Key Account Team (KAT) Essay

As a result of the recent meltdown in mortgage-backed securities market, C&B’s changed its internal processes so as to react competitively and increase its market share. Two key changes occurred: the creation of a Key Account Team (KAT) and the restructuring of the division-wide performance management system, which would help determine a salesperson’s annual compensation. Although there are some disadvantages to the new system, Winston should recommend the KAT concept to other regional managers. The new system not only helps managers have a well-rounded understanding of its salespeople’s performance, it also helps the company to allocated appropriate resources to money-making accounts. Because the taxable securities group represented 60% of total sales in the office, C&B’s created KAT, a group of 5 highly specialized salespeople, to fulfill the need for more product expertise in higher margin segments. The advantage of having KAT was that customers now had salespeople who offered in-depth, technical advice on specific issues. Furthermore, Kat along with the new evaluation system increased the frequency of communication between the New York and Boston offices. Lastly, the new structure allowed the best salesperson to be focused on the product needing the most help. On the other hand, others argued that this change made it more complicated to make large, multiproduct trades because more people needed to be involved. Another con was that salespeople felt too specialized, thus, limiting their career prospects. Nevertheless, the change had generated higher profit per dollar of sales in the Boston Office. Additionally, with the new compensation system, commissions were driven by sales volumes in areas of specialization and not from demand in within the client base. This meant that there was an even higher possibility for salespeople to generate more income. Thus, specialized salespeople were compensated for this so called limitation, meaning that their inclination to leave the firm could be swayed. Although there are some disadvantages to becoming more specialized, C&B has to accommodate its clients and their needs in order to be competitive. Therefore, Winston should recommend its new structure to other regional managers because it’ll make the company the one stop for companies looking for specialization in riskier segments.

How Does Shakespeare Present Aspects of Folly in Twelfth Night?

All or most of Shakespeare's plays contain playfulness and foolishness and within ‘Twelfth Night' there are many examples of this. All these examples of folly add to the overall humour of the play. Throughout ‘Twelfth Night' the theme of foolishness links the plot, characters and scenes in the play. In Shakespeare's day, people wanted to go to the theatre and be able to laugh. They loved all plays with an element of comedy, even Shakepeare's tragedies have elements of comedy in them. In Romeo and Juliet there are characters seen as crazy or foolish such as Mercutio. First of all there's Malvolio, one of the main characters. Proud and pompous, he is easily ridiculed as he is lead into dreadful humiliation at the hands of Fabian, Maria, Sir Toby, Feste and Sir Andrew. All the formentioned people make Malvolio look foolish when Maria writes a letter to Malvolio expressing her love for him and signing it from Olivia. Malvolio falls into the trap and begins to believe that Olivia is madly in love with him. The letter says: ‘Remember who commanded thy yellow stockings and wished to see thee ever cross gartered.' This causes Malvolio to dress in yellow stockings and cross garters to impress and try to woo his lady. On stage this is a very amusing scene to watch as Malvolio comes on wearing this ridiculous outfit — very memorable. The letter also says: ‘If thou entertain'st my love, let it appear in thy smiling thy smiles become thee well. Therefore in my presence still smile, dear my sweet I prithee.' This causes Malvolio to keep a smile on his face constantly. Not only has Malvolio a rather unattractive smile but since Olivia's brother had recently died, Olivia wants everyone to act mournful around her. She insists on wearing black with a veil over her face. When Malvolio appears with yellow clothing and a huge smile on his face he inevitably looks foolish. Olivia supposes that Malvolio is mad, subject to the heat affecting the brain – ‘Midsummer Madness.' Malvolio would not have looked so foolish if he had not had certain qualities. His over sensitive nature, pretentiousness, self-centred character and self importance make it simple for the servants and the others involved in the trick to take advantage of these faults and cut Malvolio down to size. The difference in class between Olivia and Malvolio also adds to the humour and the foolery because in Shakepeare's day there would be no possibility of any sort of romance between Malvolio and Olivia, Malvolio being a mere steward and Olivia being a wealthy countess, the status contrast is simply too immense. When Malvolio reads the letter, Malvolio begins to fall in love with the idea of being in love . Another character within Twelfth Night who adds to the theme of foolishness is obviously the fool – a professional jester. Feste has a very important role. He is constantly acting foolishly as his job is to solace and entertain his fellowmates. Although he acts like a clown through most of the play, he is probably one of the most sensible and wise characters in the play. In Act 3, Viola says: ‘This fellow is wise enough to play the fool and to do that well, craves a kind of wit.' This is an accurate depiction on Feste. He often outsmarts the other characters in the play using his quickwits most of all Malvolio and Olivia. Many other characters are the ‘real fools' such as Sir Toby Belch — an ironic surname due to his tendency to drink heavily, Sebastian for marrying Olivia when he barely knew her. Overall, Viola is quite sensible. Although dressed like a man, in those days there would be no way that she would be able to obtain service with Orsino as a woman, so her disguise was quite an ingenious idea. When talking to higher status characters, especially Olivia, Feste almost reverses the roles talking down to Olivia as shown in a conversation on page 17. Other characters cannot talk to Olivia in the same way as Feste, as everyone must look up to her and respect her. Olivia tells Malvolio to ‘Take the fool away' and Feste answers ‘Do you not hear fellows? Take away the lady.' Feste also often mocks Olivia as he is the only character who can do so. The first example of this is Feste telling Olivia she is being foolish, her brother has died and she is in mourning this is the first mention of foolishness in the play: Feste: Good Madonna, why mourn'st thou? Olivia: Good Fool, for my brother's death Feste: I think his soul is in hell, Madonna. Olivia: I know his soul is in heaven, fool Feste: The more fool, Madonna, to mourn for your brother's soul, being in heaven. There are many other times during the play when aspects of folly come into the characters' speeches. Feste in Act 1 says: ‘Better a witty fool than a foolish wit.' There are many other examples of role swapping and disguises that also add to the humour of the play. It also makes characters look foolish and humiliates them. The prime example of role swapping is Viola dressing as a man and changing her identity to become a man called Caesario. This causes much confusion leading to characters being foiled and being made to look foolish. Not only did everyone believe that Viola was in fact a man but Olivia actually falls in love with her and not surprisingly feels humiliated and foolish when she discovers that Caesario is actually a woman. Olivia does look foolish although no-one can mock her due to her high status and most people look up to her with respect. The language used in the play is not strictly foolish although many of the names are ‘fooled with' as Viola, Olivia and Malvolio, the main characters, all have names containing the same letters (v,o,l,a and i). Malvolio means ‘ill wishing' very fitting to his character. There are other character's names which are amusing such as Sir Toby Belch – ironic as he is a heavy drinker. Aguecheek is a ridiculous name†¦. And Orsino is named so because Don Virgino Orsino – an Italian Nobleman was the guest of honour at the opening night of Twelfth Night so Shakespeare named the Duke in his play after him. Twelfth Night was once a day of great merrymaking to mark the end of the Christmas festivities. It was the feast of fools and even now, the Christmas season is a time where we all seek entertainment in the form of amusement and folly. Although written all those years ago, Twelfth Night is still relevant today. A twentieth century audience still enjoy this play today as people still love to laugh and have a good time some of the jokes, although obscure are still found amusing today. Even now we love to see people make fools of themselves and the characters we don't like to be served with just retribution.

Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Article Example Analysis Different people have different preferences when they choose a hotel to spend a night or eat a meal. Some of these qualities are influenced by price, location, service and suitability. Moreover, apart from choice of hotel, people travel to different destinations based on different reasons. As a result, the hotel industry has been affected greatly by different factors such as tourism or events like sports. We will look at business travel and sports tourism as analysed by two different academic journals. Business Travel: Business travellers are one the largest segments of people who drive the hotel industry. Most of these travellers prefer stating at mid-level hotels and some select prefer luxury hotels for their superior service. As a result, hotels located in the mid-level segment are known to offer services to customer based on certain qualities. Some to the qualities include fair prices, rewards scheme and good service (Swarbrooke,  2012). During the recent economic down turn that affected a lot of industries and sectors, the hotel industry was also greatly affected (Bowen, 2009, pp. 32-37). As a result, many hotel chains such as the Marriot International hotels strategically made it possible for their mid level hotels to position themselves in attracting business travellers. Mid-level hotels have segmented their business in such a way that it allows for people to enjoy long stay at the hotel with different services being offered (Kandampully, 2007, pp. 63). As a result, a lot of people enjoy amenities such as fast internet, conference rooms and breakfast offerings that would endear business travellers to such hotels (Knutson, 2009, pp. 38). Hotels like the Cairo Marriot hotel and the Marriot Mumbai International Airport hotels are examples of hotels which are built purposely for catering to the needs of business travellers. The Marriot hotel chain is an example of a hotel chain that has perfected the art of attracting business travellers. The hotel chain has done this through offering a loyalty program that targets constant and loyal customers. The loyalty program allows loyal customers to earn points which give them an opportunity of getting discounts and hotel packages unlike other customers (Davidson,  2008). Sports Tourism: this is the newest phenomena in the world of travel and in the hotel industry due to the number of people who travel. As a result, there are a lot of people who travel to different sporting events with the hope and aim of attending to these events. Events such as the World Cup, Summer Games, UEFA Champions League and other sporting events attract a lot of fans and sportsmen or women who visit these events create a new kind of tourism that boosts the hotel industry (Knutson, 2009, pp. 36). As a result, a lot of hotels offer services such as quality service such as good food and ambience that allows a fan or sports person to make use of hotel amenities in the event of attending the sporting event (Prit chard, 2003, pp 64-65). Some hotels offer services such as guided tours to stadiums, good gyms and training facilities for sport travellers. Some hotels also offer secrecy and exclusivity that is needed by sport people who need a lot exclusion to train and concentrate on their games. Another offering that is used by hotels is location in terms of closeness to sports venues and

Strategic Review based on Zara Case Study Essay

Strategic Review based on Zara Case Study - Essay Example The report presents a brief introduction to the capabilities and competence of the organization which leads to the competitive advantage of Zara over its rivals. Resource audit of Zara briefly highlights the physical, financial, and intellectual resources of the company. It also puts some light on human resource and then critically evaluates the intangible assets of the company. The report clearly mentions that vertical integration is the hallmark of Zara which is well supported by its value chain. The paper critically discusses how Zara adds value to its products to gain a competitive advantage to dominate the fashion industry. Zara is one of the most recognized global brands in the world, but it was badly affected due to the allegations of slave-labour. The incident is stated briefly in the middle of the paper. In the end, the case study configures that Zara is practicing a hybrid strategy which is combination of cost leadership strategy and product differentiation strategy. The pa per recommends few steps and target markets where Zara should venture. No doubt, due to globally changing scenario, Zara must take few innovative steps with respect to its online retailing network and expansion strategy. Table of Contents Table of Contents 3 1.0Introduction (203 words) 4 1.1 Aims and Objectives 4 1.2 Methodology 4 2.0The External Environment (1201 words) 5 2.1 PESTEL-DG (All information extracted from Appendix-1) 5 2.2 Porter’s 5 Forces 7 3.0The Internal Strategic Audit (1192 words) 9 3.1 Resource Based View (RBV) 9 3.1.1 Resource Audit 9 3.2 Value Chain 11 4.0The Company Reputation and Brand Image (486 words) 13 5.0Zara’s Strategy and Recommendations (1308 words) 15 6.0REFERENCES 20 7.0 Appendices 23 7.1 – Appendix 1 – PESTEL-DG 23 7.2 – Appendix 2 – Porter’s 5 forces 24 7.3 – Appendix 3 – Resource Audit 25 7.4 – Appendix 4 – VRIO Model 26 7.5 – Appendix 5 – Value Chain 27 1. 0 Introduction (203 words) Zara apparel has become the flagship brand of the ?2.5 billion holding group Inditex (Zara Case Study, 2013), Zara has 1,751 stores around the world with 65 in the UK alone (Inditex Group, 2013). The company’s founder, Amancio Ortea Gaona, began retailing clothes in 1963 with the first Zara store opening in 1975. He is current the third richest man in the world with a net worth of ?38 billion (Forbes, 2013). Zara’s strategy has been instrumental to its success, hence why it is so important to analyse it. This report is a strategic report which will review Zara and the industry it is in. It will primarily focus on the UK market but will also include global aspects. 1.1 Aims and Objectives This report has four main aims and objectives: To analyse the external environment To carry out an internal strategic audit To review the company’s reputation and brand image To identify the company’s current strategy and give recommendations on how they should continue in the future. 1.2 Methodology This report took an analytical approach grounded in existing literature and evidence from reliable journalistic, practitioner and government sources. All the research is secondary research based mostly upon qualitative data but also including quantitative information were needed. 2.0 The External Environment (1201 words) This section is focused to looking at the external envi

Reading journal about a book Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Reading journal about a book - Essay Example ookie’s character, illustrating a deep need for emotional and sexual gratification by others which confuses her identity and how she should be perceived in the story. While others are deeply concerned about her well-being, which Sookie clearly appreciates, she questions herself regularly and over-analyzes scenarios with a deep concern that she might betray, offend or otherwise harm others. Sex is a major theme which Sookie seems to equate with acceptance and approval, yet in some ways it seems to be a mockery to this character. She is duplicitous, for sure, and this impacts what she chooses to give to others when describing death, friendship, betrayal and other concepts. From a gender perspective, there is little method by which to clearly classify what type of gender persona she really is enacted; or desires to enact. Her obsession with cuddling and physical embrace seems to be the only method by which she finds comfort in her own identity. When she is more aggressive and assertive, she keeps it to her thoughts, such as stating that she is mad at another person, but chooses not to express this openly. She seems to internalize many of her conflicts, making it so that others in her social environment remain unaware that she is so duplicitous and complex. In one situation, she says of Alcide, â€Å"screw him† to show indifference, yet she dreams of making love to Alcide secretly. It seems she wants others to believe she is self-sufficient, confident and strong, but in reality it is the need for romance that drives the majority of her motivations. Far from discussing the storyline in-depth, it is Sookie’s complexity of character and personality and how it chooses to present itself to others that makes the story so compelling in terms of gender identity and gender

