Obesity Essay

One in every three Americans is obese. Worthy of notice is the statistical record showing that in the United States, roughly 300,000 deaths per year are directly related to obesity (http://www. medicinenet. com/obesity_weight_loss/page6. htm, 2003). This is alarming. The present day is perfectly described as a product of Mcdonaldization. In all walks of life, fast food restaurants are visible. This is a fact which greatly affects the health conditions of citizens particularly at an early age. One thing is attributable to this: people are not walking enough and people are not physically working enough! Worthy of notice are the effects of less walk and less physical activity. These include obesity and overweight. Obesity and overweight issues has been a subject of many inquiries nowadays. To define the two may be useful to distinguish one from the other. Obesity is simply one having excess fats in the body. Overweight on the other hand is one having excess weight over and above than the normal relative to one’s sex, gender and height (http://www. naturesintentionsnaturopathy. com/weight-loss/facts. htm, no year). More often than not, only cases of obesity result to various physical or health trouble ((http://www. annecollins. om/lose_weight/overweight. htm, no year)). But why tackle on both issues? Both obesity and overweight have physical and social adverse impact in day to day activities. First, on overweight. Experience tells us that having an overweight body is physically heavy to carry. Thus, oversized individuals tend to work less and move less. Resulting as it does to becoming more overweight and eventually becoming obese. Second, on obesity. Obesity, being a health dilemma may result to chronic diseases including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, heart attack, cancer osteoarthritis, to name a few (http://www. medicinenet. om/obesity_weight_loss/page6. htm, 2003). More importantly, obesity decreases life expectancy (http://www. annecollins. com/lose_weight/overweight. htm, no year). This is because studies show that obesity is associated with several diseases leading to early death. Caveat to all is the fact that not all overweight are obese and that not all obese are overweight. Thus, health problems associated with obesity may not be present in individuals who are merely overweight. nevertheless, it can be observed that solution to obesity is not in any way a hindrance. It does not have any adverse effect on the health of indidividuals, whether young or old. The way of resolving the problem is to first determine the causes. What causes obesity and overweight? One major reason of obesity and overweight is laziness. This means the refusal of one person to transport one’s self from home to gym. Research shows that over 34% of female and 12% of male adolescents take to time for leisure physical activity during a one-week period (http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Social_influences_on_fitness_behavior, no year). Moreover, present leisure among teenagers and youngsters are focused on accessing computers and the internet. Thus, having little time or worst, no time at all for any physical activity. Considering these causes, attention may now be focused on resolving the problem. First is the Wellness on Wheels in England (WOW). England created a mobile gym with electronic fitness monitoring equipment. This was resorted to because of there is greater probability for individuals to involve in physical activity. Second is the Walking School Bus project. This was initiated by the Heritage Elementary School in San Diego. This allows the students to walking to their respective designated spots for purposes of waiting for people for a train of people to pick them up. This gives the students the opportunity to walk along with their peers in going to school (http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Social_influences_on_fitness_behavior, no year). In this way, children at an early age are already exposed to physical activity. Because we have to remember that obesity starts at an early age. It is but proper that solution or shall I say prevention should likewise start at these ages. Both these projects boil down into one, physical activity or physical exercise. As said, people are not walking enough; people are not physically working enough! Walking and physical exercise of 30 minutes a day, for three days a week can lose up to a quarter-pound of fat a week. Constant activity could lose 12 to 15 pounds of fat from exercise alone. Take note, this is permanent solution (http://www. annecollins. com/lose_weight/overweight. htm, no year) as opposed to drastic ones. Constant physical activity and exercise such as walking help burn calories (http://www. medicinenet. com/obesity_weight_loss/page6. htm, 2003). More importantly, the United States is nowadays focusing projects in reducing obesity starting at early childhood. Thus, schools are the subject of various projects not only dealing with physical activity but on the health diet as well (http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Obesity#Environmental_factors, no year). This is amazing but true. Thus, it is highly encouraged for people to take time to walk and participate in an activity which requires movement of the body, the best way being is walking. More importantly, notice should be given that prevention is better than cure. Thus, prevention particularly at an early age should be given particular attention.

Why Do Some Societies Make Disastrous Decisions?

â€Å"How on earth could a society make such an obviously disastrous decisions as to cut down all the trees on which it depended? † was the question that started Jared Diamonds urge to do further research on societal collapses (392). His urge to write about this topic resulted from a conversation he had about the collapse of Easter Island society. In this piece of Diamonds â€Å"Why Do Some Societies Make Disastrous Decisions,† he discusses past and present societies that have fallen due to their inability to handle oncoming disasters. In general, Diamonds target audience is societies. He uses various strategies to draw the reader’s attention, in hopes to warn and get enough information across for some motivation (393). After being astonished by our societal blindness today, Diamond has proposed different decision-making errors contributing to various societal collapses. Jared Diamond starts off by describing himself as a teacher for the University of California at Los Angeles who, alike his students, is â€Å"highly motivated† and â€Å"open-minded† (392). He uses these words in attempt to establish credibility from the reader. Next he draws the reader’s attention in by targeting our concerns using diction. Diamond repeats the questions that his students wondered about after learning about the collapse of Easter Island’s society, â€Å"How often did people wreak ecological damage intentionally, or at least while aware of the likely consequences? † â€Å"How often did people instead do it without meaning to, or out of ignorance? and â€Å"If there are still people left alive a hundred years from now—those people of the next century will be as astonished about our blindness today as we are about the blindness of the Easter Islanders† (392). As you can see, he uses phrases such as â€Å"wreak ecological damage†, â€Å"aware of the likely consequences? † â€Å"Out of ignorance†, and â€Å"astonished about our blindness† to create diction in attempt to draw attention and concer n (Diamond 392).

