King Leopolds Ghost Essay

Between 1880 and 1920, the population of the Congo was slashed in half: some ten million people were victims of murder, starvation, exhaustion, exposure, disease, and a plummeting birth rate. Why do you think this massive carnage has remained virtually unknown in the United States and Europe? During all this death there was only a few who would go down into the Congo because of all its dangers. So with hardly anyone already going down there and those who did brave the dangers would usually come back insane from a disease of some sort, there was just not enough evidence to prove how bad it was really getting even with those who made it out fine. There was also no communication possible only by mail and considering the dangers no persons would risk their life to take a letter to and from the jungle. So how can you, with not enough brave people to go down there, get the information out to the world. But even those who got it out and tried to spread the word would be persecuted for saying such things because nobody wanted to help them because that would put their life in danger. No one in their right mind would even venture down to that part of Africa. So with no phones, pagers, computers, or mail to get the word out and sickness and animals killing most that went down there. Even those who go looking for these camps cannot usually find them because there in rural eras of the jungle which, for some, are impossible to attain. There was just no possible way to get word out to the rest of the world to get help. Now even with all the technology to find and go to them we still don’t hear much of them. We have all the vaccines to fight off all the disease and help the dying people in Africa. So even though we have all that still not much people want to help because they are caught up in the world they are living in and nothing else matters until they get what they need and want. The human race is selfish and only looks out for themselves. Question 6 The European conquest and plunder of the Congo and the rest of Africa was brutal, but so was the European settlement of North America and, long before that, the conquest of most of European by the Romans. Hasn’t history always proceeded in this way? Well yea, history has a way of repeating itself. Nothing only happens one time in history. There is always going to be those crazy Hitler type people out there and those who go power drunk and take over their country and then try to take over the world. And yes, whenever you go exploring a new place it’s going to be difficult. Have you ever heard someone say’ â€Å"I went exploring a new continent and it was easy. † There is so much that goes into exploration. You need tools, maps, guides, protection from animals and natives. Pretty much anything new you do is not going to be easy for you to do. Anything you do needs time, practice, and plans, but most important in needs to be organized. If nothing was organized the world would be in chaos. So yes history has and will be forever keep repeating itself to keep balance and stability to the world. It will always have its ups and always have its downs. It doesn’t matter who or what you do to try and prevent it. God has established the status quo and there is nothing anyone can do about it. Question 13 Hochschild quotes Roger Casements as insisting to Edmond Morel’s â€Å"I do not agree with you that England and America are the two great humanitarian powers †¦ [they are] materialistic first and humanitarian only a century after. † What evidence supports or refuses Casement’s judgment? Would Casement be justified in making the same statement today? Now back in that time we were more of a humanitarian country because first of all we didn’t have all the same technology we did today. Second we were pretty much a new country and we were trying to make a good name for us. Then third we went to war for other which was no cause of our own and all we did was help out less fortunate countrys than us. See now during this time it is a little different. We have all sorts of distractions. We have technology, we have more murder, and we are being more protective of our people. We use to go to war for no cause just to help out but now when we are attacked we don’t want to go to war. So you can say we are and have been a little of both the whole time. Back then we went to war to help people now we are sending missionaries to camps around the world to help people. But in the end let’s hope that we become more

Electronic Human Resource Management

Electronic Human Resource Management can be defined as â€Å"The processing and transmission of digitalized HR information, especially using computer networking and the Internet† (pg. 52) basically, because technology has such a hold over most of the world, e-HRM is considered beneficial. It is faster, sometimes easier, and can be more proficient than the ‘over worked and under paid’ employee. Just because almost everything is now electronic doesn’t mean that there isn’t a need for humans any more. Someone has to sit behind that desk and enter in all of the electronic information, look through the records and make sure all of the social security numbers are correct, and be there for technical support when the system is down or someone is having a user error. Many businesses’ today rely solely on e-HRM like the Armed Forces. Here at Mountain Home Air Force Base we have such system called The Portal. Inside this Portal, everything about anything you have ever done or would want to know can be found in here. Many HRM practices are done through this portal for all military and DoD civilians. My work as a Personal Property counselor survives and is only possible with the use of e-mail. Because we work with everyone, including the deployed members currently serving overseas, what we do is damn near impossible without the use of our email. We cannot inform members of required documentation needed, deadlines that must be met, and forwarding up information to our headquarters, which is located in Colorado Springs, CO. My office at MHAFB uses the HRM practice of analysis and design of work faithfully on a daily, even weekend basis. Recruiting: With our Portal, we have an Intranet based link called AMS, Assignment Management System. Through here, you can look at every single job opening on every Air Force Base in every country. When I log onto this AMS site, I can look at every job opening and the requirements for that job based on my job title. I can also choose to apply for this job through this system. Another practice of HRM is Training. In the Portal, everyone has an account in ADLS, Advanced Distant Learning System. In ADLS you may take any number of classes, free of charge to further your knowledge of the Air Force and the programs it has to offer. Selection includes testing. Also found in ADLS are countless CBT’s, Computer Based Training. Everyone must complete specified CBT’s from Homosexual training to Chemical Warfare in a deployed location. At the end of every CBT, a certificate will be printed out with proof of completion and how well you did, giving your UDM (Unit Deployment Manager) an idea of who she’s working with. The last practice of HRM is compensation and benefits. The portal has a link you can click in that will lead you to your myPay account. Through your myPay account you can see where every last penny came from, your current and past LES (Leave & Earning Statement), even your retirement plan that you have set up with the Air Force. The Air Force is just one example of how the majority of businesses are now electronic. Sooner or later we will live in a ‘Paperless work force† and everyone will be using e-HRM in one way or another. RESOURCES Fundamentals of Human Resource  Management. Trends in Human Resource Management. (pp. 52) NewYork. Mcgraw-Hill Irwin. Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart, & Wright. (2007)

E-Commerce Payment Methods Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

E-Commerce Payment Methods - Research Paper Example Continuous studies reveal that offering alternative methods of paying increase sales because of the fact that, the several options of payment offered by an electronic store increases the likelihood for customers to find a mode that suits them best when making a purchase online. This paper will take a research that expounds on electronic commerce payment methods and their affluence on today’s world. Bill Me Later Different people have different views regarding some methods of settling debts. Likely, as a shopper, you have used several of the most popular methods of payment . However, when it comes to setting up a Web shop, exactly what does storekeeper require in order providing a choice of modes of payments to his customers? This research outlines the steps needed to take to incorporate three popular alternative methods of payment, which include Bill Me Later, Google Checkout, and Pay Pal in to a business . To begin with, Bill Me Later is an optional form of payment the, with reference to the vice president of Bill Me Later, marketing department Vince Talbert, this instrument has more than 3 million users within 700 sites and 300 call centers worldwide. During the interview, Vince Talbert said, this company offers its clients a lower cost compared to credit cards and as surprising as it may sound, it assumes the hazards of fraud for both the merchants and consumers thus guaranteeing payment for merchants3. Further findings reveal that, Bill Me Later requires a merchant account whereby, a bank extends a credit line to a business so that the business can accept payment by major credit card. In so doing, if an online merchant finds it necessary to incorporate this method into his site, Vince Talbert said the process is a straightforward one. When a willing client contacts Bill Me Later, the company representative leads him through the task required to fold the requisite data into the existing merchant account. After, to get it up and running on a site, the process is two fold. On one end, there is basic HTML work and on the other, the client needs to fill some merchant processor database work. This research revealed that, this company provides sample code together with promotional messaging and a check out screen that electronic businesses can use while at their sites. The designers the response of Bill Me Later designed it to work just like a response of an authorization card making it easy for merchants to store it in their systems. Bill Me Later is advantageous over its competitors because, according to Vince, Bill Me Later is just as simple as a Master card or Visa card transaction on both the front and back end. Consumers provide a small amount of identification data; mainly their date of birth and the last four digits of their Social Security number and authorization process take place within three seconds. This mode of payment has no complications as it only requires merchants to keep their code of response in their ordering or fulfillment management system in order for them to be able to generate settlement requests the same way they do in the case of processing a credit card4. Google Check out With Google Checkout, merchants are able to charge the credit cards of their customers and do order tracking via the fulfillment process as well as receive payments of orders in bank account. This research carried a critical evaluation whereby it foun d out that, unlike Bill Me later, Google Checkout does not require someone to have a merchant bank account.

Annotated Bibliography of Business Sources Essay

Annotated Bibliography of Business Sources - Essay Example Firstly, I grasped the meaning of key terms such as internal restructuring. Secondly, I also learned to show differences between company profits by using tables which can make it easier for readers to follow. Anver, Versi, ex al. "Africas Top 100 bank African Business Annual Rankings." African Business. Business Source Premier (2008): 2p. Oct2008 The article talks about banking in Africa and outlines information about the top 1000 banks found on the continent. Whilst the total assets of the 1000 banks are estimated to be $856 billion, it can be noted that about 84% of the banking assets are held by the top 30 banks. South Africa has 43% of the continent’s total bank assets. This article is also related to accounting where the author mainly relied on using numbers and statistics to illustrate the structure of banking in Africa. The author also talks about profits in the banking sector which is related to accounting. This article is very enlightening particularly when I am also writing something characterized by figures and statistics. The article is arranged in a nice format where ideas flow in a sequence which is easy to follow. It compares the operations of each bank as well as the profits. Steve, Forbes. "Two Biggest Things Still To Do." Forbes 182. Business Source Premier (2008): 1p. 13 Oct. 2008. This article is about fraud which is often found in many U.S. companies. It can be noted that the reason behind fraud is mainly caused by risky borrowing and lending. The crimes are often discovered by accident or following tip-offs.