The Almighty Latin King and Queen Research Paper

The Almighty Latin King and Queen - Research Paper Example One of the oldest, largest and most organized street gangs in the United States of America has been the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (ALKQN) which is a Hispanic street gang, dating back to the 1940s in Chicago, Illinois. A reflective exploration of the history of this street gang confirms that ALKQN was originated for the same ideologies for which other street gangs were established, i.e. to protect their rights and to fight injustice, but it soon turned out to be one of the most violent street gangs in the nation. The history of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation offers a convincing case of analysis on the gang phenomenon in the nation, because on the one had this gang is one of the most notorious and criminally pursued gangs in the U.S. and, on the other, it claims to be a social movement working on certain essential social values. As Brotherton and Barrios (2004) argue, â€Å"when one of the most notorious and most criminally pursued gangs in the United States, the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation of New York City, declares that it is a social movement acting on behalf of the dispossessed, renouncing violence, refusing to be associated with the underground economy, and making school attendance a criterion of membership, it is time to take a closer look at the gang phenomenon.† (Brotherton and Barrios, 2004, p. xv). Therefore, this paper makes a profound analysis of the street gang ALKQN, focusing on its history, way of working, major ideologies, criticisms, etc. A detailed examination of the history of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation confirms that this street gang was introduced by Gino Gustavo Colon in Chicago, Illinois, during the 1940s. As their manifesto indicates, ALKQN was formed initially in the Illinois prison system to protect the Latino inmates, Puerto Ricans and Mexicans first arriving in the United States. It is important to recognize that this gang has become one of the most powerful and populated Latino urban g angs in the nation having nearly fifty thousand members in the Chicago area alone. However, it has also become one of the most notorious and criminally pursued gangs in the United States. â€Å"Started in the 1940s, the Latin Kings began as many other gangs did – to protect each other, to fight injustice, and to better themselves and their communities. However, over time, they became one of Chicago’s most violent street gangs.† (Kinnear, 2009, p. 189). Therefore, it is significant to realize that the history of the ALKQN has had a mixed impact on the nation’s social scenario and it has become one of the well-organized entities influencing the youth culture of the nation. One may also take note of the fact that the exact date or reason for the inauguration of this gang is unknown, although several factors may have contributed to its origin. One major argument, as their manifesto maintains, is that the ALKQN was introduced as a prisoner self-help group for Latino inmates in the Illinois prison system. According to the community leaders in Chicago, â€Å"it began as a street group called the Latin Angels during the 1950s and later became the Latin Kings during the 1960s. Another explanation for the group’s origin is †¦ that prior to 1965 there was little evidence of the Latin Kings†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Kontos and Brotherton, 2008, p. 3). Thus, it becomes obvious that the exact year of, or reason for, the origin of the Almighty

Is it ever acceptable to justify unethical behavior Why or why not Essay

Is it ever acceptable to justify unethical behavior Why or why not - Essay Example As long as the law of their country does not forbid them from indulging in a certain kind of practice, they do not have any reason not to execute that act. Although to lie when the circumstances are dire might be appropriate, yet to decide the level of direness involved in certain circumstances is complicated. One might be able to call a certain situation as dire using one’s philosophical intelligence in an attempt to justify one’s unethical behavior (Vora, 2012). While to lie when a life can be saved with it might be appropriate, but there is a lot of subjectivity about the appropriateness of lying when a child lies to save his mother the grief that the truth is likely to cause. Hence, to lie when the outcome is very positive might even be ethically justified, though the perceived level of positivity varies from one individual’s point of view to that of another. So sometimes, it is acceptable to justify unethical behavior because the outcome might be very favora ble or the act might be

Leadership assignment 6 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Leadership 6 - Assignment Example This paper looks at how I manage my leadership practice as the chairman of the class discussion group as well as in singing group in church, the barriers and strategies I use to overcome such barriers. Last week when we came together as group members, fifteen of us, to discuss about class assignments and other contentious class lessons, I found myself spearheading the discussion as I usually do, the act that saw me chosen as the group leader unanimously by all the other fourteen members. I helped in interpreting the meaning of the assignments thus making the topic understandable to everybody. I went ahead to create alignment in the objectives and strategies that we would use as we handle the discussion. As my usual practice, I went ahead to build commitment and optimism in every member making them believe that the task was such an easy one. I urged the members to trust in each other since mutual trust among the members make them work freely with others without any fear that could be brought by mistrust thus enhancing cooperation. I always urge my members that people should know us as ‘’GROUP 1’’ i.e. collective identity other than being known as individu al members of the group which would make other members feel up while others feel down. As we went on with the discussion, I made sure that all activities were well organized and coordinated. To encourage and facilitate collective learning, I ensured equity participation from all the group members and thorough explanation done to weak members of the group so that they could catch up with others. I ensured necessary resources required for the discussion are availed in the form of textbooks, charts and writing materials and even organized with one of the lecturers to come and help us with certain areas where we needed more explanation. In a way to develop and empower every member, I ensured

