Battle of Salamis

The Battle of Salamis (Naumachia tes Salaminos) was fought between an Alliance of Greek city-states and the Persian Empire in September 480 B. C. , in the straits between the mainland and Salamis, an island in the Saronic Gulf near Athens. It marked the high-point of the second Persian invasion of Greece which had begun in 480 B. C. To block the Persian advance, a small force of Greeks blocked the pass of Thermopylae, while an Athenian-dominated Allied navy engaged the Persian fleet in the nearby straits of Artemisium. In the resulting Battle of Thermopylae, the rearguard of the Greek force was annihilated, whilst in the Battle of Artemisium the Greeks had heavy losses and retreated after the loss at Thermopylae. This allowed the Persians to conquer Boeotia and Attica. The Allies prepared to defend the Isthmus of Corinth whilst the fleet was withdrawn to nearby Salamis Island. Although heavily outnumbered, the Greek Allies were persuaded by the Athenian general Themistocles to bring the Persian fleet to battle again, in the hope that a victory would prevent naval operations against the Peloponessus. The Persian king Xerxes was also anxious for a decisive battle. As a result of subterfuge on the part of Themistocles, the Persian navy sailed into the Straits of Salamis and tried to block both entrances. In the cramped conditions of the Straits the great Persian numbers were an active hindrance, as ships struggled to maneuver and became disorganized. Seizing the opportunity, the Greek fleet formed in line and scored a decisive victory, sinking or capturing at least 300 Persian ships. As a result Xerxes retreated to Asia with much of his army, leaving Mardonius to complete the conquest of Greece. However, the following year, the remainder of the Persian army was decisively beaten at the Battle of Plataea and the Persian navy at the Battle of Mycale. Afterwards the Persian made no more attempts to conquer the Greek mainland. These battles of Salamis and Plataea thus mark a turning point in the course of the Greco-Persian wars as a whole; from then onward, the Greek poleis would take the offensive. A number of historians believe that a Persian victory would have hamstrung the development of Ancient Greece, and by extension western civilization, and this has led them to claim that Salamis is one of the most significant battles in human history. 2] The main source for the Greco-Persian Wars is the Greek historian Herodotus. Herodotus, who has been called the ‘Father of History',[3] was born in 484 BC in Halicarnassus, Asia Minor (then under Persian overlordship). He wrote his ‘Enquiries' around 440–430 BC, trying to trace the origins of the Greco-Persian Wars, which would still have been relatively recent history (the wars finally ending in 450 BC). 4] Herodotus's approach was entirely novel, and at least in Western society, he does seem to have invented ‘history' as we know it. [4] As Holland has it: â€Å"For the first time, a chronicler set himself to trace the origins of a conflict not to a past so remote so as to be utterly fabulous, nor to the whims and wishes of some god, nor to a people's claim to manifest destiny, but rather explanations he could verify personally. â€Å"[4] Some subsequent ancient historians, despite following in his footsteps, criticised Herodotus, starting with Thucydides. 5][6] Nevertheless, Thucydides chose to begin his history where Herodotus left off (at the Siege of Sestos), and therefore evidently felt that Herodotus's history was accurate enough not to need re-writing or correcting. [6] Plutarch criticised Herodotus in his essay â€Å"On The Malignity of Herodotus†, describing Herodotus as â€Å"Philobarbaros† (barbarian-lover), for not being pro-Greek enough, which suggests that Herodotus might actually have done a reasonable job of being even-handed. 7] A negative view of Herodotus was passed on to Renaissance Europe, though he remained well read. [8] However, since the 19th century his reputation has been dramatically rehabilitated by archaeological finds which have repeatedly confirmed his version of events. [9] The prevailing modern view is that Herodotus generally did a remarkable job in his Historia, but that some of his specific details (particularly troop numbers and dates) should be viewed with skepticism. [9] Nevertheless, there are still some historians who believe Herodotus made up much of his story. 10] The Sicilian historian Diodorus Siculus, writing in the 1st century BC in his Bibliotheca Historica, also provides an account of the Greco-Persian wars, partially derived from the earlier Greek historian Ephorus. This account is fairly consistent with Herodotus's. [11] The Greco-Persian wars are also described in less detail by a number of other ancient historians including Plutarch, Ctesias of Cnidus, and are alluded by other authors, such as the playwright Aeschylus. Archaeological evidence, such as the Serpent Column, also supports some of Herodotus's specific claims. [12]

Destroying Avalon Essay

(1) The pseudonym ‘AFriend† is ironic because the person by this name is not a friend however a bully which is sending Avalon messages about what the other girls think of her at school. (3) Being overwhelmed by the content of the email is quite normal for Avalon mainly because it was suggesting that she was not liked and that she was being bullied. (5) Avalon’s parents have positive attitudes and strong values towards education as their both teachers. (7) Mitch seem to be nice and friendly towards Avalon, as with Caleb who is the surfer laid back guy that treats Avalon in a friendly way. (9) Avalon’s bag was sabotaged following the netball match as a practical joke and harassment for Avalon it was one of the starting things they have done. Destroying Avalon (SHEET 3 ALL) Marshall believes Avalon can pull through the bullying which he has faced, but believes he may not be able to take much bullying as he was being beaten up. In the Chapter the ‘Liverpool kiss’ the gender stereotypes are challenged as Tamara knocks Brett’s lights out, it shows that she is a strong, brave person, not afraid of any strong guy. Avalon told her parents everything as she had lost control over her emotions and let everything pour out, she thought that it would be the right time to tell them. In chapter ‘the eye of destruction’, I believe Marshall is inside, huddled in  his room afraid of the bullies returning, afraid to leave his room. Marshal’s death is unexpected I was very confused. I thought no such thing would happen as he was very strong for Avalon. The use of repetition brings a sad realization of how horrible this act was, it brings Avalon horror and impact on her emotions, as death is a strong word, we would all act strongly with emotion towards it. Avalon blames herself as she believed the bullies only targeted Marshall as she ignored their attempts of her, thus finding a new prey. We learn from Marshall’s mother, that Marshall was a up and going young kid when in primary, excited for High School and always seemed to be contented. DATE OF ENTRY FORMAT (Consider font, size, style, page format etc.) LANGUAGE AND STYLE (Sentence structure, vocab, repetition etc) EVENTS January 15 Small writing Expresses his emotions and feelings His dad leaves February 25 Small writing About his feelings He got embarrassed in front of the class. March 6 Normal writing Expresses his emotions Getting bullied by Todd and his mates. May 13 Capital letters, bold writing. About his feelings and emotions He hates himself and wants to die. Avalon had been guilty of judging Alice the whole time jumping to the conclusion that weather it was her or not, Avalon ended up feeling regretful later. ^Table above Character Alias (THEY ARE DEVELOPED THROUGH-OUT THE ENTRIES): Alice – a mean, heartless, popular girl who cared for nothing and had no heart Tamara – thinking she was a very odd and scary looking person ( unfriendly) Marshal – Gay Jeremy – a friendly easy-going guy Avalon will move on positively from her torment proving Marshal’s prophecy correct, but she will never forget the friend she lost. Alice turned the popular girls against her, this in turn turned most other people against her, and she did play a major role against Avalon but did not make up lies or rumors. Dragon Girl did not want to lose Avalon as a friend as she had with Alice, she has always lost to the popular girls and thus she turned everyone against her so Avalon would stay in the group and not leave them. It would have been easier to know that Alice was Dragon Girl as Avalon already disliked her, Dragon Girl would have just increased her anger and rage I noticed Avalon was exposed to a wide range of emotions and situations, which differed to what she would’ve faced in the country, but I believe this was hard for her at first but she soon adapted and her personality and  mental strength increase dramatically. She proved to be a very strong and caring person then many believe she could ever be.