Sociological Philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Sociological Philosophy - Essay Example Plato suggests powers exercised by a ruler are governed by customary and community rules. Decisions are made by the minds of the rulers and their delegates. Humans have some innate knowledge of what is important and good in human life and because of this, we should not be constrained by laws and rules but by what our minds tell us what is right and just in the circumstances. The laws do not expressly provide on how to deal with this specific situation and judgment must then be made on moral principles. Permanent laws are incompatible with changing demographics and technology. Laws must change at the same pace with the rest of society to maintain society's current perspective of justice and righteousness, but time delays in passing laws precludes this. Still now, the public waits for tougher dog laws to be passed on pit bulls and others alike. Even worse, there is no guarantee administration will be efficient. Here, Plato argues, rules fail to meet the differences of time and there is a need for rulers to exercise discretion as it encourages efficiency. Where rules fail to take into account of specific, exceptional cases, Aristotle claims, equity should apply. Judges should correct errors of the law, rising from oversight by the lawmakers, given there are rules to be corrected in the first place. This is therefore, an argument to being ruled by laws. He favours rule by democracy where government by a collective of good men is better than being ruled by an absolute king. Decisions ought to be made by a democratically-elected assembly. Unlike Plato's idea of 'permanence', offices and positions will be rotated; enforcing the idea that everyone is equal and everyone should both rule and be ruled. The practice of using legal precepts to decide disputes was criticized by American Legal Realists as either redundant or pernicious. Disputes, it is said, should be decided justly. Where legal precepts dictate the same outcome as that of justice, and then legal precepts are redundant--acting justly will achieve the same results as following the precept. Where legal precepts recommend a different result than that recommended by justice then following the rules are pernicious. The result is, in the words of Jerome Frank, "injustice is according to law." (Frank, 1936) Most people are of a similar opinion when confronted with what appears to be the "unjust" application of a rule to a particular situation. One assumption underlying this objection is that, because they are formulated before a dispute arises, legal precepts cannot take into account the specific facts of a dispute that may argue in favour of a different "just" result than that recommended by the legal precept. Only after the fact can we know enough about the actual dispute to do real justice between the parties. As Frank argued, The judge, at his best is an arbitrator, a "sound man" who strives to do justice to the parties by exercising a wise discretion with reference to the peculiar circumstances of the case. He does not merely "find" or invent some generalized rule which he "applies" to the facts presented to him. He does "equity" in the sense in which Aristotle--when thinking most clearly--described it. "It is equity," he wrote in his Rhetoric, "to

Explain the importance of consistency between firms in various Essay

Explain the importance of consistency between firms in various countries in keeping standard accounting practices. Where possible give examples to illustrate your answer - Essay Example Most importantly, it can be affirmed that the significance of consistency between firms in varied nations in the context of keeping standard accounting practices lay in raising transparency of financial reporting procedure (Securities and Exchange Commission, 2008). With this concern, the prime intent of this essay intends to analyze and discuss the importance of consistency between firms in terms of standard accounting process relating to cross-border transactions. Moreover, appropriate examples will also be provided while elaborating the above stated aspect. Standard accounting practices are regarded as structured accounting processes that aid in measuring the financial position and status of an entity. The prime objective of preparing financial statements for any business organization is to make economic decisions more accurately. Based on the viewpoints of Holloway (2011), standard accounting practices assist business entities in keeping proper record of their respective assets, liabilities, income as well as expenses along with equity and cash flow among others (Holloway, 2011). According to the report published by Governance across Borders (2013), it can be ascertained that fair presentation is highly essential for ensuring rising transparency by keeping and following varied standard accounting practices. At the same time, it can be affirmed that faithful representation of transactions can also ensure greater consistency between firms in case of cross border business operations (Governance across Borders, 2013). According to the viewpoints of Ramanna & Sletten (2009), varied standard accounting practices such as IFRSs assist global nations as well as organizations to maintain fairness in the accounting transactions. At the same time, these practices ensure keeping consistency between firms by representing realistic figures of assets, liabilities, income and expenses of a firm during the conduct of business

Na Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Na - Essay Example When the stories begin, the general impression a reader receives is that the women were devoted to their husbands. For instance, in the Yellow Wallpaper, the protagonist in referring to her husband states, â€Å"He is very careful and loving and hardly lets me stir without special direction.†(Gilman) In the case of â€Å"The Hour†, Mrs. Maillard initially appears heart broken at the news of her husband’s death – â€Å"she wept at once, with sudden wild abandonment, in her sister’s arms.† (Chopin). However, as the stories progress, this general impression is belied. The protagonist in â€Å"The Yellow Wall Paper† exhibits a subtle discontent with her husband John; he laughs at her and the author satirically remarks â€Å"one expects that in marriage.†(Gilman). Moreover, despite being a physician, he does not believe she is sick, he has not let her take the room downstairs with roses; rather he has confined her in a room with horrible yellow wall paper. It is also apparent that the author feels guilty about these subtle, underlying feelings of anger and resentment against her husband and would not be inclined to voice them aloud to anyone. She blames him for the fact that she is sick and feels helpless because despite being a physician, he has characterized her illness as a mere nervous depression and his word is law. She admits, â€Å"I get unreasonably angry with John sometimes I’m sure I never used to be so sensitive.† This reveals that she is aware of underlying feelings of resentment, but tries to mask it as an u npleasant side effect of her illness. As a woman, she is expected to be submissive and relegate herself to home and hearth, living in obedience to her husband’s will and as the story progresses, her anger against her husband becomes more and more apparent. In â€Å"the Hour† the protagonist has been living for so long in the state of captivity to her husband’s dominion that she automatically

Complete standardisation in International Marketing strategy is an Essay

Complete standardisation in International Marketing strategy is an impossible goal to achieve, and pursuing it will inevitably d - Essay Example Market conditions in one country may be very different from the conditions in another country. Policies, laws, culture, and other regulations, which determine the nature of the business environment, may cause the difference. The laws of operations from one company to another are usually different. Standards are usually derived from a certain cultural environment. They encompass some values that are necessarily designed to serve the interests of particular market situations. As such, their applications are suited to respond to certain needs and situations as dictated by the range of possibilities within a cultural milieu. Many companies regulate their operations in ways that respond to the kind of markets and situations. This regulation is aimed towards the actualization of certain conditions that apply within the specifics of the market. According to analysts, the variation of markets is shown in a range of factors that distinguish between one market and another (Parker, 2005, p. 51) . For instance, the levels of income, the nature of infrastructural development, the regulatory policies, and laws may apply differently from one region to another. This implies that the application of certain standards within the different regions would have significantly varied impacts. Therefore, the standards are usually designed in ways that provide synergies to one market while denying the same to another market situation. Advertising and marketing strategies are designed in ways that respond to certain standards and expectations. For instance, the message in the advertisement of a certain product may vary significantly in accordance with factors of culture, target clientele, levels of disposable income, and a range of other variables. These factors determine the kind of preference of one product to another. For instance, it is usually the norm that certain products deserve the application of strict standards as compared to others. Studies have shown that companies that operat e with some level of flexibility are more likely to yield positive results than those that are governed by some strict application of the standards. On this score, it becomes difficult to determine the kind of method that could apply equally across different operating environments. The field of operation in the United States may vary significantly from the one in Saudi Arabia. Products, goods, services, and processes in the two countries will ultimately be influenced by the nature of business environment between the two companies. For instance, the sale of mobile telephone services would be tailored on the specific cultural features that apply within one kind of market. The marketing strategy in Saudi Arabia would involve the appropriation of some kind of conservatism that is consistent with the nature of the market and the culture of the people. On the other hand, marketing and advertisement in the United States would entail some specific elements of the American culture of consume rism. This would entail an active search of products that fit into the scheme and preferences of the target clientele. The standards of the language used in the advertisement would necessarily involve the application of methods and strategies that suit the aspirations and preferences of the dominant population. It would be impossible for any success to attend to the specific needs of the society. It would be important to determine the