Bullying at Workplace

The use of harmful communication at workplace is of international concern. In various European countries and Australia, legislators have ratified and enforced laws that warn employers against using relationships that causes suffering and discomfort in the workplace (Namie & Namie, 2003). In England and the United States, laws have been propagated in an effort to afford just, safe and secure work conditions. These regulations are enforced through associations and groups responsible for safety and health of employees and agencies liable for defending against intolerance.In the U. S.,  for example regulations have been passed in the majority of states protecting workers from harassment, assault, sexual harassment, discrimination, annoyance and stalking. (Vega & Comer, 2005) At the same time, a number of recent studies suggest that exposure to moral harassment at work is a serious international problem. It is known by different names in different places, bullying in England, murahachib u or ijime in Japan and mobbing in the USA. Differing concepts have been in use in different European countries, such as, ‘moral harassment', ‘psychological terror' and ‘victimisation'.(Einarsen et al. , 2002) Though, they all seem to refer to the same phenomenon, specifically the â€Å"systematic mistreatment of a subordinate, a colleague, or a superior, which, if continued, may cause severe social, psychological and psychosomatic problems in the victim. Exposure to such treatment has been claimed to be a more crippling and devastating problem for employees than all other kinds of work-related stress put together, and is seen by many researchers and targets alike as an extreme type of social stress at work† (Einarsen et al., 2002, p. 3) Nevertheless, workers still complain that they are intimidated, abused verbally, and, on the whole, made to feel inadequate (Daniel, 2002). Circumstances in which workers are subjected to oral assaults and to intimidating an d harassing behaviours take place regularly in organizations (Namie & Namie, 2003). Confrontations that have non-fatal consequences leave workers irritated; some quit their employments or develop foremost problems with health.Scholars who recently began investigating these behaviours at workplace infer that the constant and deliberate verbal violence coupled with scorn or threatening and harassing strategies cause physical and psychological harm which they consider as a complicated phenomenon—workplace bullying (Davenport et al. , 2002). It is estimated that as many as 8-10% of European employees may suffer from exposure to bullying and harassment at work. It prevails in both private and public organisations and finds its victims among men and women alike.Studies also show that exposure to bullying at work is a severe source of stress at work and may be a crippling and devastating problem for those exposed. (Tehrani, 2001) A victim of bullying at work seems to produce severe emotional reactions such as fear, anxiety, helplessness, depression and shock. It appears to alter the victims’ perceptions of their work-environment to one of threat, danger, insecurity, and self-questioning, which may result in pervasive emotional, psychosomatic and psychiatric problems.Moral harassment also has negative effects on the organisation and lowers productivity in the workplace. (Vega & Comer, 2005) Researchers implemented the term â€Å"workplace bullying† from their counterparts in Europe, England, Australia, Canada, and other states worldwide where research has led to legislative and legal intrusions to prevent and highlight workplace bullying. Though, American and Japanese researchers have been slower than their colleagues worldwide to examine the nature of workplace bullying.Although research into psychological and emotional problems at workplace in Japan and America has led to legislative and legal acts to manage aggression, stalking, sexual harassme nt, and discrimination, workplace bullying has not been accepted in America and Japan as a special phenomenon. Consequently, legislative field in these countries concerning workplace abuse issues are underdeveloped. (Vogel, 2002) There are numerous definitions of workplace bullying; the one used at this point is â€Å"unwanted, offensive, humiliating, undermining behaviour towards an individual or groups of employees.Such persistently malicious attacks on personal or professional performance are typically unpredictable, irrational, and unfair. This abuse of power or position can cause such chronic stress and anxiety that people gradually lose belief in themselves, suffering physical ill health and mental distress as a result† (Rayner, et al. , 2002, p. xi). Bullying refers to all situations where one or more people feel subjected to negative behaviour from others at work over a period of time and in situations where, for different reasons, they are unable to defend themselves against these actions.Typically, a victim is constantly teased, pursued, badgered and insulted and perceives that he or she has little recourse to retaliate in kind. (The Mobbing Encyclopaedia, 2006) We may distinguish between work-related bullying such as being exposed to unreasonable deadlines, unmanageable workloads or other kinds of behaviour that make the work situation difficult for the victim, and bullying that is primarily related to the person, such as insulting remarks, excessive teasing, gossip and rumours, social isolation and exclusion. This kind of behaviour is common and has been experienced by most people at work from time to time.As a single episode in a positive social climate, such actions may even be taken to be harmless. However, when behaviour that is perceived as unwanted by the recipient, is systematically and continually aimed at a particular person, and especially in a situation were the victim feels defenceless against the actions or the people performing them, it becomes an act of moral harassment. (The Mobbing Encyclopaedia, 2006) In the recent past three countries in the EU – Sweden, Belgium and France have enacted legislation to counter the incidence of moral harassment and more countries are expected to follow their lead.In this research assignment, the reasons and incidence of moral harassment are examined in different cultures, countries and legal systems to assess the current scenario, measures currently in place as well as those proposed to counter the problem, both within and outside the legal framework and possible solutions and measure, which could help in countering the issue. The countries chosen for the assignment are Britain, Sweden, France and Japan. All of these countries are developed and industrialised nations with democratic political systems, strong legal frameworks, emancipated work cultures and progressive thinking.Two of the chosen countries, namely Sweden and France have decided to introduce legislat ion to check the menace whereas the other two have not, possibly feeling it more appropriate to term it a social issue that can be solved through awareness, dialogue and discussion. Again Japan has a tradition and work culture very different from the other three and this contributes to dissimilarities in both origin and response to the issue of harassment in the workplace. It is hoped that this paper will succeed in examining the issue in detail and throw some fresh and engaging perspectives on this annoying social malaise.Background, Definitions and Legal Overview Background Moral harassment in the workplace is a global problem and exists in some form or other in all workplaces across continents and nationalities. The problem was considered commonplace even in 70’s and it was only at the initiative of Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Norway, that the matter started receiving international attention. The British call the phenomenon bullying, a rather innocuous term hist orically linked to students in public schools being asked to run errands for their seniors.The problem is however not restricted to schools any longer. (Tehrani, 2001) In the United States it is known as mobbing, again a very unrepresentative and confusing term. Persecutors do join up sometimes to harass in groups or â€Å"mobs†, but harassment also happens in many one to one situations. The ramifications of moral harassment are thus far more extensive and represent a serious and vexing social problem, which needs eradication from civilised society. (Olweus, 2003) Workplace bullying has yet to become a regularly utilized term in the U. S.workplace or as a form of mistreatment from which American statutory law provides worker protection (Yamada, 2000). Unlike sexual harassment, which is defined by statutory and case law (Dougherty & Smythe, 2004), bullying is without a specific, unified vernacular and is often relegated to the schoolyard (Olweus, 2003). The connection to schoo lyard bullying can be stigmatising through association with childishness or weakness. Since people organize, structure, and create their experiences, interactions and realities through language (Spender, 1984), the absence of agreed upon terminology frustrates U.S. workers' efforts to name and make sense of these experiences and may contribute to their reported sense of feeling â€Å"crazy† (Tracy et al. , 2004). Workplace bullying, as a unique phenomenon, is also referred to as mobbing (Davenport et al. , 2002), harassment (Bjorkqvist et al. , 1994), psychological terror (Leymann, 1996), emotional abuse (Keashly, 2001), and victimization (Einarsen & Raknes, 1997). Mobbing, a term originating in Swedish research (Leymann, 1990), initially denoted numerous bullies singling out one person, but this distinction has since fallen away (Davenport et al., 2002). Over time, the two central terms bullying and mobbing have come to indicate virtually the same phenomenon. In actual fact workplace harassment is an omnibus list of unfair and uncalled for persecution in the workplace that can take many forms in its expression and execution. It is not limited to sexual harassment, per se, though sexual harassment is a major component of the harassment that goes on in offices and other establishments, worldwide. It could relate to and be caused because of sex, religion, creed, ethnicity, physical appearance or just plain dislike.It is a form of offensive treatment or behaviour, which to a reasonable person creates an intimidating, hostile or abusive work environment. It may be sexual, racial, based on gender, national origin, age, disability, religion or a person's sexual orientation. It may also encompass other forms of hostile, intimidating, threatening, humiliating or violent behaviour, which are offensive or intimidatory in nature. The central characteristics that differentiate workplace bullying from other negative social interactions at work are persistence (Mikke lsen & Einarsen, 2001), patterned negative acts (Einarsen et al., 2002), widespread harm (Davenport et al. , 2002), and escalation (Lutgen-Sandvik, 2003). Furthermore, bullying is linked to extremely hostile work environments (Salin, 2003); these environments are most likely both the medium and the outcome of bullying. That is, bullying is more likely to emerge in hostile work environments and also contributes to such environments (Crawford, 2001). Many researchers seek to differentiate workplace bullying from sexual and racial harassment (Leymann, 1996).Adams and Crawford (1992) expressly state that â€Å"although some people will insist otherwise, bullying at work is separate from the recognised problems of sexual harassment or racism† (p. 10). Others claim that the key legal issues that â€Å"distinguishes sexual harassment from bullying is that†¦ harassment is somehow based on gender†¦ and that men and women are treated differently† (Pryor & Fitzgerald, 2 003, p. 80). On the other hand, researchers may seek legitimacy for the construct of workplace bullying by closely linking it to racial or sexual harassment (Randall, 2001).For example, Einarsen and colleagues (1994) argue that, â€Å"sexual and racial harassment represent different aspects of the same problem† (Lee, 2001, p. 208). Lee (2001) argues â€Å"however, if sexual harassment and racial harassment are defined as only types of bullying, this might undermine the specificity and visibility of sexual and racial harassment† (p. 209). Interactions exist between sexual harassment, racial harassment, and workplace bullying; nevertheless, it seems important not to conflate types of harassment in a way that obscures the distinctive features of each (Lee, 2001). DefinitionsDefinitions of workplace bullying (or mobbing) vary by author, country and academic discipline, and there is no universally agreed-upon definition. There are, however, more similarities than difference s in present definitions of bullying as a unique phenomenon. This is a partial rendering of researchers who study workplace bullying, but provides the ways in which the foundational scholars and professionals have framed and defined the issue. Other researchers generally adopt one or more elements of following definitions. Consequently providing a more extensive list would potentially be more repetitive than revealing.European Parliament defines bullying as, â€Å"A lack of humanity at the workplace, personal experiences of bullying at work, a feeling of exclusion from the social community there, encountering irreconcilable demands at work and not having the wherewithal to meet these demands. † On the other hand, International Labour Office definition states that bullying is qualified as: â€Å"Offensive behaviour through vindictive, cruel, malicious or humiliating attempts to undermine an individual or groups of employees †¦ It involves ganging up on or ‘mobbingà ¢â‚¬â„¢ a targeted employee and subjecting that person to psychological harassment.It includes constant negative remarks or criticisms, isolating a person from social contacts and gossiping or spreading false information. † Rayner et al. (2002) state that bullying is â€Å"unwanted, offensive, humiliating, undermining behaviour towards an individual or groups of employees. Persistent malicious attacks on personal or professional performance that are typically unpredictable, irrational and often unfair. This abuse of power can cause such chronic stress and anxiety that people gradually lose belief in themselves, suffering physical ill health and mental distress as a result† (Rayner et al., 2002, p. xi) They also argue that bullying is â€Å"a situation where one or several individuals persistently over a period of time perceive themselves to be on the receiving end of negative actions from one or several persons, in a situation where the target of bullying has difficult y defending him or herself against these actions. We will not refer to a one-off incident as bullying† (Rayner et al. , 2002, p. 24) Some researchers find workplace bullying in a huge number of harmful conditions arising out of nonverbal and verbal contact.Ramsey (2002) believe, that workplace bullying is: â€Å"Any behaviour that frightens, threatens or intimidates another person qualifies as bullying. Besides physical force, the most common types of bullying include: verbal abuse, written, spoken or implied threats, name-calling and racial slurs, vandalism, put-downs. † (p. 2) Randall (2001) argues that bullying is â€Å"the aggressive behaviour arising from the deliberate intent to cause physical and psychological distress to others† (p. 9)Australian researchers like, O’Hagan (2002) believe that workplace bullying is â€Å"workplace behaviour that is inappropriate, unreasonable, humiliating, denigrating, that offends and intimidates, and affects health , well-being and undermines productivity. † (p. 1) However, American researchers define workplace bullying as â€Å"emotional assault that begins when an individual becomes a target of disrespectful and harmful behaviours, innuendo, rumours, and public discrediting; a hostile environment is created in which one individual gathers others to willingly, or unwillingly, participate in continuous malevolent actions to force a person out†¦The individual experiences increasing distress, illness and social misery. † (Davenport et al. , 2002, p. 33) Scandinavian researchers argue that bullying lies in â€Å"harassing, offending, socially excluding someone or negatively affecting someone's work tasks. In order for the label bullying (or mobbing) to be applied to a particular activity, interaction or process it has to occur repeatedly and regularly (i. e. , weekly) and over a period of time (i. e. , about six months).Bullying is an escalating process in the course of which t he person confronted ends up in an inferior position and becomes the target of systematic negative social acts. A conflict cannot be called bullying if the incident is an isolated event or if two parties of approximately equal ‘strength' are in conflict’ (Einarsen et al. , 2003, p. 15) British researcher Glendinning (2001) posits that workplace bullying is â€Å"a management style that uses â€Å"repeated aggressive behaviour that deliberately causes physical or psychological torment† (pp. 3-4).He adds that it is also, â€Å"the repeated, less favourable treatment of a person by another in the workplace, which may be considered unreasonable and inappropriate workplace practice. It includes behaviour that intimidates, offends, degrades, or humiliates a worker, possibly in front of co-workers, clients or customers (pp. 3-4). Most literature uses the term bullying to label this extreme, persistent form of workplace abuse. Despite the common terminology in internat ional research, the term workplace bullying has yet to become widely used by American and Japanese academics (Lutgen-Sandvik, 2005).The following definition is a essence of the aforementioned body of work: Workplace bullying is a pattern of persistent, offensive, intimidating, malicious, insulting, or exclusionary discursive and non-discursive behaviours that targets perceive as intentional efforts to harm, control, or drive them from the workplace. Bullying is often escalatory in nature and linked to hostile work environments. The principal effects are damage or impairment to targets and workgroups and obstruction of organizational goals and processes. Legal OverviewWorkplace bullying erodes interpersonal relationships outside of work (Davenport et al. , 2002), and evidence â€Å"points to the potential for damage to those who have witnessed bullying at work† (Rayner et al. , 2002, p. 189). Co-workers are secondary targets of workplace bullying, similar to persons who witnes s and are psychologically marked by acts of workplace violence and murder (Barling, 1996). When co-workers witness others being bullied, they make the quite logical assumption that they could be targeted in a similar fashion and hypervigilance becomes a permanent feature of work life (Lockhart, 1997).Fear, emotional exhaustion, and guilt increase the likelihood of staff turnover. Furthermore, witnesses report higher stress levels and intentions to leave than do non-observers (Vartia, 2001). Given the destructive results of bullying, many find it difficult to believe this behaviour is unintentional. Even the detailed list of examples of harassment is not exhaustive and perpetrators can constantly think up new ways of tormenting their victims.Harassment can occur in numerous ways, some of which will be obvious but there will be others, quite subtle and difficult to explain. Further examples of harassment are the withholding of information which can affect the victim’s performan ce, ignoring views and opinions, setting unreasonable/impossible deadlines, giving unmanageable workloads, humiliating staff in front of others, being shouted at or being the target of spontaneous rage. As such, harassment can take a variety of shapes and forms and can manifest itself in the unlikeliest of situations.(Tehrani, 2001) In the UK, it is important to specify and identify harassment separately as, unlike bullying, many forms of discrimination are outlawed by specific legislation to which a victim can turn for recourse. The Health and Safety Executive of the United Kingdom states that bullying at work is a cause of stress. They state that â€Å"stress at work can be triggered or made worse where ‘there is prolonged conflict between individuals, including †¦ bullying or where staff are treated with contempt or indifference. † (Unison, 2003)Persistent exposure to bullying is also likely to lead to behavioural and attitudinal problems among workers. It can l ead to an increase in accidents, lack of concentration and increased use of alcohol and tobacco consumption. Exposure to persistent and regular bullying may also make it difficult for workers to cope with daily tasks. Other symptoms of bullying include anxiety, headaches, nausea, ulcers, various illnesses of organs such as the kidney, contemplating suicide, sleeplessness, skin rashes, irritable bowel syndrome, high blood pressure, bursting into tears and loss of self-confidence.

