love finds expression in incest. Martin’s tragicomedy is reflected in several instances. For example when he moves out of their comfortable London home, move into a flat, and then moves back to their old residence. It seems as though his attempt to deal with the changes around him find expression in behaviour that he cannot himself explain. It was later that the pain came, a pain unutterably obscure and confused like that induced by some deprivation in childhood. (Oedipus complex) The familiar world of ways and objects within which I had lived for so long received me no more; and our lovely house had put on suddenly the air of a superior antique shop. The things in it no longer cohered together. It was odd that the pain worked first and most immediately through things, as if they had at once become the sad symbols of a loss which in its entirety I could not yet face. (p. 33) Here we get a glimpse of how childhood maturity plays a role in his relationships even as a 41 yr old adult with a fine business prospect. The deprivation that Martin claims to have a sense of, qualifies as Freud’s notion of the subjection of id, the subconscious, by the ego, conditioning. Martin’s frantic relocation, his breaking into Honor Klien’s home, are all an instance of hysteria, as is his self absorption when he is shown lying in bed with Georgie at the beginning of the novel. Such characterization has given critics the impression that Murdoch has adapted this book for the stage. The plot is simple and it is presented straightforwardly. Ethical questions come up in different discourses, but there is the impression at the end of the book that all the characters are flawed, through together, round and flat, in a given space. We as readers, watch them run around in different directions, emotionally, and sometimes come up against each other. To say that â€Å"the proper value is whatever gives you pleasure† is to say that â€Å"the proper value is whatever you happen to value†. Indeed, people begin to value different things at different times in the novel, and each change in heart raises moral questions. The symbol of the severed head, something that greatly fascinates Honor Klien, as a Lecturer of Anthropology, is something that Martin finds himself becoming. A severed head such as primitive tribes and old alchemists used to use anointing it with oil and putting a morsel of gold upon its tongue to make it utter prophecies. † He feels his adornment is something artificial that has been used to beautify a disgusting and decayed object. Toward the end of this novel two of the main characters (Honor Klein & Martin Lynch-Gibbon) are speaking after Martin discovers a secret about Honor, and she says to him â€Å"because of what I am and because of what you saw I am a terrible object of fascination for you. I am a severed head such as primitive tribes and old alchemists used to use, anointing it with oil and putting a morsel of gold upon its tongue to make it utter prophecies. And who knows but that long acquaintance with a severed head might not lead to strange knowledge. For such knowledge one would have paid enough. But that is remote from love and remote from ordinary life. As real people we do not exist for each other. † (182) The severed head can also be seen as a symbol of the Castration anxiety. It would be the father who would do the severing, against the son’s anxiety to dominate, especially in illicit sexual relations with the mother. In this context, the castration anxiety transmutes into a sort of mangled turnaround situation, when in the randomness of sexual anxiety, complexes are reversed and uncoordinated. Murdoch draws a close sketch of the other, the victim of the castration, though in this sense it is not so much the protagonists attempt at keeping the terms of association in equilibrium, the careful examination of loss and damage control. The male has been castrated, now he must survive in a world where he had thought that his emotionally charged liaisons with younger women would give him magnanimity over his nuptial vows. This is the irony which has been reversed on him, he is the fallen woman, the Lady who has stepped beyond the boundaries, and who must now experience perdition, a cleansing. Honor Klien is also an agency in the plot of the novel. It is her who discloses that liaisons between Georgie, Martin, his brother Alexander, Antonia and Palmer. Her affecting an introduction between Georgie and Alexander is the final destabilizing factor in Martin’s life, when he is sure that he has lost Antonia and Honor is beyond his grasp, the his final relationship with Georgie is put to threat. Honor seems like the feminist crusader, in her battle to bring sexual freedom to the women around her, an attitude that can find easy significance by her position as Georgie’s teacher at Oxford. Antonia easily fits as her aide; when Honor goes on to tell her and Palmer about Martin’s relations with Georgie that he has tried so hard to keep hidden even after he has symbolically broken away from his London high society moorings. Thus, she must act as the agent who forces upon him the task of reflection, thus reinterpreting his own history and that of the women around him. As Tagore said of each of his female characters, particularly of his protagonists, that they must go through the test of fire to be able to prove their existence in a society that demands absolute obedience from thinking women. Murdoch, as a female writer coming up in the coffee table age when sexuality was beginning to be openly discussed in the London circles, seems to offer a similar retribution of her male first person characters, to which she has attributed the female gaze. The gaze is an important cultural symbol that is seen in Tennyson’s poem, ‘The Lady of Shallot’. The lady can see the masculine space only through a glass mirror, while the man sees the lady, only later and in her death, and passes a flippant remark on her glassy countenance. She, in fact, has become the mirror herself. Martin similarly is an embodiment of the emotional turmoil that his class witnessed as a whole, and the failure of on man would go on to symbolize the failure of his entire class. Thus, while a crusader works on both ends of the sexuality debate, one is the pragmatic woman of the 20th century, while the other is the new man confused by changing roles and mores. Murdoch uses other recognizable symbols as well. The weather often corresponds with the moods of her characters. The dense fog over London is symbolic of his trance like inability to not bring his life back on his own terms. His acceptance towards the end of the novel has something of a Stephen Blackpool in him; through there is no fatalism to his relationships and the nature of his life. He must struggle, though only with himself, to bring about an external transformation. A severed head is sometimes seen as a satire, or a farcical novel, where people and customs are shown in an ironic stance to give us alternating points of view. It is because of this that it is so hard to pass a judgment on any of the characters in the novel. It occupies the grey mass between what we know and whet we are afraid to find out.

Future Law Enforcement Weapons Essay

Everyday technology is taking advances in all fields of work forces, Especially Law Enforcement. Todays as well as future technology will make the jobs of those in the military and law enforcement easier as well as safer. As technology is breaking through, amendments 4 and 8 in the constitution need to be taken in consideration. The technologies may not be used to punish, and if it is searching equipment, a warrant is needed unless it will be used for sudden reasons of safety. In the future, instead of a normal squad car, someone might see a bulletproof truck. What is cool about it is that, they are strictly for the safety of police officers; they do not need to worry about a warrant, or hurting someone. This tool in the future would save officers lives. The bulletproof trucks are crash resistant/ damage resistant, during a high speed chase, and can possible handle a small missile fire. The portable radar system is a lightweight tool that sees through walls. This tool also promotes officer safety, it allows a building to be searched from the outside, detecting anything potentially dangerous on the inside. The officer would not have a problem with the 8th Amendment, this tool is not a weapon, it cannot be used to punish, restrain, or temporarily injure a suspect in anyway. Although the 4th Amendment would be needed to in consideration, because it is a tool that may be used to search private property. In order for Law enforcement to search another person’s property, a warrant is needed; it does not matter if the officers are searching from the inside or the outside, in this case the outside. Only when the safety of a person is threatened, may Law Enforcement use this tool without a warrant. The grill mount Launcher, is a tool that attaches to the vehicle, and it allows the police officer to shoot a GPS system onto another vehicle to track. This tool would be useful during a high speed chase; the suspect could get away, but completely unaware that their vehicle had a GPS that was tracking them. The Grill mount Launcher is strictly a tracking system; it does not violate the 4th or 8th Amendments. This tool does not having searching abilities, or the potential to hurt anybody. The officer should be free to use this tool any time a situation calls for it. The strobe lamp is a handheld tool with extremely bright lights, which causes temporary blindness. This tool promotes citizen safety, this tool is not a deadly weapon, it does not have a potential danger for a by-stander; In addition this tool most likely not kill the suspect, the strobe lamp provides alternate options for a police officer to take someone into custody, other than a gun, or handcuffs. This tool could not possibly violate the 4th amendment. A weapon is any device used for attack or defense against an opponent. Since the strobe lamp does cause pain, and the suspect to temporarily lose their vision, it is considered a weapon, which means an officer has to follow the 8thamendment. A Law Enforcement officer cannot use this weapon on a suspect because they deserve it, only may this tool be used, if the suspect is posing an immediate threat on the officer or another person. The Automatic License Plate Recognition Device allows police officer to check thousands of license plates, to determine if vehicles are stolen, if registered owners are wanted, if driver’s licenses are expired or revoked. The system also takes a picture of the car license plate and registers the code into a database. This tool allows the officer possibly find the name and history of the suspect easily. This tool is similar to the grill Mount Launcher GPS as far as tracking the suspect. This tool has no relation to the 4th and the 8th amendments, it does not harm, and it is only for Law Enforcement benefit only. Most of today’s Law enforcement technology does have to be used carefully, in order to avoid problems with Amendments of the Constitution, but ultimately they provide non-lethal weapon options to use on suspects, citizen safety, in addition to Police Officer safety,