Nike Company Background

About Nike Inc.Nike, Inc. /ˈnaÉ ªkiË / is an American multinational corporation that is engaged in the design, development and worldwide marketing and selling of footwear, apparel, equipment, accessories and services. The company is headquartered near Beaverton, Oregon, in the Portland metropolitan area, and is one of only two Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Oregon. It is one of the world's largest suppliers ofathletic shoes and apparel and a major manufacturer of sports equipment, with revenue in excess of US$24.1 billion in its fiscal year 2012 (ending May 31, 2012). As of 2012, it employed more than 44,000 people worldwide.The brand alone is valued at $10.7 billion, making it the most valuable brand among sports businesses. The company was founded on January 25, 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight, and officially became Nike, Inc. on May 30, 1978. The company takes its name from Nike (Greek ÃŽ ÃŽ ¯ÃŽ ºÃŽ ·, pronounced [nÇ Ã‹ kÉ›Ë ]), t he Greek goddess of victory. Nike markets its products under its own brand, as well as Nike Golf, Nike Pro, Nike+, Air Jordan, Nike Skateboarding, and subsidiaries including Hurley International and Converse.Nike also owned Bauer Hockey (later renamed Nike Bauer) between 1995 and 2008, and previously owned Cole Haan and Umbro. In addition to manufacturing sportswear and equipment, the company operates retail stores under the Niketown name. Nike sponsors many high-profile athletes and sports teams around the world, with the highly recognized trademarks of â€Å"Just Do It† and the Swoosh logo. (source : Wikipedia.org)Origins and HistoryNike, originally known as Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS), was founded by University of Oregon track athlete Philip Knight and his coach Bill Bowerman in January 1964. The company initially operated as a distributor for Japanese shoe maker Onitsuka Tiger (now ASICS), making most sales at track meets out of Knight's automobile. According to Otis Davis, a student athlete whom Bowerman coached at the University of Oregon, who later went on to win two gold medals at the 1960 Summer Olympics, Bowerman made the first pair of Nike shoes for him, contradicting a claim that they were made for Phil Knight. Says Davis, â€Å"I told Tom Brokaw that I was the first. I don't care  what all the billionaires say.Bill Bowerman made the first pair of shoes for me. People don't believe me. In fact, I didn't like the way they felt on my feet. There was no support and they were too tight. But I saw Bowerman make them from the waffle iron, and they were mine.† In 1964, in its first year in business, BRS sold 1,300 pairs of Japanese running shoes grossing $8,000. By 1965 the fledgling company had acquired a full-time employee and sales had reached $20,000. In 1966, BRS opened its first retail store, located at 3107 Pico Boulevard in Santa Monica, California next to a beauty salon, so its employees no longer needed to sell inventory from the ba ck of their cars.In 1967, due to rapidly increasing sales, BRS expanded retail and distribution operations on the East Coast, in Wellesley, Massachusetts. By 1971, the relationship between BRS and Onitsuka Tiger was nearing an end. BRS prepared to launch its own line of footwear, which would bear the Swoosh newly designed by Carolyn Davidson. The Swoosh was first used by Nike on June 18, 1971, and was registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on January 22, 1974. In 1976, the company hired John Brown and Partners, based in Seattle, as its first advertising agency.The following year, the agency created the first â€Å"brand ad† for Nike, called â€Å"There is no finish line,† in which no Nike product was shown. By 1980, Nike had attained a 50% market share in the U.S. athletic shoe market, and the company went public in December of that year. Together, Nike and Wieden+Kennedy have created many print and television advertisements, and Wieden+Kennedy remains Ni ke's primary ad agency. It was agency co-founder Dan Wieden who coined the now-famous slogan â€Å"Just Do It† for a 1988 Nike ad campaign, which was chosen by Advertising Age as one of the top five ad slogans of the 20th century and enshrined in the Smithsonian Institution.Walt Stack was featured in Nike's first â€Å"Just Do It† advertisement, which debuted on July 1, 1988.Wieden credits the inspiration for the slogan to â€Å"Let’s do it,† the last words spoken by Gary Gilmore before he was executed. Throughout the 1980s, Nike expanded its product line to encompass many sports and regions throughout the world In 1990, Nike moved into its eight-building World Headquarters campus in Beaverton, Oregon. (source : Wikipedia.org)AcquisitionsNike has acquired several apparel and footwear companies over the course of  its history, some of which have since been sold. Its first acquisition was the upscale footwear company Cole Haan in 1988, followed by the pur chase of Bauer Hockey in 1994. In 2002, Nike bought surf apparel company Hurley International from founder Bob Hurley In 2003, Nike paid US$309 million to acquire Converse, makers of the Chuck Taylor All-Stars line of sneakers.The company acquired Starter in 2004 and Umbro, known as the manufacturers of the England national football team's kit, in 2008. In order to refocus on its core business lines, Nike began divesting of some of its subsidiaries in the 2000s. It sold Starter in 2007 and Bauer Hockey in 2008. The company sold Umbro in 2012, and Cole Haan in 2013 as of 2013, Nike owns two key subsidiaries: Converse Inc. and Hurley International. (source : Wikipedia.org)ProductsNike produces a wide range of sports equipment. Their first products were track running shoes. They currently also make shoes, jerseys, shorts, baselayers, etc. for a wide range of sports, including track and field, baseball, ice hockey, tennis, association football (soccer),lacrosse, basketball, and cricket. Nike Air Max is a line of shoes first released by Nike, Inc. in 1987. The most recent additions to their line are the Nike 6.0, Nike NYX, and Nike SB shoes, designed for skateboarding. Nike has recently introduced cricket shoes called Air Zoom Yorker, designed to be 30% lighter than their competitors'.In 2008, Nike introduced the Air Jordan XX3, a high-performance basketball shoe designed with the environment in mind. Nike sells an assortment of products, including shoes and apparel for sports activities like association football, basketball, running,combat sports, tennis, American football, athletics, golf, and cross training for men, women, and children. Nike also sells shoes for outdoor activities such as tennis, golf, skateboarding, association football, baseball, American football, cycling, volleyball, wrestling, cheerleading, aquatic activities, auto racing, and other athletic and recreational uses. Nike is well known and popular in youth culture, chav culture and hip hop cul ture for their supplying of urban fashion clothing. Nike recently teamed up with Apple Inc. to produce the Nike+ product that monitors a runner's performance via a radio device in the shoe that links to the iPod nano.While the product  generates useful statistics, it has been criticized by researchers who were able to identify users' RFID devices from 60 feet (18 m) away using small, concealable intelligence motesin a wireless sensor network. In 2004, Nike launched the SPARQ Training Program/Division. Some of Nike's newest shoes contain Flywire and Lunarlite Foam to reduce weight. On July 15, 2009, the Nike+ Sports Band was released in stores. The product records distance run and calories expended, keeps time, and also gives runners new programs online they could try running. The 2010 Nike Pro Combat jersey collection were worn by teams from the following universities: Miami, Alabama, Boise State University, Florida, Ohio State, Oregon State University, Texas Christian University, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, and Pittsburgh. Teams will wear these jerseys in key matchups as well as any time the athletic department deems it necessary. (source : Wikipedia.org)Location & ManufacturingNike has contracted with more than 700 shops around the world and has offices located in 45 countries outside the United States. Most of the factories are located in Asia, including Indonesia, China, Taiwan, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, Philippines, and Malaysia. Nike is hesitant to disclose information about the contract companies it works with. However, due to harsh criticism from some organizations like CorpWatch, Nike has disclosed information about its contract factories in its Corporate Governance Report.

Stem Cell Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Stem Cell Research - Essay Example Stem cell research provides potential cures for some incurable diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis among others. The damage caused by this diseases and conditions is normally irreversible to the affected cells or organs. Stems cells can be used to induce repair or replacement of diseased or damaged cells thus effectively restoring the functions of previously damaged organs. This way numerous nervous system diseases that are as a result of loss of nerve cells can also be treated. Stem cells also provide potential cure to birth defects, by attempting to correct cellular errors that happened before birth thus clearing the defects. The stem cells are introduced to the affected organ in a bid to induce repair or regeneration. With stem cell research, the effects of drugs and medicine can be tested on particular populations of cells thus eliminating the use of animals and human testers. This involves simulating the effects of a drug on the targeted cell line to establish any adverse effects. Stem cell research provides an opportunity to make cells and tissues for use in medical therapy. Tissues and organs can be grown in laboratories from stem cells for use in transplants since the number organ transplant needs exceeds the number of organs available transplantation. This could also help in future transplants as the patient receives a tissue or organ from own cell line, thus there are no chances of rejection during transplantation (Pillai). The study of stem cells could help scientists understand the normal process cell development and establish how medical conditions such as cancer and birth defects come to be, and how they can be corrected. An extensive understanding of cellular development through stem cell research will grant prevention and treatment of abnormal human developments. Stem cell research has led to discovery of treatments that can help in slowing the aging process and my hold the key to reversing the e ffects of aging, thus prolonging human life. As one’s stem cells age, they are no longer able to regenerate effectively as before but anti-aging products borne from stem cells, seeks out the aging stems cells in the skin, regenerating them (Anti-Aging Stem Cell Research). However, ethical issues crop up as to how and where the stem cells are obtained and the price that is paid to achieve objectives of stem cell research. To obtain embryonic stem cells, blastocysts that are generated by fertilizing human eggs in the laboratory are destroyed. For persons who share the belief that life begin at conception, the act is equivocal destroying human life which is unacceptable (Pillai). Financial challenges bear a significant role in research involving stem cells, in the form of purchases made in regard to buying equipment meant for use in the research (Connor). Funding this research involves investing heavily in a world that is already financially constrained. Just like any other file d in medicine, the issue of commercialization has caused debate on a wide scale. Financial challenges in this case are brought out in the form of ethical issues. For example, introducing commerce in stem cell research makes stem cell tissues and embryos into tradable goods and commodities. in addition, researchers could have commercial

Accounting for Jointly Controlled Entities Essay

Accounting for Jointly Controlled Entities - Essay Example 2. Similarly venturer share in income and expenses in each transaction of the consolidated joint venture income statement shall be shown as separate line item under income and expenses of same nomenclature of venturer own Income statement. 4. Balance sheet will not carry a separate ‘investment account with joint venture’ as total of each asset and liability under each head will include assets and liabilities of venturer own business and those of his share in joint venture business. As per IAS 31.341, the venturer under this method may combine his share of assets, liabilities, income, and expenditure under each head in the consolidated joint venture financial statements with the venturer own assets, liabilities, income, and expenditure in the consolidated venturer financial statements. In other words items are not shown separately but only a combined figure is shown for each item in venturer financial statements. 2. Share of income from the joint venture investment is added to the capitalized investment and corresponding credit may be reflected in the statement of retained income or may be brought through by adding that to income of venturer in the venturer income statement. 4. In the financial statements of the venturer, final balance in ‘investment in joint venture’ shall now be shown as fixed assets investments either at cost or at valuation as provided in FRS 9(20)2. 5. It is important to note that when an investment in joint venture is sold, the equity method is applied till the date of sale of such investment after recognizing the gain or loss from such investment. A gain or loss to be recognized under such circumstances shall be equal to the difference between carrying value of investment and the sale consideration of the investment. Equity method is applied to an investment where the investor has