The Food Culture of American Nation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Food Culture of American Nation - Essay Example At start there were only three meal times, but later the healthy lifestyle promoters enforce the people to take four to five meals in a day. The quantity in each meal is reduced and the servings per day increases, this keeps the metabolism rate of the people high and it decreases the obesity. The latest concept in the food culture of America after fast food is lean meals or green meals.As Americans have seen how the consumption of fast food is effecting them, they are getting bit confused when they have to decide what to eat so there is constant battle between the organic food items as well as the natural food items. Eating habits and food habits make a very important impact on the social and political scenario of any country. The general attitude of Americans is lazy towards cooking healthy meals so they want anything that is quick, convenient and easy to afford and only one type of food item clicks your mind here that is fast food or junk food.Anything that looks yummy, fulfilling, and exotic and pleases aesthetically Americans are ready to spend their money on that food item. The new fast food for America is organic food these days as their food ethics are changing over time and they are moving towards healthy life style. The organic food is not cheaper or more tasty but it obviously is healthier. The food contains all the nutrients that are necessary to have a healthy mind and body.(Ray) mentioned in their book that around fifty million Americans are following the new American culture and food ethic now which is healthier. The author distinguished three groups on the basis of food consumption that are cultural creatives, moderns and traditionalists. [Rep99] has categorized two types of consumers in American food culture which are new green mainstream and the true naturals. These are very much similar to that of cultural creatives. The focus of the consumers is upon seasonally fresh, locally grown and minimally processed food items or you can say socially responsible food system. The burgers, Pizzas and spicy, oily foods are getting bit out of scenario in American culture and other green and low calorie food items are becoming part of dinner menus. While the diet and food culture in America is getting healthier, it is not same when it comes to Asia. The cooking methods, food ingredients and consumption trends in Asia are widely diversified. People believe in using more wheat, rice, oils, spices and herbs in their local cuisines. The focus is on the taste development instead of the consumption of balanced healthy diet. Ginger, Garlic, Onions, Tomatoes, red and green chilies are a necessity almost in every typical Asian dish. There is a large quantity of oil used which is not that beneficial but it improves the

Enviromantal analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Enviromantal analysis - Essay Example The access to natural resources takes care of a wide range of critically relevant concerns in relation to the project which would cover the political, economic and environmental aspects. It has been evidently proven that there is an ethical and sustainable exploitation and sharing of natural resources by the indigenous population. Their approach towards these resources is very much environmental friendly as well. Thus communities depend on these natural resources environmentally and economically. One of the threats persisting in the implementation of the project is that this may limit or even totally prevent the access of the local community on these natural resources. This would serve as a political incorrectness of the project. Ethically, the resources are to be owned by the local population and the communities that had inhabit the place. The project holds the threat of denying this right to them. A possible way of addressing this problem is by ensuring local participation. The local people must be made aware of the potential benefits of the project. Employment possibilities must be generated for them. They must be convinced on the environmental, political and economical feasibility of the project. The initial discussions must include representatives from the local population. A project of massive level would involve displacement of the local population. They would loose their shelter and mode of living. The denial of access to the natural resources which they depended on would affect the sustainability of the population. This would moreover create a state of social insecurity among the people as well. A proper backup system for the reestablishment of the displaced communities must be ensured. Their capacity building and involvement in the project workforce would address the issue to a major extend. So as to compensate the direct economic loss in terms of access to livelihood systems, shelter, land and other resources, the victims must be properly

Freedom Writers Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Freedom Writers - Term Paper Example The school teacher comes from a different background then the children. The school teacher is portrayed as coming from a wealthy family with caring parents. It must have been easy for the teacher to attend college and money seems to not be an issue. The teacher obtains a job at a school that is known for having a bad name and not many students that prosper. The school is located in a poorer neighborhood and contains many different genders of teens and minorities. Location has a lot to do with economics of race and gender. Schools that are located in wealthy neighborhoods usually contain students that come from wealthy families. Schools located in less wealthy neighborhoods are likely to contain students from a poorer economic class. The movie portrays economics as referring to race and gender as; white families and students are wealthy and have less problems associated with money and less crime. Minorities such as African Americans, Asians and Latino families are likely on government assistance and struggle financially. With portrayal is shown by revealing struggles that students in poorer communities struggle with everyday. In the movie the teacher does something that no one else has ever tried before. The teacher sees the students outside of race and gender. The teacher fights to get the kids basic school supplies others take for granted. The students need notebooks, textbooks and writing utensils. The school refuses to pay for these items so the teacher takes up a second job and does what is necessary to get the students what they need. Her perseverance is shown to the students and this moves them in a way no one else has. After struggling to show the students that race and gender do not matter, finally she is able to get through to the students. The students accept her for her and then begin to accept each other regardless of social, racial and gender differences. Near the end of the movie, the teacher is able to persuade

Postcolonial literature challenges the viability of the notion of a Essay

Postcolonial literature challenges the viability of the notion of a fixed identity. Consider how the colonial practice of othering is deconstructed in later novels - Essay Example Colonization has the strong impact on the history of the world that gave rise to the several revolutions, rebellions and different social changes in the society. Post-colonial literature has played a key role, in order to get through of the colonial system of the society. Post-colonial literature gives the sense of distinctive social identity and the otherness due the social culture and norms that are the main source of identification in the world since the early days of its creation. Identity is the element that gives the person realization of his importance in the society whereas Otherness is the distinctive factor that differentiates the person and his abilities in respect to others. Post-colonial literature came into existence as an opposition to the colonial system that ruled the society. It awakened the society to fight for their identity by giving them a sense of otherness in cultural and social aspects1. There are three books that have been discussed below in an account to this, these books belong to the colonial period, and they are also the perfect example of post-colonial literature. The book jasmine has depicted the struggle of the typical Punjabi girl of India and her journey of life in order to attain her distinctive identity in the society and American dream in term of social acceptance and self-contentment. Another book that has been discussed is the ‘Wide Sargasso Sea’, in which Antoinette’s has struggled for the attainment of her identity that has been having been perfectly illustrated in the book... The book gives a sense of otherness by being in a society where the number of other communities was dwelling and struggling to achieve their social identity. The third book that has been discussed in these papers is Black Mischief by Evelyn Waugh. In which the main character Seth can be observe having difficulty in