Investment Decision Making Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Investment Decision Making - Assignment Example Market risk is considered to be un-diversifiable and therefore investors expect a risk premium to compensate them for taking on such risk. (Bodie et al., 2002; Ross et al., 1999). Unsystematic risk otherwise known as firm specific risk or operating risk is risk that can be diversified away and therefore investors should not be compensated for taking on such risk. (Bodie et al., 2002; Ross et al., 1999). Prior to the Basel II accord, more emphasis was placed on hedging market risk. However, following from the Basel II accord, Operations risk herein referred to as OR began receiving greater attention. (Neu and Khn, 2003). The aim of this study is to analyze the problems and risks foreign companies that want to do business in United Arab Emirates and Venezuela are likely to face. In addition, the risk that the company may face in these countries will also be analyzed with respect to each of the two countries. Risk associated with foreign investment whether direct or indirect are numerous. The paper will begin by presenting an overview of the risk situation of United Arab Emirates in part one, focusing on all the risks faced by foreign companies operating in this area. Part two analyse a similar situation as in part one, but focusing on Venezuela. Part three of the paper contrast the situation based on the information presented in part one and two, while the last section made an informed decision to investors as to which of the two countries to invest upon. 1.1.1 United Arab Emirates Overview United Arab Emirates, UAE is a country in the Middle East bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia (IMF Economic Report 2007). Potential market's indicators include United Arab Emirates Population (in millions) 4.5 Import of goods and services (millions $ ) 98.976 GNP (in millions of USD) 103.460 The U.A.E. is considered one of the highest per-capita gross national products in the world (IMF Economic Report 2007). Although still heavily dependent on revenues from oil and gas, the country is relatively well-insulated from periods of low oil prices because of successful moves toward economic diversification, large foreign exchange reserves and overseas investments. 1.1.2 United Arab Emirates Risk Profile This section of the paper looks at the overall risk situation of the UAE area. Attention is paid on key change drivers and risk indicators such as political risk, economic risk, competitive risk, exchange rate fluctuations etc. The section goes ahead and sees if there are some of these risks unique to the area. The Literature surrounding operating risk has centred on its management (e.g., Lewis,

Effective Spring Constant Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Effective Spring Constant - Lab Report Example We calculate the percentage error to find out how similar our predictions were to our experimental results. It can be assumed that the percentage errors are very less and thus, it proves that the experiment was conducted with lot of precision and care. These errors are less if you consider the fact that an error of 5 cm in measuring the displacement would have changed the error percentage drastically i.e. 35.71% from 10.00% The relatively less percentage error can be accounted to systematic error or aberration in springs. Also, we must not forget that the experimental value of k’ and k† is obtained from the values of k1 and k2 from the previous lab experiment’s results so if there was an error in the results of the experiement it would have carried over into this lab. Our predicted results would have changed slightly due to the error and our experimental data would be off by even more. Another source of error could have been in measuring the relative displacement of the spring after the masses have been hung. A change in the angle or the stick not being held vertical could have resulted in a large deviation from predicted values. Taking into account all of these possible sources of error, we can safely assume that our percentage errors were sufficiently small. Conclusion The objective of this lab experiment was to calculate the effective spring constants of two different configurations. We obtained the effective spring constants using the equations from the predictions section.... (N) Initial h (m) Final h (m) Displacement (x) 0.05 0.49 0 10 10 0.07 0.686 0 10 10 0.09 0.882 0 12 12 0.11 1.078 0 15 15 0.13 1.274 0 20 20 The slope of the graph obtained is . Table-4 k† (End-To-End) Mass (kg) Weight (N) Initial h (m) Final h (m) Displacement (x) 0.05 0.49 0 29 29 0.07 0.686 0 42 42 0.09 0.882 0 54 54 0.11 1.078 0 67 67 0.13 1.274 0 80 80 The slope of the graph obtained is . We calculate the percentage error to find out how similar our predictions were to our experimental results. It can be assumed that the percentage errors are very less and thus, it proves that the experiment was conducted with lot of precision and care. These errors are less if you consider the fact that an error of 5 cm in measuring the displacement would have changed the error percentage drastically i.e. 35.71% from 10.00% The relatively less percentage error can be accounted to systematic error or aberration in springs. Also, we must not forget that the experimental value of kâ€⠄¢ and k† is obtained from the values of k1 and k2 from the previous lab experiment’s results so if there was an error in the results of the experiement it would have carried over into this lab. Our predicted results would have changed slightly due to the error and our experimental data would be off by even more. Another source of error could have been in measuring the relative displacement of the spring after the masses have been hung. A change in the angle or the stick not being held vertical could have resulted in a large deviation from predicted values. Taking into account all of these possible sources of error, we can safely assume that our percentage errors were sufficiently small. Conclusion The objective of this lab experiment was to calculate the effective spring constants of two

Factions Leading To The Outbreak Of The Civil War Essay

Factions Leading To The Outbreak Of The Civil War - Essay Example They took advantage of the new lands, railroads and natural resources, and they strengthened their economic and political interest. The Civil War started on April 12, 1861, when the Confederates (Southerners) bombarded Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. Initiated by the crisis between 1860 and 1861 which occurred in the autumn of 1859, John Brown and cohorts took the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia under seizure, targeting to summon slaves over to be armed safely at a fortification built on a mountain. Brown encouraged them to put an end to unwanted slavery and forced labor suffered at the hands of their slavedrivers in the South. Through the command of Gen. Robert Lee, one of the finest generals at the time, the Confederates managed to defeat the Yankees (Northerners) on a number of incidents that include the suppression of the band of raiders led by Brown who was himself tried and executed. Paranoia toward malicious intentions was claimed to have transpired betwe en the Northerners and the Southerners due primarily to inequality between the two regions, the issue of slavery, and secession by the south. The various states in the North and in the South had conflicting interests. While the North was industrial, democratic, and progressive, on the other hand, the South remained agricultural, aristocratic, and conservative. A majority of Northerners viewed the inhabitants of the South as indolent, poorly educated, and misbehaved people who would always contradict ideas and possibilities which could enable the United States to achieve its goals with capitalism. Northern Americans opposed black slavery because they did not need slave labor in their factories whereas Southern Americans needed slaves to cultivate their vast plantations of cotton, tobacco, and rice. On a rough estimate, about 80% of the population in the South toiled in agriculture and a significant mass of southern wealth was reported to have been invested slave trade and acquisition of lands to expand territories. Pieces of cotton produced via southern regulations were sold to northern and European textile mills, largely imparting a favorable equilibrium in the country’s potential in the aspect of trade as rich slaveholders obtained extensive commercial, social, and political dominion over their region. Thus, during the 1850s, several white southerners had come to adopt the principle that considers bondage to servility to be a â€Å"positive good† either for the slave or his master. Besides labor control, slavery also functioned as a means for the Southern Americans to settle with the social order in which division of class among the whites in the southern society seemed to have become abolished for having a common stake in the system of slavery. Regardless of economic status, white people of the South were justified as equal among themselves by virtue of or fact with the prevailing black slavery of that period. For this ground and the anxiety to ward dissonant consequences, once black servants were freed, the Confederates all the more agreed to necessitate slavery and defended this position against their northern counterparts. Consequently, the Yankees of the North were established with a stereotypical impression of being indifferent or partaking with negligible concern about family matters, as if all they ever cared for was to sustain personal extravagance whereby economic interests were sought to prioritize luxury in living.