Financial Statements analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Financial Statements analysis - Essay Example KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, T.G.I.-Fridays and Harry Ramsden supplying food to alternative outlets such as schools, airports, military bases, and correctional and healthcare facilities. The company’s own profitable brands are Caffe Ritazz, Cafe Select, Upper Crust, Not Just Donuts, Franks, Sushi Q Restaurants. With an annual turnover of nearly $ 7.9 billion as of 1999, the company has emerged as one of the FTSE 100. The company was formed with the acquisition of Grand Metropolitan’ London catering division and its IPO on London Stock Exchange that followed in 1988. Competitors are Gardner Merchant in UK, Sodexho of France and Aramark of the U.S. When the Gardner and Sodexho merged and became a formidable challenge, Compass retaliated by purchasing Accor’s Eurest International and Accor received 22.5 % share in the equity of Compass. With this, Compass once again emerged as the world’s largest foodservice company (FundingUniverse, 1999). Compass’ major percentage (90) of revenue comes from outside the UK and it claims to be living up to the image of international business now spread over 50 countries. North American region contributes 47 % of the revenue, Europe and Japan contributes 34 % and emerging markets contribute 19 % thus aggregating to a total revenue of 17,557 m GBP in 2013. North American region has been the core growth engine for the company in terms of revenue as well as profitability ever since the business was established in the region in 1994. The company is the 11th largest employer in the private sector in the USA and it serves as many as six million meals per day. It had 506, 699 employees as of 30 September 2013. In terms of corporate responsibility, the company has achieved a reduction of carbon emissions from 7.3 % in 2012 to 6 % in 2013. Total GHG emissions were 119,874 Tonnes in 2013 as against 123, 630 Tonnes in 2012. The company aims at a reduction of 20 % against 2008 baseline by 20 17. Other corporate responsibility

Current Events and U.S. Diplomacy Research Paper

Current Events and U.S. Diplomacy - Research Paper Example On entering Afghanistan in the first lime, the U.S. troop focused on overthrowing the governing Taliban, which had provided haven for al-Qaeda. Although the U.S. troop took several years before fully taking control, on entering Afghanistan, they took less than three months and defeated the Taliban. In 2009, the war still continued. Researchers believe that the economy of Pakistan has since then been destabilized. On coming into power, President Obama, through his advisors documented that the destabilization would be one of the countries biggest foreign policy challenge (Scott, 2003). Therefore, Obama committed another 17,000 troops to Afghanistan to increase the number to approximately 55,000 troops. Obama’s commitment into the war has since then seen the war change the name from Afghan war to Obama’s war.U.S. focuses on counter attacking terrorism and promote the stability of the country. Obama’s strategy was to disrupt, dismantle, and conquer al-Qaeda based in Afghanistan and Pakistan (Baker, 2009). It is hopeful that this attack will prevent their return back into the country. Vietnam is another country whose relation is similar to that of Afghanistan as discussed below. Vietnam War, according to historians is arguably a war that caused death many innocent people. As documented by Levy, (2004), this war claimed not less than 2 million people who were civilians, over 200,000 South Vietnamese army troops, over a million soldiers from the north, and approximately 58,000 soldiers from America. Although the communist North eventually defeated South Vietnam, U.S. contributed immensely to end this war through their support to South Vietnam. From the communist perspective, U.S. were to blame for ruining the country. The reason why U.S. was highly blamed was due to the use of herbicides. These herbicides like Agent Orange polluted the Vietnam environment contributing to health hazards. SRV, popularly known as Socialist Republic of Vietnam, was fo rmed by the United Vietnam and its capital set at Hanoi. The relationship that existed between America and the formed SRV was unstable, which caused the U.S. army to react. The two countries (U.S and Vietnam) remained connected due to the concern that U.S. showed to its prisoners who were held in Vietnam during the war. In addition, the Water Scandal contributed significantly to the deterioration of the relation. As a result, communist Vietnam lost trust with U.S. Since U.S. proved persistent, the effects brought about by the post-Vietnam War period impacted U.S. development positively leading to a new world formation. By mid 1990s, there existed no established diplomatic relations. The efforts to have the two countries united seemed unrealizable. However, after creation of Ambassador between the two countries, this dreams seemed close to realization. When this association was introduced, other associations came in and successfully moved forward. For instance, a bilateral trade Agre ement was signed in 2000. Further still, Vietnam was included in the World trade Organization at the start of 2006 (Levy, 2004). Other significant association that occurred during these times was the close visits by senior officials. For instance, the then U.S. president Bill Clinton visited Vietnam in 2000, while the Van Khai, the then prime minister visited US in several occasions in 2005. From 2006, it is evident that the U.S. and Vietnam relation has had a positive turn. In 2007, Nguyen Minh, the Vietnam president visited U.S. for the first time ever

Writing and Environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Writing and Environment - Essay Example Jared Diamond’s article titled The Last Americans: Environmental Collapse and the End of Civilization issues a warning to those living in advanced economies (including the United States) that great civilizations of the past inevitably decline and perish after hitting their peak. He suggests that being complacent currently can lead to irreparable ecological catastrophes in the near future. The article Am I Blue by Alice Walker touches upon an allied concern, namely the issue of animal rights. She suggests that human have for too long exploited animals for their own selfish ends and that this is a symbol of human conflict too. So in order for humans to flourish, they have to start treating animals ethically. All three authors discussed above raise several valid points and their observations validate each other’s arguments. Rachel Carson’s article titled The Obligation to Endure is gives an in-depth analysis of the state of chemical pollution in our environment. Carson asserts that the rate at which new synthetic pollutants are let out into our environment is too fast for life-forms to adopt to and evolve accordingly. As a result our planet is now at a cusp of a fatal disaster. Given the gravity of the issue, Carson does not employ humor or sarcasm. Instead, her prose is of a serious tone, infused with dark irony and earnest imploration. Her appeal to the reader is quite powerful, for it comes at the back of a detailed and factual analytical presentation. One chemical problem that Rachel Carson focuses on is that of the insecticide. This seemingly beneficial device to keep insect pests has caused unforeseen consequences of vast proportions. Insecticides such as DDT, while providing immediate improvement in agricultural productivity, have caused severe collateral damage. For this reason, Carson asserts that

The Lebanon Crises (1958) Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The Lebanon Crises (1958) - Term Paper Example In Lebanon, the big problem was the fragile nature of the social and political structure of the country. Lebanon was a multi-confessional state with Christians and Muslims sharing power. The new Government appointed by President Chamoun in 1956 seemed to tilt more towards the West. On January 5, 1957, President Eisenhower appeared before Congress to announce a new US policy for the Middle East. He asked Congress to pass a resolution authorizing economic assistance and the use of US forces to prevent a Communist takeover in the Middle East (Meo 132-144). Lebanon was the only Arab country to announce publicly its support for the doctrine. The decision by President Chamoun to endorse the new US policy, and accept aid under the terms of the Middle East Resolution, caused a major foreign policy rift between the Government and the opposition in Lebanon and led to the formation of the united National Front, an opposition grouping composed of Muslims and Christians (Meo 132-144) This rift coincided with Chamoun's plans to amend the electoral law before the elections in June 1957. The passage of the new law increased the number of seats in the Chamber of Deputies and had a direct impact on the outcome of the elections, outside influences also affected the outcome. The United States provided covert funds for pro-Government candidates, while Egypt and Syria supported and funded the opposition (Eveland 248-250). Since assuming the Presidency, Camille Chamoun had made a determined effort to destroy the power of the feudal landowners who formed the backbone of the Lebanese political system.

