John Steinbeck's Life Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

John Steinbeck's Life - Essay Example Published in the Stanford Spectator, a student enterprise, "Fingers of Cloud" seems out of place within its own deceptively-titled context, and, indeed, has been out of place, beyond the pens of Steinbeck critics, for over eighty years. Only Hughes and Timmerman have ventured more than the obligatory sentence or two that Steinbeck's biographers have deigned to scribe and share. Hughes's most helpful contribution is re-stating Thomas Kiernan's biographical information concerning Steinbeck's job as straw-boss on the Spreckels sugar-beet ranch in January 1921 (Hughes 4-5), which is likely the basis for some of the content in "Fingers of Cloud"; Timmerman's is noting the "mysterious pull of the mountains upon the human spirit" in the story, which "would surface in later works of Steinbeck's," and insisting, incorrectly, that Steinbeck's initial offering is "clearly inferior" when compared with "the later Steinbeck canon" (Timmerman 11, 22). Regardless of the opinions regarding the source and worth of "Fingers and Cloud," ecocriticism of Steinbeck's first story, as well as its place within Steinbeck's overall environmental context, have never been attempted. "Fingers of Cloud" is brief, only five pages long. In the story a young orphaned woman named Gertie appears, sweeping the floors of her house, singing gaily to herself. Steinbeck describes Gertie's "flat, pink face," her "benign smile," her "hair, as white as a washed sheep's wool and nearly as curly," and her "pink eyes" (160). In the span of only a few pages, Gertie ascends a mountain; gets caught in a rainstorm; barges into a Filipino labor camp; meets, seduces, and is seduced by Pedro, the boss; is married to him the following day; sets up house within the labor camp; gets beaten for days after; realizes and makes realized her whiteness and her new husband's blackness; and then, finally, re-Â ­ascends the mountain after apparently leaving Pedro, for good, behind. In terms of characterization, setting, and d ialogue, "Fingers of Cloud" offers tantalizing tastes of Steinbeck's style--a style that would allow Steinbeck to begin realizing his deepest wish, and a style that would cement his status as American's finest twentieth century American writer. Steinbeck's first character, Gertie, disregards her worldly duties, embracing instead the brilliant mystery of tall mountains and bright skies. At the story's opener, Gertie chants to herself, "Don't have to sweep no more--don't have to wash no more--don't have to do absolutely nothin'--no more" (160), repeating the last two words for extra effect. With her parents absent, and the family home now her own, the naive Gertie is well aware of her newfound freedom but does not yet realize how an absence of human connections will negatively impact her life, which comes into play later in Steinbeck's story. It is as if, with her mother and father gone, Gertie's purpose departs; and though her life may now be carefree, an emptiness still remains. Thu s, Gertie decides to leave behind her neighborhood--which is a monotonous collection of "houses and fences and grass plots" followed immediately by "new houses and fences and grass plots" (160)--and instead succumbs to the pull of the wild from the top of a mountain. Interestingly enough, upon

French Revolution Essay Example for Free

French Revolution Essay To fully explain the root cause of Modern Nationalism, one must look into what has transpired in the French Revolution. In 1789, the French revolution was born. There were transitions of power acquisition in the vital parts of Europe. On the 14th of July 1789, Bastille was under siege and on October the King Louis XVI and Royal Family was dethroned from Versailles and ended up to Paris. King Louis XVI was the ruler back then so his downfall can be equated to a total loss of order and authority. There were several attempts to escape the ouster of King Louis XVI but unfortunately it failed. With no clear power over the vast land, an assembly was formed to have a well-rounded and organized republic comprised of Austria, Holland, Prussia and Sardinia. When the republic was formed, King Louis was executed for his tyranny which have entailed for the sprouting of the Revolutionary Tribunal. France did not participate with this ideology because of the resistance of Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon Bonaparte acquired control of the Consulate to proliferate a uniform law, equality, property rights and eradication of feudalism. Geographically, France is situated between the two large clusters of the liberal advocates. Basically, the French Revolution was the clash between the liberals and the radicals. Liberalists are those people who adhere to a just society through the divine law that is hereditary through culture while radicals are those who adhere to line of thinking that change and variation from the old system must manifest for a better society. From the clashes of the two opposing ideologies of the French Revolution, a new ideology was formed which is the Modern Nationalism. Nationalism is an ideology which focuses on the unity of the members of the nation to have a single national identity given basis to ethnicity, origin and the cultural background of these nations (Miscevic, 2005). The essence of adhering to the Nationalist Ideology is to establish a state. A state is political entity that is assumed to have a high degree of sovereignty (Miscevic, 2005). The state has a high sovereignty because it is assumed that the power is centralized with this entity. All of the members of the nation must abide to the imposed terms and conditions made by the state. The state can be polymorphous in way that it can be democratic and also can be totalitarian. The two opposing kingdoms of Italy and Germany were united. Despite of their contrasting beliefs, they found a way to remedy the situation and push through for the development of the nation. In 1871, they were united but the times went sour when the nation needed a sole leader of the two states. It is assumed and predicted that there will be conflict between Italy and Germany because of their adherence to Liberalism and Nationalism, respectively. Guissepe Mazzini was a radical revolutionary thinker that viewed the Italy as a state under an umbrella of control by a foreign authority. He wanted to free Italy from nationalistic ideology that it has adhered to since he was a liberalist. With his propaganda mission, he was put into bars in Italy. His revolutionary act were extremely refuted by the nationalist view hence he did not stop pursuing his effort of shifting Italy to a liberal state. Nationalism is a good ideology but it has some loopholes like any other ideologies. Some of them are: it is too predictive and presumptuous, why, because it always aims to unite people that are completely different from one another. Cultural relativism can be an issue for nationalism. Second, the selection of state that will be the center of authority, this is very important hence no one could tell what possible qualities should a good state possess and it all boils down to who has the greater means of production. Lastly, it assumes that the world possesses a harmonious relation, but in reality, we are driven by conflict. References Cody, D. (2007). French Revolution. The Victorian Website. Hartwick College. Retrieved on November 6, 2007 from http://www. victorianweb. org/history/hist7. html Spitzer, A. (2005). Tocqueville’s Modern Nationalism. Oxford Journals. University of Iowa. Retrieved on November 6, 2007 from http://fh. oxfordjournals. org/cgi/content/abstract/19/1/48 Chastain, J. (2004). Guissepe Mazzini. Encyclopedia of 1848 Revolutions. Retrieved on November 6, 2007 from http://www. ohiou. edu/~chastain/index. htm Chew, R. (1995). Napoleon I: Emperor of French. Lucidcafe Website. Retrieved on November 6, 2007 from http://www. lucidcafe. com/lucidcafe. html Miscevic, N. (2005). Nationalism. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved on November 6, 2007 from http://plato. stanford. edu/entries/nationalism/#1. 2

World Trade Organisation Essay -- essays papers

World Trade Organisation The official World Trade Organisation web site, defines the WTO as â€Å"the only global international organisation dealing with the rules of trade between nations . . . [through] helping producers of goods and services, exporters, and importers (to) conduct their business†1. It was formed in 1995 after growing out of and extending the institution of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. As of the thirtieth of November 2000, the WTO has 140 member-countries, over three-quarters of which are developing or least-developed countries. As the WTO implies, its current role is to serve as the lubrication for the joints in the engine of globalisation; although just how effective and fair this lubrication may be, is still a point of great contention. The WTO preaches that its purpose and effect are to â€Å"improve the welfare of the people of the member countries†2, and it claims that this is achieved by administering trade agreements, and monitoring and handling trade disputes. This essay will test the truth in this statement, of whether or not the actions taken by the WTO have failed to further enhance the welfare of the people of its member countries, and if so, whether the WTO therefore needs to be either reformed or even abolished. The criteria by which I will assess this truth, takes into account the three major arguments that are held against the WTO, with regard to its affect on the welfare of the people of its member countries. One of these arguments is that the international rules the WTO authors, consistently favour multinational corporations at the expense of workers and small farmers. Another argument is that by removing trade barriers as the WTO seeks to achieve, jobs are ‘exported’ to lower labour cost countries where the standards to which the labourers are subjected, are below what is internationally accepted. The final main argument against the WTO’s aims that is raised, is that if countries cannot make their industries globally competitive, they will experience a decline in their people’s standards of living. Judging the results of these arguments, will allow me to decide whether or not the WTO is in need of reform, abolishment, or if it should continue without alt eration. The basic premise of the WTO is to open up trade between nations, and one of its potential disadvantages is that its opera... ...) â€Å"Slow out of the blocs† The Australian February 1 p.28. Mitchell, A. (2001) â€Å"Let community have its say† The Australian Financial Review March 7 p.6. Steketee, M. (2000) â€Å"Unhappy days are here again† The Australian June 17 p.4. The Australian (2000) â€Å"Fabric of the fair go ripped to shreds† June 17 p.4. Internet: Ebeling, R. (2000) Free Trade Versus Protectionism [ON-LINE] http://www.freerepublic.com/forum/a3950b6be763d.htm S-11 Online (2001) Frequently Asked Questions: FAQ [ON-LINE] http://www.s11.org/s14/s11.html Sirico, R. (2000) Free Trade and Human Rights: The Moral Case For Engagement [ON-LINE] http://www.freerepublic.com/forum/a392420130b93.htm Wills, J. (2000) Multinationals and the Poverty Trap [ON-LINE] http://www.unfairtrade.co.uk/pov/articles.shtml WTO Online(1) (1999) 10 Benefits of the WTO Trading System [ON-LINE] http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/whatis_e/10ben_e/10b03_e.htm WTO Online(2) (1999) 10 Benefits of the WTO Trading System [ON-LINE] http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/whatis_e/tif_e/fact1_e.htm WTO Online(3) (1999) What is the WTO? [ON-LINE] http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/whatis_e/whatis_e.htm