Organ Trafficking Solution Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Organ Trafficking Solution - Research Paper Example India has been cited as one of the countries with the highest number of organ traffickers among other countries such as Philippines, Pakistan, Egypt and China. According to Shimazono (2007), organ transplantation is a therapy that is practiced on persons with dysfunctional organs and is practiced internationally. He notes that nations are illegalizing organ donations, and yet illegal organ trafficking still exists. Thus, he recommends that vulnerable individuals should be protected by these nations as a form of curbing and controlling this illegal activity. Among the main organ exporters, India contributes much to the illegal trade since many of the organ traffickers sell these organs to foreigners in the country (Shimazono, 2007). Organ transplant according to Shimazono has serious effects and consequences on the lives of the affected individuals. Regrets, discrimination, and depression, are some of the effects of organ trafficking causes on the victims. MOHAN, which is an Indian non-government group, supports the legal donation of organs in India and thus demonizes organ trafficking as an inhuman and illegal business. Many economic and social challenges force Indian young men to engage, in these dubious businesses, to sustain themselves. An urgency to control and curb the illegal business is needed in India and the government, researchers and Indian policy workers are working so hard to erad icate the practice. This essay aims at offering the solution to the problem of organ trafficking. Organ trafficking has become a contentious issue, which many governments and international organizations are trying to solve. The international community has been on the far front line in curtailing the organ trafficking business with a number of countries joining to coming up with policy solutions (Kelly, 2013). Some of the countries aim at reducing the

Description Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Description - Essay Example However, bees are the most prevalent or common because these can be breed (raised and propagated in artificial hives) and perform the pollination function much more efficiently compared to other insects, animals, or so-called carriers of pollen or termed as vectors. Bees are very important to human survival, because without them, pollination cannot take place and many products in agriculture, such as fruits and vegetables, will not be available if not for the bees. However, it is also alarming that bees themselves are under serious environmental threats. It is estimated some $40 billion to $50 billion worth of agricultural products are due to the pollination activities of these bees (Abrol 762). Bees are very crucial for survival of the human species. Discussion Besides pollination, bees are also well known for their honey. I remember when I was still a young kid, my mom used to make me eat honey at breakfast. I can still very vividly recall its sweet taste in my mouth; among the sug ars available from Mother Nature, it is honey that has most health (anti-bacterial) beneficial effects. People today are more health conscious as compared to earlier generations; honey as a natural sweetener is much better to the artificial sweeteners in the supermarkets today (Chepulis 37); whenever I see honey, I remember bees. Since ancient times, honey has been considered to have medicinal properties, but it is only now, with the use of modern science, that its chemical composition has been analyzed to know what makes honey a powerful tonic, and even as an aphrodisiac. Science has confirmed the firm belief of the people in antiquity that honey contains many of the elements essential for good health, among them anti-oxidants amino acids, vitamins, and minerals (Sharma 14). One can eat plenty of honey without getting the ailments associated with sugars or sweets such as diabetes, heart diseases, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and vascular diseases. I was walking home one day when I heard a persistent buzzing sound. At first, I did not know immediately what it was; I had originally thought I just imagined hearing the sound, a buzzing sound in my ears, because there is something wrong with my hearing. Only later on did I realize a big bee was buzzing and flitting from flower to flower in our home garden. This garden has been planted with a variety of flowers, and the bee made great use of the spring. It flew among the red flowers, sipping the nectar of each bud and seemed tremendously happy. What a sight it was! A bee is very graceful when flying; its wings beat at 190-250 times per second! (Micucci 28). This frequency can be compared with the wing beats of a butterfly (4-20 times per second, while the fly beats its wings at 1,000 times a second). A honey bee actually has two pairs of wings, and its wings are so small compared to its body weight, it is defying both the laws of gravity and aerodynamics because of so much energy from honey! Honey bees are one of the most useful insects in the world, and it is difficult to have a good harvest without them pollinating all the flowers of the fruits and vegetables. The apple is an example, without bees pollinating their blossoms, no apple can be produced. Further, a lot of people may not know it, but bees also make beeswax used for making candles (during earlier times when electricity was not yet harnessed to produce lighting); candles made from beeswax have a higher

International financial markets Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

International financial markets - Essay Example It was in this in this meeting gathering that the Bretton Woods system was born. Initially, this has initiated an acceleration of global activity. However as the system progresses, its flaws surfaced out so intensely that the former United States President Richard Nixon sentenced it to its demise on August 1971. Though the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, two financing institutions that were born because of the system are still existent, the initial system that they adopted were substantially altered by Nixon’s cessation of gold standard. Adam Smith, the father of economics, and his contemporary thinkers, has started recognizing and studying on the benefits from international trade and capital mobility. Though overseas trading has already been practiced centuries earlier before their era, there was no formal academic and scientific study for this. Smith, in his pioneering investigation on the British economy, has plotted out a fertile condition for nations to maximize their gains: the presence of a sufficiently functioning international monetary system that promotes and facilitates trade and efficient allocation of capital (Ferderer, 2002, p.1). The 18th century admired the prospects for mutual gain that they get from free trade between nations (Understanding economics, 2006). In the past 200 years, capital mobility in large quantities and allocation of these to lucrative and promising investments became a tool that altered the standard of living. Effectiveness of financial institutions should then be measured by the contributions that they give to this process and eventually to a country’s growth and employment (Eatwell & Taylor, 1999). They should then adapt a financial system that will facilitate the flow of capital and investment. In 1717 Sir Isaac Newton ‘accidentally’ adopted a de facto gold standard that later became the monetary regime in those times. The renowned scientist, a master of the mint, set the gold price

Teenager Substance Abuse Essay Example for Free

Teenager Substance Abuse Essay For youth leaders, this is a study of a teenager who has a substance abuse problem and was released from a detention center. It involves a seventeen old male who abuses marijuana, alcohol, and ecstasy; and is also the son of two ministers. This story should help readers understand the dynamics involved with a teenage drug user and will also help youth leaders develop effective skills for reaching out to a troubled teen in need of support, especially after incarceration. A seventeen-year-old male, Jimmy, lived in a middle-class suburb. Jimmy was referred to me by his sister, ecause she felt my knowledge and past experiences might be helpful in reaching him. Later on I decided to meet and conduct an interview at his house, with his sister present in an adjacent room. During the conversation, several facts emerged. Jimmy had been in trouble with the legal system, mostly for drug possession and motor vehicle infractions. He said he had been kicked out of high school because of his drug use. He had been using alcohol and marijuana since he was about 13. He had more recently been taking ecstasy. When asked why he used drugs, he claimed it educed his boredom and provided a way to escape and have fun. Additionally, it was discerned that his father worked long hours (in the mental health field), and was basically absent from the family. Later, I learned that his father denied his sons habits. The family, which also includes a younger 16-year-old brother, had gone to see a therapist but Jimmy was an unwilling participant. Jimmy noted that he does have a problem with authority figures, like the police, because he believes they are corrupt. Jimmy did admit that police have a Job to do, in terms of protecting people rom harmful practices. Jimmy also realized that there are consequences of drug use and that he was headed for a state prison sentence if he did not improve his actions. He learned that his mother could be arrested under law if he had drugs in her house; this bothered Jimmy. I researched about what state prison was like and told him all about it. Throughout the intervention, then I listened and affirmed the young man without condoning his bad behavior. In the end, I gained his trust and told him that his personal feelings would be kept confidential. I recommended that Jimmy be areful when he with his peers, and I encouraged him to select a friend who would help hold him accountable. I shared my phone number with him. Jimmys behavior improved. The relationship between teens and drugs has been around for decades; however, this is not what you would call positive. Substance abusing (which is using drugs or alcohol in ways than can cause physical harm) is often associated with crime. But why do youths take drugs? Youth take drugs for the following reasons: social disorganization, peer pressure, family factors, emotional, or rational choice. Social isorganization deals with drug abuse to poverty and disorganized urban environment. Drug use by youth minority group members has been tied to factors such as racial prejudice, low-esteem, social status, and stress produced from environment. The National Youth Survey found that drug use tends to be higher among urban youths. problem was bad and the police officer and teachers that worked at my high school had no idea whatsoever what was going on right under their noses seriously, I remember people at football games found this place behind a shed where no one went and they used to smoke and do drugs, it was bad. But of course no one could say anything about anything they saw otherwise that person will get death threats and get their tires slashed in the parking lot and have to go to homecoming fearing for their life. Like one time I remember this girl said something and everyone in the school hated her and she was instantly unpopular. So yes there is a huge drug problem and getting students to rat each other out is so not going to happen. In a perfect world maybe, but in the real world, not a chance. Jimmy is a classic case of a lonely teenager who is never with his parents and is basically always hanging out ith his friends which are a very bad influence. The pattern that I recognize from Jimmy is that he has been wanting to get his parents attention and the only way he gets it, is by consuming excessive alcohol or illegal drugs. Teens feel alone at home and family. They look for something attractive that pleases them. They dont get enough attention from parents. They were not used to get enough attention when they were kids. But when they were kids there were a lot of childish things that could make them busy and temporarily happy. But when they reach 14, those things can ot attract them anymore. They still suffer from lacking of attention and the things that could be a relief for them, have lost their attraction. So they look for new things. Definitely these new things cannot be found in family. They are already disappointed about family. Parents should be trained and educated about these things. They should know that all of these problems come because of lack of attention from one or both parents. One hour attention to children and teens saves hundreds of hours of therapy in future. It prevents a lot of problems that addiction is only one of them. By interviewing Jimmy I found that teenagers see taking / using drugs are Just a way of teenage-hood, most youth will try some sort of drug, maybe Just to try it out or maybe for a reason. This teen said he has taken drugs because it was something to do, and everyone else around him was doing it and it was seen cool to take drugs and that it was a way to escape from the real world. Interviewing Jimmy was very interesting because I could sort of relate what he is going through from when I was in high school. Luckily Jimmy is acting on time before he goes to the wrong path and becomes a failure in life.