Reform Movements in the United States Sought Essay Example for Free

Reform Movements in the United States Sought Essay As Americans entered an era of transition and instability, they sought to expand democratic ideals in the society. In response to sudden changes occurring and traditional values being challenged, various reform movements during 1825-1850 began to focus on democratic ideals. The rise of religious revivals, movements for equal rights and protecting liberties of different social groups, want to advance society technologically, and desire to bring order and control helped reform the society to live up to the nation’s founding ideals. Teaching them (I don’t get who â€Å"them† is) the habits of thrift, orderliness, temperance and industry was a way to not only better their lives but a way to instill certain democratic values and advance the perfection of society as a whole. The rise of popular religion and a series of religious revivals reinforced American democracy and liberty. The Second Great Awakening was a huge religious reform movement that sought to re-captivate religious interest in America. One of its new breakthroughs is its representation of democratic ideas, or: â€Å"a reworking of traditional religious institutions to better match the average American’s sensibilities and frontier lifestyles (Second Great Awakening). † In this attempt to capture interest, this new theology differed from the previous Calvinist viewpoint that people’s predestined path to heaven or hell could only be altered by God’s choosing, in that the new theology emphasized individual free will, and equality in God’s eyes- a characteristic of democracy. These new theologies emphasized: â€Å"human choice. Reform of the individual human heart and also broader social institutions was indeed possible (Second Great Awakening). † Church ministers were elected and churches believed in a â€Å"priesthood of all believers. † Such religious reforms sought to expand democratic ideals into the churches. The theology of the Second Great Awakening can be divided into many different subdivisions which all spread out and became part of many reform movements to come. Before examining such future movements, it must be noted that The Progress of the Age was also a reform movement that spread democratic ideals of around the same time frame as the Second Great Awakening. The Progress of the Age empowers all the new American technologies and social reforms in its time (around 1825-1846). New technological reforms included adapting the time conserving sewing machine, and harnessing the potential of the locomotive. Religion, politics, the economy, and virtually everything else in America was being influenced by echnological reforms, turning life in American as something Senator Webster describes: â€Å"The world has seen nothing like [it] before (A Discourse, Delivered at Plymouth 61). † The significance of all these technological advances lies in the inevitable social advances they initiated. The Progress of the Age focused on improving everyday life with the adaption of machine labor, allowing for: a large range of agricultural goods for the co mmon man, increasingly cheaper goods, less expensive books/newspapers, and faster travel. As these technological revolutions led to revolutions in habits, opinions, and moral values, people began to realize: â€Å"If machinery could be brought to such a state of perfection, why not society (Maier 369)? † With all the social ideas related to technological progress, none were associated with the Progression of the Age, as the expansions of democratic ideals were. With the new leaps in technological advances, people built the impression that: â€Å"No reform is now deemed impossible, no enterprise for human betterment impracticable (Maier 369). Of all the social ideas, the democratic ideas of striving for social equality, and benefitting the common good fit the technological age of progress best. Along with technological advancements, American literature was advancing too. New values such as favoring nature over â€Å"America’s turn towards industrial capitalism and worst of all, the crass, money-grubbing materialism that seemed to grip more and more of their countrymen (Maier 371),† as described in novels of James Fenimore Cooper, and Washington Irving were exposed to their readers. The Transcendentalist movement, founded by Ralph Waldo Emerson was populated by his essay Nature, as well as other works such as Henry David Thoreau’s Nature. The increasing quality and affordability of such books as well as newspapers, with new perspectives and philosophies printed by new machines, allowed the common people access to new knowledge. Society was now exposed to knowledge such as: philosophy, current events, and political information which brought up the level of education of the common man. Not only were books made cheaper and more available, an abundance of higher quality goods and services such as better foods, clothes, and a better transportation system now became available to the society. As Horace Greenley of the New York Tribune accounts: â€Å"We have universalized all the beautiful and glorious results of industry and skill†¦ We have made them a common possession of the people†¦. We have democratized the means and appliances of a higher life (Art and Industry 58). Greenley is saying that the Progress of the Age has brought high quality goods previously only for aristocrats down to the common people, raising the living standard of the common people: a true democratic value. Out of all these technological breakthroughs, the railroad became the symbol of the Progress of the Age and the expansion of democratic ideals. Even artists of the Hudson River School such as Thomas Cole recognized the locomotive in their paintings. In River in the Catskills, Thomas Cole blends the locomotive with nature, suggesting a natural harmony between them as Americans civilized the new lands. The locomotive became a symbol of the drive of civilization, spreading it and America’s democracy to new, unseen horizons. These unseen horizons were discovered through the reforms in the Antebellum Era, whose roots were mainly evangelical – religion tied into the belief that equality and salvation should be offered to everyone. This brought back tensions between the North and South when slavery became an issue with those ideals, which made the acted reforms not just a movement towards equality, but towards democracy as well. One of the most important reform movements in American history was the creation of the American Anti-Slavery Society in 1833. The Declaration of Sentiments was established and those who wished to join the society had to sign the document which pledged to â€Å"secure to the colored population†¦all the rights and privileges that belong to them as men and as Americans. † This reform was different than most, because the people involved decided to use the old tactic of â€Å"moral suasion† instead of violence. These society members campaigned across the U. S. especially aiming to influence the South. They published abolitionist newspapers and other literature to raise awareness, attempted to make antislavery societies in every state and every town, and eventually brought so many petitions to Congress that although the â€Å"Gag Resolution† tabled them, the awareness it raised about slavery occurred everywhere. Not only was this the effect of the society, but it also showed Americans that all people could make a difference if joined together, not just the government, which expanded ideas of democracy. William Lloyd Garrison, among other strong abolitionists, acted as a leader in the fight for all-around equality in the United States. He dedicated his life to slavery abolition, publishing the newspaper, The Liberator and writing in it, â€Å"On this subject, I do not wish to think, to speak, or write, with moderation†¦I am in earnest – I will not equivocate – I will not excuse – I will not retreat a single inch – and I will be heard. † Not only did his words anger people enough to cause the bloody slave revolt in Virginia led by Nat Turner, but it also made abolitionists of others as well. His words inspired Frederick Douglass to publish his newspaper, North Star, at Rochester. They inspired Theodore Dwight Weld to declare an end to slavery and leave the Lane Seminary and their white society with 75 others by his side, naming themselves the â€Å"Lane Rebels. † He spent the rest of his life being a devoted member of the Ohio Antislavery Society and giving speeches throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania, encouraging the establishment of other antislavery societies. Abolitionists for women’s rights like Henry B. Stanton who was also a â€Å"Lane Rebel†, and his wife, Elizabeth Cady Stanton were also strong leaders, as well as the Grimke sisters in taking on the roles normally given to men. These powerful reformers were able to influence the population to join them in reforms, creating the sense that they could all make a difference together, and reform the republic government to a democratic one instead. With the idea of equality comes the idea of democracy, so when reform movements for slavery abolition and women’s rights began, so did the widespread belief of a new democratic government.

Impact of the Mormon Faith on Native Americans

Impact of the Mormon Faith on Native Americans Bre Wilson Natives have always been viewed as savages needing reform and as being inferior to other people-upon contact, the Mormons were no exception. In 1947, the LDS Church introduced the Indian Student Placement Program (Riggs 2008). This program placed Native school-aged children in Mormon homes to increase the quality of education and to assimilate the children into the Mormon culture. From this program came benefits and deficits. At first, the Mormons were civil with the Natives- Brigham Young is even quoted as saying, Its cheaper to feed them than to fight them. As time went on, and populations rose, so did the tension between Mormons and the natives. The Mormons tried to inhabit Native land and expected the Native people to give up land and resources without a fight. They took land, and resources that did not belong to them and used their faith as a weapon against the Native people. Eventually, there were orders to execute any person who put up a fight against the Church because accord ing the LDS beliefs they would be going against Christs message, (Online Nevada Encyclopedia n.d.). The rising tensions between them eventually lead to major bloodshed. Its obvious that Mormons have a predisposed belief that the Native people were savages and needed to be converted. They embarked on many missions and put the Indian Student Placement Program into effect to try to assimilate Native children into Mormon culture- no matter the cost. In 1823, a New Yorker named Joseph Smith said, an angel came to him and told him that he would uncover, and translate, golden plates that told the history of Native Americans. As Smith decoded the writing contained on the plates, he claimed it told the story of the Lamanites, a branch of one of the first American civilizations who killed the Nephites (Online Nevada Encyclopedia n.d.). For this and their rejection of Christs teachings, Smith claimed the plates stated that God cursed the Lamanites with dark skin and a degraded existence due to the attack on the Nephites and for rejecting the word of Christ (Online Nevada Encyclopedia). Upon translating the holy plates, now known as The Book of Mormon, Smith dedicated his life to starting the Church of Latter Day Saints to uphold true Christian faith and to save the native people. The words translated in the Book of Mormon explicitly state that the people with dark skin are inferior to those with light skin and that salvation needed to be brought to them. This drove many Mormons to lead missions to Native land. In 1830, a Lamanite mission lead Mormons to western Missouri. The goal of the mission was to preach to and baptize the Natives, establish ties for the Church and to show the dedication of the elders (Ludlow 1992). As the missionaries made their way West, they preached the words contained within the Book of Mormon and they baptized hundreds. There were plans to establish a permanent school within the Delawares but before construction began, the missionaries were ordered to leave. The elders of the Church were ordered to leave not once, but twice before accepting their fate and complying with the orders. Parley Pratt seemed to think the orders to leave were due to jealousy as he writes: The excitement now reached the frontier settlements of Missouri and stirred up the jealousy and envy of Indian agents we were soon ordered out of the Indian country. Some Natives rejoiced in the missions and while felt as though their space, and rights, were being overtaken by the missionaries who came to save them. Many conflicts arose from the Mormons moving ever closer to the Natives, pushing their religious beliefs and consuming precious resources that rightfully belonged to the Natives. The populations of both the natives, and the Mormons, were both increasing which meant that the closer the Mormons moved to the natives, the more the natives had to fight for necessities. The Battle Creek Massacre took place on March 5, 1849. The events leading up to the battle were such as this: The Timpanogos Indians were accused of stealing cattle and horses from the Mormon settlers and a group of men were ordered to kill the natives (Revelli n.d.). However, it was soon discovered that the natives had not actually stolen the horses but the order for their execution remained. In the early morning hours, the Timpanogos were surrounded by Mormon men and 4 of them were killed- the Mormons had zero casualties (Revelli n.d.). In 1804, a treaty was signed between William Henry Harrison and two Sauk representativ es which stated that all land east of the Mississippi was open to settlement (Wisconsin Historical Society n.d.). Complaints soon arose that suggested that these two Sauk men had no authority to represent the entire nation therefore the treaty was no longer valid. Twenty-eight years later, Black Hawk was the leader of the Sauk nation. He found his fields trampled with cattle and people had settled on his land without consent. He was met by the militia of Illinois, who were reinforced with the American army. One of the most catastrophic battles of the Black Hawk War, was the Battle of Bad Axe (Fonda 1907). The Battle of Bad Axe took place on August 1 and 2, 1832. As the 400 remaining Sauks attempted to surrender, the Americans showed no mercy. The soldiers continued to fire upon the natives until most them were killed. Private John Fonda wrote about the first encounter: and the Indians raised a white flag The cannon sent a shower of canister among the Indians, which was repeated three times, each time mowing a swath clean through them. 12,000 people had followed Black Hawk on a journey back to their homeland and when the war was over, only 150 Sauk survived (Wisconsin Historical Society n.d.). Not all interactions between natives and Mormons were outwardly aggressive, however. The need for the Indian Student Placement Program, sometimes also called the Lamanite Placement Program, first emerged in 1947 when a young Navajo girl, named Helen John, requested to stay in Richmond to attend school (De Hoyos 1992). As time went on, more people showed interest in the program and the LDS Church seized the opportunity to fulfill their destiny to bring salvation to the natives. The program took native children, who agreed to be baptized, and placed them in the homes of Mormon families to learn the culture, go to school and assimilate into the Mormon faith and then allowed them to return home to the reservation for the summers (Hangen n.d.). There were both critics and supporters of the program. Supporters valued that native children would then be bicultural, and flourish in both their own Native culture, as well as within the culture of the Mormon people. By the end of the program, approximately 40,000 Native children, from 60 different tribes, participated (Landry 20 16). The rate of graduation in placement program students was higher than that of non-placement students and a large number of students were satisfied with the outcome of the program (De Hoyos 1992). Others, however, were not as satisfied with the program. The Indian Student Placement Program was under scrutiny for the emotional toll that it took on the participants and for allegations of abuse. Non-Mormon critics claimed that the program took an unnecessary emotional toll on the children who were taken from their home and forced to live with a family whom they did not know. Others were upset that the Church was using the program as an assimilation tool and not as a tool to better the lives of native children (Landry 2016). Two Navajo children were placed with a Mormon family in the 1970s and they endured traumatic abuse within the home. They have recently filed complaints through the Navajo legal system and they plan to sue the Mormon Church for physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering (Landry 2016). The children claim they endured physical and emotional abuse daily but the sexual abuse was horrific. Due to other allegations and concerns from non-Mormons, the program eventually dissipated. The relationship between the Mormon people and the natives was a complex one, that had both positive influences and negative influences. The Mormons truly believed that what they were doing was in the best interest of the Natives and that it was their duty to obey the word of God. The Book of Mormon states that its the duty of every Mormon follower to bring salvation to the Lamanites. The way in which the Church approached their missions varied however. The Indian Student Placement Program was their passive approach to conversion. The premise of the Program was based on good intentions but some saw the program as a way the Church forced their religion on susceptible Native children and abuse allegations remain. The wars and battles fought between the Mormons and natives are perfect examples that display that the Church was not always as passive when making their wishes known. The Black Hawk War, the Battle of Bad Axe, and the Battle Creek Massacre had devastating effects on the Nativ es. The court cases against the LDS Church from Natives prove that tension still remains between both parties. Bibliography De Hoyos, Genevieve. Harold B. Lee Library, Indian Student Placement Services, 1992 Fonda, John H. Reminiscences of Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, Historical Collections, vol 5. ed. Lyman Copeland Draper.: The Society, 1907; 1868 Hangen, Tona. A Place to Call Home: Studying the Indian Placement Program, n.d. Landry, Alysa. Indian Country Media Network, Assimilation Tool or a Blessing? Inside the Mormon Indian Student Placement Program, 2016 Lindquist, Geraldine. The Indian Student Placement Program as a Means of Increasing the Education of Children of Selected Indian Families, 1974 Ludlow, Daniel. Lamanite Mission of 1830-1831. Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 1992. Online Nevada Encyclopedia. Mormons and Native Americans: A Historical Overview, n.d. Pratt, Parley P. Autobiography of Parley Parker Pratt, 1938. Revelli, Bryce. Brigham Young University, Battle Creek Marker, Intermountain Histories, n.d. Riggs, Lynette. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Indian Student Placement Service: A History, 2008