Trauma in Conflict Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Trauma in Conflict - Essay Example FitzPatrick and Hartsock observe that throughout history military nurses have stood with physicians and assisted them in carrying out emergency medical interventions. Nurses have served as care providers in many regions of conflict such as Somalia, Croatia, Desert Storm and recently in Iraq and Afghanistan (Flint et al. 2007). The evolution in trauma nursing has opened up new roles for nursing such as injury prevention, data management and the use of new technologies for dealing with trauma injuries. One such medical intervention is the military tourniquet. The military tourniquet is used for supporting poly-trauma patients. The Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT) is a common military tourniquet used by military nurses. This essay will discuss the potential dilemmas arising out of the use of tourniquets, particularly CAT. The issues will be considered in the context of trauma conflict situations. Patients in military operations in Afghanistan will be considered too. According to Beac hley, military nurses have contributed significantly towards the effective management and care of severe injuries. Amongst such measures are triage rapid evacuation, stabilization and surgical procedures (Flint et al. 2007). It is necessary for military nurses to master the interventions that are required for dealing with blast and gunshot victims. The frequency of such injuries has increased significantly over the past few decades owing largely to the fact that they are not confined to the military anymore. The proliferation of weaponry and its use out of the military has made the civilian population yet more susceptible to trauma. The role of nurses has become increasingly important in managing trauma ever since the Crimean War. Effective management of penetrating trauma, which has occurred in wars and military operations, requires the nurse to be apt at the working knowledge of the interventions (O'Shea 2005). A critical aspect of emergency care of trauma victims is gaining contr ol of and stopping haemorrhage. It has been reported that taking measures to prevent deaths occurring from blood loss from the limbs are the most vital means of saving lives. Haemorrhage has been cited as the most important reason for death after trauma (Lerner & Soudry 2011). In the protocol used for managing a trauma patient, circulation is now being given increased importance. The treatment procedure has changed from ABC to ABC to highlight the significance of controlling blood loss (Brodie et al. 2007). These changes are also being introduced into training programs for military trauma nurses. A device used in such cases is tourniquet. Tourniquets are devices which can reduce arterial and venous flow by compressing it. In the UK, tourniquets are a part of the personal first aid kits of soldiers going to the field. They are encouraged to make use of tourniquets when faced with excessive amounts of blood loss. Despite the effectiveness of tourniquets on stopping blood loss, their u se in conflict situations is subject to debate. There are strong arguments both favouring and discouraging the use of tourniquets in critical situations in the war zone. The arguments against the use of tourniquets are that they lead to the unnecessary loss and amputation of limbs. This highlights the gravity of the issue and the medicolegal aspects surrounding their use. Tourniquets are used for medical or tactical reasons. They help to deliver care-under-fire,

Political Science link with English Essay Example for Free

Political Science link with English Essay Abstract The main purpose of this paper is to provide the reader a clear understanding on the political views on estrangement. This will further be discussed by comparing and also contrasting the different views of Aristotle and Hobbe. And how might each of these philosophers have analyzed the problems on Pitcairn Island. Political Science link with English It is very common to all of us that when we decide on something, we sometimes immediately knew what we would prefer or choice and then we decide from it. This is common in the sense that every one of us has our own personal judgment, even sometimes we have the same decision with others, but the reason why we have decided it is different from that person. But, there are still other people that just tend to follow decisions and would not anymore would want to expand his mind in thinking why he needs to decide ion such things, but in fact we all been given that luxury of making up our mind on the decisions we want to have. This is also part of the key areas that will be focus on in this paper the political vision of estrangement. This will be further be discussed and explained in this paper through the different views of two famous philosophers: Aristotle and Hobbe. These two well respected philosophers will provide their own views which will eventually the basis of what was used at in the present. Lastly, these two philosophers will also be presented in this paper on how they have analyzed the problem in the Pitcairn Island. Estrangement just like a choice or decision refers to disunity due to following of different ideology. In true human reflection, this usually happens in politics, where there is always disunity that is happening. One for the administration and the other is for the opposition, or it can also be divided into majority group and the minority group. Estrangement is very evident and was said to be beneficial in an organization because this is the only way that it strikes the balance. Balance that would help like for example the government through disagreements made by the different sector of government. Or public upheaval that was initiated due to certain idea and belief that no balance of attention is given to staffs or employees in a company instead what happened was favoritism and lack of respect to others. Estrangement actually may not be present to humans, only if we have leaders who will stand for peace and equal rights across all groups, but this remains to be an ideal vision only and still people tends to work his own liberated way of thinking and pursue on what he or she desires. Take for instance people that are successful, even though they succeeded in life they lack relationship and that starts for finding somebody to compensate the sadness. Then this results to separation from the main ideology of the family. For the English philosopher, Hobbe, estrangement has a lot to do with human life, in the sense that every man is against other man, there are no central government that overrules this ideology and man should not find luxury instead grief in keeping company. Life is such a state which was considered a famous political theory that man should know his state and act on it. For Hobbe, there are two main levels of estrangement: the first level and that refers to the surface is psychological, which means that humans are estranged because they have egos to feed in and this is because they always think that they have to preserved their lives more and always the most important one. The second one is prestige and wealth and this may not be possible to achieve without practicing power. This is the most common standard of human life that every one of us will do anything just to succeed in what we do. But this also creates a person to be more selfish and self-centered. (Adler, Ronald and Russell, Proctor II, 2006, pp. 23-27). For Aristotle, it was an opposing view of Hobbe, and he said that human beings are essentially united. As the founder of political science, he made this belief more popular these days than that of Hobee. That there are more progress and developments that can happen if people work together as one. He even considered during the emergence of the city-state in the Greece, he finds views that for humans not considering in the involvement of exchanging ideas and beliefs are only those who can classifies themselves either Gods or beast. He even strongly stated that regardless of your status in the society, like slave, laborers or artisans, you can still allow to unite with different groups since you also bear the same ideology and principle. This principle or belief was then been carried on for years and it was very beneficial in war as people can easily know the greater importance of unity instead of working individually. (Adler, Ronald and Russell, Proctor II, 2006, pp. 28-29). But the main focal point is that does human beings are estranged in essence. Based on the two philosophers, it is hard to mention what is more effective; instead it is more on the faith of the individual that counts the most. That is contrasting the two different ideology has its own personal purpose, humans should strike the balance. In other words both have its own main advantage provided it will be used appropriately. In the Pitcairn Island novel, it was obviously a cast of different personality at the beginning, most specially for Christian, who always finds it interesting working alone but still effectively contributing to the team. Unlike McCoy, Smith, John and Martin, preferred more to work as a team and having to work in a more focus but more collaborative way is essential. In this novel, following Aristotle’s ideology would be easier, it was shown here that even after a little uprising happens that divides the followers, still there are loyal followers that remains and still succeeded in reaching its goal in arriving to Pitcairn Island. Unlike for Hobbe’s ideology it can still be helpful but instead of addressing the team as one, what he will do is to work each and every member and that will take much of his time and the time for his team to coordinate at one another, even though a higher efficiency for each individual will be achieved but the team work will suffer and in that time that is more important as there was already an uprising that happens. This is truly a call for leadership and unity for the team in the ship. The only used for Hobbe’s principle is for its leader of the ship, which he needs to look more on how he can find and implement rules more effectively and from there is that to establish the principle of Aristotle’s unity in achieving the over-all vision of the team. (Nordhoff, Charles and Hall, James Norman. (Nordhoff, Charles and Hall, James Norman, 1962, pp. 3-71). Work Cited Page Adler, Ronald and Russell, Proctor II. Looking Out, Looking In., US: Wadsworth Publishing, 2006. Nordhoff, Charles and Hall, James Norman. Pitcairn Island., Boston, USA: Little, Brown, and Company, 1962. Work Cited Bassman, E. (1992). Abuse in the Workplace: Management Remedies and Bottom Line Impact. Westport, CT: Stourum Press, 1992.