Marketing reformation, retention and development of competitive Essay

Marketing reformation, retention and development of competitive advantage - Essay Example The most important way to success in any industry has been always considered orientation on the customer needs and its satisfaction. Working in that direction provides guarantee to selling final products and in gradual increase of outputs. It is equally important to build networks with other stakeholders such as suppliers, distributors or intermediaries. Professional approach to dealing with all the stakeholders is crucial in sustaining competitive advantage vis-a-via the competitors outside the network. Using example of Tesco chain of groceries I will further discuss the ways in which the company sustains its leading position on the market and define current strategies as well as opportunities and threats that the company faces in today's competitive world. Many retail shopping centers have tried and failed to perform excellently outside their home markets. Likewise, some retailers have led astray trying to develop Internet shopping. As a result, TESCO, the United Kingdom's biggest grocer, has drawn significiant attention because of its ambitious overseas strategy and its successful on-line home delivery service. Another successful key factor that inputs to TESCO sustainable development and growth is the marketing communication plan that provides the detailed overview of the Company's fiscal policies as for meeting the clients' needs and providing competitive prices within wisely located grocers all over the world. TESCO understands that successful marketing strategy should be based on customers' need, that is why the Mission Statement declared for the Company sounds as it follows: "One of our values is to understand customers better than anyone. We go to great lengths to ask customers what they think, listen to their views, and then a ct on them. We look both at what customers say and what they do. This feedback guides the decisions we tale" (www.TESCO.com) Executive Summary TESCO s proved to be a ledng grocery chn n the Unted Kngdom nd lso the bggest grocery of the world. There re bout 2290 stores wth more then 296000 people employed ll over the world nd t hs ttrcted consderble ttenton becuse of ts mbtous overses strtegy nd ts successful on-lne home delvery servce. Relyng on sles of non-food tems nd on nterntonl sles--prtculrly n emergng mrkets--for n mportnt prt of the compny's future expnson, TESCO hs delvered one of the fstest orgnc growth rtes of ny mjor retler n the world. ts nonfood busness rose by 18 percent n 2000-01, nd ts nterntonl busness, whch begn wth lunch n Hungry n 1994, now ccounts for more thn 40 percent of the group's floor spce. TESCO lso hppens to be the undsputed world leder n nternet grocery sles (www.TESCO.com). ts on-lne home delvery servce s now proftble, TESCO sys, nd t hs struck del n the Unted Sttes wth Sfewy, whch wll use TESCO's system for home-shoppng servce. Underpnnng TESCO's success s excellent mngement nd n obsesson w th opertonl effcency nd productvty gns, whch the compny uses to keep prces low or to mprove servce rther thn to ncrese ts opertng mrgns. Despte ths mpressve record, TESCO s stll reltvely smll compred wth the lkes of Crrefour nd Wl-Mrt, but t s growng fster.Despte ths mpressve record TESCO stll fces number of chllenges during the fiscal year. The UK retler is smll n comprson wth the lke s

Business Policy Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Business Policy - Case Study Example ort tries to identify the challenging environment that the company is facing in its operating environment in the recent months, along with that it gives an outline about the future strategic directions that the company might pursue. The report is based on three principal issues -1) The External Environment Analysis, 2) The Internal Capability Analysis, 3) Recommendation and Conclusion. According to the International Air Transport Association, the industry lost up to $8 billion in 2008 which is even greater than what was forecasted previously. The report uses a PESTEL analysis (See PESTEL Analysis: Appendix D) to scan the external environmental structure of the company. The business cycle of British Airways includes several parameters. This is due to the fact that airline industry is characterized by longer business cycle resulting from the lower profitability and for the lower shareholder returns. (Liehr, Nd, page 1). The marketing environment is constantly changing and with every change in the last few years airlines industry is being affected. The demand for the airline industry is highly income elastic. (â€Å"An analysis of British Airways Marketing Environment†, 2008) Thus the rise in the fuel prices last year and recent economic turmoil has affected the airlines industry in huge way as the passengers are avoiding more expensive air travels. According to a report by Air Transport association of America, the revenue generated from passenger travels for all airlines fell by 19 % during the month of February, 2009 when compared to February 2008. This is the forth consecutive month where loss is being recorded. The business sector, hit badly by the economic crisis are cutting back on their airline trips. British airways having ten flights operating daily between London and New York is among the worst hit. (â€Å"Lucrative Business class air travel hit by crisis†, 2009) The company saw a decline in 8.6 percent in premium traffic and 4.1 percent in non premium.

The Definition and Criticism of an Insanity Defense Essay - 1

The Definition and Criticism of an Insanity Defense - Essay Example Very few people plead insanity though and among those who plead it, a very minor part wins the plea. An important point here is people acquitted under insanity defense are seldom allowed to walk free. In almost all cases, the acquitted people are allowed to go to treatment centers and kept there until mental health officials determine they do not pose a danger to anyone. Criticism to insanity defense is a common phenomenon. Critics argue that some defendants misuse insanity defense, effectively faking insanity to win acquittals or less severe convictions. And often the trials involving an insanity defense get the most attention because they involve crimes that are peculiar within themselves. Nevertheless, studies suggest the overwhelming majority of defendants acquitted by reason of insanity suffer from schizophrenia or some other mental illness (Fersch, 2005). There could be several reasons for criticizing the insanity defense, including political, legal as well as humanistic. In USA, for instance, the insanity defense received harsh public criticism when, after the 1981 assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan by John Hinckley Jr., Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity. Lot of people argues argued that his premeditation of the crime was undeniable proof of his sanity. Public criticism of the insanity defense has continued to grow with each high profile case. In conclusion, insanity plea is a poor excuse for serious lawbreaking, and should not ideally influence or ease the punishment. In a majority of criminal cases, especially murder trials, an insanity plea is used as a defense strategy aimed at saving guilty defendants from death penalty or serving time in prison. The accused usually pretend to be mentally ill and their lawyers use this as a way to confuse jury and influence their judgment. And then most of the accused, by reason of insanity,

What fueled the bitter history with regard to India and Pakistan with Essay

What fueled the bitter history with regard to India and Pakistan with relation to government and political beliefs - Essay Example This brief mention of just some of the issues between India and Pakistan is just a preview of the intense rivalry between the two countries. And we haven't even reached the pre-colonial era for discussion till now. The bitter past, present and future of Indo-Pak relations is a reality that can not be ignored. The sheer magnitude of the number of disputes between India and Pakistan can not be denied. But beyond this ignorance and denial, one can safely delve into the past and analyze why it happened in the first place. The aim is then not to question any event or wonder what would be the present situation if any past event such as the 1971 separation of East Pakistan had not taken place. The aim is to provide insight and examine the factors behind facts such as colonialism and the partition of the sub-continent and understand their role on the present and the future of India and Pakistan and, in turn, the entire world.The eventful history of India and Pakistan gives plenty of reason t o attribute to their bitter rivalry. The wars fought in 1965, 1971 and 1947 are a testament to this; so are the various bombings that each country's intelligence agencies have planned on each other's country (Crossette, 2008). Both countries have constantly bombarded each other over the line of control and escalation of forces at the border to mount pressure on each other has become a frequent course of action. Kashmir still remains disputed territory with no sign of resolution in the coming future. Even the control of environmental resources such as water and its use (Indus Water Treaty) have been a cause of concern and argument for each country. It is important for Pakistan because India controls the disputed territory from which flows the most vital asset to mans existence i.e. water. This brief mention of just some of the issues between India and Pakistan is just a preview of the intense rivalry between the two countries. And we haven't even reached the pre-colonial era for discussion till now. Based on research, the author of this paper believes that perhaps one of the most important contributors to the partition and in turn, the rivalry between India and Pakistan is the colonialism of the Hindus and Muslims (Alavi, 2002). That is not to say that the entire future of Indo-Pak relations is to be blamed on the East India Company or the British Empire; but, it is hard to deny that the British are responsible for sowing the seeds of rivalry from as far back as the start of operations by East India Company. The author contends then that there are various factors behind the bitter Indo-Pak rivalry but the most pivotal is the colonialism and subsequent, ill planned exit by the British Empire in 1947. The British occupation in the sub continent not only created differen ces between the various segments of Hindus and Muslims but also left several issues unsettled, such as the accession of provinces (e.g. Kashmir) to either country. It is also believed that the nature of Muslim party politics was such that they followed onto the post-partition period till today and that the bitter history has been etched into the political relations of both countries thereby making the process of reconciliation extremely difficult. This paper will therefore address several issues or differences created by the East India Company and the subsequent British Rule in considerable detail. The first of these issues was the change in official language from Persian to English; this change created drastic differences between the 19th century ashrafi (upper class) Muslims and Hindus who were in competition against each other for state jobs (Alavi, 2002). At this point, it is important to shed some light on the salariat, who are defined by Hamza Alavi (2002) as an auxiliary class that was not the biggest class but certainly the most articulate class in the pre-independence era. These salariat were professionals that were able to get through higher education because of their family's income status. They held important state positions as lawyers or doctors and in other fields as well. The 19th century salariat began to lose key positions in the state