High-Dose Chemotherapies (HDC) and STAMP as Cancer Treatment

High-Dose Chemotherapies (HDC) and STAMP as Cancer Treatment STAMP Since the 1960s, high-dose chemotherapies (HDC) had been successful in curing acute leukemia and Hodgkins disease, but not that successful in curing solid tumors such as lung cancer and breast cancer. Chemotherapists were now wondering whether by increasing the power of the dosage, they could make HDC effective for treating solid cancer. But for most chemotherapy drugs, the dose limit depended on the bone marrow. How can one increase the drug dosage by five or ten times without destroying the bone marrow? Bone Marrow Transplantation In the late 1960s, Donnall Thomas had shown that bone marrow could be harvested from one patient and transplanted back either to the same patient (called autologous transplantation) or into another patient (called allogeneic transplantation). Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation was tricky, often deadly. It could lead to a deadly complication called graft-versus-host disease if the foreign marrow turned and attacked the body of the recipient. Autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT), on the other hand, was less risky. Here, the patients own marrow was harvested, frozen, and transplanted back into his body. STAMP By harvesting and freezing bone marrow, then implanting the marrow after HDC, doctors were theoretically able to break through the limit of toxicity; the so-called red ceiling. It was now possible to give five- or even tenfold the typical doses of drugs. Among the first proponent of this strategy was Emil Frie, who was now the director of Farbers institute. By early 1980s, Fred had convinced himself that a high dose chemotherapy combined with autologous bone marrow transplantation (HDC/ABMT), was the only conceivable solution in cancer therapy. He called this protocol Solid Tumor Autologous Marrow Program, or STAMP. To develop this protocol, Frei recruited William Peters as a fellow at the institute in 1982. By December 1984, 32 women had completed the Phase I study of the regimen, designed to investigate safety. The researchers proceeded with Phase II trials, which showed very promising results. But randomized controlled trials (Phase III) were needed to confirm the benefit of STAMP. In 1985, William Peters left the Faber institute to set up the trial at Duke University in North Carolina. He also persuaded the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) to sponsor a multi-center, randomized controlled trial. AIDS In March 1981, a team of doctors reported eight cases of Kaposis sarcoma in a cohort of men in New York. All eight of the men were homosexual. One of the men was also diagnosed with a rare pneumonia called PCP, which only occurs in humans when the immune system is severely compromised. Between June and August 1981, additional clusters of PCP, cryptococcal meningitis, Kaposis sarcoma, and rare lymphomas were reported in young men in cities throughout America. The common pattern behind all these diseases, aside from their bias towards gay men, was a total collapse of the immune system. A letter in Lancet called the disease gay compromise syndrome. Others called it GRID (gay-related immune deficiency). In July 1982, it was called acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome, or AIDS. In January 1983, Luc Montagnier, a virologist at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, discovered a virus in a lymph node biopsy from a young gay man with Kaposis sarcoma. Montagnier soon deduced that this was an RNA virus that could convert its genes into DNA and lodge into the human genome-a retrovirus. He called his virus IDAV, immuno-deficiency associated viruses, arguing that it was likely the cause of AIDS. Montagniers discovery was corroborated in the spring of 1984 by Robert Gallo at the National Cancer Institute. Margaret Heckler, the Health and Human Services secretary, made this discovery public in the spring of 1984. We hope to have a vaccine ready for testing in about two years, she said. But AIDS activists, facing an epidemic that was decimating their community, could not afford to wait. In the spring of 1987, a group of volunteers form a group named the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power, or ACT UP. Led by a writer named Larry Kramer, ACT UP promised to transform the landscape of AIDS treatment using a kind of militant activism unprecedented in the history of medicine. The Map and the Parachute While William Peters was investigating the efficacy of the STAMP protocol, many oncologists had long assumed that the regimen was so effective that no trial would be needed. By the late 1980s, hospitals and private clinics offering high dose bone marrow transplantation (HDC/ABMT) for breast cancer had sprouted up all around the US, UK, and France. Insurance and Litigation Costs from $50,000 to $400,000 per patient, HDC/ABMT is an expensive therapy. Health maintenance organizations (HMOs), a popular form of health insurance in America, had refused to pay for these therapies because they regarded them as experimental and investigational. However, this would change after the landmark case, Fox v. Health Net in 1993. In 1991, a 38-year-old public-school teacher named Nelene Fox was diagnosed with breast cancer. She requested Health Net, her HMO, to pay for HDC/ABMT to treat her cancer. Health Net declined her request, stating this therapy was an unproven, experimental therapy. Foxs brother, an attorney named Mark Hiepler, took Health Net to court. By the summer of 1992, when Health Net refused yet another request for coverage, Fox went ahead with the therapy on her own. By then she had raised $220,000. On April 22, 1993, less than a year after the therapy, Fox died. Mark Hiepler sought damages from Health Net for delaying his sisters treatment. The crux of his case rested on the definition of the word investigational. HDC/ABMT could, he argued, hardly be considered an investigational procedure if every major clinics in the nation was offering it to patients. On December 28, 1993, a Californian jury awarded Foxs family $89 million. In late 1993, because of the lobbying efforts from a 47-year-old cancer patient named Charlotte Turner, the state of Massachusetts mandated coverage for HDC/BMT for eligible patients within the state. By the mid-1990s, seven states required HMOs to pay for HDC/ABMT, with similar legislation pending in seven other states. Between 1988 and 2002, 86 cases were filed against HMOs that had refused to pay for transplants, of which 47 were successful. Research Misconduct Werner Bezwoda, an oncologist at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa was one of the most prominent and successful HDC/ABMT therapists. In May 1999, Werner Bezwoda presented his results at the annual meeting of the American College of Clinical Oncology in Atlanta. His results were spectacular: Eight and a half years after HDC/ABMT, 60% of his patients were alive, whereas only 20% survived in the control group. In contrast, the results presented from three other trials in the afternoon were not good. In one study, the researchers found not even a modest improvement, and complication rates considerably higher than the control arm. How do one reconcile these disparate results? In December 1999, a team of researchers flew off to South Africa to take a look at Bezwodas data. Upon arrival, they requested the log books for the 158 patients Bezwoda reported treating. He gave them log books for 58 and said the rest had been lost. The data he gave them was shoddy. Many records had unsigned, handwritten entries and there was no evidence that Bezwoda had randomly assigned patients. There were no records showing that any patients had received the standard treatment. One of Bezwodas purported breast cancer patients was actually a man. The entire thing had been a sham. Bezwodas protocol was completely fabricated and the whole thing was a fraud. A Final STAMP Trial In the summer of 1999, a final trial was designed to investigate whether STAMP might increase survival among patients with metastatic breast cancer. Results came in four years later: There was no discernible benefit. Cancer Undefeated In May 1997, eleven years after the 1986 Bailar-Smith analysis, Bailar was back with another appraisal of the progress on cancer. His article, entitled Cancer Undefeated, depicted the War on Cancer as a dynamic, moving battle against a dynamic, moving target. Between 1970 and 1994, cancer mortality had increased by about 6 percent, from 189 deaths per 100,000 to 201 deaths. Cancer mortality had increased among people over 55, but decreased by the same proportion among people under 55. Death rates from colon cancer, cervical and uterine cancer had decreased, mostly due to earlier detections (colonoscopy and Pap smears). Death rates for most forms of childrens cancer, Hodgkins disease and testicular cancer had also declined. Lung cancer was still the biggest killer, responsible for 25 percent of all cancer deaths. Overall death rates had increased by 6 percent. Death rates among men had peaked and dropped off by the mid-1980s, while death rates among women over the age of 55 had increased by 400 percent. The incidence of lung cancer was highest in people older than 55 and was lower in people under 55.