Using Statistics To Describe A Study Sample Essay Example for Free

Using Statistics To Describe A Study Sample Essay Most studies describe the subjects that comprise the study sample. This description of the sample is called the sample characteristics which may be presented in a table or the narrative of the article. The sample characteristics are often presented for each of the groups in a study (i.e. experimental and control groups). Descriptive statistics are used to generate sample characteristics, and the type of statistic used depends on the level of measurement of the demographic variables included in a study (Burns Grove, 2007). For example, measuring gender produces nominal level data that can be described using frequencies, percentages, and mode. Measuring educational level usually produces ordinal data that can be described using frequencies, percentages, mode, median, and range. Obtaining each subjects specific age is an example of ratio data that can be described using mean, range, and standard deviation. Interval and ratio data are analyzed with the same type of statistics and are usually referred to as interval/ratio level data in this text. RESEARCH ARTICLE Source: Troy, N. W., Dalgas-Pelish, P. (2003). The effectiveness of a self-care intervention for the management of postpartum fatigue. Applied Nursing Research, 16 (1), 38–45. Introduction Troy and Dalgas-Pelish (2003) conducted a quasi-experimental study to determine the effectiveness of a self-care intervention (Tiredness Management Guide [TMG]) on postpartum fatigue. The study subjects included 68 primiparous mothers, who were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (32 subjects) or the control group (36 subjects) using a computer program. The results of the study indicated that the TMG was effective in reducing levels of morning postpartum fatigue from the 2nd to 4th weeks postpartum. These researchers recommend that â€Å"mothers need to be informed that they will probably experience postpartum fatigue and be taught to assess and manage this phenomenon† (Troy Dalgas-Pelish, 2003, pp. 44-5). Relevant Study Results â€Å"A total of 80 women were initially enrolled [in the study] †¦ twelve of these women dropped out of the study resulting in a final sample of 68.† (Troy   Dalgas-Pelish, 2003, p. 39). The researchers presented the characteristics of their sample in a table format for the experimental and control groups (see Table 1). The researchers found no significant differences between the control and experimental groups for any of the demographic or attribute variables. TABLE 1 Sample Characteristics by Group STUDY QUESTIONS 1. What demographic variables were included in this study? 2. Which of the demographic variables provided ordinal level data? Provide a rationale for your answer. 3. What level of measurement is the data for race? 4. What statistics were used to describe race in this study? Were these appropriate? 5. Could a mean be calculated on the race data? Provide a rationale for your answer. 6. Describe the race of both the experimental and control groups. What does this tell you about the population of this study? 7. What statistics were used to describe age in this study? Were these appropriate? Provide a rationale for your answer. 8. Were the groups similar in age? Provide a rationale for your answer. 9. What was the mode for the type of feeding provided by the experimental and the control groups? Is this mode what you would have expected? 10. Did the experimental group earn similar income to the control group? Provide a rationale for your answer. ANSWERS TO STUDY QUESTIONS 1. Demographic variables described in the study were: age, income, length of labor, return to work, number of hours working per week, race, marital status, education, type of feeding, and amount of household and infant care responsibilities. 2. The variables education and amount of household and infant care responsibilities are both measured at the ordinal level since the data for each is sorted into categories that can be rank ordered. With education, high school is the lowest level of education, some college is the next level of education, and college graduate or higher is the highest level of education. Care responsibilities include ordinal data that are ranked from a low of â€Å"None† to a high of â€Å"All.† 3. The data collected for race is nominal level since race was measured using mutually exclusive categories of White, Black, Interracial, and Middle Eastern that cannot be rank ordered.  4. Frequencies and percentages were used to describe race for the exper imental and control groups. Since the data are nominal, frequencies and percentages were appropriate. The researchers might have also identified the mode, which was White. 5. No, a mean cannot be calculated on the race data. A mean can only be calculated on interval and ratio level data that have numerically equal distances between intervals and not on nominal level data that can only be organized into categories. (See Exercises 1, 2, and 3, which are focused on identifying the level of measurements.) 6. Both the experimental and control groups are predominantly White, 92% and 96.55%, respectively. Thus, the sample is predominately White, and the results are reflective of a White or Caucasian population and not Black, Interracial, or Middle Eastern populations. 7. Age was described for both the experimental and control groups using means and standard deviations. The exact age of the subjects was obtained, providing ratio level data that are descriptively analyzed with means and standard deviations. The researchers might have also provided the range for age for both experimental and control groups. 8. The groups were very similar in age since the mean age for the experimental group was 26.72 and the mean age for the control group was 26.89. The distribution of the ages for the experimental and control groups were also very similar, with standard deviation of 5.05 for the experimental group and 5.25 for the control group. 9. Bottle-feeding was the mode for the experimental (53.1%) and the control (50%) groups since it was the most frequent type of feeding used by both groups. Either a â€Å"no† or â€Å"yes† answer is correct here as long as you provide a rationale. No, one might expect the mode to be breastfeeding since these were first-time mothers (primiparous) and breastfeeding has such positive outcomes for both infant and mother. Yes, one might expect bottle-feeding to be the mode since many of these mothers planned on returning to work. 10. No, the incomes were not similar for the two groups, but nor was the income significantly different for the groups. The means (M) and standard deviations (SD) for income indicate that the experimental (M = $35,675; SD = $23,969) and control groups (M = $41,450; SD = $17,527) were different. The control group subjects had an M, or mean, that was $5,775 higher than the experimental group, and the SD was much higher ($6,442) for the experimental group, indicating a larger range of incomes for that group. However, the narrative from the study indicated  that the groups were not significantly different for any of the demographic variables. 1. What demographic variables were measured at least at the interval level of measurement? 2. What statistics were used to describe the length of labor in this study? Were these appropriate? 3. What other statistic could have been used to describe the length of labor? Provide a rationale for your answer. 4. Were the distributions of scores similar for the experimental and control groups for the length of labor? Provide a rationale for your answer. 5. Were the experimental and control groups similar in their type of feeding? Provide a rationale for your answer. 6. What was the marital status mode for the subjects in the experimental and control groups? Provide both the frequency and percentage for the marital status mode for both groups. 7980 7. Could a median be determined for the education data? If so, what would the median be for education for the experimental and the control groups? Provide a rationale for your answer. 8. Can the findings from this study be generalized to Black women? Provide a rationale for your answer. 9. If there were 32 subjects in the experimental group and 36 subjects in the control group, why is the income data only reported for 30 subjects in the experimental group and 34 subjects in the control group? 10. Was the sample for this study adequately described? Provide a rationale for your answer.