Humanities and Postmodernism Essay

In discerning a relationship between the Postmodern Portal and the Green Man, one finds a bridge that connects the past, present, and future. The lackluster color and repetitive patterns of the Green Man symbolizes antiquity or the times of yore. On the other hand, the vibrant and compound nature of the Postmodern Portal symbolizes how one, at present time, looks at the possibilities inherent in the future and prepares to face the challenges brought about by changes and transformations signaled by the shifting of time from present time to the future. The spotlight directed to the man in the Postmodern Portal seems to place the viewer within the context of the present. The walls and the arch symbolizes man’s entry to the future, while the archaic designs on the walls and the scattered stones on the ground represents how the present will soon be a past as man moves on to the future. The gesture of the man, holding a sword courageously illustrates how people in this generation are prepared to face the challenges and difficulties that come with change through the passage of time and the coming of the future. Moreover, this particular gesture seems to express how man has continually been able to conquer the present, which is significant in allowing him to face the future. Framing the relationship between the Postmodern Portal and the Green Man and developing a perceptive interpretation on the inherent symbols and illustrations embedded within these pieces of art are highly significant in understanding postmodernism, particularly reconstructive postmodernism. Reconstructive postmodernism has been described in the lecture as something that is fundamental to achieving a higher humanity. This is because this particular concept perceives that understanding human conditions, through significant interpretation of the past and the present, are highly significant in determining how the future would be like for man. Moreover, in knowing these things, man will be able to understand himself because of his knowledge of where he came from, where he is at present time, and where he is heading, leading him to achieve a sense of self that allows him to conquer the course of life and the past, present, and future of the human race. Indeed, achieving higher humanity does adhere to the principle upheld by the Northern Arizona University, that â€Å"to be educated is to become more human. † The plot perceived within the links connecting the Postmodern Portal and the Green Man places the past, the present, and the future side by side. This particular concept is inherent in the works of Robinson Jeffers. In one of Jeffers’ poem, â€Å"To the Stone-Cutters,† he sought to concede to the inescapable passage of time which would inevitably fragment the life of man into the past, the present, and the future. Moreover, in â€Å"Continent’s End,† Jeffers was able to convey the importance of remembering the past, especially how man came to be in this planet, in order for us to re-evaluate how we changed and are changing in order for us to reconstruct a much better future that is free from pride that abounds from self-righteousness and bitterness. The symbolisms of humanity in Remedios Varo’s works are more explicit, owing to how she was able to capture significant and discernible meanings through her artistry. Varo’s paintings, particularly in the â€Å"Discovery of a Mutant Geologist† and the â€Å"Creation of Birds† illustrate a fusion of the past, the present and the future. The pictorial landscape signifies the unpretentious nature of the past, the involved disposition of the present, and the avant-garde quality of the future. It may be observed how the setting chosen by Varo in the â€Å"Discovery of a Mutant Geologist† was a testing site for nuclear weapons before. The painting shows how the site looked like in the past but how we differently view at present time due to man’s perceptions of war, and how continuing human activities that are labeled as destructive reaching the level of how war is unconstructive will affect how man will change or metamorphose in the future. Varo’s paintings also link how the past, the present, and the future are interrelated, and that in seeking to understand these links or relationships, man will be able to view how he has acted to shape the course of events leading to the present and determine how he will be able to act with purpose and significance to lead a better future for the human race.

Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy Essay

Does entrepreneurial self-efficacy distinguish entrepreneurs from managers? Self-efficacy is an individual’s cognitive estimate of his or her â€Å"capabilities to mobilize the motivation, cognitive resources and courses of action needed to exercise control over events in their lives† (Wood & Bandura 1989). One important effect of self-efficacy is on the chice of behavior settings, where individuals tend to choose situations in which they anticipate high personal control but avoid situations in which they anticipate low control. Starting one’s own business is often described as purposive and intentional career choice. Although there can be a wide variety of contextual as well as individual factors that influence the entrepreneurial choice, the role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy has been emphasized as a key antecedent . Bandura (1977b. 1986) distinguished his social learning theory from many traditional psychological theories by emphasizing reciprocal causation among cognition, behavior and environment, where we found that the notion of reciprocal causation is important in understanding self-efficacy and its determinants and effects. One of the researches conducted on the effects of self-efficacy found that self-efficacy is the most effective predictor of performance. This study had shown that people with high self-efficacy have more intrinsic interest in the tasks, are more willing to expend their effort and show more persistence in the face of obstacles. As a result, they perform more effectively. Performance and performance accomplishments are also considered to be determinants of self-efficacy. And the self-efficacy affects performance through interest, motivation and perseverance, whereas performance provides feedback information on the basis of which self-efficacy is further evaluated and modified. Concerning the Expectancy theory and self-efficacy we find that self-efficacy is about the execution of action, not its outcome. It is about all the internal factors that bear influence on the execution of actions, where a low self-efficacy may mean a belief that one cannot execute the behavior because one does n ot have the required cognitive and emotional abilities to mobilize effort. Whereas self-efficacy is a broader concept than effort-performance expectancy, it is considered more specific than locus of control, belief-based personality variable. Self-efficacy can be affected by two important distinctions: First: locus of control measures not only behavioral but also outcome control, while sel-efficacy concerns only behavioral control. Secondly: internal versus external locus of control is generalized construct covering a variety of situations, while self-efficacy is task specific, examining the individual’s conviction that he or she can perform a specific task at a specific level of expertise. Bandaru (1982) maintained that although self-efficacy is task specific, it can also be generative, that is self-efficacy with respect to one task may be generalized to another task. Regardless of the specificity of the task domain, assessment of efficacy has to be at the specific task level to maintain its predictive power. According to Gist (1987 p.481), he reflected that â€Å"it would be more promising to generalize self-efficacy perceptions by aggregating across a number of related but domain specific measures than by attempting to devise a broad omnibus test†. One of the most important ways of measuring self-efficacy of a broader domain is to develop a conceptual framework of task requirements on the basis of which self-efficacy of a domain is aggregated from self-efficacy of various constituent sub domains. The self-efficacy perspective is highly appropriate for the study of the entrepreneur. Where the entrepreneur self-efficacy (ESE) refers to the strength of an individual’s beliefs that he or she is capable of successfully performing the roles and tasks of an entrepreneur. For its effect on behavior choice and performance, self-efficacy is widely claimed to have greater predictive power than constructs that lack task-specificity. This implies that ESE should distinguish entrepreneurs better than do global personality traits. According to several authors and researchers, there are six entrepreneurial roles were identified, which are: innovator, risk taker and bearer, executive manager, relation builder, risk reducer and goal achiever.

Criticism of Diego Velzquez Las Meninas, Sebastin de Morra, and Baltasar Carlos and a Dwarf essays

Criticism of Diego Velzquez Las Meninas, Sebastin de Morra, and Baltasar Carlos and a Dwarf essays Diego Velzquez was called the noblest and most commanding man among the artists of his country. He was a master realist, and no painter has surpassed him in the ability to seize essential features and fix them on canvas with a few broad, sure strokes. His men and women seem to breathe, it has been said; his horses are full of action and his dogs of life. Because of Velzquez great skill in merging color, light, space, rhythm of line, and mass in such a way that all have equal value, he was known as the painters painter, as demonstrated in the paintings Las Meninas, Sebastin de Morra, and Baltasar Carlos and a Dwarf. Las Meninas is a pictorial summary and a commentary on the essential mystery of the visual world, as well as on the ambiguity that results when different states or levels interact or are juxtaposed. The painting of The Royal Family also known as Las Meninas has always been regarded as an unsurpassable masterpiece. According to Palomino, it was finished in 1656, and, while Velzquez was painting it, the King, the Queen, and the Infantas Marà ¬a Teresa and Margarita often came to watch him at work. In the painting, the painter himself is seen at the easel; the mirror on the rear wall reflects the half-length figures of Philip IV and Queen Mariana standing under a red curtain. The Infanta Margarita is in the center, attended by two Meninas, or maids of honor, Dorbola, and a midget, Nicols de Pertusato, who playfully puts his foot on the back of the mastiff resting on the floor. Linked to this large group there is another formed by Doña Marcela de Ulloa, guardamujer de las d amas d...