Business Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Business Development - Essay Example By learning these very basic steps, running our own business and developing it can be both exciting and rewarding. It is our ability in developing and implementing strategies effectively that will avert stressful and unpredictable situations in business. â€Å"It is a truth that the sandwich business is a rapidly growing segment of the fast-food industry as demonstrated by the growth of various brands across the globe. (Emerald MangementXtra). Hence, there is opportunity to every player in the market, and scope for improvement. The decision to develop products and services can mark the beginning of an extremely difficult process for many businesses. In fact, new product development is often considered to be the cornerstone for building any successful business. Without it, businesses tend to stagnate, and then eventually decline. This is particularly true for small scale businesses. It is a proven fact that products and services you are offering will serve as the catalyst that drives your business to higher levels of success. Business development should never be a long and costly endeavor. Objectives of any enterprise is to establish its unique presence in the related business activity, sustain, develop and surge ahead, by being dynamic and growth oriented, through planning. Planning is the backbone of any business venture –be it a small sandwich shop or a multi national organization. A step by step plan is the core requirement for developmental process, along with proper resource and budget allocation. This step is detrimental to the organization to sustain and develop further in the market. A SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat) analysis need to be carried out to identify our established strengths related to the products/services offered by the establishment, our competitive edge, existing and target customers, their expectation, sales and marketing strategies, pricing, an effective marketing plan,

Theme park science Essay Example for Free

Theme park science Essay Core content and depth of coverage will vary between groups This unit is based around Chapters 5, 6, 10 Science. World 1 Amusement Park Rides Types Safety Pushes and Pulls Forces around you Friction The pull of gravity Energy What is energy? Forms of energy Energy comes – energy goes How things work Simple machines Pulleys and gears Electrical things Lab Report Writing (Genre of the Report) Handling materials safely Hypothesising Looking for patterns and meaning Seeking reasons Performing experiments – using a microscope Engaging with problems Predicting Observing Participating Applying ideas and contexts. Drawing conclusions Generalising Making links Creating diagrams, tables and graphs Using scientific terminology Describing Discussing Inferring Assessment Assignment:: Making a Rollercoaster (due week 6) Exam (week 7) Experiment write-up: Levers (week 8) TOPIC LEARNING OUTCOMES No OF LESSONS CONTENT LEARNING EXPERIENCES TEXT / RESOURCES WEEK 1 Amusement Parks 1 1 1 INTRODUCTION TO UNIT Outline term work and assessments (form groups) Brainstorm – What makes for a good ride at the fair or an amusement park? Brainstorm – What do we need to study in order to design an amusement park ride? Types Of Amusement Park Rides. Parts of a ride – hills, loops etc. ENERGY Energy – brainstorming. What is energy? Measuring energy (Joules) Forms of Energy: Kinetic, Potential, Elastic, Chemical, Nuclear, Sound, Heat, Light, Electrical. EXPERIMENT Teacher choice/work stations Kinetic energy Potential energy Gravitational energy Elastic energy Heat energy Sound energy Write notes Concept map Butchers paper activity Demos: Eg. Newton’s Cradle, Burning candle Experiment Internet Science World 1 pg102 107 Science 8 pages 203 -215 WEEK 2 Energy conversions Transfers 1 1 1 ENERGY CHANGES What is an energy change? Law of conservation. Waste energy Rollercoaster – change of energy FORCES Brainstorming what constitutes a force Types of forces (contact non-contact) Direction and strength of forces. Motion (Newton’s 2nd Law) EXPERIMENT Effects of a force Measuring forces Link to Lift Hills (pdf) Worksheets Notes Exercises pg 110-111 Notes Activity p81. Exercises 1-5 pg87 Experiment Experiment Science World 1 pg107-108, 113, 114 Science World 1 Science 8 Page 196 Science World 1 pg86 PDF – Designing A rollercoaster WEEK 3 Forces 1 1 1 FORCES Balanced and unbalanced forces (Newton’s 3rd Law), link to Bumper Cars How is speed different to velocity? Question: You are a passenger in a car that is turning left and you find yourself thrown against the door to your right. Is there a force pushing you toward the door? Inertia EXPERIMENT Inertia – Plasticine man (Newton’s 1st Law) VIDEO Ultimate Thrill Rides Discuss assignment in detail Activity: Chinese get-ups, tug-of-war Celtic wrestling Role-play being on a rollercoaster. Exercises 6-9 pg 88 Worksheet Discussion Question Worksheet Handout Science World 1 Handout Handout WEEK 4 Friction 1 1 1 FRICTION â€Å"What is friction? † Friction in every day life. Reducing friction. Prepare write-up for experiment next lesson. EXPERIMENT Measuring Friction. In class write-up GRAVITY ACCELERATION The pull of gravity. Difference between mass weight. Is gravity a force or acceleration? Lift hills (information needed) Exercises p92-93. Activity 3, p 94 Experiment 2 â€Å"Measuring Friction† pp89-90. (PASCO for extension). Exercises p96-97 Science World 1 Science World 1 Science World 1 Internet WEEK 5 Amusement Park Science 3 AMUSEMENT PARK SCIENCE Design process of rollercoasters Themes / Story What forms of Safety are there? Working in groups on assignment Research and writing task (in note pad). Internet WEEK 6 Assignment Revision 1 2 PRESENTATIONS Students to demonstrate rollercoaster Demo Pasco Rollercoaster or video Theme Park Physics. REVISION Presentation WEEK 7 Simple Machines 1 1 1 EXAM (Chapter 5 6) INTRODUCTION. Types of simple machines VIDEO Simple machines LEVERS Levers (1st, 2nd, 3rd order) Mechanical advantage Ch 10 Concept map Worksheets Worksheets Exercises pp 202-203 Science World 1 Clickview Science World 1 WEEK 8 Pulleys Gears 1 1 1 EXPERIMENT â€Å"Levers† – WRITE UP PULLEYS GEARS Types of pulleys Gear ratios. Prepare write-up for experiment next lesson. EXPERIMENT. Demonstration of set up Investigating Pulleys. In-class write-up. Experiment Notes Exercises pg210 Experiment 4 â€Å"Investigating Pulleys† pp. 204-205 Science 8 pg381 393 Science World 1 pg204-207 WEEK 9 Simple Machines 1 1 1 OTHER SIMPLE MACHINES Inclined planes Wedges Screws Wheel axles EXPERIMENT Other simple machines – teachers choice ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS Electrical circuits. Circuit diagrams Series and parallel circuits Text exercises pg202 203 Notes Text Exercises pg 195-196 Science World 1 Science World 1 pg190-193 WEEK 10 Electrical Circuits 3 ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS Experiments. Internet activities Experiment 2 â€Å"Series and Parallel Circuits† pp. 193-194 Science World 1 This is an overview of the assessment; so you can introduce the process in your first lesson. The final assessment piece will be completed for you by week 2. Assignment: Students are to Explain the design process – measure the distance and time. Explain the features of the ride and put where they are there (eg: why lift hill first) Discuss the modifications made during the design process – why parts didn’t work; what needed to change Diagram of track layout and theme of ride (including safety features).