Trends In Economic Botany: The Rising Use Of Herbal Supplements :: Botany

Trends In Economic Botany: The Rising Use Of Herbal Supplements The use of herbal remedies to treat health problems in humans is a tradition that dates back many centuries. A precursor to modern, Western pharmaceuticals, traditional healers used herbs to treat a wide range of ailments and afflictions. While many are familiar with their use by American Indians, the practice of herbal therapy dates back to ancient Chinese and Egyptian healers. Herbs were used in ancient times to treat anything from headaches (with willow bark tea, now an active ingredient in aspirin) to fever and premenstrual syndrome (with chamomile). In an age of modern pharmaceuticals and their ready availability in Western culture, it is easy to forget that approximately 40% of today's modern medicines are produced with chemicals derived from plants (Counter 1998). In a trend reversal that has the modern medical community alarmed and puzzled, the sales of herbal remedies in the Untied States has increased dramatically. Traditionally, Europe has been the largest market for herbal remedies, accounting for 45% or $7.5 billion in sales for 1997 (Scimone and Scimone 1998). Within Europe, Germany dominates the market with sales of $3.6 billion, followed by France ($1.8 billion), Italy ($800 million) and the United Kingdom ($300 million) (Scimone and Scimone 1998). Growth in the European market was predicted to be 5-10% in 1998-1999 and 15-20% in 1999-2000 (Scimone and Scimone 1998). The European market has become solidly established over the past 80 years, with a modest growth rate until recent years that has shown another upward trend. The United States market is a completely different story. The herbal industry has "evolved exponentially over the past two years, with significant entry into the mass market within the past two years" (Botanicals International 1998). Sales of herbal supplements reached $4 billion in 1998, up from $1.6 billion in 1994 , a rise of 250% (American Botanical Council 1998). Sales have been projected to increase between 50-100% in 1998-99 and between 20-25% in 2000-01(Scimone and Scimone 1998). What has caused this dramatic increase? While an editorial in the New England Journal of Medicine (1998) blamed this "reversion to irrational approaches" on "disillusionment with the often hurried and impersonal care delivered by conventional physicians", it is also viewed as the economic influence of the aging baby-boomers. As they have become older, this generation has become more health conscious and increasingly dissatisfied with conventional medicine in their attempts to diminish the adverse effects of aging (Brenneman 1999).

Gender & Jim Crow: Book Review Essay -- essays research papers fc

In Glenda Elizabeth Gilmore’s book Gender & Jim Crow, Gilmore illustrates the relations between African Americans and white in North Caroline from 1896 to 1920, as well as relations between the men and women of the time. She looks at the influences each group had on the Progressive Era, both politically and socially. Gilmore’s arguments concern African American male political participation, middle-class New South men, and African American female political influences. The book follows a narrative progression of African American progress and relapse. Gilmore argues that African American male political participation between 1890 and 1898 represented a movement toward greater inclusion. She claims that African American males in politics strove for the balance of power between political parties in North Carolina, and that the Populist-Republican victory in 1896 kept African American votes in contention and maintained some African American men in political office for a short period of time. There was an agreement between African Americans and whites that the â€Å"Best Men,† middle class African Americans, were to be the only African Americans to hold office. This was because by being dubbed the â€Å"Best Men,† they had met certain standards and were suitable for office according to the white politicians. The â€Å"Best Men† clashed with the South’s â€Å"New White Man,† who sought to re-monopolize voting rights and political power, as well as to completely dominate African Americans. Gilmore attri butes the â€Å"New White Man’s† goals to these men’s bitterness towards their fathers who were blamed for the defeat in the Civil War, southern underdevelopment, and black progress. Nonetheless, African American men rapidly increased power in politics when many positions became publicly elected. Gilmore reasons that the progress of African American men in politics caused upwardly mobile and middle-class New South men, Southern Progressives, to formulate disenfranchisement and Jim Crow laws, and to later blame the deficient â€Å"cracker† for acting on their verbal violence. She also says that white supremacists reacted to white women’s movement into public space, urbanization, industrialization, and African-American advancement, and â€Å"responded to black power even as [they] capitalized on black weakness† (p 118). The â€Å"Best Men† were blamed for the supposed rapists and malingerers in the Afr... ...th Carolina. I agree with her arguments, and found a great deal of the information in this book surprising, and also disturbing. I did not know a lot of the history of race relation in North Carolina, which was different from the rest of the south since whites barely outnumbered African Americans at that time in North Carolina. Because of this legal segregation came late and was more intense since the African Americans were able to put up more of a fight. All of Gilmore’s evidence supports her arguments, and makes a lot of sense. She did enough research and knows enough about the South that there is no reason any of the standpoints that she makes should be false. Glenda Gilmore’s book Gender & Jim Crow shows a different point of view from a majority of history of the south and proves many convictions that are not often stated. Her stance from the African American point of view shows how harsh relations were at this time, as well as how hard they tried for equity in society. Gilmore’s portrayal of the Progressive Era is very straightforward and precise, by placing educated African American women at the center of Southern political history, instead of merely in the background.

Short Story evaluation template

A good short story includes the following: Interesting & appropriate title plot Theme / message Narrative style: telling a story Structure: Introduction, development, conflict, climax, resolution / conclusion Strong Introduction & conclusion: Introduction hooks the reader, conclusion leaves a lasting Impression on the reader. Conflict/ Issue / problem: Introduced & resolved. Suspense: The story must hold the reader's Interest.The problem presented early In the story Is developed steadily so that the reader's curiously Is stimulated; the reader then becomes more and more Involved In the story. Suspense reaches the highest point at the climax: this is the point where the problem Is resolved In some way. This then leads to the resolutions of the story. Tense: clear and consistent Distinctive tone: formal, informal, chatty, lively, exciting etc.. Strong, interesting and varied characters Narrator: who tells the story?Clear point of view: first / third person Paragraphs Good punctuation, spelling & grammar Setting: time & place Varied range of expression: adjectives, verbs, similes, metaphors, sensual images language, color, varied sentence length (short & long: allows description and creates tension & suspense) Dialogue: gives a good insight into characters, life styles, personalities, relationships Proof read: have you answered who, what, when, where, why & how questions Resolution: open or closed ending.

Native Americans of Chesapeake Bay

The Native American group in the Chesapeake Bay region was known collectively as the Powhatan Federation of Indians. Powhatan also refers to the Algonquin Indian chief that lived and ruled in the region around the early 17th century. The Algonquians were a deeply religious group of people subsisted primarily through agriculture. The natives referred to the area as Tsenacommacah. Powhatan was the weroance, or chief ruler of Tsenacommacah and 25 other Algonquin villages. Powhatan would play a significant role with the 104 men from the Virginia company that made up the settlement of Jamestown.Powhatan agreed to an alliance with the settlers, Powhatan would provide the colonists with foodstuffs in exchange for guns, hatchets, and swords. Powhatan hoped this alliance would make him technologically superior over his people’s enemies. The following is a quote from Powhatan recorded by John smith in 1609; â€Å"I am not so simple as not to know it is better to eat good meat, sleep co mfortably, live quietly with my women and children, laugh and be merry with the English, and being their friend, trade for their copper and hatchets, than to run away from them. (Smithsonian source, 2012) Joint stock companies were business corporations that amassed capital through sales of stock to investors. Joint stock companies were the forerunners for modern day corporations. The Virginia Company was a joint stock venture that funded the settlement at Jamestown. Colonies required ongoing capital investments and the lack of immediate returns created tensions between stockholders and the colonists. Although investors were expecting great returns, there was great risk and start up costs, and could take years to recoup their money.With an excess landless population to serve as workers, and motivated, adventurous, or devout investors, the joint-stock company became the vehicle by which England finally settled the Western Hemisphere. The first joint stock company to launch its ventur e in the new world was The Virginia Company of London. In 1607 The Virginia Company established the first colony along the Chesapeake bay in what is now modern day Virginia. The new colony was called Jamestown, named after King James I. The colonists arrived in the midst of the worse drought in 1,700 years, and life in the new world was hard from the get go.The settlement at Jamestown was on a swampy peninsula located in the middle of a river. The colonists proved to be ill equipped for survival, and many fell victim to starvation and disease. In attempts to ease the colonists struggle for food ,Captain John Smith made a deal with the weroance. The Powhatan would help the colonists acquire food in exchange for weaponry. This deal was short lasting, as mutual mistrust built on both sides. The weroance relocated his primary village to an area not easily accessible to the colonists. The colonists struggled greatly without Powhatan’s help, and soon were driven to starvation.This time of hardship for the colonists was referred to as the â€Å"starving time. † The situation was very bleak for the colonists, and the starving time lasted from 1609-1610. Throughout the colonists year long struggle for survival many died, and one colonist resorted to cannibalism. This was the beginning of a bloody history that ensued between the colonists and the Powhatan people. In the spring of 1610 a new wave of settlers came to Jamestown, and brought with them more supplies. Around 1613, and in attempts to gain the upper hand , the colonists kidnapped Powhatan’s daughter Pocahontas.During her captivity she was converted to Christianity and married settler John Rolfe. This event helped to further sour the relationship between the two groups. The two also could not come to terms on each others ideas of property rights, gender roles, and religion. The colonists thought the Powhatan were lazy because they did not cultivate crops, conversely the Powhatan thought the colonists effeminate for doing so. Perhaps the biggest cause for dispute was the colonists superiority complex, in which they expected full cooperation from the native people to convert to Christianity and adopt English customs.Around 1620 Jamestown finally began to prosper through tobacco cultivation and exportation. Opechancanough, Powhatan’s brother, and successor, watched as the colonists expanded and attempted to convert the natives to Christianity. This angered Opechancanough, and in March of 1622 he attacked, killing 347 colonists. The Powhatans indiscriminately attacked, men, women, and children, mutilating many of their corpses. Although the colonists were surprised at the treachery of the Powhatans, a decade and a half of hatred fueled the natives call for vengeance.The massacre was a terrible loss to the settlers, but still they persevered. A short time had passed until the settlers inflicted massive retaliation on the Powhatans. One of the colonists wrote, â€Å" Now we have just cause to destroy them by all means possible, it is more easy to civilize them by conquest than faire meanest. † (Schwarz,1997) The two sides continued their brutal onslaught for the next ten years, and in 1632 an ill advised cease-fire was agreed upon. However, in 1644 the Powhatans attacked one last time, killing several more hundred settlers.In 1646 the Powhatans surrendered for good, but the bloody history and interaction of the two will never be forgotten. Norton, M. B. , Sheriff, C. , Blight, D. W. , Chudacoff, H. P. , Logevall, F. , Bailey, B. (2012), A people & a nation, a history of the united states (Vol. 1) Ninth edition. Boston, MA, Wadsworth, Cengage Learning. Schwarz, Frederic D. â€Å" Massacre. † American Heritage Feb. -Mar. 1997 US History Collection. Web. 1 Apr. 2012Smith, John. (nd). Smithsonian Source. In Resources for teaching American History. Retrieved April 1, 2012, from http://www. smithsoniansource. org/.