Case AES in Nigeria

Case AES in Nigeria Introduction Before the establishment of AES in Nigeria, the country experienced enormous challenges concerning the distribution of power supply. The National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) was the major stakeholder in Nigeria power industry. On the other hand, due to monopoly granted by the government, the body was not able to utilize its potential factors in the area of adequate service and maintenance.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Case: AES in Nigeria specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In line with this, the overall power transmission lost an average of 30 to 40 percent and only 36 percent of the population had access to regular power supply. The nation main power distributor, National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) also experienced political manipulations that were meant to serve the interests of a few politically connected individuals. These challenges had a negative effect in the distribution of power s upply to citizens (Zhang, 2013, p.2). With the entry of the AES in Nigeria certain positive changes occurred. These changes led to the formation of a new electricity policy whose purpose was to privatize the energy sector completely and enhance competition and proper distribution of electricity in Nigeria. With this move, the government privatized most of the state owned enterprises (Azubuike, 2009, p.233). Measuring AES success in Nigeria The measure of success by the AES should run directly proportional to its core principles and objectives. The AES can claim to succeed only if its projections in Nigeria are actualized. According to the core principles of the organization, four major values can be noted. The first value is integrity, this means the company values integrity in its operation and expects its personnel to carry out their duties with integrity (Zhang, 2013, p.2). This fact however poses a huge challenge in implementing, because just like many African countries with bad reputation in fighting corruption, Nigeria is not an exception. However, integrity can be achieved by AES, if they strive to inculcate it into the organizations day-to-day operations and introducing incentives to those who maintain the true spirit of the company’s objectives (Azubuike, 2009; Zhang, 2013, p.2) The second principle that the company holds dear is Fairness towards its customers, suppliers, personnel, government, and communities in which they operate. The organization maintains the policy against taking advantage of situations to gain profits and at the same time affecting others. This is a strategy by the organization that aims at gaining public confidence and trust. Although most organizations that are profit driven usually ignore the importance of fairness whenever their interests are at stake, Fairness has proved to build good reputation for companies that practice this virtue. Fairness is achievable and AES can achieve this easily as part of their strategy ( Zhang, 2013, p.2).Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The third principle is Fun. AES desires that its employees have fun while working with the organization. However, this aspect depends on an individual, because most people end up being overwhelmed with work rather than enjoying what they do. If the organization can employ people who love what they do rather than what is being offered as payment, then this aspect will be fully actualized and they would consider themselves on the way to success (Zhang, 2013, p.2). The fourth core principle is social responsibility. This aims at providing affordable services to customers and ensuring high degree of safety and reliability. This also includes providing employment to the surrounding community and ensuring a clean environment. If the company achieves its goal of replacing foreign expatriates with local skilled person nel, then, they can consider themselves as being successful (Zhang, 2013, p.2). If the survey carried out in the case study is anything to go by, we would consider AES to be on the way to success since it had achieved some of its principles in its first year of operation in Nigeria (Zhang, 2013, p.2). Reference List Azubuike, L. O. (2009). Privatization and Foreign investment in Nigeria. Boca Raton, Florida: Universal Publishers. Zhang, D. (2013). AES in Nigeria. Marketing Management Seminar 1 (8), 2-8.

History of the Classic Teddy Bear

History of the Classic Teddy Bear Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, is the person responsible for giving the teddy bear his name. On November 14, 1902, Roosevelt was helping settle a border dispute between Mississippi and Louisiana. During his spare time, he attended a bear hunt in Mississippi. During the hunt, Roosevelt came upon a wounded young bear and ordered the mercy killing of the animal. The Washington Post ran an editorial cartoon created by the political cartoonist Clifford K. Berryman that illustrated the event. The cartoon was called Drawing the Line in Mississippi and depicted both state line dispute and the bear hunt. At first, Berryman drew the bear as a fierce animal, the bear had just killed a hunting dog. Later, Berryman redrew the bear to make it a cuddly cub. The cartoon and the story it told became popular and within a year, the cartoon bear became a toy for children called the teddy bear. Who Made the First Toy Bear Called Teddy Bear? Well, there are several stories, but this is the most popular of teddy bear lore. Morris Michtom made the first official toy bear called the teddy bear. Michtom owned a small novelty and candy store in Brooklyn, New York. His wife Rose was making toy bears for sale in their store. Michtom sent Roosevelt a bear and asked permission to use the teddy bear name. Roosevelt said yes. Michtom and a company called Butler Brothers began to mass-produce the teddy bear. Within a year Michtom started his own company called the Ideal Novelty and Toy Company. ï » ¿However, the truth is that no one is sure who made the first teddy bear.

McDonalds Products and Marketing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

McDonalds Products and Marketing - Assignment Example There are also a few items available for sale that are part of the branding of the corporation in the form of t-shirts, mugs, and other such items. One of the more popular items is the ‘Happy Meal Toy’, which has obtained a status as a collectible item. Therefore, the item is not only of interest to children but to adults who become involved with this type of collecting. According to the annual report of 2007, the three most important products of the year were the Snack Wrap, the introduction of McGriddles in Japan, and the McCafe concept which is working toward selling a great deal of coffee in the form of specialty coffees and lattes [p.11]. Revenue was increased in Argentina with the introduction of ’El Placer del Momento’ which were designed around a rotating flavor schedule [p. 15]. The most successful ‘Happy Meal Toy’ campaign of 2007 was the tie in with Shrek the Third, in which 115 countries had participating McDonald’s franchises [p. 17]. With creative products and items that are created specifically for the markets within a country, such as a snack wrap that has shrimp as a protein base for Japan [15], McDonald’s has a consistent record of using The McDonald’s corporation does not publish its product sales figures, therefore it is not possible to build an accurate Boston Matrix. However, with information gathered from the 2007 Annual Report, a representation of what those figures could look like is made within the above matrix. McDonald’s has determined that proprietary information will not be released in any form even for use by students in a research project [Student, 2009] According to the report, Big Macs, French Fries and the rest of the core menu are responsible for 75% of the total revenue [2007 Annual, 2008 11].  Examples of where some of the products might possibly fit into this type of a matrix are used in the above grid.

Possible effects of ginseng on blood glucose in diabetic patients Essay

Possible effects of ginseng on blood glucose in diabetic patients - Essay Example The plant is cultivated for its man shaped roots which form an important diet supplement in Asian countries and United States. Historical records reveal the use of ginseng root for effectively treating diseases with symptoms similar to diabetes. However, researches to investigate the antidiabetic effect of Ginseng root began only in the first half of 20th century. Studies conducted by Japanese scientists on the root of Ginseng in the 1920s led to reports confirming the traditional claims of Ginseng root being effective in reducing baseline blood glucose and alleviating hyperglycemia caused as a consequence of high intake of glucose. Ever since numerous in vitro studies, animal trials, clinical trials on the root and root extracts have supported the efficiency of ginseng in controlling blood sugar levels in diabetics and hence has been used for the treatment of diabetes (Xie et al., 2005). The constituents are ginseng root are 80%-90% organic and up to 10% inorganic with multiple acti ve ingredients namely saponins or ginsenosides, many carbohydrates, nitrogenous substances, phytosterols, essential oils, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, peptides and organic acids. The active ingredients reported in the extracts effective in reducing blood glucose levls have been detected with ginsenosides and polysaccharides. Ginsenosides has been identified as the principal active ingredient of the plant and its concentration is highest in the leaf, followed by berry and then roots. Besides, the profile of ginsenosides with six main ginsenosides isolated from root berry and leaf is also different. Thus it has been speculated that the relative proportions of the some of these ginsenosides determines the hypoglycemic efficiency of ginseng extracts (Xie et al., 2005). Thus hypoglycemic effect of ginseng extracts has been well documented and supported by experimental evidences. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the effect of ginseng on blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. METHOD PARTICIPANTS 5 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus with mean values of age, BMI and weight being 62, 29kg/m2 and 81Kf were selected after informing them about the procedure and probable results of the experiment and obtaining their written consent. It was ensured that the Diabetes patients were reasonably controlled and were on a treatment procedure involving the drugs sulfonylurea, and a combination of sulfonylurea and metformin; which was continued during the period of experiment. Each of the participants was provided with instruction booklet to ensure that the other conditions are maintained uniform during the course of the experiment. TREATMENT The patients were given two categories of treatments; one gelatin capsule with 3g ginseng given either 40 minutes before a glucose intake of 25g of 300ml glucose or simultaneous with same concentration of glucose; both taken orally. The control treatment involved identical administration of all ingredients as in treatment group except ginseng being replaced by a placebo capsule containing corn sugar instead of ginseng. Four treatments, two tests and two controls were given to each participant in random order. PROCEDURE Maintaining every other condition of diet, activity and medication constant, participants were administered the above doses at intervals of 1 week after 10-12 hours of fasting in the morning. Each test was preceded with regular check up and complete dose of routine

How Will Advances in Big Data, IT, Cloud Computing and Analytics Essay

How Will Advances in Big Data, IT, Cloud Computing and Analytics Impact Healthcare - Essay Example Cloud computing is the use of computer software and hardware over a network normally as a service. This means that in order for someone to use the software and hardware they do not need to have them physically, all they need is access to the network where the respective cloud network is located (Agha, 2012). A good example of cloud computing is where hospitals compile all their information centrally and staff with verified passwords can access the information irrespective of the geographical location. Analytics can be considered the communication and discovery of patterns in data sets. Analytics are normally used in areas where that have a lot of recorded information. Analytic greatly depends and relies on computer programming operations and statics. Analytics can be used in the healthcare system where patient information may be used to predict future trends in diseases and general health of the population. Healthcare has been curbed by a lot of problems. It is filled with a lot of setbacks and short comings. One of major inefficiencies of the healthcare system is the old filling system. This is where all records including patient records and disease records are stored in the manual hardcopy files. There are no softcopy backups thus making the hard copy files the only files on record. This has proved cumbersome since there are hospital records that date back to almost the 1900s. Finding such a record using the manual filing system is very difficult. As it is known, almost all disease and outbreaks repeat themselves in time. This means that doctors might be unable to identify some old diseases just because a record of the disease in the past cannot be located. Another major inefficiency in healthcare is administration. Administration in the healthcare system is very poor yet a lot of money is used in the administration of all health care system. This is double inefficiency. Administrating healthcare especially in underdeveloped countries is done in a

Financial Statement Analysis Fundamental Analysis and Valuation Essay - 1

Financial Statement Analysis Fundamental Analysis and Valuation - Essay Example Moreover, taxation Abercrombie & Fitch Company was higher in the year 2015 as compared to year 2014 depicting that the company had relatively higher sales in the present financial year. The present share price is $29.4 with total shares of 73.4 billion in both financial years. The net financial asset of the company is 1,729.5 million whilst the company adjusts share-based compensation expense on a quarterly basis for the real forfeitures. The company current inventory is valued at $ 2.8 billion (Wahlen et al. 124-189). Commodities of the company are enduring and cool, which depicts longer average lifespan of current share price. Current Share price is higher compared to the previous years prior to the financial crisis when the share price. The shares of Abercrombie & Fitch Company have reduced from 51.07 to 29.4 in the pre-market trading. Thus, an individual ought to hold on the present shares to monitor the prevailing behaviour in the year 2015 regarding the shares price. Moreover, the prices of the shares are likely to further decrease in their share