Reflection on Personal Development and Self-Awareness

Reflection on Personal Development and Self-Awareness The Voyage Introduction The title of this essay is The Voyage . Its a reflective essay, and I am using the Gibbs Reflective Cycle (Gibbs, 1988) as a template for this exercise. Its a critical reflection on the importance of personal development and self-awareness, which are necessary if one is successful in becoming, and remaining a councillor. In simple terms its a examination of ones outlook on life, from their own behaviours and to how they interact with other people. By self examination and peer feedback facilities me to become more aware about myself. Conscious of my privileges, prejudices, perceptions, core values, beliefs ,and behaviours. Aware of my strengths, weaknesses and blind spots. This development of self awareness, along with the ability to self reflect on ones life experiences, is viewed as not only necessary, but professionally ethical, as its practice enables a councillor and clients to remain safe and emotionally detached from future relationships they are trying to develop. Because its so easy for a counsellor to fall into the trap of forming a sense of identity or empathy while counselling clients. But its vital for both, especially the councillor, that they remain emotionally detached at all times. Being objective is the main difficulty when assessing our personal development and self awareness. How we see and think of ourselves can be quite different from what other people see us. Only by rigorous personal inventories and feedback from others can we find a yardstick which with we can measure our ethics, and our professional standards which are vital in providing a safe environment when forming a relationship with our clients. Its only by this sometimes painful process of becoming more self aware can we then embarque on our lifelong personal development, and be better equipped in dealing with the challenges presented by possible conflicts, and enable us to be more attuned and less vulnerable with our relationships with future clients. The Voyage According to Plato the famous philosopher Socrates once said The greatest good of a man is daily to converse about virtue, and all that concerning which you hear me examining myself and others, andthatthe life which is unexamined is not worth living (Plato,Apology). This course, which is a diploma in the psychology of counselling, has contained within it a module on personal development and self awareness. This module challenges us to examine our core values, beliefs and prejudices and behaviours.. One of the requirements to becoming a good councillor is to know which way your moral compass points, and to be aware of any prejudices, privileges and blind spots, and to remain emotionally uninvolved. To achieve this one has to embarque on a new journey of fearless self analysis. We were advised to keep a journal, in which we could record events on one side and our feelings of these events on the other side. This has provided me with very valuable insights into my personality while compiling this essay. Also this paper is a reflective essay, and so we must immerse ourselves in self reflection. The goal of this exercise is to make us more self aware. Aware of our personality traits and prejudices, our core values, habits, emotions, and the psychological forces that dictate our behaviour. This comprises of all events, good and bad, acquired throughout our entire lifetime that shapes who we are as a person today, and what we have to offer any potential client. While our tutor explained the module in greater detail, warning us that it could be a emotional rollercoaster for some of us, I could sense the nervous atmosphere throughout the classroom. After all its not easy dissecting ones entire lifetime, reliving all the events, good and bad, questioning ones reactions, the lessons learned or forgotten, and most importantly how these events shaped our personalities, attitudes, and our behaviour. I could see the importance in such an exercise. To become a good councillor requires change, and the first step in making a change of any kind is to beawarethat a change is wanted or needed. This can only be achieved by getting to know oneself by immersing themselves in various scenarios, reflecting on past events, and questioning their reactions and what thoughts were felt at the time. This is the path to self awareness, and its only by self awareness one gets to know what are the strengths and weaknesses they poses that can achieve better results in their role as a councillor, and with their clients. Unlike many of my classmates I thought I had an advantage. The advantage in question is Im an alcoholic and a drug addict, thankfully in recovery, five years clean and sober. Ive been to rehab, several times. The most popular method of treatment used is called the Minnesota Model (Hazelden 1949) , this has developed into the more widely known twelve step program. Today there are many similar twelve step programs. But there is one important step common to all groups, that is step four, which reads: Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves (The Big Book: April 10, 1939, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc ). My feelings was that in my case it was already done and dusted. In overcoming my addiction I had to dig deep very deep. From my earliest childhood memories up to the present day. I didnt find it easy, but it changed the person I thought I was completely, and was a vital tool to my recovery. The life of a councillor will always be a work in progress, there is no such thing as perfection, but one should always be as self aware as possible, and continue completely and honestly with their personal development. This includes sourcing important feedback from superiors and colleagues, which proves valuable information as to how others view you. Like our tutor explained, the path to personal development and self awareness can be very difficult and emotional. The pain of dredging up memories long buried can be to some too much to endure. But the simple fact is just this, the pain one experiences while undertaking this difficult task, comes in not the journey, it comes by not having the courage to embarque on such a journey. Fear that one has to challenge and change some thought processes and behaviours that they have used and relied upon for some time. Often through various defence mechanisms that they may not be even conscious of. The journey of self discovery can be a difficult one, but I was first in line to buy a ticket, confident I had already been there, and if there were some omissions, I was eager to discover them. I viewed my life story as an open book, and was comfortable in disclosing any of my many shortcomings, to anyone at anytime. However I soon realised it was far from done and dusted. To maintain abstinence we have to always seek self awareness, and continue our personal development. In doing so we have to be completely honest and humble. Completing step four of a twelve step program is like looking at your reflection in a mirror. You only see your shortcomings through your own eyes. The fact that others may see you differently felt slightly uncomfortable, due to the possibility that I may be someone different to whom I thought I was. Over the next two months we sometimes engaged in groups to discuss and debate various topics. One of those being, what are the effects of modern society, and how people living in congested inner cities, with no community can lead to future mental health problems. I once thought of such people as scum. Undeserving of any free handouts. It would be true that I viewed these people as narcissistic parasites. Freeloaders who only existed by terrifying innocent and vulnerable people, and who should be locked up to protect decent honest people. However I began to realise that these same people were victims of a society that judged and condemned them, a society of which I was a part of. I realised that these people didnt have a choice as to which culture and society they were born into. A society which denied them equal access to education, sports and pastimes, marginalising them to such an extent that the easiest path to fill the vacuum they felt was through violence, crime, addiction, and most unfortunately suicide. I learned through enrolling in this course that it was they who were the victims. I grew convinced that the culture and society they lived in, was one we created for them. I soon formed the opinion that the root of these problems was a result of poor parenting. By poor parenting I mean stressed parenting. Stress caused by economic poverty, violence, unemployment, dysfunctional societies, abandoned mothers, poor housing, no access to education, crime, addiction etc. I argued that the problem started from birth, and possibility pre-birth as stress hormones in the mother has been proved as having a negative effect on the unborn foetus. (Verny & Kelly 1981). I was, and still felt that these problems were caused by poor or no attachment to any care giver because nobody cared. I also stated Bowleys opinion which was the infant and young child should experience a warm, intimate, and continuous relationship with his mother (or permanent mother substitute) in which both find satisfaction and enjoyment, and that not to do so may have significant and irreversible mental health consequences ( Bowlby, 1951). I also argued that in my opinion it was a Self fulfilling Prophesy that a Mother, who herself never had any attachment or continuous relationship with her own Mother, while also experiencing possible mental health problems, would give birth to a child whose template of care will be identical to her own, thereby ensuring that the chain of dysfunction remains intact. Another example was related to colour, race, and privilege. We were shown a movie directed by Lee Mun Wha called (The color of fear 1994). This entailed of a group comprising of Eight men, two African American, two Latinos, two Asian American and two Caucasians. The discussion was about race, especially the racial experiences as seen through each others eyes. in America. The exchanges were often dramatic, and sought to clarify the pain caused by racism in North America. In this movie the people of colour expressed their racial experiences and problems in American society compared to the two Caucasians in the group. As the discussion developed one of the African Americans became quite animated if not abusive towards one of the Caucasians in the group. The reaction of the Caucasian was one of surprise. He stated that he often employed these people of colour, and that some of them were his closest friends. He was obviously surprised at being portrayed as a racist. The other coloured people also expressed similar views, though in a calmer fashion. My first interpretation was that the Caucasian in question was being harshly treated. After all it was he who employed and befriended people of colour. As the discussion developed I began to realise some privileges that Caucasians poses and may be unaware of. The structure of American society was built by white Caucasian people of European descent dating back to the colonization of the continent. Any other race such as people of African, Asian, Latino origin arrived later, either through slavery, immigration, or economic need. It was these later arrivals along with native Americans who had to comply with the status quo, which was created by the Founding Fathers (Brown Jul 1976). by white European decedents. I began to realise that the debate may not about hard racism like the violent protests in the US during the1960s human rights movement, (New World Encyclopedia contributors , 05/11/2014) which eventually led to the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (congresslink.org, 2014). My interpretation is that its more like passive discrimination, and that the real issue may be inequality rather than racism, especially economic inequality. The US is one of most unequal societies in the world. Its inequality is now at Great Depression levels (Saez & Zucman 2014) However theres another term called Colour Blindness ( Doob, 2012). The author describes this process as allowing whites to ignore the disadvantages of coloured or non-white population. Doob also argues that white people may believe they live in a world in which racial discrimination no longer exists, but their behaviour often consists of racialized practices. My final analyses of the movie is simply that the Caucasian in question was Colour Blind but was not conscious of the fact. This I believe is because he never discriminated against such people, while also knowing at the same time such practices are widespread. From the irate African American point of view I believe he was angry that Caucasians had the privilege of deciding to play the Race Card or not, while not having this privilege himself, he may have viewed it as a prejudice not evoked, rather than exercising a privilege to which the Caucasian was unaware of. This movie brought into my consciousness some privileges I was totally unaware of. Examples such as race, religion, education, strong family bonds, access to healthcare etc. are some of the privileges I enjoy that many of the people I referred to at the start of this essay dont have. This leads to the question, am I racist? When referring to members of the travelling community, who are Irelands largest ethnic minority, I, like many others are of the opinion that its the minority of travellers that cause the most conflicts. In my opinion it is these people who are responsible for the discrimination experienced by them. Regarding travellers, I have witnessed both sides of their behaviour and culture. For thirty years I was a rural publican. I served travellers on many occasions, not in large groups, but in small groups of two or three that I knew would cause no problems. But unfortunately sooner or later these would arrive in larger groups. These larger groups would include the troublesome minority mentioned above. This would always result in expulsion from the premises. Always my main complaint would be why dont these people take responsibility for the troublesome minority? Instead of attempting to dissuade these minorities they seemed to close ranks and support them. Because my regular customers, to whom I relied on to make a living, objected to their presence, I felt I had no choice but to impose a blanket ban on all travellers. I dont think Im racist towards these people. My decisions were based on pragmatism rather than race. Unfortunately this seems to be the norm throughout todays society, even though some self rightness people object, stating its illegal for this discrimination. But the fact remains that all businesses have the right to refuse service, without having to provide a reason. Since leaving the trade I have come into contact with many of these people and they have treated me with the utmost respect. They are quite aware of the predicament I faced, and understood why I had to be pragmatic in choosing my regular and loyal customers over their unwanted presence. I now see in them a strong moral code. They are deeply religious. But unlike many devout, they also have an unconditional faith to match. A faith to which I have a unconditional respect. However I still question why they dont call to account the small minority of trouble makers who tarnish all the decent members of their identity and culture. Conclusion The two subjects discussed above are just two examples of the advantage of applying Personal development. There are many other examples where personal development and self awareness would be beneficial. All types of counselling present new challenges, wither counselling for depression, addiction, anxiety, bereavement, suicide etc. The fact that when we examine these in greater detail it results in a change of our point of view, we become more aware of subtleties and inaccurate assumptions. We become aware of different views which people revile. In other words it enables us to be more self aware. Because only counsellors who are aware of their own skills and knowledge can successfully help a client, Personal development and self awareness are vital. Today the benefits of personal development and self awareness have become more widespread in society. Practices such as mindfulness, yoga, meditation and other eastern philosophies are now widespread. More and more people practice some disciplines above. People, especially I, now question the narcissistic nature of western capitalism. I question is this the path to personal wellbeing and happiness? I, for one think not. I will end this essay with a quote from ex US President Jimmy Carter. â€Å"Human identity is no longer defined by what one does, but rather by what one owns.† To own ones soul is true freedom. Only self awareness and personal development makes this possible. The End Bibliography Bowlby, J.(1951) Maternal care and mental health, Pg 51 World Health Organization Monograph(Serial No. 2) Brown Richard D. (Jul 1976) The Founding Fathers of 1776 and 1787 A Collective View, pp.465-480. William and Mary Quarterly,3rd Ser., Vol. 33, No. 3 (Jul. 1976). Dirksen Congressional Center. (2014) congresslink.org. Available at: http://www.congresslink.org/print_basics_histmats_civilrights64text.htm [Accessed on 17/11/2014] Doob C.B., (2012) Social inequality and social stratification in US society. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson, 2013. Print. Gibbs, G.(1988)Learning by Doing: A Guide to Teaching and Learning Methods(London, Further Education Unit) Minnesota Model: Hazelden (1949)Available at http://www.hazelden.org/web/public/minnesotamodel.page [accessed on 17/11/2014] New World Encyclopedia contributors, (2014), African-American Civil Rights Movement (1955-1968)Available at: :http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/p/index.php?title=African-American_Civil_Rights_Movement_(1955-1968)&oldid=985152 [Accessed on 17/11/2014] Plato,(Apology, section 38) Saez, E & Zucman,G (2014), Wealth equality in the United States since 1913, University of California–Berkeley & London School of Economics. The Big Book: (April 10, 1939, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc ). The color of fear (1994) directed by Lee Mun Wha.USF Urban Education & Social Justice 1994. Thomas R. Verny T R & Kelly J, 1982, The Secret Life of the Unborn Child, Published July 15th 1982 by Dell.