Obesity in Black American Women Essay Example for Free

Obesity in Black American Women Essay Culture, Biology and Lifestyle Cause Forty Nine Percent of Black American Women to be Obese Abstract. Obesity is a major factor in health today. Certain ethnic groups and genders suffer from obesity more than others. Around 49% of all Black American women are classified obese today. There are many reasons for this. But the three the Black American women are susceptible to are culture, lifestyle and biology. Forty nine percent of Black American women are obese. This is an over representation compared to 38% of Latina women and 33% of non-Hispanic white women. (Phelan, Johnson, Wesley). Many factors determine a person’s weight and health status. Economics, lifestyle, diet, culture, biology and society all affect a person’s body size and composition. Culture, biology and lifestyle have the largest impact on why Black American women are obese. Health, economic and societal implications of obesity are overwhelming and affect every person in this country. The medical community defines obesity as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater. BMI is simply a comparison of weight to height. The actual formula is weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. A BMI of greater than 25 but less than 30 is considered overweight and a BMI of greater than 40 is considered morbidly obese. BMI is a comparison of weight to height, not fat to height. BMI is a useful tool for most of the population, but does not work well for heavily muscled people, such as body builders. Fat is damaging to health. Muscle is not. The general population knows that obesity causes diabetes and heart problems. But obesity is much more severe than that. Obesity causes health problems that many find eye opening. Obesity causes hardening of the arteries, increased cholesterol and cardiac failure. In addition to damaging the heart and arteries obesity causes cancer. Twenty percent of all cancer related deaths in women are attributed to obesity (Dixon). Fifty percent of all Type II diabetes patients are obese. (Dixon). Obesity is associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome and fatty liver disease (Kogiso, Moriyoshi and Nagahara). Obesity causes many more not so well known, but still very concerning health issues. Thirty one percent of all arthritis patients are obese. (Dixon). Sixty three percent of women who suffer from osteoarthritis are obese (Dixon). Obese women show a 37% increased risk of depression (Stunkard). Obesity can cause infertility and pregnancy complications (Phelan, Edelman). It even can reduce the effectiveness of birth control. Obese people are three times more apt to suffer from sleep apnea (Visscher, Seidell). And for the real shocker, 300,000 deaths per year in the United States alone are attributed to obesity! Obesity is only second to smoking in preventable deaths per year in the US. (Visscher, Seidell). The reasons nearly half of all Black women in the US are obese are complex and many. We can point our finger at economics, lifestyle, society, biology, diet, culture. Culture, lifestyle and biology are the primary reasons 49% of Black women in the US are obese. Studies have shown that culture can have a profound effect on body size. Several studies have found that the Black American population has a preference for larger body size (Johnson). Portia Johnson, in her article, Scholarly Perspectives on Obesity in Black American Women, references a 2002 study that shows that African American men prefer African American women with a larger body size. The same author also cites a 2006 study that shows that African American women â€Å"describe a model of health that speaks to the Black womens cultural belief that a larger body size is ideal† (Johnson). African women also have a preference for larger bodies. A 2006 study on ethnic Zulus, Zulu migrants to London, and Anglo Londoners show a preference for larger body size by the Zulu migrants and the ethnic Zulus (Brewis 88). Each participant in were shown gray scale images of women of known BMI. The participants were asked to choose which image represented the most healthy and attractive body. The Anglo Londoners chose a BMI size of 20, the ethnic Zulus chose BMI 26 and the migrant Zulus chose a BMI of 24. Dr. James Kirby and colleagues made the interesting discovery that simply living in a community with 25% or more non-Hispanic blacks increases ones propensity of being overweight (Kirby et al). Similarly Dr. Kirby discovered that living in a community of 25% or more Asians decreases a person’s propensity of being overweight (Kirby et al). Kirby surmises this is due to the availability of healthy food, parks, sidewalks and recreation facilities in each community. Kirby found that a predominance of black Americans live in communities with fewer recreational facilities, gyms, parks and fewer choices of healthy food than other ethnicities. The same study also found more fast food restaurants and convenience food stores in predominately black and Hispanic American communities. Perhaps the most convincing evidence is in the words of African American women. In her article ‘Voices from the Inside: African American Womens Perspectives on Healthy Lifestyles’ Jill Rowe interviewed African American women on healthy lifestyles and food choices. One woman explains eating in African American culture as: It’s almost like every person in my family has something they cook real good and I don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings. When you go to your mama’s house, I’ve always gone to the refrigerator. That’s how African Americans show their love. From the birthday parties, to when you have company. My family, when we’re happy we eat. When we’re sad, we eat. We eat when we’re married, we eat when we’re born, we eat when we die. It’s always, who’s bringing the fried chicken and pound cake. (Rowe) Culture can significantly affect a person’s weight. But we should also be aware that biology can affect weight too. Researchers have found that Black American women have a lower Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR). RMR is the rate at which energy (calories) are metabolized to keep organs functioning at rest. Black American women have a lower RMR than white or Hispanic women. This means they burn fewer calories throughout the day and function more efficiently than white Americans making it harder to lose weight (Johnson). A 1996 study found that the Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) of black American women was lower than for Caucasian American women. The researchers measured the REE of each participant and found that the Black women had a REE of 1790 calories per day at rest, while the Caucasian women had an REE of 1949 calories per day at rest. Simply put this means that Caucasian women burn, on average, 250 more calories per day at rest than Black American women do. This makes it harder for black women to lose weight (Johnson). Researchers have also discovered that Black Americans have an over expression of fatty acid transport protein. This means that more fat is delivered to fat storage cells making it easier for Black Americans to store fat than white Americans (Barakat). Researchers have measured and found more upper body fat in Black Women compared to white women. A larger below the skin level (subcutaneous) fat level was found in Black Women as compared to white American women (Conway). Diet and exercise are part of a persons’ lifestyle and both have a significant impact on weight and health. Several studies have proven that Black Americans eat more sweetened foods as compared to European Americans. Portia Johnson and colleagues cite a 2000 study on preference for sweet food amongst African Americans and European Americans. The study offered taste tests to each ethnic group and compared how each group responded to sweets. The researchers discovered that Black Americans ate more of the sweetened foods offered at various intervals during a taste test (Johnson). They conclude that African Americans could be using a sweetened food to compensate for greater perceived stress causing greater weight gain and obesity. Angelia Paschal and colleagues examined the results of a study on self-reported diet and exercise habits of African American men and women. They found that 55-75% of the women in their study rarely exercise. They also found that 76% of all participants did not eat the minimum daily requirements for fruit and less than half met the minimum requirements for vegetables. Not surprisingly this study reports that 62% of participants were diagnosed with hypertension and 14% were diagnosed with elevated blood sugar levels and/or diabetes (Paschal et al). A study that compared fitness of Latina American women to Black American women found similar results. â€Å"More than one-half of the women reported engaging in no regular physical activity. However, the substantial variability in the number of minutes exercised per week points to the