Body art and ornamentation of the Egyptian Copts and Hindi India Essay

Body art and ornamentation of the Egyptian Copts and Hindi India cultures - Essay Example d person as incomplete and they usually use a matchmaker to find possible marriage couples unlike the Copts who look for their own partners (Lindsey, 2012). After the couples are matched by the matchmaker the go to their parents for approval after which wedding preparations start immediately. These Hindu marriages happen in the most spiritual day- ocuta, early in the moment where the girl is led by the male around a fire (punit) seven times (Lindsey, 2012). The Hindi culture does not consider baptism in water. On the other hand, the Egyptian Copts baptize their children seven days after birth where the child is baptized by the father (Lindsey, 2012). The father washes the child in a washbowl and later prays the Salat elTist- the washbowl prayer. This process tales about 30 minutes and is followed by a two hour prayer where the child is given the holy secrets called the Tanawel (Lindsey, 2012). If a member of the Coptic culture dies, his/her body is washed by a family member, covered by a shroud and the whole family goes to church to pray for the dead. The priest then conducts the funeral service and the body is buried (Lindsey, 2012). There is no specific day for burial. On the other hand, the Indians had dissimilar ways of burying their dead based on their tribe (Lindsey, 2012). Some buried them under the ground in coffin while other burned their dead. The ashes were later buried or conserved in a sacred place depending on their social status (Lindsey, 2012). The principal garment that was worn during the ancient Coptic period was a tunic, usually made of linen but sometimes made of wool, with a tapestry-woven decoration. Over it was the pallium – an oblong cloak which was similarly decorated as the tunic (Dimand, 1930). These tunics had adornments at the front and back together with shoulder bands of dissimilar lengths, and square roundels on the shoulders. The lower edge had trims of horizontal bands that turned at right angles on each side (Dimand, 1930).

Financial Statement Analysis Fundamental Analysis and Valuation Essay - 1

Financial Statement Analysis Fundamental Analysis and Valuation - Essay Example Moreover, taxation Abercrombie & Fitch Company was higher in the year 2015 as compared to year 2014 depicting that the company had relatively higher sales in the present financial year. The present share price is $29.4 with total shares of 73.4 billion in both financial years. The net financial asset of the company is 1,729.5 million whilst the company adjusts share-based compensation expense on a quarterly basis for the real forfeitures. The company current inventory is valued at $ 2.8 billion (Wahlen et al. 124-189). Commodities of the company are enduring and cool, which depicts longer average lifespan of current share price. Current Share price is higher compared to the previous years prior to the financial crisis when the share price. The shares of Abercrombie & Fitch Company have reduced from 51.07 to 29.4 in the pre-market trading. Thus, an individual ought to hold on the present shares to monitor the prevailing behaviour in the year 2015 regarding the shares price. Moreover, the prices of the shares are likely to further decrease in their share

Human impact on the natural enviornment Research Paper

Human impact on the natural enviornment - Research Paper Example People for instance need timber for building and for fuel, but obtaining it means cutting down trees that are an important aspect of the natural environment. In view of this, the purpose of this paper is to explore the actual human impact on the natural environment. Human impact on vegetation Human existence has a significant impact on plant life. Since the pre-historic times, human beings have greatly relied on plant life for food, shelter and clothing among other uses. With rapid urbanization and the growth of populations, green patches have shrunk to alarming levels, thus requiring a re-evaluation of the interactions between humans and the natural vegetation. Human beings impact the vegetation in various ways. Some of the disruptions to the natural vegetation are fire, deforestation for building materials and cultivation of land. Human beings have used fire since pre-historic times. Fire was an important resource for various reasons such as protection from wild animals at night, c ommunication, clearing forests and in war. Similarly, the impact of fire on the natural environment has been immense. Fires may be caused by human beings or they may occur naturally. Natural fires may be as a result of lightening strikes, sliding rocks and land slides. They may also result from spontaneous combustion, which is the accumulation of heat as a result of thick, compacted and rotten plants (Goudie 26). The effects of fire on the environment depend on its scope, duration and intensity. The nature of fire will determine the extent of the destruction it causes. While some only affect ground vegetation, others will burn out whole forests (Goudie 27). The impact of fire on the vegetation is sometimes positive. The existence of some landscapes on earth such as tropical savannas, medium latitude savannas and grasslands is attributed fires. In some instances, fires are believed to help in the germination of dormant seeds, whereby once a fire burns out, seeds that were lying dorma nt in the soil start germinating naturally (Goudie 29). At the same time, some plants have become adapted to fire as it facilitates their germination and decomposition. Some areas which are prone to fires actually show greater diversity in terms of different species thus enhancing the stability of the natural environment (Goudie 30). Human impact on water Water is an important element of the natural environment. One of its key roles in the environment is the recycling of different substances. As a solvent, it carries suspended materials as it flows through and into the earth’s surface. Effects of human beings on water areas include the direct pollution of water resources, through directing noxious wastes into water bodies. The cutting down of trees also impacts water resources, as it leads to increased down stream flow by decreasing evaporation and transpiration. Trees, through their own transpiration process increase evaporation, which then turns into precipitation on encoun tering cold air. As a result, cutting down trees reduces the chances of precipitation, which in turn affects the amount of water available to flowing streams (Haigh and Krecek 2). Human activities such as clearing of forests and plowing of grasslands change the rate at which water and streams flow and the level water infiltration (Meyer 172). Other human activities that affect water include irrigation, which lowers the intensity and volume of

Classical and Humanist Management Theories Essay Example for Free

Classical and Humanist Management Theories Essay â€Å"Classical and humanist management theories have had a major influenced on modern theories of leadership. Making effective use of appropriate models and theories critically examine whether this is actually the case. † Civilization is the product of those who came before us. The evolution of today’s modern management thinking has grown and developed since nineteenth century and flourished during twentieth. The twentieth century is just part of revolution management theory which started from classical theory, ranging to human relation approaches and last flourishing now. Management theory is out coming result of the interdisciplinary efforts of many people. Today the new modern theories of leadership, come up based on classical and humanist management theories, still develop and grow as an organisation. Leadership is setting a new path or vision for a cluster that they follow; a leader is the spearhead for that new direction. Management controls or directs people/resources in a group according to principles or values that have already been established. The main difference between them comes from what happen if there is one without another. If leadership comes without management then sets a track or visualization that others follow, without considering too much how the new direction is going to be achieved. Other people then have to work hard in the trail that is left behind, picking up the pieces and making it work. Management without leadership; controls resources to uphold the current situation or confirm things happen according to already-established plans. In Organizing Genius (Addison-Wesley, 1997) Bennis and Patricia Ward Biederman point out those leaders of great teams pick talent on the basis of excellence and ability to work with others. Good leaders are not afraid to hire people who know more than they do. Jack Welch has said that his biggest accomplishment has been finding great people. A leader should project responsibilities that involve a person’s competence and values. A good leader also reinforces motivation and develops ability through coaching. Leaders know how to keep their people focused. Good leaders can build incredible relationship and can build trust. The interest of leadership come in the early 20, when was considered that great leaders are born not made. The ideas and theories started developed after then. On the other hand those irreplaceable qualities of good leaders are based on beginning of management. The first management ideas, actually, were record in 3000-4000 B. C, when the pyramids were about to be build. Then the beginning of the modern organisation occurred with the theory called The Founders during the middle of the nineteenth century with the rise of the factory system. After came Pre-Classicism with Robert Owen (1771-1858) and Charles Babbage (1792-1871). And then the twentieth century becomes witness on the most memorable theories called Classical School. The Classical School of Management was period of management theory ferment and activity. It was based on improvement of management effectiveness in organisations. It wasn’t only about effectiveness in worker please but they also seek to provide needed tool for more effective work and satisfied workers. Within the classical school there are the bureaucratic management, administrative management and scientific management branches. The era of the ideas of Modern theories started with Scientific Management. Frederick Taylor put the beginning of the contemporary and still improving management. He advocated a change from the old system of personal management to a new system of scientific management. His theory argues that, each person’s job should be broken down into elements and a scientific way to perform each element should be determinate. Workers need to be careful selected and properly trained for particular job. The good corporation between management and workers is compulsory. His theory was accepted with many positive fatbacks and negativism as well. But to modern readers, he stands convicted by his own words (1975): â€Å"†¦ in almost all of the mechanic arts, the science which underlies each act of each workman is so great and amounts to so much that the workman who is best suited to actually doing the work is incapable of fully understanding this science, without the guidance and help of those who are working with him or over him, either through lack of education or through insufficient mental capacity. Scientific management come across with significant success. Taylor bring a success and to economic standpoints. Productivity met improvement because of his methods. After Scientific management come Human Relations Movement with Elton Mayos experiences in the Hawthorne Works Experiments. Mayo’s theory met success; his impacts were the creation of the industrial engineering. Max Weber – Bureaucracy come after Mayo’s scientific management. Max Weber believed that civilization was changing to pursue technically best outcomes at the outflow of emotional or humanistic content. Weber did not advocate bureaucracy; indeed, his writings show a strong caution for its excesses: †¦the more fully realized, the more bureaucracy depersonalizes itself, i. e. , the more completely it succeeds in achieving the exclusion of love, hatred, and every purely personal, especially irrational and incalculable, feeling from the execution of official tasks While Weber was basically a spectator rather than a stylish, it is pure that his forecasts have come true. His principles of an ideal bureaucracy still circle true today and many of the evils of todays bureaucracies come from their different from those ideal principles. Unfortunately, Weber was also successful in predicting that bureaucracies would have extreme difficulties dealing with individual cases. It would have been captivating to realize how Weber would have combined Mayos results into his theories. It is probable that he would have seen the group dynamics as noise in the system, warning the bureaucracys potential for both efficiency and inhumanity. In 1970s and 1980s, Charismatic Leadership states Effective leaders inspire assistants to obligate themselves to goals by interactive a visualisation, exhibiting magnetic behaviour, and setting an influential individual case, described by Weber as long with bureaucracy. He put the development of leadership based on well-known management. Henri Fayol – Administration. Fayol’s administration theories dovetail into the bureaucratic superstructure described by Weber. He believed that management has five principle roles; to control, to organise, to forecast and plan, to command and to coordinate. Fayol developed fourteen principles of administration to go along with management’s five main roles. Fayol’s five principle roles of management are still actively practiced today. Development of management and leadership had continued with Frederick Herzberg (1923-) , Abraham Maslow (1908 – 1970) and on. Mary Parker Follett supported for a human relations importance equal to a mechanical or operational emphasis in management. Her work contrasted with the scientific management of Frederick W. Taylor (1856-1915) and evolved by Frank and Lillian Gilbert, which stressed time and motion studies. Apart of all that, in mid-1970th the Hersey–Blanchard situational leadership theory was introduced as situational leadership theory. It is a leadership theory conceived by Paul Hersey (professor) and Ken Blanchard (author). The theory argues active leadership is task-relevant and there is no solo best flair of leadership. The theory contained the following qualities as the main qualities of a good leader; telling, selling, participating and delegating. According to Hersey and Blanchard (1980); â€Å"Effective leaders need to be flexible, and must adapt themselves according to the situation†. They had separated their theory into two fundamental concepts; Leadership Style and the individual or groups Maturity level. First described above and second describes below. The individual or groups Maturity level: M1 – They absence the exact services vital for the work in pointer and are powerless and reluctant to do or to take duty for this job or task. M2 – They are still incapable to take on responsibility for the task being done; they are keen to work at the task. M3 – They are knowledgeable and talented to do the chore but nonexistence the poise to take on charge. M4 – They are experienced at the task, and relaxed with their own skill to do it well. They need to be clever and willing to not only do the task, but to take responsibility for them. In conclusion, management include and put the base on organisations, it is that organisation which makes functions, such as planning, budgeting, evaluating and facilitating. On the other hand leadership is a relationship, an essential part of an organisation. They are response for selecting talents, motivating, coaching and building trust. From Classical human approaches to the modern leader theory there were a big different, the theories will last to change and improve, but on based on the main management theories. It is clear that modern organizations are powerfully influenced by the theories of Taylor, Mayo, Weber and Fayol. Their principles have become such a solid part of modern management that it is hard to believe that these perceptions were unique and new at some opinion in history. The current idea that these impressions are common sense is strong compliment to these creators.