Real Estate Investment Trusts :: GCSE Business Marketing Coursework

Real Estate Investment Trusts A real estate investment trust, or REIT, is a company that buys, develops, manages and sells real estate assets. There are three types of REITs; they are equity REITs, mortgage REITs, and hybrid REITs. An equity REIT is a corporation that purchases, owns and manages real estate properties; it does not own or originate real estate loans. It may also develop properties. A mortgage REIT is a corporation that purchases, owns and manages real estate loans; it does not own real estate properties. It may or may not originate commercial and/or residential loans. A hybrid REIT is a corporation that purchases, owns and manages both real estate loans and real estate properties. It has the qualities of both an equity and mortgage REIT which is why it is referred to as a hybrid. One of the most distinguishing characteristics of a REIT is that they are required to distribute at least 95% of taxable income to shareholders. REITs allow participants to invest in a professionally-managed portfoli o of real estate assets. This is important because prior to Congress's creation of REITs only extremely rich individuals were able to benefit from ventures in the real estate market. By pooling assets together in a manner similar to that of a mutual fund, REITs allow the everyday investor the chance to invest in real estate properties. The main benefit of a REIT is that it is exempt from double taxation. The normal corporation is taxed on earnings, and then when dividends are paid, the individual receiving the dividend is taxed. REITs can deduct dividends distributed from taxable income. This results in only one level of taxation. The main disadvantage of a REIT is that since nearly all earnings are distributed as dividends, the trust must find capital to reinvest into the business from other areas. These funds are usually raised by investments in the market, and through the capital gains realized from the sale of the REITs assets. The second method by which REITs procure capital to reinvest into the business raises an accounting issue regarding the classification of assets. Currently, the buildings and property that REITs utilize to raise income are classified as property, plant, and equipment. However, it can be argued that these assets should be classified as inventory. The accounting definition of property, plant, and equipment specifies those properties of a durable nature used in the regular operations of the business.

Essay About Criticism Of Shakespeares Plays :: essays research papers

Essay About Criticism of Shakespeare's Plays   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When attempting to read criticism of Shakespeare plays one idea is clear: if the review was written more than five or ten years ago the essay is likely to be exclusive when it comes to the women in Shakespeare. Little attention had been given to the women of Shakespeare prior to the seventies feminist movement. The women in King Lear deserve attention just as women in every Shakespearean play do. A common idea among critics is that the women perpetuated evil and were not worthy of acknowledgment for anything else. Goneril and Regan are believed to be vicious, evil women and Cordelia the small, sweet daughter and while this interpretation may be true there are other aspects to consider which are not typically presented when reviewing these female characters. Each of these women is worthy of acclaim for her strengths of character as well as in opposition to the male characters and various subplots within Lear.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A common interpretation of Lear is one of the juxtaposition of good and evil within the play. Many traditional critics have made this idea their primary focus in interpretations which often ignores the feminist and class conscious theme that are also present in King Lear. Most recent critical essays of King Lear do make note of the class struggle within the play; however, critics tend to ignore the gender struggles which upon thorough reading are clearly as obvious as the class issues. I have chosen an interpretation of King Lear from 1960, by Irving Ribner and set it in contrast with a 1991 review by Ann Thompson. There are some interesting points made in both essays and some stark differences in ‘what and who' are the important themes and characters in Lear.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Irving Ribner's essay, â€Å"The Pattern of Regeneration in King Lear,† Ribner focuses on Lear's regeneration as a result of the â€Å"suffering† he must undergo(Ribner 116). In the opening section of his essay, Ribner makes clear that he will approach his interpretation of King Lear from the perspective of Lear's spiritual rebirth. Ribner focuses attention on the suffering of Lear and of the process of rebirth through suffering that Lear is able to do. Lear is indeed the tragic hero but must go through great pains to achieve such notoriety. As Lear's madness progresses he is able to come closer to his epiphany. Lear becomes humble and succumbs to the fact that perhaps he is imperfect as father and king(Ribner 127-129). Humility is necessary for Lear's regeneration and it is through his process of pain that he is able to achieve rebirth(Ribner 128).

Identity Crises in A Separate Peace :: A Separate Peace Essays

World War II, the major historical event during the life of John Knowles, the author of A Separate Peace, started in 1939. Germany instigated the war, and shortly afterward was joined by Japan and Italy. America, however, fought on the side of The Allies, England and France. Although the United States was still recovering from the Great Depression, it entered the war after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. The military drafted men into the war, and women took their places in the work force, people abandoned the old way of life and looked forward to a new one. American literature reflects this transition, as the novels written in the post-war period are far more ambitious, expanding past the bounds of traditional literature. Modernism, a major movement at that time, was stimulated by World War II, severing ties with the past and embracing the changes of the future. *Knowles in A Separate Peace illustrates the identity crisis of teenage boys with Gene Forrester?s hypocrisy, P hineas? duality, and Elwin Lepellier?s insanity. Knowles reveals Gene?s hypocritical love towards his closest friends, especially Phineas (Finny). Gene attends every meeting of Finny?s ?Super Suicide Society? during the summer session, even though Gene would much rather be studying. Gene wants to do well in school and is resentful of Finny always pulling him away from his books, however, instead being honest with Finny, Gene behaves as though he enjoys the meetings. Gene, an adolescent struggling to be sincere in his relationships, says, ?I went along, I never missed a meeting?acting against every instinct of my nature, I went without thought of protest? (Knowles 34). Gene refuses to let Finny know how he actually feels about the meetings, and despite his outward love toward Finny, Gene allows bitterness to take root inside of him. Knowles also depicts Gene?s hypocrisy through his response to Finny?s fall. After Finny falls, Gene calmly jumps from the tree branch into the Devon River. Later, when Finny is lying in a hospita l bed, Gene misleads Finny, telling Finny that he tried to help him and keep him from falling. What Gene says is false, because Gene is, in fact, guilty of causing Finny?s fall. Gene says, ?I tried, you remember? I reached out but you were gone, you went down through those little branches underneath, and when I reached out there was only air?