need to investigate methods to enhance the duration of physical activity. † (Sanchez-Johnsen et al). Genesis, a church based health and fitness program aimed at Black Americans, found that many of the participants did not correlate obesity with poor health. The participants in Genesis completed a self-reported survey where only 16% indicated they were obese, but when clinically measured 87% were found to be overweight or obese. This indicates that participants failed to connect excess weight with medical risk, possibly due to cultural conditioning, personal denial or not associating body weight with health risk (Cowart et al). It is not all gloom and doom for women of color in the US. Culture, biology and lifestyle are all things that can be changed or at least worked with to lose weight and gain fitness. There are several programs in this country aimed at overall fitness for Black American women. The Genesis program has worked with black Americans through churches and found this combination very successful. Genesis provided health and diet education, exercise prescriptions and a motivation partner. Some of their successes include a 71% less soda consumption, fried meat consumption was reduced from 91% to 55%. The percent of respondents reporting no exercise at all went from 45% at the start of the program to 27% on the post pilot survey (Cowart et al). Just as diet, lifestyle and culture can be changed so can biology. Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) can be raised by obtaining a leaner body mass as muscle is more active than fat. Withers and colleagues have proved this with a study conducted on 49-70 year old women. Their study has found that aerobic training in older women increases RMR. They compared active women to non-active women and found that the active women had a significantly higher RMR. Having a body composition of more lean mass to fat mass greatly has â€Å"implications for increased independence and improved quality of life. † (Withers et al). Black American women have special challenges and considerations in weight loss and fitness. They face a culture that encourages eating and appreciates large body size, a more efficient metabolic system that uses fewer calories at rest, a propensity for their bodies to store fat, and a lifestyle that makes diet and exercise difficult. Yet knowing these challenges is half the battle. With knowledge, the support of the community and their family, and commitment they can overcome these challenges and reach a goal of lifetime fitness and health. Works Cited Barakat, HA. â€Å"Obesity; Overexpression of Fatty Acid Transport Proteins May Contribute to Obesity in Black Women. † Science Letter. 7 Feb 2006. 1218. Web. 18 Feb 2013. Brewis, Alexandra. Obesity Cultural and Biocultural Perspectives. New Brunswick. Rutgers University Press. (2011). Print. Conway, Joan. â€Å"Ethnicity and Energy Stores†. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 62. 5. Nov 1995. Web. 18 Feb 2013. Cowart, Luvenia. et al. â€Å"Designing and Pilot-Testing a Church-Based Community Program to Reduce Obesity among African Americans. † ABNF Journal. 21. 1. (2010). 4-10. Web. 18 Feb 2013. Dixon, John. â€Å"The Effect of Obesity on Health Outcomes. † Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology. Vol. 316. Issue 2. 25 Mar 10. 104-108. Endocrine Aspects of Obesity. Web. 18 Feb 2013. Edelman, Allison. â€Å"Special Feature: Do We Have a Problem? Obesity and Contraception. † OB GYN Clinical Alert. Dec 2011. n. pag. Web. 18 Feb 2013. Johnson, Portia; Yvonne Wesley. â€Å"Scholarly Perspectives on Obesity among Black Women. † ABNF Journal. 23. 3. (2012). 46-50. Web. 18 Feb 2013. Kirby, James, et. al. â€Å"Race, Place, and Obesity: The Complex Relationships among Community Racial/Ethnic Composition, Individual Race/Ethnicity, and Obesity in the United States. † American Journal of Public Health. 102. 8. Aug 2012. 1572-1578. Web. 18 Feb 2013. Kogiso, Tomomi. et al. â€Å"Clinical Significance with Fatty Liver Associated with Metabolic Syndrome. † Hepatology Research. Vol. 37. Issue 9. Sep 2007. 711-721. Web. 18 Feb 2013. Paschal, Angelia. et al. â€Å"Baseline Assessment of the Heath Status and Health Behaviors of African American Participating in the Activities for Life Program: A Community Based Health Intervention Program. † Journal of Community Health. 29. 4. Aug 2004. 305-318. Web. 18 Feb 2013. Phelan, Sharon. â€Å"Obesity in the American Population: Calories, Cost and Culture. † American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Volume 203, Issue 6, Dec 2010. 522–524. Web. 18 Feb 2013. Rowe, Jill. â€Å"Voices From the Inside: African American Women’s Perspectives on Healthy Lifestyles. † Health Education and Behavior. Vol. 37. Dec 2010. 789-800. Web. 18 Feb 2013. Sanchez-Johnsen, Lisa. et al. â€Å"Ethnic Differences in Correlates of Obesity between Latin-American and Black Women. † Obesity Research. 12. 4. Apr 2004. 652-660. Web. 18 Feb 2013. Stunkard, Albert. â€Å"Depression and Obesity. † Biological Psychology. Vol. 54 Issue 3. 1 Aug 2003. 330-337. Web. 18 Feb 2013. Visscher, Tommy, Jacob Seidell. â€Å"The Public Health Impact of Obesity. † Annual Review of Public Health. (2001). 355-375. Web. 18 Feb 2013. Withers, RT. et al. â€Å"Energy Metabolism in Sedentary and Active 49- to 70-yr-old Women. † Journal of Applied Physiology. Vol. 84. Apr 1998. 1333-1340. Web. 18 Feb 2013. Bibliography Brewis, Alexandra. Obesity Cultural and Biocultural Perspectives. New Brunswick. Rutgers University Press. (2011). Print. Brewis’ book is a must read for anyone studying, researching or working in health, weight management or fitness. The author takes a look at obesity from an anthropologist’s standpoint. Where did obesity originate? How does if effect certain races/genders more than others? These are some of the questions answered. The author has lived in different cultures and worked with different ethnicities obtaining answers to some of the mysteries surrounding weight gain. She has uncovered reasons why obesity is prevalent in the United States and other countries. And discusses why some ethnicities are more vulnerable to weight gain after migrating to the United States or other developed nations. The author has studied the culture of the Pima Indians of both the US and Mexico and explains why obesity affects the US Pimas more than the Mexican Pimas. Brewis also explains why some ethnicities find larger body weigh acceptable and why some ethnicities have larger males than females and why they find this perfectly normal. Biagioli, Brian. Advanced Concepts of Personal Training. National Council on Strength and Fitness. (2007). Print. This book was by a medical doctor. This manual is applicable to anyone interested in learning more about physical fitness, nutrition, physiology, body composition and exercise mechanics. It is the National Council on Strength and Fitness’ guide for all their certified personal trainer candidates. The manual contains 540 pages with many illustrations explaining obesity, Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR), Body Mass Index (BMI) and physiology. This manual includes chapters on special populations such as women, children and special needs individuals. HBO The Weight of the Nation. HBO Documentary Films; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institute of Health. Et al. Various actors/directors. (2007). DVD. This is a four part documentary on obesity in America. Each part is approximately one hour long. The parts consist of consequences, choices, children in crisis and challenges. The films explore why the United States is facing an obesity crisis, and what we can do about it now. Various health experts narrate the films. Interviews are conducted with a host of citizens dealing with obesity right now. They tell in their own words the challenges they face. There is significant commentary and interview on ethnicities, females, citizens living in inner cities and the issues surrounding obesity and weight gain. The Skinny on Obesity. Perf. Robert Lustig et al. UCTV Prime. 12 Apr. 2012. Web Video. This video series plays on UCSF Prime TV online. Dr. Robert Lustig is endocrine expert at the UCSF Children’s Hospital. This is a seven part series that tackles the basics of the obesity epidemic such as sugar, hormones, fast food, childhood obesity, and endocrine system. Each part is about 15 minutes long. Only a basic understanding of health and physiology is needed to fully understand concepts presented. Platkin, Charles. The Automatic Diet. New York. Penguin. 2005. Print. This book discusses how to slowly improve your diet over time with small changes. Dr. Platkin holds a master of public health and is one of the nation’s leading public health advocates. He writes The Diet Detective, a syndicated article that appears in hundreds of newspapers throughout the country. His book takes the reader through small steps of diet and lifestyle changes that together create a whole new diet makeover making healthful eating simple and thus ‘automatic’.