The Morality of Animal Testing Essay Example for Free

The Morality of Animal Testing Essay Animal testing is undoubtedly one of the most controversial issues in modern society. This practice began in the 19th century; animals were used to test dosing of certain drugs and chemicals. In the 1920’s, animals were also being used to test pesticides and food additives (Fano, 11). Today, animal testing is used to study everything from cosmetics to cancer. With such a wide range of opinions on animal rights and human priority, it is no wonder that this topic is so controversial. There are people who have an extreme view on the issue and are either completely pro or completely con. In my opinion, the issue of animal testing is far too complex for one simple answer; its morality lies somewhere in between the two poles. Animal testing is acceptable if it results in saving people’s lives. It is not acceptable, however, if it results in personal or cosmetic products that are far from vital to the human race. Those who are in favor of animal testing justify it many different ways. Thomas Hamm, a toxicologist and veterinarian, argues that, â€Å"We can’t protect the environment, or people in general, without doing some animal testing. If you’re pro-environment but opposed to animal testing, you’re on shaky ground, because the two positions just aren’t compatible with each other† (Fano, 44). In order to have a safe and successful society, he argues, we must use animals to test chemicals, drugs, treatments, and anything else that will further our knowledge of improving the world, at least for humans. Many people are of the same mind as Hamm. Animal testing reduces the risks of many products, like cosmetics and medication, among many others. Scientists can put safety standards in place for products based on their findings via animal testing. Often, animals will react badly or even die from certain chemicals or combinations, make the humans that use the products far safer. But the most important argument of those in favor of anima l testing is its reliability and comprehensiveness. By using another living being, it is much easier to understand the effects of a drug or chemical on the body and assess its risks. Another positive aspect of animal testing is its convenience. Rodents are the most common test subjects in laboratories. Mice in particular have a relatively short lifespan. This allows scientists to observe a single organism’s life in its entirety in a reasonable time. You could see how a drug, when taken as a baby or adolescent would affect the animal later on in its life. Because many test subjects are bred specifically for the testing purpose, Scientists are able to manipulate, observe, and control every aspect of that animal’s life. This reduces the risk of other variables affecting the outcome of the experiment, making it more accurate. A researcher would know the animal’s entire medical history, which would be necessary in understanding the outcome of several different experiments. Scientists are allowed to kill these animals after the experiment is completed, allowing them to look at how the drug or chemical affected the animal’s entire body system , instead of just its visible affects. For instance, a researcher might observe a given vaccine to have been safe on the mouse, as it was healthy and lived a long life, even though it could have had a hidden negative effect only visible inside its body (Fano, 45). However, the opposition has equally strong and numerous arguments against animal testing. A very popular argument for those against animal testing is its inaccuracy. While it is true animal testing allows you to observe the effects of a drug on an entire body system, some argue that people and the animals used in testing are just too different (Blue). A drug’s safety for a mouse or rabbit cannot ensure safety for humans, who are genetically and biologically much different. This argument has obvious validity; dog owners consider it common knowledge that dogs cannot eat chocolate for safety reasons, and humans in general clearly have no health problems with chocolate. The same could be argued for various medications and products. The main arguments for those who are anti-animal testing is simple: it is inhumane. As an animal lover, some of the research I did included testimonies and photographs that were completely horrifying. Some animals had tufts of fur missing, obvious infections, and missing body parts, like arms and eyeballs. The basic assumption behind animal testing is that animals are lesser than humans (Hayhurst, 10). Those opposed to animal testing have conflicting beliefs and think that, â€Å"other animals have the same rights to life that human animals have† (Hayhurst, 10). Many people, myself included, have opinions somewhere in between these two extremes (Hayhurst, 11). Using animals as test subjects is not so black and white; there are many grey areas. Animals should have the right to live, but not to the same degree as the human species. As awful as it sounds, we view this idea at work everyday. Killing a person obviously has more serious consequences that killing an animal. Animals’ lives are simply not as valued as those of humans. So if the result of using animals as test subjects is a cure for a deadly disease that affects the human race, like cancer, many people believe this is a justified act. In other words, it is acceptable to kill animals if it helps save people’s lives. If animals were used as test subjects for just these types of purposes, it is likely that the animal rights debate would not be nearly as controversial. But the problem is that animal testing is used for much less necessary purposes. Countless cosmetic companies use animals to test their products, such as eye shadow, shampoo, and contact lens solution (Hayhurst, 10). These products are not even coming close to saving people’s lives, yet animals often suffer and die for their production. Many cosmetic companies have either stopped or never started using animals as test subjects. The European Union banned animal testing on personal cosmetic products and the import of products that do use animals. So it is clear that producing these types of products without using animal testing is possible, as many companies do it. However, other companies continue to make animals suffer and often die in the production process (Ellin). The animal rights debate has a long history and has no end in sight. Everyone has a different opinion about the morality of using animals as test subjects. Some are pro, some are con, and some are in between. Those in between believe the purpose of the tests determine its moral rightness or wrongness. To put it simply, it just depends on the situation. If animals must suffer or even die in order to save a human life, then it is justified. But making even one animal suffer to produce unnecessary products, as discussed earlier, is completely immoral and should be brought to an end. Because animal testing encompasses many touchy topics, like an animal’s right to life and the differing importance of animal and human life, people will continue to debate it until there is an alternative that is equal parts ethical, useful, accurate, and convenient. Work Cited: * Hayhurst, Chris. Animal Testing: The Animal Rights Debate. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group, 2000. print. * Fano, Alex. Lethal Laws: Animal Testing, Human Health, and Environmental Policy. New York: Zed Books Ltd., 1997. print. * Balls, Michael. â€Å"Alternatives to Animal Testing: Toward Reducing Uncertainty and Unintended Consequences.† AATEX 16.3 (2011): 101-110 * Blue, Laura. â€Å"How Much Does Animal Testing Tell Us?† Time Magazine 17 June 2008. online. * Ellin, Abby. â€Å"Leaving Animals Out of the Cosmetics Picture.† New York Times 28 December 2011. online.

Rate of Fermentation

Rate of Fermentation Cells obtain energy through a process called respiration. Yeast normally respires aerobically. In the absence of oxygen, yeast carries out anaerobic respiration. Yeast carries out alcohol fermentation which is catalysed by the enzyme zymase to produces ethanol, carbon dioxide and energy. Ethanol is used in making wine. Alcohol fermentation equation: Glucose Alcohol + Carbon dioxide C5H12O5 2C2H5OH + 2CO2 The rate of fermentation is influenced by several factors like temperature, type of sugar solution, concentration of yeast and concentration of glucose. In order to measure the rate of fermentation, the rate of production of carbon dioxide is measured in this experiment. Aim: To investigate how volume of yeast suspension may influence the rate of fermentation. Hypothesis: As the volume of yeast suspension increases, the rate of fermentation also increases. Variables: Independent variable : Volume of yeast suspension Dependent variable : Rate of fermentation Constant variable : Concentration of glucose, type of sugar solution, temperature, time  taken for the rate of fermentation. Materials Apparatus: 50-mL of measuring cylinder, 2-ml of graduated pipette, yeast suspension, glucose solution, 37oC warm water, burette, stopwatch, test tube, delivery tube, and basin. Methods: 1) 20mL of glucose solution was added to the test tubes using a 50mL measuring cylinder. 2) 2mL of yeast suspension was added to the solution in test tubes using a 2mL graduated pipette. 3) The end of the test tubes were covered with the thumb and the test tubes were inverted several  times to thoroughly mix the contents of the test tubes. 4) The test tubes were covered with a stopper. 5) The delivery tube was attached, measuring cylinder was filled with water and the apparatus was  set up so that gas produced will be collected in the measuring cylinder. Two sets of apparatus  were set up where one of them acts as a control. 6) The test tubes were placed in a beaker which is  ¾ full with warm water at 370C to ensure a  suitable environment. 7) The volume of gas produced in the measuring cylinder was observed and recorded every 5  minutes for a total of 40 minutes. 8) The experiment was repeated by using 4mL of yeast suspension instead of 2mL of yeast  suspension. 9) A table was constructed to record the time of measurements and the total volume of carbon  dioxide produced for both experiment. A graph was constructed. Discussion: Based on the graph, the curve for experiment which uses 4ml of yeast suspension is steeper than the curve for experiment which uses 2ml of yeast suspension. We can conclude that as the volume of yeast suspension increases, the volume of carbon dioxide produced also increases. When more volume yeast suspension is used the reactant will increase causes the frequency of collision to be increase too. So, higher productive collision will happen and causes the product which is carbon dioxide to be released will increase. The results can be said precise as the readings are close to each other in both experiments. However, the reading for the experiment which uses 4ml of yeast suspension at minute of 35 and 40 is not precise as it has quite big difference. The graph has no scattered points and this indicates that random errors are not very significant for this experiment. Random error such as the temperature of the water bath is not consistent to 37 °C and this may affect the result obtain ed. Besides that, another possible random error is the inability of human to react fast when using stopwatch. He might start take time or end the time slowly or quickly. So, it may affect the precision of the results. Improvements can be done by using an incubator as its water bath which its temperature will not drop or gain once it is fixed to 37 °C. The person with stopwatch must really quick to start the stopwatch exactly after the delivery tube is connected to the test tube containing yeast suspension and glucose solution. The accuracy cannot be commented as the true value is not given in both experiments. However, based on the theory it is true that when the volume of yeast suspension increases, the volume of carbon dioxide produced also increases. Systematic errors such as the burette might not be calibrated properly. Some of the carbon dioxide gas might dissolve in water and affects the actual volume of carbon dioxide gas produced. Therefore, improvements such as use only t he burette which is perfectly calibrated and gas syringe is used to collect the exact amount of carbon dioxide produced. It is important to use a lot of samples because a more reliable result can be obtained and the effect of random errors will be reduced. So, the results obtained can be more precise. Repeating the experiment also is important as it will increase the validity of results. Conclusion: As the volume of yeast suspension increases, the rate of fermentation also increases. Hypothesis is accepted.

hip hop Essay -- essays research papers

Have you ever heard someone say, "I hate all music."? Lately though music has been criticized for corrupting teen's minds. Hip Hop is being blamed for all the crimes and murders in cities all over America and heavy metal is being blamed for giving teens only dark images and thoughts in their minds. First we must ask what Hip Hop is to us or to others, who simply don’t know or may never feel our movement in society. This form of poetry and story telling has took growth from within a deprived New York neighborhood during 1970s is spread worldwide, even non-english speaking countries strive on our message to help their culture the light. Hip Hop has taken my generation in open arms and speaks the truth to those, who listen. We are more motive and attentive , better focus I believe then any generation before us. In the United States we take pride in ourselves as being the freest nation in the world. Unfortunately, there are times in our history in which certain groups have been unrightfully deprived of their freedom. This can be said for Americans who endured years of ignorant and another century of unawareness. Is which I think started the late 1970s signaled a new era of rhythmic and linguistic wealth: rap music. Hip hop and in particular rap music gives people on the margins of society a powerful voice to express political discontent. While political discontent is expressed through all the elements of hip hop, rap music has bec...