Child obesity Essay

Child obesity is a serious epidemic in America. One in every three kids in America is obese. Michelle Obama speaks at the launch of the â€Å"Lets Move† campaign. In front of cabinet member, senators, representatives and mayors, she discusses the campaign’s plans to fight obesity in America. Our best effort should be deployed to stop this epidemic that degrades the lives and future of our children by arming parents with the tools they need, equipping our school systems with healthier foods, making healthier foods available for our communities, and getting our kids to exercise more. Ms. Obama understands that not all parents have the necessary tools to make the right choices for their children. Even if the parents read a label on a food item, they may not understand what it means. The â€Å"Task Force on Child Obesity † movement will help to make food labels â€Å"consumer friendly† so parents can make better choices when buying food. The â€Å"Task Force on Child Obesity † will also help parents understand that they are responsible for building healthy habits in their kids, such as exercise . However, when the kids are at school the parents cannot control everything their children eat. Our schools do not serve healthy foods to our kids. Twice a day out kids eat unhealthy meals served at the schools. Ms. Obama said â€Å"If our kids are not getting adequate nutrition, even the best teachers will not be able to teach them effectively†(Obama 331). The kids need more fruits and vegetables in their diet. The â€Å"Child Nutrition Act† would give our school healthier standards. It would replace empty calorie meals with more fruits and vegetables, the fruits and vegetables they need for effective learning and brain functions. If the school are feeding our children unhealthy foods twice a day, it would undo the healthy eating habits learned at home. Once our schools begin to serve the healthy foods our kids need, the next step would be to ensure the parents have access to healthy food choices and not just fast food restaurants. Not all neighborhoods have grocery stores nearby to supply the community with healthy foods. If we invest 400 million dollars to build grocery stores around the country, we could eliminate â€Å"food deserts† in our communities. Not only will it give the parents a healthier choice over fast food restaurants, but it will also create jobs. Once the children are getting the nutrition they require, at home and at school, the last step is to get them to exercise more. Motivating our kids to exercise  can be done in various ways. Giving more â€Å"Presidential Active Lifestyle Awards† to kids who complete a specific exercise program is a great start. Hiring NFL, WMBA and other professional athletes is another way we will motivate our children to get more exercise. Child obesity is destroying the future of our children, but Ms. Obama outlines how we can stop it. By initiating the â€Å"Task Force on Child Obesity †, upgrading cafeteria food in schools, eliminating â€Å"food deserts†, and motivating out kids to exercise we can stop this growing epidemic . Ms. Obama effectively communicates her concerns and solutions in her speech. She also gives great examples as to why the parents are not always aware to the problem or may not have the options to help the situation. Although her intentions are well placed, I’m not convinced that her approach to solving child obesity is the most effective. Something should be done and if nothing else is being done about the obesity problem at least this will raise awareness.

Global Household Brand Essay

Executive summary After a review of the â€Å"Global Household Brand† article, I was assigned the task of reviewing your business and to provide a well-detailed critique on global households’ brands. I will develop a strategy; identify the likely cause of the company’s financial woes. The major factor on the poor financial performance of the company is that of competitive strategy and differences in operational effectiveness. Ineffective management strategies have led the company to lose lots of profit (Michael E, 1998). Its lack of a clear strategy on how to effectively compete with big marketers has made it either to exit the market or to end up in the financial mess.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     The company must continuously improve the level of its operational effectiveness, and income must be increased and regulated. Sustainable performance will largely be dependent on global household brand having a strategic position (Tony P, 2000). There is need to evaluate consumers’ trend.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Company and Industry Overview Global household brands has lost the image she built as a leading producer and marketer of a variety of â€Å"niche† dentifrice products that includes polident, powdered aspirin, household cleaning brands among a few others to company characterized with lack of customers and loss making one. The company initially thrived on venturing in new markets and exiting them when the competition became a little bit stiff. The restructuring of the company together with other measures to bring a change in the financial fortunes of the company have only helped to worsen the situation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   However, the firm has intention of reinventing itself to turn around its fortunes so as to be competitive and generate revenue in a continuous and sustainable manner. In the mid 1990s, when various big marketers such as Clorox, S.C Johnson, and Arm and Harmer began competing against global household brand’s 2000 flush automatic toilet bowl cleaners, X-14 mildew as well as soap scum removers and carpet fresh carpet refreshers, the company decided to exited the group of products due to their inability to gain substantial market share.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   During this period the company was not anywhere close to the red line, actually it was worth around $1.5 million. The exit made by global households brand did not seem to affect its profitability within the markets. The items it dealt with were in areas considered less competitive which enabled her to rake in high amounts of profits on their line up to branded products. During the period 1995-98 the profits started to drop by about 10-15% per annum.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Their potential to stay at least in the market was waning. The sale of their brands as well as the hiring and restructuring their management executive did not seem to over turn the events. Eventually after global household brand had had their sales drop from $130million to $ 70 million they decided to hire Goldman Sachs to sell their brand of products. After about one and a half years with Goldman at the helm, the sales figures were not anywhere near $100 that Goldman had promised. The deterioration in the sales figure was as a result of lack of competitive marketing strategy and difference in operation effectiveness. This was in spite of the company being given the green light about their customers respect for their brands of products. Analysis In the mid 1990s the company was worth about $1.5 billion. In the period 1995 to 1998 the sales of the firm was falling at a rate between 10 and 15% per annum. This in effect demonstrates the ability of the company to generate high profits. During the late 1990s onwards the firm did not efficiently output. The consistent drop in the sales figure was a testimony to this. In spite of all the changes and various measures the firm was taking, it was still not able to generate the projected profit margins. Despite the fact that the consumers have greatly respected their brand of products it was not able to capitalize on this factor to turn into huge profits. Strengths Consumers for its high quality of products very well recognize global households brands. This in addition to the mature nature of the household cleaning products industry is a plus for the company. The company is also much leveraged in the industry. The company also has a superior marketing V.P with such attributes as unique talents and is also very experienced as well as brilliant strategies. This is in addition to the talented R and D director it has on its board. All these factors will aid the management in turning around the fortunes of the firm. With all these talent and experience at their disposal the company would be starting from a vantage position in its path to recovery. The industry also seems to be very mature meaning the future of the company with its continued operations is bright. Weaknesses The firm has not effectively and in most cases deliberately not considered heavily investing in advertising and marketing to compete with her competition. The new operations manager also seems to be having a bad inter personal relationship with other employees within the firm. Global sales department has not met its past targets. Opportunity Trends The general trend within the industry seems to be in favor of household cleaning products. The overview of the general industry seems to suggest that it is leveraged and that household cleaning products industry is mature. This presents the company with the chance to exploit and increase its revenue. The maturity of the company shows that if it can invest largely without so many risks involved as uncertainty. Competitive Analysis Such companies like Clorox, S.C Johnson among others seem to be the greatest competition for the firm. They have heavily invested in their marketing strategies and in the end endeared themselves to their customers. Strategic options Global households, has been constantly pioneering various ranges of products over the past years. Before the entry of the big marketers it was the seen as the pioneer of household cleaning products. In addition to this, it has produced quality products. In fact, a recent survey suggests that most customers acknowledge the high quality of their products. The strategy of quitting and finding a new brand of products has been its main stay and now that it has run out of options and its very existence is threatened it must consider other options (Michael E, 1998). Since global households brand has come to the acknowledgment that it has to alter its business strategy so as to keep alive in the industry, it has few options left. First, it can adopt the differentiation strategy. This would require global household brand to build customer loyalty. In order to accomplish this, it has to position its products as well as services in unique ways that would appeal to the customers. In other words, the products will seek to be better than those of its competitors. The second option that the business may explore is that of focus strategy. This alternative takes into account the heterogeneity of many markets and industries. As such, there exist a lot of various customer segments with varying needs, wants as well as characteristics. The basic principle under this strategy is to put emphasis on selecting one segment(s), identify customers with special needs, interests and wants among other things and approach them. Global households brand could also employ the third option of horizontal integration. Under this strategy will be selling its products in various markets. In order to acquire the market coverage, it will have small subsidiary firms created. This would enable it compete with compete with its competitors effectively. Recommendations Within the last few years, global household brand has undergone a number of drastic changes. It has been forced to sell part of its brands, and almost the banks are about to call the loans given to it. One of the primary reasons global households has failed to meet its sales target is its inability to effectively market and appeal to the market. This is what her competition have done and thereby edged her out. Since the competitors have done the marketing really well, GHB has to effectively market itself or just face the possibilities of winding up. The second problem facing the company has been that of management. The manager has to learn to develop interpersonal relationship with his juniors. Alternatively, the New CEO or management team should meet people who worked at the Block drug before and find out what really problem was. This would enable them to have a better understanding of the firm’s woes as well as its triumphs. The management should also approach the financing Bank, and talk them out of calling the loans on the investors. Finally the $5million should be reduced with picked interest       References: Michael E. Porter, on competition, 1998, Harvard Business School Press Tony Proctor, 2000, Strategic Marketing: An introduction, Rout ledge. Alfred D. Chindler, Peter Haqstom, Orjan Solvell, 1999, the Dynamic Firm. The role of technology, strategy, organization, and regions, Oxford University Press.