The Concept Of Media Framing

The Concept Of Media Framing In this paper, we analyze the concept of media framing in relation to the construction of a mosque at ground zero. We identify the various frames used by various media houses in America and compare and contrast them. We analyze the related literature and the basic concepts involved in media framing. A general overview of the concept of media framing is also provided. Entman (1993) describes framing as a scattered concept where previous researchers lack clear conceptual meanings and depend on context-based definitions, rather than general applicability. Brosius and Eps (1995) proceeds that framing may not be clear in explication and generally used but can be seen as a metaphor which does not convert directly into research setting. While different authors agree that there is lack of commonality in the definition of this term, people have often used the term frame to refer to similar but different approaches. For this particular article, I now use the term framing to refer to the way media houses use mind-controlling technique to gain readership and viewership by providing what appears to be new but intricately woven to control the thought process and opinions. Concept of Media Framing Framing can be compared to the setting of agenda or opinion but stretches the research by pin pointing the issues that area at hand instead of a particular topic. Framing theory makes the media take an issue and then places it to connote a new meaning or opinion. It is a very important technique since make the media tailor he thoughts of the masses towards a particular direction hence they become opinion leaders. When the media selects topics, they direct the people where and what to think. When journalists choose a frame, they make sure that they even provide a structure in such a way that their audience only interpret what is provided. A frame is a notion which serves to organize or direct social meaning to a given issue at hand. Their intention is to make the targeted audience to think about the news bulletin or article and how to think about it. Media framing at Ground Zero Mosque Construction This article looks at the myths, stories, metaphors, and narratives and traditions that the media employed to capture the attention of the American citizens and the wiorld at large and cause the proposal to construct ground zero mosque a big story. While research has shown that the proposed Islamic Cultural Center and Mosque was not to be constructed at the ill-fated World Trade Center site, the frames that were used clearly depicts that the media conditioned the thoughts of the audience to think in a particular direction. CNNs framing of the Mosque at Ground Zero Numbers as a frame The very dominant frame used by CNN in the framing of the mosque at ground zero is numbers. They used extremely large statistics in order to show how grave the situation was being objected by Americans. They purported that a poll they conducted revealed that 68% of Americans opposed the construction of the ground zero mosque (McCormack, 2010).This is as postulated by Stone (2002). Islamophobic phrases as a frame CNN televised mind-boggling Islamophobes on several occasions and if not all, Geller who once advocated for the destruction of Jerusalems Dome of Rock, which is a Moslems revered sites, and one who once depicted Muhammad with the face of a pig in her website (FAIR Blog, 2010) had appeared twice on the CNNs network between May and August 2010 to state her position on the proposed construction. Her appearance and her contribution direct people to her perception of what Islam is about. Consequently, CNN by close extension frame the issue of proposed mosque construction and become opinion carrier and disseminates the same to the audience. This media house, ought to have stated the factual reports without tilting towards anti-Moslem crusaders. Cooper 360 (2010) gave Fischer television airtime to contribute that Islam is totalitarian and that it is anti-Christian and seeks the extermination of Western ideology on civilization. Another segment of Cooper (2010) of Anderson Cooper featured Benham of prolife, anti-Islam crusade Operation Save America, where Islam was termed as a lie from hell. This is in fact use of depiction as a framing device to cause the listeners to imagine, ponder and magnify a Muslim-dominated America. Conceptualization of media framing Framing theory Extant literature has been dedicated to the concept of media framing. This literature can be categorized into four broad stages. The initial stage which gives an account of media framing that occurred between the 1920s and the 1930s was characterized by event that occurred during the World War I such as propaganda effects as well as its beliefs regarding beliefs on the influence of media on the attitude of people (Scheufele, 1999). The second phase took place between the 1930s and the 1960s and was marked by issues that tended to put forward the gravity and nee of personal experience in the process of changing the attitude of people. The researchers who noted this did believe that the main media effect was concentrated on the reinforcement of the attitude that were already in existence as postulated by Klapper (1960). The study of the third stage which took place between 1970s and 1980s gave life to the new media effects that were even stronger. The focus of the media was however rap idly shifted from attitude changes to more cognitive based effects as outlined by Noelle-Neumann (1973). The fourth stage which has been running from 1980s to present has been heavily marred by elements of social constructivism, as shown by the work of scholars such as Berger and Luckmann (1966), Gamson and Modigliani(1989) and Tuchman (1978) who are all social scientists. The other portion of literature on this stage of media effects has also been researched and discussed by political scientists such as Ivengar (1991) and Scheufele (1999).The concept of social constructivism attempts to make an explanation on the possible relationships that exists between media and the audience via a combination of elements of strong as well as limited media effects in the domain of mass media. The work of Gamson and Modigliani (1989, p. 2) categorically expressed the fact that Media discourse is part of the process by which individuals construct meaning, and public opinion is part of the process by which journalistsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦develop and crystallize meaning in public discourse. The work of Gamson and Modigliani (1987) further portrays the real essence of media framing as being the main organizing idea or rather the story line that gives a meaning to certain upholding string of events. The frames therefore do suggest what a certain controversy is about as well as the real essence of the issue involved (Gamson and Modigliani, 1987, p. 143). Entman (1993) however points out that the meaning of a frame is tied down to the selection of certain aspects of a reality which is perceived in order to make them salient so as to promote a certain definition of a problem, its moral evaluation, causal meaning as well as the treatment of the recommendations (Entman, 1993, p. 52). The work of Iyengar (1991) made a differentiation between the thematic and episodic media frames. These episodic media frames are a depiction of public media issues which in essence are concrete instances as well as specific events that come about as a result of individualistic actions. The thematic framing reports on the other side are a systematic reflection of the problems that take place in our society on a level that is considered abstract but with outcomes that are general. The media framing of the Mosque at ground Zero is a perfect example of thematic framing Media framing and elements of public deliberation The work of Simon and Xenos (2000) on media framing was concentrated on the analysis of media framing in order to research the influence of public deliberation that is actively involved in the process of social creation as well as the changes that occur in our society over a period of time. They point out that deliberation is a process involving political argumentation that moves on through a process of discursive giving and taking. The effects are therefore intricately linked to the media framing effects as was indicative in their research (Simon and Xenos, 2000, p. 367). Media framing and the reasoning devices The work of Gamson and Lasch (1983) came up with an identification of various framing as well as reasoning devices that can be utilized as a combination in order to create frames. The framing devices include metaphors, exemplars, and visual images, depictions and metaphors. These do suggest a framework to be used in viewing of the issues involved. The reasoning devices on the other side include roots, appeal principles and consequences. They are used in the provision of justification and reasons for the general positions that are adopted (Gamson and Lasch, 1983, p. 399).The work of Stone (2002) makes an addition to the list of devices that include synecdoche as well as numbers. Synecdoche refers to figure of speech which represents an idea in its entirety or in parts. Numbers on the other hand are used as a method of describing a certain phenomena as well as events using measurements. The most favorite technique is the use of ether abnormally large or small numbers in order to dramatize an idea as pointed out by Stone (2002, p. 137) Media framing as depicted by other channels and newspapers The trouble started with anti-Muslim activists when they suggested that the proposal a ploy by Muslims in American to conquer the memorial site of the September Eleven attacks (Big Government, 2010). The Big Government uses the word conquer to capture the attention of the already audience who are paranoid about terrorism and the perceived Islamization of America. The point that the proposed site is closer to the ground zero site would not attract serious readership without using the word conquer to tune the minds of the audience to imagine America infested by the perceived enemies. A good timeline is provided by the Salon (2010) traces the genesis of the controversy to posts done by Pamela Geller on the web Atlas Shrugs blog (2010), a source of anti-Muslim forum. Which insinuated about the impending perceived Islamization of America? Geller (2009) retorted that the construction of the mosque at the world trade centers site was about Islamic expansionism and domination. The term Islamization of America is a catch-phrase used to frame the story in order to agitate the American populace. He added that the Islamic center will instill and encourage the Qurans violent texts. This narrative, together with what exists in the Atlas Shrugs blog, is intentionally designed to direct the audience to a specific line of agitation against Muslim rights in America. In addition, from May, the New York Post picked up a story and Andrea Peyser (2010), the columnist who spread the propaganda that the center was to open on the September 11 in the year 2011, and used repetitively the term Ground Zero mosque in his references to the cultural center. This culminated into anti-Muslim debates as intended by the writer. This numerous use of the terminology of ground zero is use of numbers as a framing device. Contrast between media houses on framing The main contrast between the media houses was the gravity of reporting the extent of media framing. This is depicted in the work of Nisbet and Garrett (2010) whose analysis shown that FOX News was responsible for most of the rumors and misconceptions regarding the construction of the mosque at ground zero. Conclusion The concept of media framing can be used positively and effectively in various parts of the human society such as in effectively improving businesses instead of using it to trample on basic human rights. It is important that it be used since it can be used in eliciting the true meaning of certain events.