Trumans Domestic Policy :: American America History

Truman's Domestic Policy Despite strong opposition from a Republican congress, Truman attempted to extend Roosevelt's New Deal policies by strengthening social security, conservation, implementing rent controls, and providing housing to low-income families. At times, however, Truman was inconsistent with his own party's beliefs and the ideal of the New Deal in order to suit the immediate situation and retain public support. Furthermore, Truman supported civil rights actions and for the first time, increased the political status of African American citizens. Truman's various other reforms were much like the proposals of Roosevelt, but the mood of the nation due to its affluence and that of Congress opposed his efforts and the changing times proved that Truman's Fair Deal was not as necessary as FDR's New Deal. Truman's organized policy to elaborate on the New Deal was termed the Fair Deal and aimed to improve social conditions like Roosevelt's plan had done previously. His immediate goals were full employment and an improved economy, as well as to provide for the common good. The Fair Labor Standards Act increased the minimum wage from 40 cents to 75 cents and the Social Security Act increased benefits to the elderly by 77.5%. Also, to the advantage of those who lived in rented homes and apartments, Truman lengthened rent controls to March 1951, and in addition, the Housing Act vowed to eliminate slums and established 810,000 low-income houses, thus providing a good amount of citizens with affordable housing. The president also implemented the Employment Act in 1946 to help stabilize the postwar economy. The act created a three member council of economic advisors and a joint committee to study and propose stabilization measures. Moreover, Truman attempted to establish a Missouri Valley Aut hority while extending the power of the Tennessee Valley authority, but was unsuccessful. However, the president did obtain increases in hydroelectric, water control, and irrigation projects in the west. Like Roosevelt, Truman was concerned about the welfare of farmers and encouraged the Brennan Plan to maintain farm income standards through price supports, loans, and storage of nonperishable commodities. Although the plan failed , the Agriculture Act of October, 1949 continued price supports at 90% parity through 1950 and then at 75-90% afterwards. This act was consistent with New Deal farm policy. Truman made other New Dealish attempts, like National Health Insurance and federal aid to education, but both were defeated with the help of protests by interest groups, namely the American Medical Association and the Roman Catholic Church.

Developing Managers :: GCSE Business Marketing Coursework

Developing Managers: The Functional, the Symbolic, the Sacred and the Profane [*]. Author/s: Ken Kamoche Abstract This paper offers a new perspective on international management by examining the role of culture and management development in creating international expertise, a sense of identity and realizing organizational control. A critical analysis of the culture transmission and management development philosophy and practice of a UK-based transnational reveals how the transmission of culture accomplishes management development objectives, while management development itself serves as a vehicle for the transmission of the desired corporate values. This recursiveness is sustained by a corporate ideology that urges the creation of integrative values and, in turn, is legitimized by the quest for favourable functional and symbolic consequences. Descriptors: management training and development, culture, ideology, functionalism, symbolism Introduction Reconciling headquarter-subsidiary interests while maintaining a distinct identity continues to be a major challenge for multinational firms, hence the think global/act local paradox. For Ghoshal and Bartlett (1990) this problem can be addressed by effectively handling the network of exchange relationships. Other solutions include socialization and the management of expatriates (e.g. Edstrom and Galbraith 1977; Tung 1982); managing relationships between expatriates and host-country subordinates (e.g. Shaw 1990); creating cultural synergy (e.g. Adler 1980); fostering cooperative relationships and developing conflict-resolution mechanisms (e.g. Doz et al. 1981); diffusing 'best proven practices' (e.g. Rosenzweig and Singh 1991); reconciling organizational linkages (e.g. Borys and Jemison 1989) and diffusing and leveraging knowledge (e.g. Gupta and Govindarajan 1991; Kamoche 1996). Bartlett and Ghoshal (1989: 187) found that successful transnational firms used management development 'to build cultural norms, sha pe organizational processes and influence individual managerial behaviour in a way that reinforced worldwide strategies and organizational objectives'. This implies a potentially integrative role for culture and management training and development (MTD). Going beyond the typical concern with 'better skills', this study offers a much more complex and multi-faceted picture of MTD which reveals an intricate interplay between MTD and corporate culture. We show how managers in a multinational firm disguised as International Products (IP) account for their training and career development activities and how they rationalize such activities in terms of an integrative corporate culture. [1] Thus, MTD serves as a tool for the transmission of culture, while a putative integrative culture in turn furnishes the rationale for MTD. This recursiveness finds legitimacy in the ideological premise, promulgated by senior management, that it is in the joint interests of the firm and the managers to absorb and internalize the organizational values inherent in the corporate culture, because this helps managers to secure a high-flying career.

Project Risk Management

Project risk management is aimed a avoiding bad surprises once we start executing the project plan. During the creation of the project plan, we identify risk, analyses them and plan our action to avoid the risk, transfer it or implement a contingency plan if the risk occurs. After we have planned our risk management process for the project, we begin by identifying the risks that the project faces. It's important to remember that these risks can be adverse to the project in the sense of causing it to finish late or cost more.Risk can also be positive or favorable in that is may let us deliver what's expected for less cost and finish early. We do the risk identification process with the project manager, project sponsor, stakeholders and team members. Risk quantification is the process of evaluating the risks that have been identified and developing the data that will be needed for making decisions The objective of quantification is to establish a way of arranging the risks in the order of importance. In most projects there will not be enough time or money to take action against every risk that is identified.Risk response development involves defining enhancement steps for opportunities and responses to threats. These generally fall into three categories †¢ Avoidance – eliminating a specific threat, usually by eliminating the cause †¢ Mitigation – reducing the expected monetary value of a risk event by reducing the probability of occurrence, reduce the risk event value, or both. †¢ Acceptance – accepting the consequences. Risk response control is the process by which risks are kept in the forefront of management discussions and thus, reviewed on a cyclic basis.Items that the risk register will hold in order to monitor and drive this process will include: †¢ Outstanding action; †¢ Action owner; †¢ Action issue date; †¢ Action status; †¢ Action response; and †¢ Action close-out date. The Risk Control Group will monitor the progress of the implementation of the agreed risk control measures. This will ensure that all risk control measures are incorporated efficiently and that any variations in the measure or any changes to the risk profile are identified and appropriate action is taken. The Risk Register will be a dynamic, growing document and will be updated, amended and revised on a regular basis.

Masks of Eternity Essay

In the episode â€Å"Masks of Eternity,† Joseph Campbell explains the godliness of self. He explains ideas about the past versus the present and the common ways of thinking that have changed the way messages are viewed and interpreted. He goes over the ideas of the inner Christ, the significance of the circle, and peak experiences. Campbell speaks of an inner Christ in all people. It is not a connection to God, but a oneness with him; meaning that you become a part of God. He explains it as the difference of an individual life, meaning the life of the person, and the all encompassing life, meaning the life that turns the world and all other things. He tells of finding it through meditation, finding that center of yourself that can feel a connection to the life around you and the realization that all things are connected and caused by one another. Campbell interprets the things he was taught as a child, about the angel and the demon on either side of him, as the urges that push our decisions in one direction or the other. These energies, he says, come from the different organs of the body. Each needs something different, and the urges that arise are about what is needed most. Campbell also speaks of the significance of the circle. Each culture has some form of importance in the shape of the circle. He talks about the way Native Americans built their villages in the shape of a circle, the way Aztecs made a circular calendar, and the way that each culture put itself in the center of that circle. He talks about ancient cultures believing that everything generates around a specific point, orbiting around it. Campbell also speaks of time going in a circle. In ancient times, it was seen as a reoccurring aspect of life, summer, fall, winter, spring. All things ended and began anew in a pattern. Now, though, time is seen as a straight line. Clocks make us realize that time is flowing past and will never come again. Before, death was looked at as a rebirth; now it is simply looked at as the end. Peak experiences, as Campbell explains, are moments where you can feel the harmony of being alive. For him, it was a race in Colombia. He said he could feel that he was going to win the race, not even because he was winning, but because he could feel it within himself. He explains peak experiences as being in a state of mind that allows you to see your outer most limits and obtain your maximum potential. He goes on to say that not all peak experiences are physical. Some can simply be a thought or realization that changes your outlook on life or solving a problem. Some peak experiences are not the highest points of your life. A life can have many peak experiences as long as you feel that you are at one with yourself and what you are accomplishing. Personally, I understand the inner Christ, not as a connection to the life around us, but a working understanding of the path God has set out for us. I can understand the ideas behind this belief in the inner Christ and the idea that Jesus may have found his inner connection with life, but I do not agree with it. I believe that The feeling they are referring to is the feeling that comes with following Gods path, whether you know him as your savior or not. The idea of the circle on the other hand, I can understand completely. Time feels like it is flowing by without slowing, but there is always the chance of next time. Next time I’ll get that raise; next time I’ll win; next time I will do better. Time isn’t a perfect circle to me, but neither is it a straight line. It is a looping flow, cork screwing back onto itself. My peak realization in life so far was the creation of an art piece in high school. I was working on a drawing of a tree, creating every painstaking detail, and all the time, I knew that I was going to be proud of it; that I was going to get it right. I felt accomplished without having yet accomplishing anything. To this day, I can look at no other piece I have finished and count it as my best.