Same Sex Marriages Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Same Sex Marriages - Research Paper Example Emotional understanding takes place between two persons when they start believing each other. Love, care, and trust are those key factors that play an important role in creating and maintaining affectionate feelings in the minds of the individuals involved in the relationship. However, one thing, which must me mentioned, is that feelings of love and care are not gender specific. It is not necessary that these feelings always arise between the individuals belonging to opposite genders. Sometimes the feelings of love and care also arise between the individuals belonging to the same gender. Those feelings become the reason for any two individuals from the same gender to get involved in a relationship between each other, which is referred to as same sex marriage. The government of the United States of America does not allow same sex marriages. The government of America believes that marriage is a sacred relationship, which should always involve the individuals from the opposite sexes whereas gay or lesbian marriages result in destroying the basic sprit of the relationship of marriage. â€Å"The biggest problem affecting same sex marriage is geography† (Dunn). However, in some states of America, courts have allowed people to do same sex marriages. Some of those states include Massachusetts, Vermont, and Connecticut. The courts of these states declared that marriage is a civil right, so gays and lesbians also possess this right (Cahill 4). In these states, although people belonging to same sexes are allowed to get tied in marital relationships with each other, yet their marriages or living status as a couple is not very much accepted by the majority of the US population. One of the major problems, which the same sex marriage couples face, is the discouraging behavior of the societies. Majority of people usually do not encourage same sex marriages because they think that such marriages are just for the fulfillment of sexual desires instead of making

What does a parent face to raise their children Essay

What does a parent face to raise their children - Essay Example It is surprising that as children grow, they adapt certain set of values some which are totally different from what they learned from their parents. Some of the challenges faced by parents as they raise up their children include dealing with drinking, premature sexual habits as well as drugs (Thomas 24). Recent studies have shown that, in recent years, children get into drug use as early as at eleven years. Parents, therefore, get faced with the challenge of putting measures in place to protect their children from such deadly traps. In fact, they have the responsibility to lead by example. With the rising trends of premarital sex and drinking, parents get faced with the challenge of constantly been in touch with their children class teachers so know their children progress. Drinking, as seen by teenagers, is just but as a symbol of fun and most of them see the vice as a way of spending their generous time (Thomas 29). Parents, therefore, face the challenge of instilling soberness in their way of thinking. Sex is yet another challenge that faces parents dealing with children in their teenage. With porn sites in the internet, television programmes, children eagerly grow up to learn more about sex and, therefore, the value of virginity gets lost among them. It is certainly an energy draining task for parents to install proper morals to such children. Moreover, with increased cases of sexual predators, parents become faced with the challenge of offering protection to their young children and ensuring their safety. However, despite the many challenges, parents also have their reward as they raise children. Children can teach parents many things that they could never have learned if they never had them. Parents with children, who have some disorders such as temper tantrums, experience a lot of satisfaction when they help their child overcome the problem without the parents

Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 6

Essay Example 2) Assessing Risk The second step is based on the assessment of the likelihood and outcomes of the risk. This means that the frequency and probability of the risk is measured in conjunction with the severity of its outcomes. 3) Create Controls and Make Right Decisions The third step in the risk management process is the formulation of control measures for minimizing risks. R. S. Khatta (2008) elaborates that controls are most effective when the causes that lead to risk are effectively dealt with. 4) Making Right Decisions The decision committee then reviews the control options and implements those which reduce the possibility of risks to minimum. Such decisions are highly dependent on the cost. 5) Monitoring and Evaluating Controls The controls being implemented need to be evaluated precisely. Constant monitoring of controls aimed at minimizing risks is also essential. Feedbacks are generated so as to analyze the effectiveness of controls (Steven S. Wilder, 1997). Role of the Project Manager in Risk Management Process John Bartlett (2004) writes that without any second thought, a project manager can be called as the champion of risk management process. A project manager is the one who has the responsibility of ensuring that the project is being run as planned and the entire team is enthusiastically engaged. He actively communicates with the suppliers and contractors and has access to the updated financial data. Few of the roles of project manager in the risk management process include ensuring the implementation of risk management process in the project. A project manager assesses the possible occurrence and severity level of the risk. He holds the responsibility of regularly updating the risk status to the seniors. A project manager also conducts meetings to review the risk; this is essential so that he could get update information on how well the entire process of risk management is going. He agrees to possible feedback and risk control response. One of the m ost significant responsibilities of a project manager includes closely monitoring of how effective is the role that is being played by the risk management team in the whole process. From these roles discussed in the previous sentences, we can get a clear idea that a project manager is the backbone for the successful implementation of risk management in any project. Benefits of Risk Management Risk management has obvious benefits in the step of project planning. Risk Management offers a structured framework which is an integral part of the planning process. It presents ways to maximize opportunities and minimize risks. It promotes the optimal utilization of resources in the project. With the help of risk management, there is an increased flow of communication between project members. The senior management gets a precise picture of the identified risks that may affect the project as well as the measures aimed at reducing those risks. The accountability pattern becomes more organized a nd improved. Decision making becomes effective due to the risk management process. The objectives of the project become more clear and achievable due to the involvement of risk managemen

A Bright New Boise Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

A Bright New Boise - Essay Example The play’s main character is Will, a staunch believer in Christian dogma. He interprets each word in the Christian Bibles as the literal truth and, therefore, believes that there will be â€Å"rapture† and God will come to redeem His people while the non-believers will be left to suffer. The play’s title suggests that, Boise, which is the capital city of Idaho, is bound to be a renewed and better place after the rapture that Will anticipates. This title also draws one’s attention to this fundamentalist belief of a future utopia, where there will no longer be any form of suffering. The dramatist and the director of â€Å"A Bright New Boise† settled for a suitable time to show people’s yearning for a better life and shift toward religious beliefs in the event of problems. This is because; the modern American society is presently characterized by numerous difficulties, especially economically, forcing many to believe the possibility of intervent ion or redemption by a higher deity. Hunter’s play shows how people’s beliefs vary and how we all seek refuge in diverse ideas about life in order to cope with hardships and tedium of life. Discussion During the introduction of the play, one is able to learn that the title’s connection to Idaho is due to Hunter’s background as a resident of the state. This perhaps gives the dramatist adequate knowledge about beliefs of Christian fundamentalists. The play begins just as the main character, Will, is hired in a Hobby Lobby store that deals with crafts and other works of art. Will, a middle-aged man who seems soft-spoken in nature, has left his home following a scandal that implicated his fundamentalist church. He has come to the Hobby Lobby store not only to escape his past, but also to try and regain a connection with his adolescent son Alex. Will apparently gave up baby Alex to adoptive parents and wants to reconnect with him before the rapture takes place . Tom Ross includes other characters like Pauline, the store’s manager; Leroy, a worker and Alex’s brother, as well as, Anna, another worker, to build themes portrayed by the play. The play, which adopts  a comic, yet somewhat dark nature, gives insight into family, religious faith, as well as, the significance of establishing connections with others. The play is set in the break room of a Hobby Lobby store. The room is painted with dull colors, like a dull shade of blue for the door and gray for the floors, lockers and walls. The tables are white with grayish supports, while the chairs are brown with legs similar to the tables. The hard edges of the rectangular door and window further accentuate the stereotype of discomfort and unaccommodating nature of modern corporate workplaces. This stereotype is also fostered by the harsh instructions and commands unleashed by the store’s manager. Ross also manages to incorporate other features of a contemporary workplac e like employees’ lockers and a working coffee maker. Further, the employees wear blue vests and badges on their chests, to signify their affiliation to the store. These elements emphasize the mundane or routinely nature of work, in America’s blue collar job environment. The break room at the Hobby Lobby is also lit by fluorescent lights that produce a harsh and irritating light. The television in the room does not play its purpose of relaxing the employees because of its white light and equally irritating noise. On the other side of the stage is an empty highway with big streetlights. As the play progresses, the audience hears loud traffic noises characteristic of a highway during late hours of the night. These features further emphasize the uncomfortable nature of the work environment and the long hours they have to

Essenital skills for an excellent career Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Essenital skills for an excellent career - Essay Example Poor conflict resolution skills may lead to team work breakdown, self dislike, wasting of talent and lack of motivation among others. However, conflicts are not a curse; they are a blessing if harnessed by skilled handling and solving. When conflict is handled and solved effectively, it is a promising tool in enhancing professional growth. For example, effective conflict resolution leads to increased understanding, group cohesion, and self-knowledge. The way conflict is handled differentiates between positive and negative outcomes. The article analyzes five styles proposed by Kenneth Thomas and Ralph Kilmann in the 1970s, from which they developed Thomas-Kilmann conflict model instrument (TKI). The KTI model styles are based on the intensity of the conflict. They include; competitive, collaborative, compromising, accommodating, and avoiding. The article teaches readers to take positive approaches to conflict resolution. For this to succeed in workplace, courteous and non-confrontational discussions where no individual is attacked should be employed. This way, conflict will become an event for growth rather than an attack. Manktelow, James and Amy Carlson. â€Å"Conflict Resolution: Resolving Conflict Rationally and Effectively.† Mind Tools. 1996-2013. 23 March, 2013.