Substance Abuse of Pyrethroid

Substance Abuse of Pyrethroid Case Report Kimmyben Patel , Ankitkumar B. Patel, Pokhraj P. Suthar, Kewal Arunkumar Mistry [S.B.K.S. Medical Institute and Research Centre, Waghodiya,Vadodara. ; S.S.G. Hospital , Medical College , Vadodara ; Third Year Resident Doctor,Department of Radiology , S.S.G. Hospital , Medical College , Vadodara . ; Department of Radiology, Dr Rajendra Prasad Government medical College, Kangra at Tanda, Himachal Pradesh, India ]   An Uncommon Substance of Abuse: Pyrethroid Abstract: Pyrethroid, an insecticide is an uncommon substance of abuse in Asian countries. Cholinergic and symphathetic symptoms along with psychiatric symptoms in such rare substance of abuse have not yet been described. A 39-year-old Asian male with past psychiatric history of methamphetamine dependence and bipolar disorder type 1, came to the emergency department because of suicidal ideation with a plan to slash his throat. The patient was very agitated during initial assessment. In the emergency room (ER), the patient reported that he had been using methamphetamine for the last four years. His last use was six hours before coming to the ER and that was his only use during the past six to eight weeks. His affect was flat and irritable. His urinary drug screen was positive for amphetamines, methamphetamines, and cannabinoids. The patient reported that it would give him the same high as methamphetamine and he would occasionally have feelings of dà ©jà   vu. The patient also reported having olfactory hallucinations while using it. The patient had been using the insecticide for six to eight weeks and only used methamphetamine one (1) day before coming to the ER. The patient had suicidal ideations apparently precipitated by his use of pyrethroid. His statements about friends using it intravenously highlight the phenomenon of an under reported substance being abused with little or no telltale signs by people with high risk for self-harm. Key Words: Psychiatrics, Substance of abuse, Pyrethroid Introduction: Pyrethroid, an insecticide is an uncommon substance of abuse in Asian countries. Cholinergic and symphathetic symptoms along with psychiatric symptoms in such rare substance of abuse have not yet been described. Case History: A 39-year-old Asian male with past psychiatric history of methamphetamine dependence and bipolar disorder type 1, came to the emergency department because of suicidal ideation with a plan to slash his throat. The patient was very agitated during initial assessment. In the emergency room (ER), the patient reported that he had been using methamphetamine for the last four years. His last use was six hours before coming to the ER and that was his only use during the past six to eight weeks. On physical examination, temperature was found to be 98 degree Fahrenheit, pulse 116/minute, blood pressure128/78mmHg, weight 68.0 kg, and height 177 cm. His pupils were 5mm in diameter and reactive. In the review of systems, the patient denied any pulmonary, cardiac, renal, and abdominal complaints. There was no complaining of increased tearing from eyes. Lungs were clear and the heart rate was regular without murmurs. Bowel sounds were normative. The patient was not oriented to time. His affect was flat and irritable. He was evasive and tangential while answering questions. A chest radiograph and electrocardiogram was normal. His urinary drug screen was positive for amphetamines, methamphetamines, and cannabinoids. Blood chemistry concentrations/counts/percent of the following analysis were mainly within reference limits: alcohol The patient was transferred to the inpatient psychiatry unit. The next day, the patient was disoriented, refused to talk to the treatment team, and slept most of the day. On his fourth hospital day, the patient was much more oriented and reported that he was unable to get methamphetamine for the past six to eight weeks because he could not afford it. The patient would use the crystals formed from one bottle for four to seven days. He claimed that his friends used those crystals intravenously after diluting them. The patient reported that it would give him the same high as methamphetamine and he would occasionally have feelings of dà ©jà   vu. The patient also reported having olfactory hallucinations while using it. He said that he liked the increase in heart rate and the â€Å"rush† he used to get after every use. The patient reported that he would sleep most of the day when he was using it. He denied unwanted adverse effects during his use except for frequent headaches upon waking up which were relieved by over-the counter analgesics. The patient had been using the insecticide for six to eight weeks and only used methamphetamine one (1) day before coming to the ER. The patient claimed that he had been compliant with his medications for bipolar disorder until he started using it. The patient was taking divalproex sodium 400mg twice daily and quetiapine extended-release 300 mg at bedtime. He voiced that he, since a few weeks before coming to the ER, got scared that he might get cancer because of the frequent use of the insecticide which led him to have suicidal ideation. Despite the reported use for six to eight weeks, the patient had no significant physical findings associated with pyrethroid abuse when he presented to the ER. The patient had suicidal ideations apparently precipitated by his use of pyrethroid. His statements about friends using it intravenously highlight the phenomenon of an under reported substance being abused with little or no tellt ale signs by people with high risk for self-harm. DISCUSSION Pyrethroid cause hyper-excitation by affecting sodium channels which are kept open for unusually long periods of time.[1] Animal studies of pyrethroid toxicity have shown hyperglycaemia and elevated plasma levels of noradrenalin and adrenaline.[2] These may account for the â€Å"rush† the patient experienced with use of it. Ingestion and parenteral injection of pyrethroid in suicide attempts, occupational exposure, and accidents are well documented and have resulted in poisoning syndromes with characteristic sympathetic activation, lacrimation, hyperexcitability, choreoathetosis, and status epileptics.[3. 4, 5] Reports of association of pyrethroid with parenteral drug abuse are fairly sparse. These have shown adverse effects like local erythematic, cellulites, and vasculitis.[6, 7] These reported cases had the pyrethroid injected either subcutaneously(popping) or intravenously usually resulting in local effects that could be noted immediately on examination. There was also ass ociation with suicidal history or ideation. Communication via phone with the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) was made. NPIC stated that they had no official documented cases processing pyrethroid to produce effects similar to methamphetamine or case reports of the use of pyrethroid as a recreational substance. There are certain limitations to this report. The anamnesis was taken from a person suffering from substance abuse and bipolar disorder, the latter being untreated for the last six to eight weeks, making his credibility questionable. However, our longstanding knowledge of patients with this kind of problems in this area suggests that this patient’s report should not be dismissed without careful consideration. However, our longstanding knowledge of patients with this kind of problems in this area suggests that the suicidal thoughts emerging in the patient may also not be a result of the use of pyrethroid only, as the patient’s untreated bipolar disorder may have made him more prone to such ideation. This case report is interesting in the fact that the pyrethroid was â€Å"processed† so that it could be smoked or inhaled to get a feeling of â€Å"rush.† Conclusion: Pyrethroid, an uncommon substance of abuse should be suspected in agricultural and developing countries in case of poisoning cases. Patient with mixed sympathetic and cholinergic symptoms with psychiatric symptoms should be suspected for multi substance abuse. It is important for physicians to maintain a high level of suspicion for alternate and uncommon substances of abuse and suicidal ideation among people who abuse these substances. Footnotes: Source of support : Nil Conflict Of Interest : None declared. REFERENCES [1] T.Narahashi, J.M. Frey, K. S. Ginsburg, and M. L. Roy, â€Å"Sodium and GABA-activated channels as the targets of pyrethroids and cyclodienes,† Toxicology Letters, vol. 64-65, pp. 429–436, 1992. [2] J. E. Cremer and M. P. Seville, â€Å"Comparative effects of two pyrethroids, deltamethrin and cismethrin, on plasma catecholamines and on blood glucose and lactate,† Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, vol. 66, no. 1, pp. 124–133, 1982. [3] F. He, S. Wang, L. Liu, S. Chen, Z. Zhang, and J. Sun, â€Å"Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of acute pyrethroid poisoning,†Archives of Toxicology, vol. 63, no. 1, pp. 54–58, 1989. [4] J. M. Larsen, A. Bindiger, R. Sherman, and S. H. Kuschner,â€Å"Insecticide injection injuries to both hands: a case report,† TheJournal of Hand Surgery, vol. 17, no. 6, pp. 1073–1075, 1992. [5] S. Ghosh, A. Ahlawat, K. Rai, and A. Arora, â€Å"An unusual cause of status epilepticus,† Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine,vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 106–107, 2009. [6] M. A. Miller and M. Menowsky, â€Å"Human intravenous injectionof à °Ã‚ Ã¢â‚¬ ºÃ‚ ½-cyfluthrin with minimal toxic effects,† The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, vol. 32, no. 1, pp. 113.e1–113.e2, 2014. [7] F. LoVecchio and J. Knight, â€Å"Injection of pyrethroids without significant sequelae,† The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, vol. 23, no. 3, p. 406, 2005.

An essay on man -- essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"An Essay on Man† by English poet Alexander Pope is a philosophical poem, which was published, in the 18th century during a historical period called the Enlightenment. A huge emphasis was placed on the ability to think and reason during the Enlightenment. People during this era reflected about a variety of topics. Some people concerned themselves with the issue of God, which consequently caused many to question the church. Others were concerned with the organization of the Universe, and man’s place within that Universe. Often times, a literary work can reflect the thoughts and feelings of the society during the period in which it was written. In â€Å"An Essay on Man,† Pope effectively illustrates the major concerns of the people during the Enlightenment when he addresses man’s ability o reason and think for himself, and speculates about man’s place in the world, as part of the â€Å"great chain of being.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The ability to reason was the central focus of the Enlightenment also called â€Å"The Age of Reason.† Pop begins the poem by appealing to the logic and reason of his audience. He writes, Together let us beat this ample field,/ Try to open, what the convert yield†(lines 9-10). Pope encourages his audience to use the reason they have been given to examine those things that they have been advised against. To reason against those things that have been kept hidden to them. He is trying to bring them into the 18th century, asking the...

Food as a Metaphor for Unexpressed Emotions in Like Water for Chocolate

Food as a Metaphor for Unexpressed Emotions in Like Water for Chocolate  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚      An oppressed soul finds means to escape through the preparation of food in the novel, Like Water for Chocolate (1992). Written by Laura Esquivel, the story is set in revolutionary Mexico at the turn of the century. Tita, the young heroine, is living on her family’s ranch with her two older sisters, her overbearing mother, and Nacha, the family cook and Tita’s surrogate mother. At a very young age, Tita is instilled with a deep love for food "for Tita, the joy of living was wrapped up in the delights of food" (7). The sudden death of Tita's father, left Tita's mother's unable to nurse the infant Tita due to shock and grief. Therefore Nacha, "who [knows] everything about cooking" (6) offers to assume the responsibility of feeding and caring for the young Tita. "From that day on, Tita's domain was the kitchen" (7). Throughout the novel, food is used as a constant metaphor for the intense feelings and emotions Tita is forced to conceal. The story begins with Tita passionately in love with Pedro Muzquiz and he with her. "She would never forget the moment their hands accidentally touched as they both slowly bent down to pick up the same tray" (18). Their romance is cursed from the start, however, because of an old family tradition, stating that the youngest daughter must remain unmarried and care for the mother as long as either may live. Pedro, unaware of the tradition, comes to the ranch to ask Tita's mother, Mama Elena, for Tita's hand. Mama Elena tells Tita, "If he intends to ask for your hand, tell him not to bother. Heà ­ll be wasting his time and mine, too. You know perfectly well that being the youngest daughter means you have to take car... ... other," and "[make] mad passionate love wherever they happened to end up" (242). Unlike the first wedding, Tita too is infected with the powerful enchantment of the food. "For the first time in their lives, Tita and Pedro made love freely" (243). The novel ends with both Pedro and Tita, overcome with pleasure and emotion, dying in each other arms. Metaphors are powerful tools often used by authors to communicate a deeper meaning. Metaphors also tend to make the piece more thought provoking, and thus more interesting and intriguing. Laura Esquivel does a marvelous job of using food as a metaphor for unexpressed emotions in the novel Like Water for Chocolate. She takes the aching soul of a young girl and turns it into a cookbook of feelings and emotions cleverly disguised with food. Work Cited Esquivel, Laura. Like Water for Chocolate. Doubleday, 1992.