Writing About Literature

In the stories â€Å"The Frog Prince† by Gustaf Tenggren and â€Å"Hazel Tells LaVerne† by Katharyn Machan are both very similar stories with relation to a frog. The one thing that seems to jump out to the reader is that one story takes place in a totally different time period than the other. Two comparisons that will be made in my story will be the main focus on the frog character and how time is such a big setting or difference from one story to the other.The poem version of this frog prince â€Å"hazel Tells LaVerne† is told in past tense meaning the story had taken place the night before and the narrator is telling the story by what had happened while she was at work. As I read this story I quickly realized this had to have taken place in our present day and time because of the description told in the story about her cleaning of a toilet. Obviously the narrator sounded as if she wasn’t very much educated at all from the sounds of her talking.However, t he author was very clever because she sounds as if she is trying to continue the actual story of â€Å"The Frog Prince† to a now modern day story of what would most likely occur today. In the actual fairy tale â€Å"The Frog Prince† details get very specific for this story is the actual and original story of â€Å"The Frog Prince†. The golden ball is key mentionable item in this story because its also mentioned in the poem†Hazel Tells Laverne†. Princess made a promise with a frog she came across in a well which was if the frog had gotten her ball she would bring the frog back to her castle, feed him, and sleep with him.She eventually broke her promises thinking because she had her ball after the frog retrieved it she didn’t have to follow up on the promise she made. The frog went to the castle told the king for he knew a word is someone’s word so she must follow through forcing her to do so. Princess got sick of it threw the frog into a wall but not least and a spell occurred and she turned into a frog and he a prince. The golden ball was mentioned in both stories which was why I assumed that maybe the poem was a continuation of the original fairy tale.Both stories had a frog prince which is why I will also conclude that maybe Katharyn Machan wrote the poem she did to make a shorter, more of modern day story of â€Å"The Frog Prince†, and maybe she wants to make a statement by how oblivious our society is today as to what it was hundreds of years ago. Both were very interesting stories in that they both had a different meaning and served a different purpose for not only the author but for the reader. It depends on how you perceive the message in the stories and this is how the story was presented to me which answers why I wrote what I did for my comparison between the two stories.

Beximco Textile’s Working Capital Management

Executive Summary This report is presenting the overall working capital management of BeximcoTextiles Limited. In this report all of the information is collected from secondary data. As, Primary data was too much confidential, the company didn’t disclose it to us. In this report the terms and conditions that we have learned in FIN 406 has implemented. In this report financial analysis and recommendations are given. Introduction part Company overview The Beximco Textiles Ltd. was incorporated in Bangladesh as a Public Ltd. Company with limited liability on 1994 & commenced commercial operation in 1995. The project was set up as a state of the art fabric weaving, dyeing & finishing facilities for production of high quality shirting fabric, unique wrinkle free fabric (Cortex-2000, cotra DP 3. 5 +) & other fabrics. BTL has an installed capacity of 288 high-speed air-jet looms in its weaving section & a high-tech dyeing & finishing section with a capacity of 100,000 yards of finished fabric per day. It is a member enterprise of the Beximco conglomerate. During the year the company produced and sold high quality shirting and other fabric and bringing forth all the latest in hard and soft technologies in weaving and finishing of fabric. It is the most modern composite mill in the region. They have leveraged Bangladesh's labor cost advantage ; export competitiveness to the maximum. Beximco Textiles Limited engages in manufacturing and marketing yarn, woven, knit, and denim fabrics in Bangladesh. The company offers yarn products, such as count, fiber, CVC, and TC yarn products; fabric products comprising solid dyed, yarn dyed, finishing, dobby designs, and yarn count products; and denim products. It also provides special yarn products consisting of plied yarn, fancy yarn, slub yarn, core spun, multi count, and multi twist products, as well as wrinkle-free products. The company was formerly known as Padma Textile Mills Limited and changed its name to Beximco Textiles Limited in 2006. Mission Each of our activities must benefit and add value to the common wealth of our society. We firmly believe that, in the final analysis we are accountable to each of the constituents with whom we interact; namely: our employees, our customers, our business associates, our fellow citizens and our shareholders. Purpose of this Study: This study has been designed in such a way that students are going to learn the in-depth knowledge about a company’s financial condition. The main purpose of this report is to reinforce the concept of financial policy of Beximco Textiles ltd. along with its all working capital ratios, short-term financing and long-term financing. etc. Overall, this study will help a finance student to familiar with the practical scenario. Limitation: The report is limited to the data that are available in the annual reports and in the website related to Beximco textiles. Primary data was not available as they didn’t disclose. Finally, we have used our own judgments in many ways from our Business Finance courses in order to simplify the research, evaluate, calculation and advising. Financial Analysis Working Capital of Beximco Textiles ltd. : Working capital is defined as current (expected to be consumed or converted into cash within one year) assets minus current liabilities. Working capital turnover indicates how efficiently the company generates revenue with its working capital. Year| Current Assets| Current Liabilities| Working Capital of particular year| 2006| 7572906611| 5961381357| 1605525254| 2007| 7881489387| 8058498925| -177009538| 2008| 7230982538| 7906937639| -675955101| 2009| 8677166758| 4834823994| 3842342764| 2010| 9031547621| 6944110703| 2087436918| Inventory: Inventories are carried at the lower of cost and net realizable value as prescribed by IAS 2:Inventories, cost is determined on weighted average cost basis. The cost of inventories comprises of expenditure incurred in the normal course of business in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition. Net realizable value is based on estimated selling price less any further costs expected to be incurred to make the sale. Beximco textile ltd. Holds 5 types of inventory: * Raw material inventory (Fibre, yarn, gray fabric, dyes ; chemicals) * Work in process inventory * Finished goods inventory * Packing materials * Stores and Spares Amount of inventory in five years: Year| Amount of inventory| 006| 3414768025| 2007| 3688016341| 2008| 2733063864| 2009| 2742675600| 2010| 2994596746| Accounts Receivable: Their accounts receivable are recognized at cost which is fair value of the consideration given for them. 5 years accounts receivable of Beximco Textile: Year| Amount of Accounts receivable| 2006| 3407687731| 2007| 3451582241| 2008| 3765912622| 2009| 4986086053| 2010| 5040220480| Current ratio: Year| Ratio| 2006| 1. 27| 2007| . 97| 2008| . 91| 2009| 1. 79| 2010| 1. 3| Illustration: Quick Ratio: Year| Ratio| 2006| . 69| 2007| . 52| 2008| . 56| 009| 1. 22| 2010| . 86| Illustration: Activity ratios: Working capital turnover: Year| ratio| 2006| 3. 23| 2007| -24. 11| 2008| -7. 04| 2009| 2. 04| 2010| 6. 98| Illustration: Working Capital Turnover Inventory Turnover: year| ratio| 2006| . 92| 2007| . 81| 2008| 1. 13| 2009| 1. 79| 2010| 3. 15| Illustration: Days of inventory on hand (DOH): Assuming that, Beximco Textile’s number of days in period is 360. Then the DOH would be: Year| DOH| 2006| 391. 30| 2007| 444. 44| 2008| 318. 58| 2009| 201. 11| 2010| 114. 29| | | | | Illustration: Receivable turnover: Year| ratio| 2006| 1. 52| 2007| 1. 23| 2008| 1. 26| 2009| 1. 57| 2010| 2. 89| Illustration: Days sales outstanding(DSO): Year| Ratio| 2006| 235. 85| 2007| 291. 20| 2008| 284. 80| 2009| 228. 19| 2010| 124. 51| | | Illustration: Cash conversion cycle: (Inventory conversion period+ Receivables conversion period)-Payables conversion period Year| CCC| 2006| 523. 12| 2007| 594. 16| 2008| 417. 5| 2009| 387. 17| 2010| 143. 36| | | Collection ; Disbursement Cash Inflow and Cash Outflow by Operating Activities (in tk. ): | 2010| 2009| 2008| 2007| 2006| Cash received from customers ; others| 145187023| 664608431| 3190602600| 4223133089| 4887688455| Cash paid to suppliers ; Employees| 898661193| 535932698| 3043303205| 3788738872| 3703613507| Cash Generated from Operations| 5532091050| 1286757473| 147299395| 434394217| 1184074948| Interest Paid| 1445098454| 2006166127| 1261679027| 766830156| 906788267| Income Tax Paid| 43025787| 56338512| 20396366| 74934103| 8084912| Net Cash Generated from Operating Activitie| 4043966809| 775747166| 1134775998| 407370042| 269201769| Daily Cash Generated from Operating Activities| 11233241. 4| 2154853. 24| 3152155. 55| 1131583. 45| 747782. 6917| Cash Flows from Investing Activities (in tk. ): | 2010| 2009| 2008| 2007| 2006| Acquisition of Property, Plant ; Equipment| 3231593528| 2381789851| 986841760| 39250045| 205811905| Long-term security deposit| -| -| -| -| 46064| Net Cash Used in Investing Activities| 3231593528| 2381789851| 986841760| 39250045| 205857969| Daily Cash Used in Investing Activities| 8976648. 69| 6616082. 92| 2741227. 1| 1090279028| 571827. 917| Cash Flows from Financing Activities (in tk. ): 2010| 2009| 2008| 2007| 2006| Allotment of shares| -| 6351789302| -| -| 1050000000| (Decrease)/Increase in Long Term Borrowings| 594878760| 1605294361| 1945272911| 74392816| 1273417109| (Decrease)/Increase in Short Term Borrowings| 201830690| 1578840462| 181255969| 511187488| 118194147| Dividend Paid| -| -| -| -| 30405375| Net cash Generated from Financing Activities| 796709450| 3167654479| 2126528880| 436794672| 135628337| Daily Net cash Generated from Financing Activities| 2213081. 81| 8799040. 22| 5907024. 67| 1213318. 3| 376745. 3806| Increase or decrease in cash and cash equivalents| 15663831| 10117462| 4911122| 9825415| 72284537| Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year| 27249672| 1713221o| 12221088| 22046503| 94331040| Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year| 42913503| 27249672| 17132210| 12221088| 22046503| Interpretations: 1. Working capital: In 2007 and 20 08 working capital of Bextex ltd. was negative. That means; current assets have been lower than the current liabilities. So, the company was in a risky position in terms of liquidity. But from 2009, it started to be positive and the company is in a stable position. 2. Current ratio: This ratio expresses current assets in relation to current liabilities. Current Ratio of bextex ltd. is highest in 2009 which indicates that the company has higher level of liquidity and it can meet short term obligations. But during 2007 and 2008 the ratio had a smaller value than one, indicating that Bextex ltd. had lower liquidity to meet its short term obligations. However, over the following years; Beximco Textiles managed to solve this issue. 3. Quick ratio: The quick ratio is more conservative than current ratio, because it only includes the more liquid current assets in relation to current liabilities. Beximco Textiles Ltd. reached its peak in 2009 in terms of quick ratio but yet again it dropped in 2010. Apart from that, there has been a steady improvement in this aspect. 4. Activity Ratios: a. Working capital Turnover: working capital turnover indicates how efficiently the company generates revenue with its working capital. Bextex ltd. was in the worst situation in 2007, that the ratio was -24. 11; this ratio was negative in 2008 as well. The main reason behind it was that the current asset remained lower than the current liabilities. The negativity in this aspect simply depicts that the company took a very high amount of loans during those years. Yet, the operations were efficient enough to improve that risky position over the years. b. Inventory Turnover Ratio: Inventory turnover ratio shows the times  a company's  inventory is sold and replaced over a financial period. A low turnover implies poor sales and, therefore, excess inventory. A high ratio implies either strong sales or ineffective buying. During 2006 and 2007; the annual inventory on hand was way higher than the following years. Consequently, the turnover was high as well. During the following years; the management took new measures and managed to reduce the excess the inventory. However, the total amount of inventory in 2010 was higher than that of 2009. Yet, the inventory turnover almost doubled during 2010; which is a strong indication that the sales is increasing in number. c. Days Sales Outstanding Ratio: It indicates the elapsed time between a sale and cash collection. Bextex ltd. ad the lowest DSO in 2010, which indicates a better situation than that of the previous years. In 2007, the ratio was the highest indicating the efficiency lapse in cash collection during that period. 5. Cash Conversion cycle: This metric indicates the amount of time that elapses from the point when a company invests in working capital until the point at which the company collects cash. Bextex ltd. had 523. 12 CCC in 2006 which indicat es poor position and in 2010; they have decreased it from 523. 12 to 143. 36. So, it is a good indication for the company. Basic reason behind this positive trend is that; Beximco Textiles has improved the Inventory conversion and receivables Collection operations dramatically. Both the Inventory conversion period and the Receivable conversion period has been halved from the year 2006 to 2010. 6. Cash-Flow: Cash flow activities show that both the income from operational activities and the return from investments have been increasing over the years. The Payables are being paid out and the retained earnings are being reinvested heavily to increase the efficiency to a higher level. This can be a reason why Beximco Textiles have refrained from giving out dividends since 2007. References 1. BEXIMCO TEXTILES Ltd. (2007). Auditors’ Report 2. BEXIMCO TEXTILES Ltd. (2009). Auditors’ Report 3. BEXIMCO TEXTILES Ltd. (2010). Auditors’ Report 4. Fredric C. Scherr, Modern Working Capital Management, Prentice Hall International Editions. 5. Ross, S. A, Westerfield, R. W & Jaffe, J. (2005). Corporate Finance 7th Edition. New Delhi: McGraw Hill Publishing Company Limited. 6. Financial Reporting and Analysis CFA (level-1) 2011