Corporate financial statement analysis of Volkswagen

Corporate financial statement analysis of Volkswagen Abstract The main aim from this project is to analyze manufacturing company in term of ratios analysis and common size analysis. We took Volkswagen Group as a manufacturing company and we try to know what are the line business, major competitors, and the goals of Volkswagen Group. Then we start to make common size analysis (vertical and horizontal analysis) for both income statement and balance sheet from year 2005 to 2009 to see the financial performance of the company over the time. Moreover we make ratios analysis to check the liquidity, solvency, profitability, efficiency, and cash flow of the Volkswagen Group.Finally, the report is going to discuss the data that we found on common size analysis and ratios analysis. Also the report will include all the annual report from 2005 to 2009. Company profile a)What is the companys principal line of business and major competitors? Volkswagen Group majorly known as the VW group is a German originated automobile manufacturing group that is ranked third largest in world as a motor vehicle manufacturer. The core business of the group includes developing vehicles and components for all marques and manufacturing complete vehicles for the Volkswagen Passenger Cars and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles marques. The group has world-wide working of operations but its primary focus is Europe market. Major competitors of Volkswagen are Toyotta, General Motors, Ford and Hyundai. b)On what day does the companys fiscal year end? The company Fiscal year ends on Dec, 31st c) What is the largest source of cash from financing activities? For the year ended Dec 31, 2009 its â€Å"Proceeds from issue of Bonds† d) What is the largest use of cash from investing activities? For the year ended Dec 31, 2009 its â€Å"Disposal of Equity Investments† e) What is the average income tax rate for the fiscal year reported? Income tax rate for 2005 is : 35.2%, 2006: 9.1%, 2007:37.0 %, 2008: 29.1%, 2009: 27.7%. The average tax rate is 27.62%. f) What is the average issue (sale) price per share of common stock issued as of the end of the fiscal year reported? The average issue (sale) price per share â‚ ¬ 149.42 Company goals and achievements Descriptive information, Compare goals provided in annual reports with achievements in the following periods, seek for any possible predetermined standards and find out whether the company achieved them in the following periods. There are numerous objectives and goals set by the Management of Volkswagen with the motive of enabling the company to expand the scope of its business and generate sustainable success by focusing on its customers and environment. As part of business operations management, the Board has focused on introducing measures to improve cost structures through process optimization overall and modular strategy implementation. The implementation of these goals can be seen through the financial performance of Volkswagen where in terms of sales, the related costs are kept in controlled and balanced trend with no irregular hikes. Volkswagen goal of servicing its customers with most innovative and fascinating vehicles is met with its ability to generate increased world-wide sales and improved cost position. In 2007, the company earned a sales record of 6.2 million vehicles. As part of Volkswagens global business strategy, the goal of the company had been to implement its multi brand strategy and introduce most environments friendly and broadest vehicle range. Towards implementing these goals, the company in year 2009 has been able to cope with the weak industry trends due to financial and economic crisis overall. Its implementation of integration and partnerships with Porsche and Suzuki have unlocked many growth prospects. It is the result of such policies of management that Volkswagen group did not suffer from the financial crisis to the extent most of the competitors did. The focus of maintaining quality standards is also evident from the analysis of financial statements where each year better quality improving standards and procedure are implemented as part of production processes to enable Volkswagen in delivering its customers best equipped quality vehicles. Future goals of company include exploring more developments in fuel efficiency for vehicles and climate friendly fuels as key components of automobility along with driver assistance systems to promote fuel efficient driving. Common Size Analysis Ratios analysis Data Analysis Having done with a thorough financial statement analysis of Volkswagen Group for year 2005-2009, it is seen that the company as a key component of Automobile Industry has been able to maintain its financial performance with slight disturbance in profits for fiscal year 2009 as a result of global depression in markets. Firstly having a look at the vertical common size analysis of Volkswagen Income statement and Balance sheet revealed that most items of Income statement and Balance sheet do not present any major fluctuations over five years. Year 2007 and 2008 were better performing business years where due to decreased CGS as a percentage of Sales, overall profitability was improved i.e. Operating profit and EBT improved from 2% in 2006 to 6% in 2007 and 2008. However, due to an overall market recession profitability has significantly decreased due to burden on costs and expenses i.e. PAT decreased from 4% in 2008 to 1% in 2009. The vertical common size balance sheet showed the group structure consists of Debt: Equity of 80:20. Other significant values are fixed assets, cash, inventory and financial service receivables. The horizontal common size analysis of Income statement and balance sheet taking 2005 as base year showed a healthy growth trend for years 2006-2008, whereas for year 2009, it exposed a decreased trend of profitability significantly in operating profit, Profit before tax and Profit after tax. The balance sheet shows increasing and decreasing fluctuations when looked at individual items but overall can be considered relatively stable and improving. The Ratio analysis of financial statements is done to evaluate the performance of company in a given year using relations between different balance sheet, income statement and cash flow items. Volkswagen analysis of different financial ratios over the period of 5 years enabled us in seeing the performance of Group under five heads: Assets efficiency, liquidity, cash flow, profitability and solvency. Assets efficiency: These ratios are used to check the efficiency of a company i.e. how efficiently assets of company are used in generating revenue. The fixed asset turnover and total asset turnover ratios are lower in magnitude over the time period under analysis. Generally the greater the magnitudes of these ratios the efficient are the assets of a company are considered in generating sales revenue. Volkswagen group assets turnover ratios for last five years vary within range of 0.5 and 1.2 which is not quite impressive. The inventory turnover ratio over the last five years shows a mixed trend whereas the receivable and payable turnover are also a concern as payable turnover should be greater in magnitude than receivable whereas its the opposite case here. Profitability: The profit margins for past five shows an increasing trend till 2008, however for year 2009 profitability is effected due to decreased sales and pressures on costs. The trends for Return on assets and equity, are also the same, whereas the magnitude of these is moderate. The earnings per share for the group is attractive enough just declines much for year 2009 i.e. from â‚ ¬4.6 in 2008 to â‚ ¬0.9 in 2009. Liquidity: These are the ratios derived from balance sheet and measure ability of company to generate liquid funds to pay its debts. The current and quick ratios for Volkswagen fall within the range of 0.9 and 1.2 for past five years which is considered well enough for liquidity purposes. The cash conversion cycle is the number of days cash is tied up in production and sales process. Our analysis shows a mixed trend which is observed to decrease in 2009 which is a good indicator. The receivable collection and payable deferral periods are also in favor of companys liquidity requirements. Cash flow: The cash flow ratio of less is one is indicative of greater chances for bankruptcy. Volkswagen cash flow ratio over past five years is consistently low and need attention. Debt /Solvency: These show the overall debt load of company. The debt as compared to assets does not portrays greater risks, however greater dependence if debt as compared to equity increases leverage and so the risk scope for the Volkswagen.

Best Buy Managing For Competitive Advantage Commerce Essay

Best Buy Managing For Competitive Advantage Commerce Essay The paper is a critical examination of Best Buy managing for competitive advantage. The essay brings forth strategies Best Buy uses as well as how these strategies are put into action in order for it to gain competitive advantage over its competitors. Competitive advantage refers to set of strategic advantages a business have adopted that make it be in a better position to compete or even out shine its rivals. Thus attaining Competitive Advantage fortifies and places an organization in a better position within the competitive business world. According to Pfeffer 21, this theory of competitive advantage was brought forth by Porter Michael back in 1990. He suggested that business entities as well as other non-profit institutions need to adopt some policies, procedures and plans that will help it to develop very high quality goods and services that can be sold at higher prices to consumers. With the fact that almost all kind of business entities do meet very stiff competitions there is thus need for each and every organization to adopt the best strategies that will help them cut themselves an edge in this competitive world of business, Best Buy not being an exception. However various business and management scholars have come to a conclusion that having these strategies is not important unless they are adequately managed; hence competitive advantage management (Pfeffer 142). This refers to set of mechanisms and plans that not only places and organization at an upper hand as compared to its competitors but making it stand out in the business environment. The paper recognizes Best Buy competitive advantage as being it customer-centricity this implies delivering modified and extremely personalized service to clients. All this has been attained by automating the services it provides to customers by using online services. Best Buy customer centered strategy It has been argued out that once an organization clearly understands the need, wants and aspiration of its customers, there is nothing that will block it from excelling provided it takes corrective actions towards attaining the same. Additionally, research as shown that business entities that focus or are customer oriented do have higher chances of securing a competitive advantage which in most cases translates to higher revenue generation, price earnings ratio, highly satisfied customers thus creating customer loyalty. This concept seems to have been well mastered by Best Buy. For instance, since the plan was rolled out, the profit margin for the organization rose by almost 3% (Jaynie Flanagan 122). It is worth mentioning that the strategy has been successful thanks to technological innovation that has allowed customers to even buy good 24/7 even during the holidays. It is important to note although this strategy was recently launched, the organization adequately trained and educated its store-level workforce so that they could be in a position to have in mind the varied needs of the customers on the basis of how they were segmented. One strategy that was a milestone in taking the business where it is to day is customers segmentation. Best Buy segmented its customers into five different levels which include; small-business customers that utilize the business services and products to foster increased profits in their business, busy mothers leaving in suburban that aim at enriching their kids way of life with technological innovation especially in entertainment,, men having families that are in quest of bettering their general way of living through entertainment and other ways, young men who are is thirst of technological innovation and finally very rich professionals that seek the best in terms of entertainment as well as other life experiences. It is worth noting heretthat this I in line with the notion brought forth by Mentzer in his article titles Achieving Competitive Advantage through Supply Chain Management he suggested that not all customers are created equally because there are those that are very crucial to success of any organization while some are not as crucial as other and thus need to be treated by using a different approach. This has been adequately addressed by Best Buy by segmenting its customers (Mentzer 3). According to Mentzer 1 after successfully carrying out a survey, which included slightly over thirty of its stores, Best Buy started rolling the strategy of computerizing the quote-to-order process aimed at making it possible for customers to buy in a 24/7 hour basis even if it is on holidays. In total over hundred of the companys store adopted this strategy. Reports suggested that the company financial result could be boosted and indeed it was and that less cynical outcomes are expected as well as development of a stable link between the company and its customers. Additionally, it is important to remember that for any organization to be prosperous even in its best strategies, the part played by its workforce is of paramount, it is evident that the company did provide education and training to its employees so that they could be well equipped with knowledge to help customers. An example where customer centricity was attained through the efforts of store employees is in Pasadena store in which there was a reconfiguration of the place to appeal to suburban mothers (Peppers Rogers 4) It entailed transferring small electrical appliances to a low rack situated on the walk way of the store from high shelves, this boosted sales of the same to almost two folds. Generally speaking, the company strategy fundamentally rests on viewing its initiatives from the customers point of view, clearly understanding what they need as well as trying its best in meeting these needs (Jaynie Flanagan 211). According to the vice chairman and CEO of the company, this is what gives them a cutting edge in the business environment. On the same note, the company has adopted a way of distributing its goods that is inline with customers demand and aspirations. This has time and a gained been managed by using enterprise resource planning system that seem to have successfully synchronized the need of clients. Additionally, the company best strategy is also its ability to harmonize it various chains of supply together with what its stores need; (Peppers Rogers 2) this has resulted to those employees who work as sales representative having at their disposal a variety of products that meet the needs of those customers that are dear to the company. Similarly, it is worth mentioning that Best Buy has successfully adopted technological innovation whereby customers need not to come to their stores to select or see those appliances they plan to buy. This carries with it a number of advantages for instance convenience and lack of being pressurized by sales persons to buy (Pfeffer 164). Additionally, it give one enough time to scrutinize the features one desire to have in a given appliance. Conclusion From the review of competitive advantage management of Best Buy Company, it is evident that technological innovation adoption and focusing in customer and empowering its employees are among the strategies that have played a better part in shaping the company. What make the company different is that it has clearly understood what its customers need and have taken serious steps towards attaining those things desired by the customers. It is thus no doubt that the company has thrived despite stiff competition from other well known business organizations such as Wal Mart, Dell among other. In my view, every organization must adopt a set of strategies to help it thrive now and in future.