Portrayal of Asian-Americans in the Canceled Sitcom, All American Girl

Portrayal of Asian-Americans in the Canceled Sitcom, All American Girl Ever since arriving in this country, Asian-Americans have been misunderstood and discriminated against. Lately things have gotten better, but there are still people trying to further improve their situation. Margaret Cho, a Korean-American, is one of them. In the late 1990's she got her own sitcom, All-American Girl. This was a perfect chance to improve the portrayal of Korean-Americans, and Asian-Americans in general. Positive Aspects â€Å"All American Girl† showed many positive portrayals of Asians in a modern day society in California. The show is the first show in history to have a multi generational Asian cast portraying a Korean family in America. The grandparents are typical Korean people who came to America all the way down to their grandchildren who are all American (All American Girl). Despite much stereotypes present in the show, including the portrayal of an average Californian teenage girl chasing boys, â€Å"All American Girl† does show some of the general Korean traditions. In one episode, Margaret‘s, the main character, mother is upset at her granddaughter for pursuing a non Korean boy romantically. The theme of Margaret’s romance continues into the next episode when her new Korean boyfriend wants her to be the typical Korean woman (All American Girl). Another example of Korean thinking in the show is portrayed when the grandmother blames the bad luck of family on â€Å"bad feng shui.† Feng Shui is probably a term that most Americans are oblivious about, and this show brings it to light. â€Å"All American Girl† made a good attempt at trying to educate the American people on the Korean way of life and traditions. People living in America tend to ... ...owed to date?" Hiltbrand (p.17) argues that the show takes cheap shots at Asian culture and makes unfair use of stereotypes. He says of the show, "In its own warped fashion, this misshapen sitcom reminds me of The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis -- only with rickshaw jokes. Grade: C." Here you can see some of the negative sentiment that people had towards the show. Hiltbrand uses the example of "Rickshaw Jokes" to state his opinion that when it came down to it, this show wasn't all that much better than all the other stereotypical portrayals of Asians in other shows, despite its good intentions. All American Girl, while having its positive aspects, was still seen by many as detrimental to the Asian-American community. It is unfortunate that because of network executives and ignorance in general even a show that has good intentions still leaves people out in the cold.