A Midsummer Nights Dream Essay Example for Free (#13)

A Midsummer Nights Dream Essay ? We watched two different versions of Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Nights Dream’. The first version we watched was from the BBC. This version showed the dream world mixed in with reality, which was quite good. The second version of this play was by channel 4. This was a little less detailed as it showed the forest with lights hanging down. The accents of the actors in the first version were hard to understand because they were from all over England. The first version was also hard to understand because the actors did not use very good body language. The first version also good in the way that it made its forest so life like, well as in the second version it was plain and had doorways in the middle from where people came from. The language use was easier to understand than the second version because the actors used more present English rather than old Shakespeare language. I think that the second version we watched was more suited to children rather than adults because it contained childish humour. When Puck gave Bottom a donkeys head it looked quite unrealistic in the first version because it looked like a rabbit. In the second version Bottoms ass head was good because it actually looked a little realistic. In the second version when Bottom and Titania fell in love, I think they went a bit over the top with the love scene. The first version of the play showed the dream world mixed with reality because Puck made it easy to see who was in the dream world and who wasn’t. The strange thing about the second version was having the little boy as a narrator. I think that may confuse people because they have now added another world to the whole story. There is now reality in the film, the dream world and reality in our world. When the first version showed the play by Bottom and his friends it seemed unpracticed and shabby. The second play showed a little humour by adding people forgetting their lines and the good roaring by the lion. They actually performed on a stage which was more appropriate for the occasion. In the first version they had to perform on the floor. If the actors were performing in front of a Duke and a Duchess then the performers should be given a proper performing stage. I think the second version of the play was by far the best because it had better acting and it showed some humour. In the first version I did not like it how the audience could sense the presence of the dream world. After Bottom and his friends had acted I did not understand why Puck had led all of the fairies through the corridors of the house. I think I prefer the second version of the play because I think it is more suited to my age group and plus I understood it a lot better than the first version. This is because it used present English and it used better body language. A Midsummer Nights Dream. (2017, Jul 12).

Is America a Christian Nation Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Is America a Christian Nation - Research Paper Example The research paper "Is America a Christian nation?" pays attention to such fundamental questions as human rights, freedom of conciseness, and ideas of the Revolution. Both in Christian and liberal worldview and in value system an important place is given to seemingly one and the same value – the value of the individual and the associated value of individual rights and freedoms. But it should be understood that this similarity is illusory and formal; it contains the principal substantive differences and contradictions. These differences come to the fact that in Christianity these considered values have an absolute divine source, and thus are endowed with an absolute moral dimension; in the liberal paradigm all these values have only human, relative and conventional sources, and thus lacking absolute moral dimension. History of the formation of the liberal system of values is directly related to the history of Western secular thought, which, starting from the secular humanism of the Renaissance and the secular philosophy of the Enlightenment, put by the wayside Christian religious value orientations, and subsequently totally withdrew from them. In the basis of values and principles designated by the new liberal system were not absolute divine reasons, as it was in the Christian system, but the relative secular human conventions. Because actually beyond religion there can be no justification for the absolute; only religion provides absolute divine source and the absolute divine basis of its values – morals, man, his freedom, and rights. ... Secular values and principles—above all, the values of secular freedom, human rights, morality and values—are not absolute and universal, but relative and conventional, and historically borrowed from Christianity and secularly reconsidered. Approved by the new secular philosophy these concepts of â€Å"natural man†, his â€Å"natural state†, his â€Å"natural rights† are understood beyond the divine and moral dimension. These secular concepts became the basis of subsequent concepts of â€Å"social contract†, â€Å"Declaration of Independence,† â€Å"Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen†, adopted by anti-Christian French Revolution, and finally, the â€Å"Universal Declaration of Human Rights† adopted by the UN General Assembly in1948. Secular concepts prevailed, and Christian religion lost its leading role in the beginning of the US history. In 1796 the United States entered into a treaty with Tripoli durin g the Barbary wars. Article eleven of this treaty stated clearly that the Unites States officials considered their country as not a Christian nation: â€Å"As the government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Lillian Goldman Law library online). As a matter of fact, this article only proved that all the religions were equal in the territory of the United states, just as the First Amendment of the Constitution states: â€Å"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a

Film Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Film - Assignment Example This movie will definitely be an extremely valuable content for inclusion in our course and it will immensely benefit the students in the understanding and adopting measures to combat the problem. Engaging the students with assignments based on the series will help them further in appreciating the complexities. This can prompt them to work on creating awareness about the problem in their families as well as communities and such measures can go a long way in preparing the society in a better way to encounter the issue. The Bogalusa Heart Study, touted as the first of its kind that autopsied children to find â€Å"evidence of heart disease,† confirms that 20% of them had fat deposits and also manifested high blood pressure and cholesterol level (Chaykin 2012). This also is the first scientific evidence that fat deposits â€Å"involved in heart disease† can be present in children (Chaykin 2012). The most unique fact is that it continued for over 40 years, following more than â€Å"16000 children† into their adulthood (Chaykin 2012). The study has further established that about 77 percent of the participants in the research are found to be obese as adults. Besides, it reveals that over 50% of Bogalusa children are obese, which is a matter of significant worry. Overall, this research has been the only one of its kind and can set an example for and guide future studies on obesity as well as other diseases. When the weight of a person increases, body fat accumulates around the middle and, as a result, changes occur in blood pressure and cholesterol levels. However, these changes may not be easily discernible for a person to understand it in the normal course. However, unattended, the problems may end up in cardio-vascular diseases and may cause death. More importantly, for the first time, the Bogalusa research shows that