Antigone :: essays research papers

It takes a lot of courage to stand up and defend an action or idea that is forbidden by society. Not only did Antigone do that in Sophocles' story Antigone, but also comparing my life to the events that happened in Antigone, it was not long ago that I had to stand and take action on a forbidden idea. Antigone clearly disobeys King Creon's order that no person should bury Antigone's brother, Polynices, which is punishable by penalty of death. In this case, is Antigone's decision the correct one? Her actions affect many of her other countrymen negatively because they cause problems within the royal family, disagreement among the people and directly relate to the death of three people including her own. By burying her brother, Antigone knowingly and willingly went against royal orders and in doing so chooses her own death. She knows as well as anyone in the town that death would come to all that disobeyed Creon's order. Antigone says to this "no one will ever convict me for a traitor,"(Act I: Scene II: Line 361) and decides to bury the body, this is quite ironic because by burying her brother a traitor is exactly what she is convicted of being. This story somewhat relates to my life because there was an event that took place in High school that caused me to be viewed as a traitor, but at the same time in was in benefit of the school. In my High school there has and always been a mixed crowd of students such as blacks, whites, and Hispanics. At my school it was pretty obvious that blacks hung out with each other and whites hung out with each other. Towards the end of Davies 2 the school year I along with a couple of my friends started receiving races comments that where of course directed to the majority of the black students. As time went on the situation became worse. I was looked at as a traitor simply because I was always the one who hung out with everyone, not just the black students. I took the problem to the principal and nothing was done so we proceeded to go to the board of education and sure enough, Reginald F.

A Philosophical View of Animal Rights :: Philosophy Animal Rights Equality Essays

A Philosophical View of Animal Rights Should animals be harmed to benefit mankind? This pressing question has been around for at least the past two centuries. During the early nineteenth century, animal experiments emerged as an important method of science and, in fact, marked the birth of experimental physiology and neuroscience as we currently know it. There were, however, guidelines that existed even back then which restricted the conditions of experimentation. These early rules protected the animals, in the sense that all procedures performed were done so with as little pain as possible and solely to investigate new truths. Adopting the animals? perspectives, they would probably not agree that these types of regulations were much protection, considering the unwanted pain that they felt first followed by what would ultimately be their death. But, this is exactly the ethical issue at hand. For the most part, animal rights are debated in regards to two issues: 1) whether animals have the ability to rationalize or g o through a logical thought process and 2) whether or not animals are able to experience pain. However, ?it will not do simply to cite differences between humans and animals in order to provide a rational basis for excluding animals from the scope of our moral deliberations? (Rollin 7). This, Bernard Rollin claims, would be silly. He says that to do this is comparable to a person with a full head of hair excluding all bald men from his moral deliberations simply because they are bald. The true ethical question involved is, ?do these differences serve to justify a moral difference (Rollin 7). Also, which differences between humans and non-humans are significant enough to be considered in determining the non-human?s fate? Over the years, many differences have been proposed. Some theorize that rights depend upon the ability to possess interest, which in turn depend upon the ability to form verbal formulations, for example. If this were so, then it would rule out the possibility of rights for most animals, with maybe the exception of some primates. But, as Rodd states, ?beings incapable of possessing genuine rights might possess moral status in virtue of other qualities, such as the capacity for suffering? (Rodd 4). So, it is easily seen how many views have accumulated over time. The task of determining animal rights has also come into the context of examining these inherent differences on qualitative and quantitative levels.

Are Zoos Unethical to Animals Essay

Recently, contentious debates have risen over the ethical dilemma that zoos pose regarding animals’ rights, freedoms and natural behavior. Many people consider zoos amoral and cruel while others have the notion that they are ethical because they help in research, conservation and proper treatment of wild animals. This sensitive topic has induced different reactions and sparked great debates as people strive to do the right thing. According to Tuyl (2008), Zoos are enclosed spaces and cages that abode animals. Hutchins and Keele (2006), argue that, zoos provide excellent conditions for wild animals, as they are liberated from their natural habitats, which are harsh and unforgiving. They argue that wild animals are better placed in the zoos because they are provided with free meals and a life that is free from parasites, and harsh weather and predators. However, there are various reasons that explain why zoos are unethical. This paper explains why zoos are unethical to animals. To confine wild animals in enclosed spaces, denies them freedom and the ability to develop their natural behaviors. In addition, zoos promote the transmission of zoonotic diseases (Tuyl, 2008). Therefore, concerning animal rights and freedoms, zoos are highly unethical and should be banned to endow wild animals with an opportunity to lead lives free from human interferences. It is amoral to keep animals in the zoos because they act as cages that retract the wild animals’ freedom. Various animal rights organizations advocate for the freedom of animals, a condition that is only attainable when they are in their natural habitats. Zoos act as prisons because of their small sizes and restraining the ability as compared to wild jungles, therefore, denying wild animals their freedom to roam and act naturally. It is unethical to keep wild animals locked up in a cage, especially in this era when people have realized that every living being should be allowed to have its freedom. All living beings are entitled to their rights. Wild animals have liberty to live in the jungles because that  is their natural habitat, which is a fundamental right. To take animals away from their usual environment and confine them in cages and enclosed spaces provided by the zoos is a complete violation of animal rights. This denies wild animals the chance to act naturally and engage in the relationships that nature intended for them. Wild animals are unable to lead quality lives when they are taken to the zoos (Jensen & Holmes, 2007). They infringe on animal rights due to restrictions, therefore, causing some wild animals such as elephants to develop depression because of detachment from their herds (Hutchins & Keele, 2006). Human beings should allow wild animals to live in their natural habitats, in the same m anner that no individual would love to be transferred from the comfort of their home and re-located into the jungle. People claiming that it is just to keep wild animals in the zoo have the notion that this action is purposeful for research and the conservation of endangered species. However, appropriate actions can be taken in the wild animals’ natural habitats, therefore, leading to better results. It is unethical for human beings to interfere with the lives of wild animals for research. It is inappropriate to transfer a wild animal from its habitat to study it. The results would be skewed because the animals’ natural behaviors would change with the changing environment. Human interference is also leading to the cause of animal extinction (Tuyl, 2008). Therefore, the appropriate and ethical action to take in the interest of extinction and research is to reduce human interference to obtain the best results regarding both issues. In conclusion, it is not ethical to keep wild animals in a zoo. As indicated in the paper, zoos interfere with the wild animals’ freedoms, rights and the ability to live naturally. Some people argue that zoos are helpful in animal conservation regarding endangered species, but it is also crucial to consider the main problem, which is human interference (Jensen & Holmes, 2007). Zoos are unethical to animals. References Hutchins, M., & Keele, M. (2006). Elephant importation from range countries: ethical and practical considerations for accredited zoos. Zoo Biology, 25(3), 219-233. Jensen, D., & Holmes, K. (2007). Thought to exist in the wild: awakening from the nightmare of zoos. Santa Cruz, CA: No Voice Unheard. Tuyl, C. (2008). Zoos and animal welfare. Detroit: Greenhaven Press.