Death of a Saleman †Happy Loman Essay

Happy shares none of the poetry that erupts from Biff and that is buried in Willy—he is the stunted incarnation of Willy’s worst traits and the embodiment of the lie of the happy American Dream. As such, Happy is a difficult character with whom to empathize. He is one-dimensional and static throughout the play. His empty vow to avenge Willy’s death by finally â€Å"beat[ing] this racket† provides evidence of his critical condition: for Happy, who has lived in the shadow of the inflated expectations of his brother, there is no escape from the Dream’s indoctrinated lies. Happy’s diseased condition is irreparable—he lacks even the tiniest spark of self-knowledge or capacity for self-analysis. He does share Willy’s capacity for self-delusion, trumpeting himself as the assistant buyer at his store, when, in reality, he is only an assistant to the assistant buyer. He does not possess a hint of the latent thirst for knowledge that prov es Biff’s salvation. Happy is a doomed, utterly duped figure, destined to be swallowed up by the force of blind ambition that fuels his insatiable sex drive. Character Analysis Happy might as well be Willy Jr., because this apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree. Though he is relatively successful in his job, he has his dad’s totally unrealistic self-confidence, and his grand dreams about getting rich quick. Like Biff, but to a lesser extent, Happy has suffered from his father’s expectations. Mostly, though, his father doesn’t pay that much attention to him. Willy was always a bigger fan of Biff. Happy, maybe because he always felt second best, has more of a desire to please his father. Despite his respectable accomplishments in business, and the many, many notches on his bedpost, Happy is extremely lonely. Happy is competitive and ambitious, but these feelings are misdirected. Unable to compete on his own terms in the business world, Happy blindly pursues women – taken women – purely for the sake of doing so. Looks like he’s taken his sense of competition to the realm of sex. Of course, this, much like the world of business, fails to satisfy him. Most disturbing for Happy is the fact that he can’t figure out why all this isn’t working. He’s followed the rules, done all the right things, yet Happy just isn’t happy. His name highlights the irony of his predicament. If you consider the fact that parents name their children, you could say that Willy foolishly bestowed the nickname on his son in yet another display of misguidance and delusion. Nice. Just as the saddest part of Willy’s suicide is his continued delusion, the saddest part of Happy’s ending is his own persistent misbelief. Still driven by what he feels he should want (money, a wife), he sticks to Willy’s foolish dreams to the bitter end. Happy Loman Hap is the Loman’s youngest son. He lives in an apartment in New York, and during the play is staying at his parent’s house to visit. Hap is of low moral character; constantly with another woman, trying to find his way in life, even though he is confident he’s on the right track. Hap has always been the â€Å"second son† to Biff and tries to be noticed by his parents by showing off. When he was young he always told Willly, â€Å"I’m losin’ weight pop, you notice?† And, now he is always saying, â€Å"I’m going to get married, just you wait and see,† in an attempt to redeem himself in his mother’s eyes. Hap also tries to be on Willy’s good side and keep him happy, even if it means perpetuating the lies and illusions that Willy lives in. In the end of the play, Hap cannot see reality. Like his father, he is destined to live a fruitless life trying for something that will not happen. â€Å"Willy Loman did not die in vain,† he says, â€Å"†¦He had a good dream, the only dream a man can have – to come out number one man. He fought it out here, and this where I’m gonna win it for him.† Death of a Salesman By Arthur Miller Character Analysis Happy Loman Happy is a young version of Willy. He incorporates his father’s habit of manipulating reality in order to create situations that are more favorable to him. Happy grew up listening to Willy embellish the truth, so it is not surprising that Happy exaggerates his position in order to create the illusion of success. Instead of admitting he is an assistant to the assistant, Happy lies and tells everyone he is the assistant buyer. This is Willy’s philosophy all over again. Happy also relishes the fact that â€Å"respectable† women cannot resist him. He has seduced the fiancà ©es of three executives just to gain a perception of pleasure and power. He thrives on sexual gratification, but even more than that, Happy savors the knowledge that he has â€Å"ruined† women engaged to men he works for and also despises. He states, â€Å"I hate myself for it. Because I don’t want the girl, and, still, I take it and — I love it!† Happy is similar to Willy in two ways. Both deny their positions and exaggerate details in order to aggrandize themselves, and sexual interludes are the defining moments of both of their lives. Willy’s life revolves around his attempt to forget his affair with the Woman, while Happy’s life revolves around an active pursuit of affairs with many women. Death of a Salesman addresses loss of identity and a man’s inability to accept change within himself and society. The play is a montage of memories, dreams, confrontations, and arguments, all of which make up the last 24 hours of Willy Loman’s life. The three major themes within the play are denial, contradiction, and order versus disorder. Each member of the Loman family is living in denial or perpetuating a cycle of denial for others. Willy Loman is incapable of accepting the fact that he is a mediocre salesman. Instead Willy strives for his version of the American dream — success and notoriety — even if he is forced to deny reality in order to achieve it. Instead of acknowledging that he is not a well-known success, Willy retreats into the past and chooses to relive past memories and events in which he is perceived as successful. For example, Willy’s favorite memory is of Biff’s last football game because Biff vows to make a touchdown just for him. In this scene in the past, Willy can hardly wait to tell the story to his buyers. He considers himself famous as a result of his son’s pride in him. Willy’s sons, Biff and Happy, adopt Willy’s habit of denying or manipulating reality and practice it all of their lives, much to their detriment. It is only at the end of the play that Biff admits he has been a â€Å"phony† too, just like Willy. Linda is the only character that recognizes the Loman family lives in denial; however, she goes along with Willy’s fantasies in order to preserve his fragile mental state. The second major theme of the play is contradiction. Throughout the play, Willy’s behavior is riddled with inconsistencies. In fact, the only thing consistent about Willy is his inconsistency. From the very beginning of Act I, Scene 1, Willy reveals this tendency. He labels Biff a â€Å"lazy bum† but then contradicts himself two lines later when he states, â€Å"And such a hard worker. There’s one thing about Biff — he’s not lazy.† Willy’s contradictions often confuse audiences at the beginning of the play; however, they soon become a trademark of his character. Willy’s inconsistent behavior is the result of his inability to accept reality and his tendency to manipulate or re-create the past in an attempt to escape the present. For example, Willy cannot resign himself to the fact that Biff no longer respects him because of Willy’s affair. Rather than admit that their relationship is irreconcilable, Willy retreats to a pre vious time when Biff admired and respected him. As the play continues, Willy disassociates himself more and more from the present as his problems become too numerous to deal with. The third major theme of the play, which is order versus disorder, results from Willy’s retreats into the past. Each time Willy loses himself in the past, he does so in order to deny the present, especially if the present is too difficult to accept. As the play progresses, Willy spends more and more time in the past as a means of reestablishing order in his life. The more fragmented and disastrous reality becomes, the more necessary it is for Willy to create an alternative reality, even if it requires him to live solely in the past. This is demonstrated immediately after Willy is fired. Ben appears, and Willy confides â€Å"nothing’s working out. I don’t know what to do.† Ben quickly shifts the conversation to Alaska and offers Willy a job. Linda appears and convinces Willy that he should stay in sales, just like Dave Singleman. Willy’s confidence quickly resurfaces, and he is confident that he has made the right decision by turning down Ben’ s offer; he is certain he will be a success like Singleman. Thus, Willy’s memory has distracted him from the reality of losing his job. Denial, contradiction, and the quest for order versus disorder comprise the three major themes of Death of a Salesman. All three themes work together to create a dreamlike atmosphere in which the audience watches a man’s identity and mental stability slip away. The play continues to affect audiences because it allows them to hold a mirror up to themselves. Willy’s self-deprecation, sense of failure, and overwhelming regret are emotions that an audience can relate to because everyone has experienced them at one time or another. Individuals continue to react to Death of a Salesman because Willy’s situation is not unique: He made a mistake — a mistake that irrevocably changed his relationship with the people he loves most — and when all of his attempts to eradicate his mistake fail, he makes one grand attempt to correct the mistake. Willy vehemently denies Biff’s claim that they are both common, ordinary people, but ironically, it is the univers ality of the play which makes it so enduring. Biff’s statement, â€Å"I’m a dime a dozen, and so are you† is true after all. Miller often experiments with narrative style and technique. For example, Miller includes lengthy exposition pieces that read as stage directions within The Crucible. At first glance, it seems that an audience must either read the information in the program or listen to a long-winded narrator. Upon further inspection however, it becomes apparent that Miller’s inclusion of background material allows actors and directors to study character motivation and internalize the information, thereby portraying it in the performance. Miller provides audiences with a unique experience when it comes to Death of a Salesman. In many ways, the play appears traditional. In other words, there are actors who interact with one another, there is a basic plot line, and the play contains standard dramatic elements such as exposition, rising action, conflict, climax, and so forth. However, Miller’s manipulation of time and space creates a very non-traditional atmosphere that is unsettling but effective because it mirrors Willy’s mental state, thereby allowing the audience to witness his mental instability and take part in it. Stage directions call for a complete house for the Lomans. An audience will not simply watch the action take place in the kitchen but can observe several rooms within the home. This sounds as if it would be distracting since an audience can view several things at once. After all, what should the audience look at? If more than one character is on stage, whom should the audience pay attention to? Miller solves this problem through lighting. Only characters that are talking or involved in direct action are lit on stage, all other rooms, characters, and props remain in shadow. The result is a vast number of rooms and props that can be utilized immediately. The audience does not have to wait while a new set is erected or an old one torn down, but instead moves directly and instantaneously into the next scene. Such movement without the benefit of time delays or dialogue transitions produces a disjointed and fragmented sequence of events, much like a dream. In fact, the stage directions in Act I describe the house as follows: â€Å"An air of the dream clings to the place, a dream arising out of reality.† Miller does not stop there. Even though the action of the play can shift from one part of the house to another without delay, the action is still limited to the present. Willy’s dreams, memories, or recollections of past events must be revealed in a manner that is distinct from actions taking place in the present. This is important for two reasons: First, the audience must be able to differentiate between the present and the past in order to follow the action of the play; second, Willy’s increased agitation must be apparent to the audience, and there is no better way to reveal it than to have the audience observe his inability to separate the past from the reality of the present. Miller achieves this effect by manipulating the space and boundaries of the rooms. When action takes place in the present, characters observe wall boundaries and enter and exit through the doors. During Willy’s recollections of the past, characters do not observe wall boundaries, and the action generally takes place in the area at the front of the stage, rather than inside the house. As a result, the audience can distinguish present events from Willy’s memories. For example, in Act I, Scene 3, Willy pours a glass of milk in the kitchen, sits down, and begins to mumble to himself. He is in the present. He then remembers a past conversation with the teenage Biff and resumes the conversation. Since this is a past event, Willy directs his speech through the wall to a point offstage. This cues the audience that Willy is digressing in the past. Sound is also used to create a dreamlike state for both Willy and the audience. A flute melody is associated with Willy, Ben has his own music, laughter cues the Woman, and so forth. Once the sound is introduced with the appropriate character, the audience automatically associates the sound with that same character. As a result, Miller is able to prompt reactions and expectations from the audience, whether they are aware or not. For example, in Act II, Scene 14, it appears that things have finally been settled between Willy and Biff. Even though Biff is leaving in the morning, he and Willy have reconciled. This puts the audience at ease, but once Ben’s music is heard, it is evident that the play has not reached its final conclusion. In fact, Ben’s appearance may create anxiety for the audience because it suggests an alternate, more disturbing, end to the play. As the play progresses, the action shifts to the front of the stage. In other words, the audience becomes increasingly aware that the majority of the action is taking place inside Willy’s head. It is difficult enough to watch an individual lose his or her identity. It is extremely unsettling and disturbing to be forced to experience the individual’s memories, illusions, or perhaps delusions resulting in mental instability. Miller takes that into consideration and then pushes his audiences to the extreme. As Willy’s mental state declines, the audience is forced to watch and to react. As a result, the play may be called Death of a Salesman, but it is a death observed and experienced by every member of the audience.

Reconstruction and African Americans from 1865-1900

Reconstruction and African Americans from 1865-1900 From 1865 to 1900, Reconstruction was meant to help change the lives of African Americas. However, because of prejudice, Reconstruction didn’t go on as far as it could have. Reconstruction tried to deliver its promises to African Americans while battling a discriminatory white America. This is seen socially, through civil rights, and politically, through Jim Crow Laws and voting. Concerning social promises, Reconstruction made astounding changes for African Americans; this is evident in newspapers and the Civil Rights Act of 1875.White Americans were becoming more sympathetic to the needs of African Americans, or at least white reporters were. Newspapers began to print stories and pictures made to draw sympathy to the black man and anger towards the KKK, such as in Harper’s Weekly’s â€Å"One Less Vote† (Doc A, F). The Civil Rights Act of 1875 allowed each citizen equality, no more segregation in hotels, restaurants, public theaters, etc. , but it wasn’t followed by everyone. Business owners were not willing to de-segregate, and the ones who were willing lost white business.White men and women remained biased, making it impossible for African Americans to have equality. White bias didn’t stop the American government from taking political action to protect African Americans. The 14th and 15th Amendments attempted to stop discrimination; the 14th Amendment gave protection of privileges for blacks and the 15th Amendment gave them the right to vote. Because of reforms, African Americans were legally allowed to vote. This brought celebration in African American communities, now they could have political influence. However, mainly in the South, blacks were threatened and even killed for going to vote.Opposing government reforms, such as the Amendments, was the Deep South. The Jim Crow Laws were passed; by segregation, prohibiting people to even talk about equality, and inter -racial marriage, equality was outlawed. Socially there was more acceptance. Politically there was more freedom. Reconstruction did alleviate many of the African Americans’ burdens. Overall, Reconstruction during 1865 to 1900 could have gone much farther. If it were not for the hostility expressed towards the equality of the races, Reconstruction could have quickly given the blacks their freedoms.