The Caucasus, Madagascar and Caribbean Islands: Biodiversity Hotspots

Biodiversity Hotspots The Caucasus: The Caucasus hotspot, historically interpreted as the area of land between the Black and Caspian seas, covers a total area of 580,000 km. Located at a biological crossroads, species from Central and Northern Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East and North Africa mingles here with endemics found nowhere else. One of the most biologically rich regions on Earth, the Caucasus is among the planet’s 25 most diverse and endangered hotspots. The Caucasus is one of WWF’s Global 200 ‘ecoregions’ identified as globally outstanding for biodiversity.The Caucasus has also been named a large herbivore hotspot by WWF’s Large Herbivore Initiative. Eleven species of large herbivores, as well as five large carnivores, are found over a relatively small area to be endemic. The 2002 IUCN Red List identifies 50 species of globally threatened animals and one plant in the Caucasus. Among the IUCN species, 18 have restricted ranges or are e ndemics. The Caucasus Mountains harbor a wealth of highly sought after medical and decorative plants, as well as a vast endemism of plant communities. [pic]Spanning the borders of six countries, the Caucasus hotspot is a globally significant center of cultural diversity, where a multitude of ethnic groups, languages and religions intermingle over a relatively small area. Close cooperation across borders will be required for conservation of unique and threatened ecosystems, while helping to foster peace and understanding in an ethnically diverse region with a history of contrasting political and religious views. The Caucasus is a hotspot of plant and animal species diversity and endemism important for the conservation of biodiversity on a global scale.High levels of landscape diversity in the Caucasus are largely the result of altitude variability in the region. The unique geology and terrain, consisting of three major mountain chains separated by valleys and plains, permit a variety of different microclimate, soil and vegetative conditions. Climatic conditions are very diverse, with precipitation ranging from more than 4,000 mm per year in the southwestern Caucasus to less than 200 mm a year in deserts in the eastern Caucasus. These wide ranges of climatic conditions are a key factor that makes this area such a biologically important area.The Caribbean islands: [pic] The Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot is exceptionally important for global biodiversity conservation, due to high levels of species endemism and threat. The Caribbean is home to approximately 11,000 plants species, of which 72% are endemic to the region. The vertebrates are also characterized by extremely high levels of endemism: 100% of 189 amphibian species, 95% of 520 reptile species, 74% of 69 mammal species and 26% of 564 species birds are unique to the Caribbean Islands.In terms of endemism at the genus (biological classification of living organisms) ranking level, it ranks third among the world’s 34 Biodiversity Hotspots with 205 plants and 65 vertebrate genera endemic to the islands. Species restricted to the Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot represent 2. 6% of the world’s 300,000 plants species and 3. 5% of the world’s 27,298 vertebrate species). The high level of biological diversity in the Caribbean is due to several factors. During the early Cretaceous (120 to 140 million years b. ), a chain of volcanic islands (called Proto-Antilles) began to emerge along the eastern edge of the Caribbean Plate in the Pacific Ocean. The plate drifted eastward serving as a stepping-stone route exchange of terrestrial organisms between two previously separated regions. By the Eocene era (58 million years a. c), the core of the Greater Antilles achieved their present positions. The Lesser Antilles are the active remnants of an ancient volcanic chain, and are younger than the Greater Antilles.Several islands have particularly rugged and mountainous la ndscapes separated by large stretches of sea, which resulted in the isolation of populations. The Caribbean has suffered from high levels of habitat loss since the arrival of Europeans in the 1490s. This destruction has reduced the hotspot’s original estimated 229,549km2 of natural vegetation to just 22,955km2(or just 10%). The loss of native habitat combined with other threat factors, such as introduced (alien invasive) species, has resulted in severe and widespread degradation of the Caribbean’s unique biodiversity.Currently, 755 plants and vertebrate species are at risk of extinction, making the region one of the biodiversity hotspots holding the most globally threatened species. Madagascar: [pic] Madagascar is an island off the coast of Africa which is known to have some of the world's most interesting animals. It has a land area of 600,461 km?. About 80 percent of the species found in Madagascar live nowhere else on the planet. Madagascar is the forth largest isla nd in the world and broke away from the mainland about 160 million years ago. Therefore, the hotspot is a living example of species evolution in isolation.Despite close proximity to Africa, the islands do not share any of the typical animal groups of nearby Africa, making Madagascar home to a vast variety of endemic species. The island contains 5% of animal and plant species on Earth, with 80% endemic to the island. Madagascar is thought to have 11,600 endemic species of plant, 57 threatened endemic birds and 51 threatened endemic mammals. 18,482km of the island is protected land. Western areas of the island consist of dry savannah with deserts found in central regions. The eastern side of Madagascar facing the Indian Ocean is tropical rainforest with a high level of rainfall.The island is also host to several high mountain ecosystems. These biomes each support contrasting species, portraying the contrasting ecoregions in Madagascar. Madagascar and the surrounding islands have a tot al of eight plant families, four bird families, and five primate families that live nowhere else on Earth. Madagascar has more than 50 lemur species which are commonly associated with the island and are the focal point for conservation. The carnivorous fossa is another example of an endemic species as well as six Baobab species (huge trees with wide stumps).There are so many species endemic to Madagascar that some ecologists have called it â€Å"the eighth continent†. Many of these species, such as the fossa, are now considered to be an endangered species, with only about 2,500 mature fossa individuals in existence. Tenrecs, a family of small omnivorous mammals, primarily find their home on Madagascar, with 30 species found only there, and just 3 on the African mainland. There are numerous other species endemic to Madagascar, including 14 unique rodents, 15 species of bat, various chameleons and geckos, over a hundred birds, and hundreds of beetles and other insects.Conservat ion efforts must proceed aggressively to preserve this unique Madagascar fauna. Specific locations in Madagascar which are renowned for high biodiversity are situated on the eastern coast which is mainly tropical rainforest. These areas have year-round warmth and receive a lot of rainfall. Interestingly, the soils in the rainforest are poor because most of the biomes nutrients are locked up in the vegetation. In terms of flagship species in Madagascar, Baobabs are considered to be flagship trees for landscape conservation in western Madagascar, unique and individual features to the island landscape.Madagascar has seven of the world's eight Baobab tree species, six of them endemic to the island. Another endemic flagship plant to the island is the traveler's tree or palm, pollinated by the island's flagship vertebrate species, the lemurs. The tomato frog is a flagship amphibian of Madagascar, found only in a small corner of northeastern Madagascar. Threats to biodiversity Of the 10,00 0 plants native to Madagascar, 90% are found nowhere else in the world. Madagascar's varied fauna and flora are endangered by human activity, as a third of its native vegetation has disappeared since the 1970s, and only 18% remains intact.However, there are several national parks which have been established to help protect many of the endemic species. Extensive deforestation has taken place in parts of the country, reducing certain forest habitat and applying pressure to some endangered species. Madagascar has a population growth rate of approximately 3%, therefore, with a growing population, more of the islands endemic species become at risk due to the increase in human activity and development.

Business Research Paper

The purpose of business research is to allow a business to set itself apart from its competitors by gathering as much information on the industry that it can and utilizing that data to create unique methodologies and business practices. Researching a business will provide information on things such as what products consumers like or do not like to buy, what the start-up costs will be, and whether any new business opportunity is viable to undertake. Researching also reveals the profitability potential of products and services and how they size up competitively with similar products available in the market. The most successful business in each industry are perfect examples of how to successfully market, advertise, and sell your products so they should always be considered. According to chapter 1 of the textbook, it does not matter whether you are a small mom & pop bakery or a large corporation like Nabisco, business research is equally important to your company. In my personal experience I have found that the company policies and procedures set forth by the upper management will directly reflect how the employees will react to their clients and impact the business. Personal Experience I have worked for fortune 500 companies such as Verizon, AT&T, and Time Warner in the telecommunications industry and I have learned how each of these companies markets their products to both businesses and consumers. The breakthrough in technology of fiber optic internet and television that became available to consumers in the last ten years was a huge push for all of these companies. There are many different ways the companies got the word out to their customers. The top methods included direct mail, television commercials, email and internet marketing, billboards, radio advertisement, and direct sales at retail locations or residential campaigns. I was part of the residential campaign selling products to consumers at their homes. The money that companies would spend on advertising (usually in the millions) is relatively hard to track and is becoming less effective today. For example, direct mail campaigns have a less than 1% chance of reaching the customer. Whereas visiting a customer at their home has a better chance of influencing the customer to buy the product by learning exactly how it will benefit them and tailoring a package to fit their needs and save them money. I learned that many customers had switched to a competitor due to poor customer service, high prices in the area, or a lack of services offered. In some cases, just telling someone that new technology was now available in their area instantly piqued their interest. Every consumer is different, but everyone wants to feel like they are getting the most value for their money. That is why I would always try to offer the highest level of customer service, the best products, and the best value for the money. Many times people are willing to spend more money for the same products with a higher level of customer service. That is why fancy restaurants are popular, because the atmosphere and the customer service make it a much better experience than cooking a steak at home. So understanding your customer, your competition, and the market are all important factors in researching any business.