The Scarlet Marxist

There have been many critiques of The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Some critiques are far-fetched. Some indict society’s views of religion and the guilt of women in the downfall of the human race. However, when taking a modern Marxist view of The Scarlet Letter, the scope of the entire novel takes a dramatic spin, not just for the characters Hawthorne utilizes to bring passions to light, but for society and its conventions used towards certain persons. When evaluating the characters of The Scarlet Letter, the characters represent a particular station and social structure within the time. According to Associated Content, Governor Bellingham is one who â€Å". . . free to stand tall as judge of right and wrong, good and bad, but seemingly never commits wrong himself. † (2009). This Marxist evaluation of Governor Bellingham may not make sense unless you apply it within the realm of Marxism as an indictment on the society and how the classes tend to be separated. Governor Bellingham would then represent those who are of affluence or those who are on the upper end of the economic ladder. This separation of the upper class from the other classes then allows Bellingham to make the judgments that he makes ue to his financial status within the community. Had Bellingham not had this type of financial influence, then he would not be allowed to make any kind of judgments on anyone. Bellingham’s position as governor gives him certain rights that ordinary citizens would not have. The position in society gives Bellingham a reason, whether good or bad, to hand down wha t he feels to be justice for all involved. The justice may not be beneficial but for a few. Yet, when looking at the classes, in Marxist theory, if it benefits the upper class, then it is a benefit. The benefit does not carry or trickle down to the lower classes, which leaves those who are not apart of the upper class at a disadvantage. The character Pearl, daughter of Hester Prynne can be considered a very animated and active. She is the product of the physical relationship between Arthur Dimmesdale and Hester Prynne. The child suffered the isolation and condemnation that had been handed to her mother for becoming a part of an adulterous affair. Pearl is a stark representative of what happens to persons born or placed into a lower stature in society. Regardless of how witty, bright or un-loving Pearl was as a child, the society within the Puritan community would never accept her because she was the embodiment of higher society deemed inappropriate for persons to participate in. In looking at Pearl in this way, it is not a stretch to say that she is the form of the content presented by the society at that time. Terry Eagleton states that â€Å"Marxist criticism sees form and content as dialectically related, and yet wants to assert in the end the primacy of content in determining form† (Eagleton 537). In other words, Pearl’s form is created by the content of her character, to take a phrase rom Dr. MLK, Jr. The circumstances in which she was conceived puts in her the essence of being one who is deeply enthralled with passion. Also, Pearl is one who is stubborn to a fault, just as her mother who refused to give up the name of her lover. Knowing these things about Pearl would allow one to cast judgment on her and never allow her to ascend to a higher station or class in life. It is this creation of her within the confines of the Dimmesdale and Prynne relationship that would keep her limited to a specific class and socio-economic status in life, had she decided o live within the small Boston neighborhood in which she grew up. Roger Chillingworth’s character illustrates a di fferent kind of class and form altogether. Chillingworth returns to town to find that his wife, Hester Prynne has not only been accused of adultery, but has a child as proof. Prynne never reveals her lover, pushing Chillingworth to a level of sinister evil that had not been presented within the novel. He never revealed his true identity to anyone but Hester Prynne. He acted as caregiver and doctor for Dimmesdale. It was also at this time that Chillingworth befriended Dimmesdale o find what was eating at his very soul. This type of deception is contemptible to say the least. However, from the Marxist point of view, the true character or form of Chillingworth is a valid indication of the content of his soul. Being a doctor represented being a person of an esteemed stature in society. It also gave him as a member of high society privileges that others in lower classes would never have. He took those privileges and misused them for his own selfish gain (which was to find Prynne’s lover). Chillingworth is the classic example of how the privileged iphon from others to achieve the goal ahead. Eagleton would define Chillingworth’s character as the following: â€Å". . . is not the first place a set of doctrines; it signifies the way men live out their roles in class-society, the values, ideas and images which tie them to their social functions and so prevent them from a true knowledge of society as a whole. † (Eagleton 534) In other words, it is Chillingworth’s class in society that does not allow him to show mercy to Prynne. His class also allows him to be cunning and crafty to find the real illness that afflicts Dimmesdale, use the guilt from the sin to rive Dimmesdale into a chasm of self hatred and loathing, while he simultaneously decays into the demonic fleshly figure that imposes hatred and merciless upon all who dare cross him. Yet, this ghastly figure was indeed Chillingworth’s true form and content. It is his functioning within the u pper class of society that not only gave Chillingworth his form, but also allowed him to participate in the actions leading to Dimmesdale’s without repentance. For Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, society’s position came with a price. He ended up denying his own flesh and blood in the body of Pearl, and he et the woman he loved (Hester Prynne) carry the weight of the sin they both committed. After the town branded Prynne and adulteress, Dimmesdale could not bring himself to admit to the public that it was he who shared the night of passion with Prynne which led to the conception of Pearl. His station or class in society would not allow for such a confession. Associated Content refers to Dimmesdale â€Å"As the ultimately religiously pious figure of the town and he is held in high regard. . . † (2). It is the status of being the reverend for the town along with his education â€Å" a young clergyman, who had come from one of the reat English universities, bringing all the learning of the age into our wild-forest land† (Hawthorne 62) that keeps Dimmesdale from initially admitting what had taken place between himself and Prynne. In comparison to Eagleton, Dimmesdale is the representation of the society and the superstructure that is in place (532). Regardless of how he may want to become a permanent part of Prynne’s life, the superstructure in place would never allow it to be so. It is this superstructure of society that Hester Prynne rebels against and causes her to live a life of isolation with her daughter , save her lients who come to her. Hester Prynne has been called an adulteress by many. Even within the religious community, Prynne is thought of at the least, wrong for her actions, including not revealing the father of her child. It is the content of her life that takes form in this novel. Prynne, strong-willed and determined, did not give in to the demands of the community which asked of her to give Pearl’s father’s name. Prynne refused to do so and in her refusal, lost her status within the community, never to have it returned to her. Relating her character to Marxist literary theory is relatively asy. Prynne is one of the few who would gladly give up his or her station or class in society to the protection of one if not al l. Prynne would not be accepted within the upper class of Boston at this time for she did not conform to the way t he higher classes, both religious and social, decided that life should be conducted. Dr. G. B. Loring declared that â€Å"It would be hard to conceive of a greater outrage upon the freezing and self-denying doctrines of that day, than the sine for which Hester Prynne was damned by and for which Arthur Dimmesdale damned himself† (1). Prynne’s refusal to become part of the culture that denied itself for form and fashion is what pushed her to the outskirts of society. However, even with the refusal to bend in tow, Prynne went on to live a productive life and see her daughter become a elegant young lady. Evaluating The Scarlet Letter from the Marxist point of view is interesting to say the least. Yet, the Marxist point of view gives the reader a broader look at the characters and society as a whole. Through Marxism, it is not just the sin that is looked at, but the condition of the heart, the station and class of man, along with his content and form that makes up society then and now.