Analysis of the Black Cat Essay

â€Å"I neither expect nor solicit belief† explains that the narrator does not expect the reader to believe the story they’re about to read, because he finds it unbelievable himself which is evidenced by the excerpt â€Å"Mad indeed would I be to expect it, in a case where my very senses reject their own evidence. † With that being said the single effect of the story is alcohol induced insanity. The Black Cat† is a tale that deals with the ups, downs, and delusions of alcohol. The story is told in first person so the reader will get an intimate sense of the writer’s thoughts and feelings. The narrator at first appears to love his wife and pets, however by the end of the tale the narrator is delusional and despises his once beloved pet and its replacement. His alcoholism leads to madness and he hangs the first cat. This is succeeded by his house burning to the ground and his entire world of wealth with it. The narrator then â€Å"resigns himself henceforward to despair† this phrase shows him falling deeper into alcoholism and insanity. The narrator’s decent into insanity is further evident by the phrase, â€Å"when I first beheld this apparition- for I could scarcely regard it as less- my wonder and my terrors were extreme. † He continues for months that the phantasm of the cat haunted him. He then finds the second cat which is seemingly related to his alcoholism as he finds him among one of the taverns frequently visited for the purpose of intoxication. He soon finds aversion for the cat. The narrator then speaks of how he feels the cat is out to get him, as shown by the statement, â€Å"I am almost ashamed to own that the terror and horror with which the animal inspired me, had been heightened by one of the merest chimeras it would be possible to conceive† The narrator story continues with him and his wife walking into the cellar. He feels the cat tried to trip him down the stairs and enraged he swings an axe at the cat in which his wife blocks. The narrator then writes â€Å"Goaded by the interference into a rage more than demonical, I withdrew my arm from her grasp and buried the axe in her brain. This shows his level of insanity increasing into murderous rage. He then sets forth without remorse to cover up the murder of his wife. The narrator’s insanity doesn’t take away from his intelligence. As G. K. Chesterton quoted â€Å"A madman is not someone who has lost his reason but someone who has lost everything but his reason† (www. goodr eads. com/qoutes). The narrator has thus shown that he is insane but also calculating. He also shows very little guilt over the murder of his wife which is witnessed by the excerpt â€Å"The guilt of my dark deed disturbed me very little. The narrator is instead feeling enlightened at this point in the story because his tormenter, the cat, is not around. Satisfied that he would not be caught; when the police did a search of his home he felt it necessary to gloat about the sturdiness of the home and tap his cane against the very wall with which he had imprisoned his wife’s dead body, he pens â€Å"No sooner had the reverberation of my blows sunk into silence, than when I was answered by a voice from within the tomb. † This second cat in the end provides justice when it reveals the hiding place of his murdered wife with its cry. This story has many elements that contribute to the single effect of alcohol induced insanity. The strongest element is character development. As previously stated, the narrator begins his tale as a seemingly normal man and as his alcoholism gets worse so does his decent into insanity. The character develops slowly over the course of the story thus making his decent into madness more believable. He creates the climb into insanity by centering his anger on the cat due to the irritation that arises within him from his alcoholism. He further exasperates the conflict between him and the cat by inflicting violence upon the brute and blaming it upon the spirit of perverseness. The character has now developed from the ostensibly normal person in the introduction to a drunken insane violent man. He continues with the characters madness but takes it further by the instant rage they caused him to murder his wife. The character then realizes the need to think clearly, intelligently and concedes to concealing his wife in the cellar wall, like the monks of the Middle Ages did their victims. The center of his insanity it would seem has disappeared with the murdering of his wife and the narrator perceives himself as no longer insane cause his tormentor has let him be. Then comes the search for his wife by the authorities and the narrator feeling good about his current disposition brags in little detail about his heinous deeds and is thrust back into madness instantly with the shrieking of his tormenting beast. The single effect of this short story is alcohol induced insanity. The narrator tells the story of how he once was sane and lucid and then began his descent into insanity because of alcoholism. The short story shows the effects alcohol could have on anyone person when drinking excessively. The effects of alcohol have been well documented throughout time and can affect each individual in a unique way, causing happiness in some and insanity in others.

Financial accounting theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Financial accounting theory - Essay Example Hitherto GAAP have been developed for all type of entities, be those smaller or larger and public or private. Development of alternative accounting standards on the basis of size of the entity is like preparing students at earlier stages to cope with burden of higher studies. But in business the smaller entities some time carry more accounting complications than larger entities as generally less or reduced number of regulatory compliances create a habit of carelessness and thus allowing smaller problems growing into complexities. Before analyzing the needs of smaller entities for alternative GAAP, it is pertinent to ascertain the present international scenario. In United States private companies are not even required to issue financial statements, what to talk to issuing compliances in the shape of standards. Private entities can assess the cost and benefit before following the reporting standards out of the three alternatives available to them. First is to follow the US GAAP in full; the second alternative is reporting under GAAP but such entities can depart from one or two alternatives; and the third alternative is to adopt OCBOA (other comprehensive basis of accounting). UK presents an altogether different approach towards smaller entities. Financial Reporting Standards for Smaller Entities (FRSSE) were developed in 1997 and those were made applicable to smaller and private entities defined and distinguished on the basis of specifies thresholds in sales, assets, and number of employees. With the advent of International accounting standards and their convergence with local standards, the issue of separate standards for smaller entities have again been taken to the fore, mainly because smaller is larger in numbers and they do not need to waste resources comparing the benefits they would receive. Convergences with IFRS are progressing but the issue has remained the same when FRSSE were required on establishment of FRSs.

Which country builds best cars, Germany or Japan (Mercedes vs Lexus) Assignment

Which country builds best cars, Germany or Japan (Mercedes vs Lexus) - Assignment Example On the other hand Japanese made Lexus has comparatively lesser models in the market (Dawson, 2011). For a better comparison we can select the two top selling Luxury models of both cars, S class Mercedes versus LS class Lexus. The choice of best build cars can be done by setting specific criteria. Customer who wants to make a decision before buying any of these two cars will consider all of the below mentioned aspects. 1. Reliability: In earlier models, Mercedes had some issues in electrical wiring, suspension and brakes but after their out-sourcing, these issues have been resolved. Speaking of today, Mercedes is no doubt a reliable car. Japanese Lexus on the other hand is not equally known for its reliability. 2. Safety: German cars are no doubt much safer then Japanese as proved by crash tests carried out on these cars. 3. Quality: Mercedes and Lexus both are comparable in terms of quality but still Mercedes has an edge over Lexus. 4. Prestige: Mercedes has its origin back in year 1 885 and is the oldest automotive brand still in demand. Over the years, Mercedes has set a bench mark for other companies and a lot of customers are willing to pay extra bucks for its prestige and brand name, while Lexus firstly introduced in 1989 is also making its way to set a better standard for their company. 5. Style: Mercedes Benz has always been famous for its stylish design. Lexus however is not very famous for this, they have few exceptional models but there are many cars which are not very famous because of their outer look. 6. Paint quality: Mercedes and Lexus fall in same category in terms of good paint quality. 7. Performance: Mercedes gives a better performance; it has a upper hand in dealing high speed controls while Lexus falls a little behind at high speed. 8. Technology: Germans pay too much focus on technology, they launch a car with special features one year and the next year same features happen to hit the market by Japanese in their new edition. That is how Jap anese keep their prices cheaper; they don’t have to spend extra on research and development. German cars are very well engineered. 9. Fuel economy: In Japan Gas prices are high, that is why they focus on fuel economy while making a car and Lexus is more fuel efficient then a Mercedes Benz. Mercedes S class proves to be heavy on fuel efficiency. 10. Interior design: Although Lexus offers a very nice interior but since it is affiliated with Toyota, much of it resembles like a Toyota. Mercedes however has a very genuine appealing Interior. It depends on personal taste but Mercedes ranks higher in interior. 11. Spare parts: If a Mercedes car breaks down then one has to pay a lot to get it fixed again in terms of expensive spare parts and labor cost but a Lexus offers much cheaper spare parts and maintenance. 12. Price: Lexus LS is way cheaper then S class Mercedes. If a customers wants features like leathered seats, universal remote transmitter, heated seats then he has to pay ex tra for a Mercedes Benz but these features come as standard in a Lexus series. In view of above mentioned criteria Mercedes leads in most of the aspects while Lexus proves to be more economical. According to Galanes and Adams â€Å"question of policy†, recommendations that can be given to Lexus for improving its market value include i) more focus on innovation and genuine designs ii) focus on safety features iii) focus on technology . Which country builds best cars, Germany or Japan? In this era of global market competitions, it becomes very difficult to make a decision about choosing a brand best suitable for you. Automobile industry over the past few years has grown tremendously but there are still some leading companies who have managed to establish their repute. Mercedes is one of those

Proposing a Solution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Proposing a Solution - Essay Example In this regard, as a resident of Los Angeles, California, the problem that has besieged commuters in this area is the consistent and persistent traffic jams that cause delays in arriving at scheduled destination in time. The essay hereby aims to achieve the following objectives: to define the problem; to find a solution; to defend one’s solution by testing it; and to offer reasons for adopting the proposal in detail. Definition of the Problem Traffic jams in Los Angeles have been manifested to be a perennial head-ache for daily commuters. Local residents, visitors and daily commuters have observed that traffic congestion has been a problem for several years now. One contends that traffic congestion is actually not the problem; it is an effect of something that has not been appropriately addressed. If one were to closely analyze the situation, the real cause of the problem is the greater increase in the number of vehicles commuting the area during peak hours and the lesser amou nt of accessible roads. The number and space of accessible roads apparently become limited during peak hours and could not possible accommodate the excessively large amounts of vehicles plying the area. Alternative Courses of Action Seeing this as a problem of demand and supply, the alternative courses of action are as follows: to address the demand aspect through implementing reforms and policies concerning road or freeway use (through increasing the tolls; parking fees; and penalties for violating traffic rules); and to encourage commuters to share riding in vehicles. Likewise, the local traffic agency could apply number coding schemes to lessen vehicles commuting during peak hours. In addition, to address the supply side, the possibilities of building more roads or alternate routes could be examined. Addressing the demand side means lessening the number of vehicles plying the freeway, especially during peak hours. As suggested, LA traffic enforcers could examine the possibilities of implementing increased prices for tolls, parking fees and penalties for traffic violations; encourage commuters to share riding in vehicles and even implementing a coding scheme where vehicles with plate numbers ending in certain numbers would not ply the freeway once a week. The advantage of this option is that lesser number of vehicles would mean lesser congestion. The disadvantage of this is that commuters could be enraged by limiting or restricting the use of their vehicles. The second alternative, addressing the supply side is to build more roads or alternate routes. The advantage of this option is that more roads would give vehicles greater spaces to travel. The disadvantages are: funds for construction and the space to accommodate more roads. Recommended Course of Action After evaluating the options, one would propose focusing on the demand side through instituting higher prices for tolls, parking fees and penalties for traffic violations to demotivate commuters in using vehicles and to be encouraged to share riding vehicles with others who go the same route. Likewise, applying the number coding scheme is another viable solution to limit the authorized vehicles plying the freeway. By increasing pricing policies, the city would generate more revenues and would enable the most efficient use of roads. As for the supply side, building more