Golden Ratio and Fibonacci Series

Introduction: The Fibonacci Series The Fibonacci Series is a sequence of numbers first created by Leonardo Fibonacci (fibo-na-chee) in 1202. It is a deceptively simple series, but its ramifications and applications are nearly limitless. It has fascinated and perplexed mathematicians for over 700 years, and nearly everyone who has worked with it has added a new piece to the Fibonacci puzzle, a new tidbit of information about the series and how it works. Fibonacci mathematics is a constantly expanding branch of number theory, with more and more people being Yellow flower with 8 petals, a Fibonacci rawn into the complex subtleties of Number. Fibonacci's legacy. The first two numbers in the series are one and one. To obtain each number of the series, you simply add the two numbers that came before it. In other words, each number of the series is the sum of the two numbers preceding it. Note: Historically, some mathematicians have considered zero to be a Fibonacci number, placing it befor e the first 1 in the series. It is known as the zeroth Fibonacci number, and has no real practical merit. We will not consider zero to be a Fibonacci number in our discussion of the series. http://library. thinkquest. rg/27890/mainIndex. html Series: (0,) 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55†¦ EXAMPLE IN NATURE Fibonacci Series–Activity 1 Using a piece of graph paper, draw a spiral using the Fibonacci series. Starting in the center of the page, draw a 1 X 1 square, next to it draw another 1 X 1 square, After, draw 2 X 2 squares touching the last two squares, Then continue to add on squares until the graph paper is filled. To finish the spiral draw arcs (quarter circles) in each square starting in the center and working outward. Do you notice any similarity to the spiral you have drawn and the image of the shell?Fibonacci Series–Activity 2 Take the Fibonacci sequence listed below and divide each pair of number and record the results in the table. 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89 combo results 1/1 2/1 3/2 5/3 8/5 13/8 21/13 34/21 55/34 89/55 What do you notice? This is called the golden ratio. (Phi is 1 ·61803398874†¦ ) This is another special number that appears in the world around us and (as you saw) is related to the Fibonacci series. Fibonacci Series–Activity 3 Each hand has how many digits? _______________ Each finger has how many bones? _______________ Each finger has how many joints between the just inger bones themselves? _______________ Each finger has how many finger nails? What pattern do you see? _______________ _______________________________ Now pick one finger Measure the length of each of the three segments; this is the easiest to do if the finger is bent. Longest _______________cm Medium _______________cm Shortest _______________cm Now divide the longest length by the medium length, what do you get? ________________ Now divide the medium length by the shortest length, what do you get this time? ___________ What i s the ratio? ____________________________________

Disabled Person

Extreme sports are some special sport disciplines that only a small number of people in the world participate in. The reason for this are the special conditions under which the sports are done. Extreme sports are much more dangerous than ordinary sports. They are done in extreme conditions, for example in places that are remote and inaccessible, or in bad weather. There is a big risk of injury for the sportspeople. They often risk their lives if something goes wrong. However, this is exactly why some people find extreme sports so attractive Should extreme sports be banned as they put people s lives at riskExtreme sports have become popular in the last two decades. For may people practising them is the only way of living. For them the adrenaline is the most important thing in their lives and that s why they must try even more and more dangerous things. But, of course, that s not the only reason. Extreme sports are trendy and many people practise them just because of that fact. It s tr ue, that extreme sports, like bungee jumping, canyoning, rafting, ice climbing, snowboarding, surfing, parachute jumping, paragliding or mountaineering always bring a risk.Even if you are very good sportsman you must know that only one, small mistake can be very dangerous and can cause your death. Alhought many people die every year making extreme sports, the number of courageous is higher and higher. But its question of choice what are we doing in ours lives. For many people extreme sports are the only way of living. They have to feel adrenaline, they want to break their own records, they want to feel free. They usually say: there is a risk, there is a fun , but they know that they do it at one's peril.Extreme sports often are an escape from reality, from stress and from monotony. You don t have to think about your problems. You just think about yourself, you can relax, and prove that you can do things which are admired by other people. There is even a special TV channel- Extreme S ports , where everyone can watch amazing tricks, and crazy people who make that extreme sports are more and more popular in the world. But it s impossible to write what do the people feel during making extreme sports. You must try yourself to know how huge survival it is.And if you do it one time, it s very possible that you will do it often. But the question is if should extreme sports be banned as they put people s lives at risk And my answer is definitely not . As I said, It s question of our choices. If you want to fell more adrenaline than extreme sports are very good way. And even if the extreme sports were banned, people would do it still. Nowadays, the most popular sports have become insufficient. As a result people created some extraordinary sport disciplines and more and more people want to try them.I strongly believe that extreme sports should not be banned. First of all, people are free and anyone should not prohibit them practicing sports, even when they are extreme or dangerous. Only we can make decisions about our ourselves and our interests. If people do not hurt anybody by doing it, they will have a free rein in their choice. Moreover, extreme sports are generally believed to be a perfect solution to express emotions and energy. Some people love experiencing excitement and rush of adrenaline and they even need it.It is very beneficial, because it is a better way to work off steam than aggression or abusing and people do not lay anyone open to danger. Furthermore, extreme sports are a kind of entertainment. By practicing them, people can spend their spare time in an extraordinary way. They can discover new feelings and unforgettable moments, which will be kept in their memories for a long time. However, extreme sports are very dangerous. People, who practise them, not only hurt themselves, but also expose their lives to danger.They should realize that life is too short to lose it and it is too valuable to put it at risk. On the whole, I believe that extreme sports should not be banned. Although they are very risky and dangerous, people who decide to practise them know about their consequences. They have a free choice, which often gives them amazing experiences. Extreme sports have become popular in the last two decades. For may people practising them is the only way of living. For them the adrenaline is the most important thing in their lives and that’s why they must try even more and more dangerous things.But, of course, that’s not the only reason. Extreme sports are trendy and many people practise them just because of that fact. It’s true, that extreme sports, like bungee jumping, canyoning, rafting, ice climbing, snowboarding, surfing, parachute jumping, paragliding or mountaineering always bring a risk. Even if you are very good sportsman you must know that only one, small mistake can be very dangerous and can cause your death. Alhought many people die every year making extreme sports, the number of â€Å"courageous† is higher and higher.But its question of choice what are we doing in ours lives. For many people extreme sports are the only way of living. They have to feel adrenaline, they want to break their own records, they want to feel free. They usually say: â€Å"there is a risk, there is a fun†, but they know that they do it at one's peril. Extreme sports often are an escape from reality, from stress and from monotony. You don’t have to think about your problems. You just think about yourself, you can relax, and prove that you can do things which are admired by other people.There is even a special TV channel- â€Å"Extreme Sports†, where everyone can watch amazing tricks, and crazy people who make that extreme sports are more and more popular in the world. But it’s impossible to write what do the people feel during making extreme sports. You must try yourself to know how huge survival it is. And if you do it one time, it’s very possible that you will do it often. But the question is if â€Å"should extreme sports be banned as they put people’s lives at risk? † And my answer is â€Å"definitely not†. As I said, It’s question of our choices. If you want to fell more adrenaline than extreme sports are very good way.

The association between the derivatives products and the financial Dissertation

The association between the derivatives products and the financial risk management is quite substantial and significant - Dissertation Example In order to operate in an effective manner, the banks need to manage their assets and liabilities from the various risks prevailing in the economy, one of which is the interest rate risk. Interest rate risk is the risk to earnings or capital arising from movement of interest rates. The need to manage the interest rate risk is very crucial for any bank and it has generally been observed that the interest rate risk management form the integral part of the risk management policies of all major global banks. This dissertation analysis the effectiveness of â€Å"interest rate swaps† in managing the interest rate risk faced by the UK banks and also how these derivatives product improves financial outlook of these banks. For the purpose of conducting the study, a quantitative and qualitative analysis was conducted on a sample of 12 major UK based banks. Through this analysis the conclusion is drawn that interest rate swaps is quite an effective hedging tool for the management of the interest rate risk and also for improving the financial outlook of a bank. Problem Statement In the global conventional economic environment, it would be quite interesting to evaluate the usage of the interest rate swaps by the financial institutions of UK, particularly multinationals banks. In this study 12 major banks of UK are selected and through both qualitative and quantitative research, the effectiveness of interest rate swaps is evaluated in managing and curtailing the financial risk. Research aim and objective The association between the derivatives products and the financial risk management is quite substantial and significant. The purpose of this paper is to conduct research on the basis of an expected analytical outcome, based on qualitative and quantitative analysis of the financial statements of UK banks, that how they have implemented the interest rate swaps in their risk management strategy. In this dissertation proposal the aims and objectives are as follows: To cla rify the influencing impact that the interest rate swaps in the global financial market in terms of managing and curtailing risk. Through quantitative and qualitative research and analysis, evaluate how giant UK banks are safeguarding their risk of being exposed to interest rate fluctuation in both the local and international financial market. Through a questionnaire, conduct an interview with the major finance personnel of these banks in order to obtain their views about the effectiveness of interest rate swaps in managing interest rate and financial risk. Research Questions Is there any positive significant association between interest rates swaps and financial risk management process? How interest rate swaps works in the global financial market? How effective are interest rate swaps in managing and curtailing the interest rate risk and financial risk faced by the UK banks? Dissertation Layout The first Chapter ‘

Saint Augustine's Conversion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Saint Augustine's Conversion - Essay Example Due to their experience which is being transformed into their written scientific treatises people know the fundamental laws of religion though it’s undoubtedly that every religious group has its main code of laws for example as there is the Bible in Christianity. For thousands years scientists, theologians and philosophers tried to reach the sense of our being and to research the nature and characteristics of its existence. The striking fact is that a lot of religious canons well-known in the Middle Ages and nowadays, were described by one person in about 397-398 year A.D., and his name is Saint Augustine. To begin with it is important to underline that in some sources Saint Augustine was initially mentioned under the name of Aurelius Augustine (comes from the Latin Aurelius Sanctus Augustinus). It can be explained by the fact that he was born in the provincial unsecured family, led a life of ordinary man, and he was given the name of Saint Augustine only after his divine conversion to Christianity. His mother was a follower of Christianity and the father was a supporter of the Roman religion of paganism. Despite his mother’s attempts to affect the religious beliefs of her son, he remained indifferent views for a long time. Augustine’s father sent him to Rome for a study of an affair related with people. After receiving the first education Augustine decided to become a teacher of rhetoric. This period of time he took a great interest in theater (this art was rejected by Christianity for the pretense that was seen in it), Aurelius Augustine liked to take part in dramatic competitions – according to his own words the more his oratorical talents were appreciated by people the more he had the desire to lie again and again. Also the peculiarity of this period of Augustine’s life was his inclination to fleshly pleasures. Nevertheless all this couldn’t prevent the orator to start living with a beloved woman though in illegitimate