Effectiveness of Racial Profiling in Countering Terrorism

[Student's Name] [Professor's Name] [Subject Code and Title] Is Racial Profiling an Effective Counter Terrorism Measure? The September 11 terror attack on the American soil was followed by a successive wave of events that were aimed at countering terrorism. As the global engagement on terrorism intensified, racial profiling became more pronounced along the corridors of counter-terrorism. Conversely, the employment of racial profiling as an instrument for detecting terror suspects and countering terrorism has elicited sharp criticism from different quarters.Even as protagonists of racial profiling reiterate its effectiveness in combating terrorism, dissenting voices lament the flagrant human rights violations and racial segregations borne of racial profiling. This paper critically examines the issues surrounding racial profiling in order to form a benchmark upon which the effectiveness of racial profiling in countering terrorism can be measured. The September 11 attacks on the US soi l, which was one of the single worst acts of terrorism in the world's history, led to the re-emergence of racial profiling in full force.In a desperate effort to bring to book the perpetrators of these attacks, security agencies in the US developed prejudice on Middle-Easterners. These prejudices were then codified into law including additional security measures for Arabs and Muslims leaving and entering the US territory. It is against this backdrop that racial profiling gained prominence not only in the US but also among its allies. This then raises a very pertinent concern as to whether racial profiling is effective in countering terrorism across the globe.Security organs more often than not have based detention and interdiction of suspects primarily on the basis of their race, ethnicity and/or religion. Pickering et al argue that racial profiling occurs against the belief that certain minority groups are more likely to engage in unlawful behavior. They further posit that integrat ing national security into law has opened up the possibility that racial profiling is inevitable in predicting crime and identifying potential perpetrators of crime.Profiling is however problematic in terms of its effectiveness given the fact that it is not firstly correlated statistically to risk. Secondly, racial profiling is ineffective in substantially narrowing down a pool of potential suspects (60). Therefore, profiling of suspects fails to meet professional law enforcement principles but instead reflect prejudice and discrimination. Nevertheless, the biggest concerns over profiling lie in the invasion of privacy as well as the erosion of fundamental civil liberties.The US has been on the forefront in advocating for the sharing of Passenger Name Records (PNR) information in an effort to single out possible terror suspects. However, this action invariably subjects individuals of particular ethnicities and religions to additional security checks consequently giving leeway to arb itrary discrimination (Muffler 241). What authorities do is basically identify names on the PNR that are Muslim or Arabic in nature. With the perception that Arabs and Muslims are potential terror suspects, they subject bearers of such names to more rigorous security screening.This act does not only discriminate affected individuals but it also produces a large number of false positives. Pickering et al have ascertained that large numbers of false positives divert resources needed to enhance more productive law enforcement activities. Moreover, false positives draws attention away from real threats and this is welcome news for terrorists. To that respect, racial profiling becomes self-defeating in the sense that it overlooks mainstream target groups thus ignoring the real danger of homegrown non-target terror groups (62).In the recent past, we have had terror attacks instigated by native citizens who have been either inspired by radical religious teachings or who are angry with thei r governments for reasons known to themselves. These individuals are never prioritized by the authorities thus pose a greater danger to national security. Over-emphasis on foreigners paves way for homegrown extremists to plan and execute terror attacks undetected. It is therefore a morally repugnant practice to target individuals as terror suspects based on their race and/or religion.Not all Muslims are terrorists and neither are all people of Arabic origin terrorists. It is really fallacious to generalize Muslims and Arabs as terrorists based on religious and ethnic prejudices. This then means that these individuals who would have otherwise provided intelligence on terror activities become sympathetic to terror groups with whom they share racial and religious inclinations. In the long run, racial profiling degrades social cohesion; it fuels animosity and ends up instigating more terror attacks that it intended to counter in the first place (Pickering et al 62).Racial alienation in the wake of racial profiling has given rise to a new phenomenon referred to as social terrorism. Intolerance experienced in society today has left victims of racial profiling with indelible marks of acute, episodic and vicarious discrimination. Social terrorism shutters minds, bodies and souls with affected individuals developing serious spiritual disturbances. These disorders may include questioning the essence of living, cessation from religious practices as well as loss of vitality and aliveness.Spirituality in particular is at the heart of resilience to adversity among people of color. Attacking a person's spiritual beliefs therefore creates individuals prone to radical religious teachings. It is the victims of social terrorism that have been found to cause the worst atrocities against humanity since they have nothing to lose after all (Etiony 97). Profiling indeed increases the detection of terrorists attack in the short run. Through racial profiling, terror suspects have been apprehended before initiating their attacks.In the long run however, racial profiling creates the possibility of dangerous substitution. On the current trajectory, there is no empirical evidence whatsoever exploring the use of racial profiling as a counter terrorism measure. This means that we have no idea whether racial profiling is indeed bearing fruits in countering terrorism or not. What we are aware of is how racial profiling has negatively impacted those subjected to it (Center for Human Rights and Global justice 19).It is not my intention to ruffle people's feathers the wrong way or even stir still waters. To that respect, I will try my very best to keep friendly skies friendly by condemning terrorism unreservedly with the strongest words possible. Terrorism destabilizes democracies by attacking the life and liberties of citizens. It must be met with firmness and increased co-operation among democratic countries. However, inasmuch as we must counter terrorism, we must denounc e the escalation of barbaric acts that strike down innocent victims.People do not immigrate to foreign lands just to bomb them but they rather do so to appreciate the quality of life in these foreign countries. It is therefore incumbent upon the citizens of resident countries to welcome these foreigners and help them integrate in their communities. When all is said and done, it is imperative that we win the war on terrorism if we desire to make the world a peaceful haven. This war will not however be won through covert and coercive methods of intelligence gathering. Law enforcement agencies must desist from hiding their laziness and inefficiencies behind racial bigotry.What is needed is development of security structures for sharing intelligence between security agents and citizens on counter terror activities. Security agencies can no longer afford to guard terrorism as a top secret since terrorism affects all people regardless of their status in society. Fundamental rights must ne ver become casualties of the politics of fear that have characterized States' response to the war on terror. A faithful adherence to human rights incorporated in international, regional, and domestic law is the only sure way of securing and protecting all persons.Works Cited Center for Human Rights and Global Justice. Irreversible Consequences: Racial Profiling and Lethal Force in the War on Terror. NY: NYU School of Law, 2006. Print. Etiony, Aldarando. Advancing Social Justice Through Clinical Practice. NJ: Lawrence Eribaum Associates, 2008. Print. Muffler, J. Steven. Racial Profiling: Issues, Data and Analyses. NY: Nova Science P, 2006. Print. Pickering, Sharon, McCulloch and Wright-Neville David. Counter-Terrorism Policing: Community, Cohesion and Security. NY: Springer, 2008. Print.

Food Intake 3 Days

During my three day food intake I discovered that I only consumed 88 grams of protein. In these three meals I spent almost 40 dollars and I was short almost 100 grams of protein required for my weight. Four slices of pizza, and two double cheeseburgers produced the most protein. Oatmeal, beer, and coffee only counted for less than 10 grams. All six items consumed over the 3 day stretch accounted for carbohydrates. The items ranged from 10g to 100g of carbs. The only item with enough lipids was the McDonald’s oatmeal. The rest of the meals were relatively low. I need to make better planning to include more lipids into my health plan. According to the recommendation of the DRI and compared to my intake of protein, carbs, and lipid I failed to meet 100% percent of the minimum standards. I was less than 50% DRI for most of the nutrients. In fact only one out of the 35 nutrients only surpassed or reached 50%. I personally think that I need to consume more meals with adequate healthy nutrients. I would need to add more vegetables, fruits, and oils to my diet so I can achieve my goals. My calorie DRI was almost 4,000 and I just consumed 18% or almost 700 calories. I almost did good with carbohydrates meeting my DRI, but with protein I was at 17%, and with fat total I was at 33%. I was surprised that the numbers were not even close to my expectations. I understand that during these three days I didn’t meet my required DRI because I changed my diet for this assignment. I tried to limit my food intake and changed from healthy food to fast food, but nonetheless during some days this is what I have consumed during some occasions. It demonstrated that I was not anywhere near be healthy. I will need to increase my protein intake achieve my gym goals. If I was to eat little protein the muscle mass would turn to stored fat and have low energy. If I was to lose weight and I would stop exercising my fat would come back to the same level as before. For example my protein intake should be 62 grams according to my weight, but I didn’t consume any. I am very displeased to say that my fiber intake was at 0% percent. I did not consume any fruit or vegetables. When I was ordering my fast food I could have add vegetables and fruit to my pizza, oatmeal, but I didn’t. During my average day I would eat plenty of fruits such as apples, bananas, and oranges to cover my six meals. I would also eat vegetables in salads or with main meals. My favorite vegetable is spinach which is a great source of fiber. I try to stay away from fibers such as breads and such. According to the iprofile eating bananas and apples also produce great amounts of fibers which cover me in the fiber intake. Insufficient or excessive amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, or fiber contribute a lot my health and illnesses. To induce rapid weight loss the easiest way to do it is to eliminate carbohydrates for many people who are in a diet. Without carbohydrates people will be more moody because it loses serotonin. If I was to drink fruit juice instead of whole fruits I would lose all of the fiber. For example to produce 8oz of apple juice I would need 3-4 apples producing about 15grams of fiber, but all the fiber is taken out when its mixed into juice. Any fruit juice that will replace soda pop or you retain the skin or pulp than is ok too. Consumers just need to be careful when they are shopping for fruit juice. Sometime is better to juice it at home because the sugar level will be lower and you will still maintain all the nutrients. The more I read about nutrition the more I get interested about maintain myself healthy be eating healthy and rigorous training. This iprofile has opened my eyes to understand the nutrients I’m lacking or I am over consuming