Medical Ethics and Informed Consent Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Medical Ethics and Informed Consent - Assignment Example Researchers argued that the experimentation was to help develop an immunization for hepatitis B. The ethical challenges at hand are that yes, it is evident that research needed to be done on hepatitis at that time. However, children with mental retardation already have problems enough in their lives. This is like saying that their life has no value. In some cases, the parents did not consent. Depending on the level of mental retardation, a child can thrive but to deliberately expose them to hepatitis could greatly diminish their already lowered quality of life and the children have no say in it. They are the ones to go through the pain and struggle but instead were treated as though they were already discarded bodies. For the parents that may have consented to this experiment, they were subjecting their children to something that the effects were unknown. During a type of experiment like this, it is questionable as to what informed consent even is because what are the minimum standar ds for subjecting a person’s life to something that could be fatal for the sake of the medical industry? It could almost be envisioned as child abuse. Neither the researchers nor the publishing journals were responsible in making their decision to infect these children. It could be argued whether or not the publication of these editorials was ethical as well. The information about the research was disclosed that the children were at a particular school and that is an issue of confidentiality. Additionally, it was an experiment conducted on human beings. No one was to know the outcome. To publish the editorials was almost an intent to show that there was controversy in the medical field and to create a media inspired uproar. Abigail Alliance vs. FDA Majority Opinion Abigail was a terminally ill patient with cancer whom had undergone chemotherapy and radiation. She also had possible access to experimental drugs that her oncologist was suggesting. Though she could have possibly had positive effects and saved her life, the drug was only available for clinical trials. By the time that she was allowed to be entered into the clinical trial program, she was too ill to make the trip to see if the drugs would work on her and she died a couple of weeks later. The Abigail Alliance was created to help expand the availability for drugs that are only available for clinical trials to also be available to patients that are terminally ill. These drugs not only could have been helpful for Abigail but for many other patients just like her that were minimally competent and would have had the ability to make the decision for themselves had the FDA not stood in their way of obtaining these drugs. The FDA, though it makes regulations about drugs in the United States, has to conduct research on these pharmaceuticals to test to ensure that they are safe. For someone that is terminally ill, it could be a method of helping to create a better quality of life or even improve their l ongevity. These patients were not given the right to access treatment but the FDA looks at it from the perspective of being a liability if their organization allows just anyone to take these drugs

Criminal justice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Criminal justice - Essay Example This paper addresses the issues surrounding plea bargaining. Research show that 95% of all cases taken to the American court of law are involved in plea bargaining. In plea bargaining, the defendant settles a case on certain stated terms and conditions. The defendant is asked by the prosecution to plead guilty for a certain crime in exchange of maybe a reduced or even suspended sentence. The process starts when a crime is committed. Formal investigation is conducted and this is used in driving the defendant to plead guilty in a court of law. At this point they are informed of their right to have an attorney and given full disclosure on the nature of charges. Plea bargaining has several benefits to the court systems and the defendant. The defendant on one hand is issues with several benefits which entices them to settle. For instance, a defendant facing several multiple charges may who in case of a full trial may get multiple sentences. With plea bargaining such a defendant may succeed in having several of the multiple charges dropped or get reduced sentences (Lippke 2011, 358). This kind of an arrangement have several cost related advantages to the defendant because it reduce the duration taken to resolve a certain case and this come with reduced attorney charges. The defense on the other hand does benefit from this process. This is because plea bargaining involves less work and takes lesser time compared to full court trial but they still get the same kind of pay. The prosecution has the advantage of driving the trial in the manner which they see being most fit for different cases. As a matter of fact, the court system heavily relies on the pleas in order to continue being operation. This is because it makes it possible for a judge to dispose one case within a short time and moves to the next one (Siegel 2010, 231). Plea

I, the Juror by Joyce Carol Oates Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

I, the Juror by Joyce Carol Oates - Essay Example Further the defending and prosecuting attorneys do their utmost to obscure the actual facts by drowning the jurors in a deluge of sheer verbosity calculated to bias the jury in favor of their respective clients. Consequently the behavior of the jurors as they half-heartedly try to arrive at the truth is characterized by prejudice and a singular lack of interest in the proceedings that are far-removed from their own lives. Oates description of the behavior of her fellow jurors is chilling. Their careless thoughtlessness is far more disturbing than deliberate maliciousness or spite, as the sheer subtlety of the former trait puts them in a position to do irreparable damage albeit inadvertently to those supplicants seeking justice. From the clothes worn by the jurors (one juror actually turns up in shorts) to their careless misrepresentation of facts in their final deliberation of the case, the jurors behave with a certain frivolity that shows a lack of respect for the gravity of the situation and their own responsibility to fellow human beings. Age old prejudices based on the color of the skin or sex thought long dead and buried rear their ugly heads and manifest themselves in the long-winding, precarious road to justice. Such conduct on the part of the jurors is surprising in the extreme. Their exposure to the dark underbelly of American society is a far cry from the pristine, squeaky-clean existence t hey are accustomed to. Most react by hastening to put as much distance as possible between themselves and the world of the victim and defendant, in which they want no part. Therefore the jurors made no attempt to grasp the facts or analyze them with any degree of insight or intelligence, the bottom-line being a largely white jury wanted no truck with the blacks and their doings. In this day and age, such a state of affairs is shocking and the

Describe the career that you would like to pursue after earing a Essay

Describe the career that you would like to pursue after earing a graduate degree - Essay Example eet the challenge of growing it from a small mom and pop operation to a thriving global competitor or to become a leader of an already established company where I can put my education and experience to the test in turning it around and bring it to success. I feel this sort of career will not only help my country by helping Korea’s efforts in becoming a world power in the marketplace, but I can help my fellow countrymen in finding strong career fields and skilled career positions, all while I challenge my own skills and abilities. Perhaps some day, I can even serve as a role model for future Koreans struggling to find the way to meet their own life challenges. If I am able to reach my goal, I feel I will have fulfilled my duties to myself, my neighbor and my country all at the same time. While I realize that this sort of endeavor will take time, I also realize that I do not yet have the necessary education or experience this will take. Understanding that the ability to meet large goals such as mine come about from the determined completion of smaller steps targeted toward the same end, I have established several shorter term goals for myself, some of which I have already completed. For example, I attended Kyung Hee University in Seoul, Korea where I majored in International Commerce. I also spent a great deal of time traveling the globe as a means of getting to know various different cultures and their customs. In addition to my education, I’ve also managed to find several business positions in which I have been able to put my education to practical application in furtherance of my primary future objective. I gained a great deal of business experience working for Donald J. Ulrich Associates as an Asian Global Management Analyst. Prior to that position, I held an internship at Hanwha Europe, learning about the European automotive market. Currently, I work for Hyo Seong America Corp., a Korean company that manufactures blower motors. My position within

European Business and Policy Environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

European Business and Policy Environment - Essay Example Bitter lessons learnt from two world wars have forged strong bonds between nations like England, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany and Italy who not very long while ago had dangerous political, military and economic rivalries. Total dependence on technological features at the cost of well established traditional practices have however proved to be the bane of modern Europe. Excessive freedom and individual rights have eroded familial and social values, and their effects are felt in increasing number of disharmony and relationship breakdowns in marriages and personal lives. Europe's commitment to environmental issues, however, is laudable and her persistent efforts to address this issue not only in continental forums but also at international levels are bound to have salutary effects not only environmentally but also on world economy. Improved environment will also positively contribute to health issues and productivity. (EU sees green future for business) Environment issues and pollution are intrinsically linked to efficiency in the power sector, natural resources and waste management. These necessitate regulatory and monitoring bodies with wide ranging powers to coordinate, check, frame and update policies, provide guidelines, maintain tight leash to curb deviations, and penalize non-compliance. (EU Business) Europe's dependence on fossil fuel also figures on environmen... (EU Business) Europe's dependence on fossil fuel also figures on environmental problems making it very important to change over to alternative eco-friendly biomass fuel for environmental and economic reasons. (Georges Markatatos, 8/6/2006) The Impact of Sud Chemie on alternative sources of energy Headquartered in Munich, Germany, Sud Chemie Group is operational globally and its sound, in-depth acquaintance, knowledge and expertise in the field of conventional and non-conventional energy resources makes it critically important for the company to pioneer efforts on switching over to eco-friendly renewable energy resources. Sud Chemie's philosophy of sparing use of conventional energy and water give its products advantageous position on reduction of emission levels and thus bring down pollution levels through lower energy consumption and higher efficiency. (Sud Chemie) Currently, the high demand for fossil fuel and its cost of production and distribution is outweighing its adverse impact on environment and the abilities of the governments to introduce legislative reforms in the power and energy sectors. This factor is also dwarfing attempts by concerned lobbies to push for viable alternatives in the form of renewable energy sources. Eco-friendly renewable energy resources industry Currently, the cost of renewable energy consumption in Europe and elsewhere is very high as compared to fossil fuels. Therefore, the momentum for switching over to renewable sources such as biomass energy does not look encouraging for the moment and the foreseeable future. Research for development purposes of the renewable energies is disintegrated due to diversities in the availability and form of