The Work-Study Program of Full-Time and Part-Time Students

There are many similarities and differences between full and part-time students. Each student is trying for the goal of educating themselves to become more successful in life. As students begin their education there is a sense of motivation and eagerness. Knowing the possible compensations and honor that comes with this achievement. There can be a feeling of tension and uncertainty that comes with this new adventure. If an individual does not become discarded, and is willing to except the challenge of this feat, there is no limit to the success one can attain in their life. Students receive their degree at different times in their lives depending on their finances, responsibilities and time restraints. Full-time students are generally younger, and just out of high school. Full-time students must take a minimum number of courses, generally 12 or more semester hours. They normally have a set semester schedule of daytime or nighttime classes to choose from. They are often eligible for financial aid, or work-study programs because of the higher cost for a higher education. They may also receive a number of scholarships to help pay for their education. Full-time students usually do not have a family or as many outside responsibilities. They usually only have a part-time job and still live at home with their parents. The time restraints that full-time students have are homework, studying and fitting their job schedule into their school schedule. These students can complete a full degree program in about 4 – 5 years. Part-time students are generally older, and living on their own. For part-time students it takes a longer time to achieve the goal of graduation. Many students can not afford to go to college on a full-time basis because of the cost of education. They are often not eligible for financial aid or work-study programs because they take as few as 1 – 3 semester hour courses. Scholarships are usually not offered to part-time students. They do not normally have the problem of course overload, unless they are taking too many courses at once, while trying to work full-time. At times even one course can be too much to handle, depending on the student†s home situation. Part-time students often have additional responsibilities of home and family, and must handle their other responsibilities in addition to school. Often, part-time students are taking classes to help them in their career. Some professions require taking classes to continue their education and are taken on a part-time basis to enhance their work skills. These types of classes are normally taken evenings, weekends or holiday breaks. Part-time students sometimes have a difficult time finding the courses they need at the time they need them. It may take months or years before needed courses are offered. Whether the student is going to a university or a community college, they must consider all possibilities before entering college. If you have a full-time job or career, one would usually become a part-time student. If money in not an issue, a full-time route would probably be taken. If family is an issue, a student may decide to go part-time. Either way a student goes, the goal of a diploma can be achieved. Both full and part-time students consider their finances, responsibilities and time restraints to accomplish a higher education. Regardless of the time frame in which each person may fulfill this goal, there is usually a feeling of success, pride, and relief in knowing that graduation is at hand. Through many hours of strenuous research and sacrifice, an individual can put their knowledge towards their desired profession. This accomplishment of success is not only measured by financial rewards, but also knowing that this knowledge will help many others.

25th Jan Revolution

After thirty years of cruel and unfair power, Hosni Mubarak was deposed and the political system was changed by a peacefully revolution. the Egyptian Youth made a revoluation that will change the path of history. the Egyptians are not the same any more. At this moment, everyone speaks about politics and has his own opinion. And of course, the events of Tunisia have a lead role in the impact on the Egyptian youth, because they felt that there is hope, and the change is possible. Now, it's over for the Mubarak regime. Egypt has been suffering from a great decline in every department of human needs. overty grown worse, people become more exhausted and frustrated by their increasing needs and social injustice. the Bad regime and the Egyptians’ thirst for democracy and legally elections were The primary reasons, which led to this revoluation . No one in Egypt is fooled by the elections that have taken place during Mubarak’s regime. Bribes are in everywhere; if you want accom plish anything, to get any government document, permit, licence, or even paying a simple monthly bill, it will take hours and you have to pay bribes. This regime has run a brutal police state. there were a Tight internet controls, kidnappings, and police beatings. The situation in Egypt began with invitation to the day of rage against Mubarak regime on January 25th. No one expected an invitation to the day of rage from a group on the Facebook page, called â€Å"we are all Khalid Said† can change everything in Egypt. Khalid said was an Egyptian youth who had been beaten to death by Mubarak police in Alexandria. His death became the match that set the fire of Our Revolution. I decided to go down the streets with my brother because we felt a great sense of internal suppression, there was an opportunity for us to express what is inside, we were affected by the corruption that fills the country, we felt it a duty to do something for our country. In Tahrir square, All people felt as one family and they support each other. I saw People from different political parties are interacting with each other. they seem to forget their political belongings and Christians are with Muslim united in the revolution. Egyptians gathered in public and discovered themselves as a civil society. Finally, I can say that, We are All egyptians now. Men and women are standing side-by-side in calling for their rights. And when people lose their fear, amazing things sometimes happen. So, As long as you say there is no hope, then there will be no hope, but if you go down and take a stance, then there will be hope. We are free and our dignity is back. Now, I am more confident of my future and my children’s future. In this moment , and after revolution, I hope that this transitional era will not last too long and Egypt would return stable and secure as it always been, God bless Egypt.

Feminism in Islamic countries

Argument Feminism in Islamic countries is probably among the sharpest issues nowadays, as the religious tradition to be broken is time-honored and legally enforced in the present day. Saba Mahmood, who originated from the state of this category, explores this situation from inside (Wadud, 2006) in her writings in general and her book â€Å"Politics of Piety: The Islamic Revival and the Feminist Subject† in particular.The paper is intended to study her argument in details and provide a critical response. The Saba Mahmood’s writing offers an interesting perspective on Islamic feminism – the so-called piety movement or Islamic revival. I would like to challenge this concept, as the term ‘feminism’ lies in a different dimension from the mosque movement. First of all, feminism refers to the movement, established by women and aimed at achieving equality in all spheres of social life: career, education, suffrage, marital life and so forth.This means, female s seek to raise their social status and gain the right to manifest their views and engage into different activities on the same basis as males do. Mahmood unfairly call the female participants of the Islamic revival â€Å"feminists†, as this movement was primarily initiated by Muslim males, who wished to reinforce their dominative position at the time of globalization and gradual egalitarization in terms of gender.In addition, Islam is a masculine religion that seeks to curb woman’s entitlement even in the most primitive daily routines (like walking alone around the city), i. e. it restricts her liberty – that’s why most feminists are known as secular. The Islamic revival is described in the following way: â€Å"Practically, this means instructing Muslims not only in the proper performance of religious duties and acts of worship but, more importantly, in how to organize their daily conduct in accord with principles of Islamic piety and virtuous behaviorà ¢â‚¬  (Mahmood, at press. princeton. edu, 2006, p. 5).These rules and daily activities must include one vital component: female’s obedience and observance of traditional androcenrtic principles, widely rejected by contemporary feminists, as such prescriptions are unlikely to result in the establishment of gender equality. As one can understand, the participants of the Islamic revival pursue to great extent converse goals, pointing to the increase of overall piety in Egyptian society. Due to this substantial divergence in opinions and attitudes it would be incorrect to characterize the women, who actively engage into the piety movement, as feminists, despite their active social position.On the other hand, I agree with the notion of women’s agency in Islamic countries, as numerous investigations have already proved that there are certain areas of life, which belong exceptionally to females: â€Å"Through a rich ethnography of women’s cultic practices, Boddy prop oses that in a society where the â€Å"official ideology† of Islam is dominated and controlled by men, the zar practice might be understood as a space of subordinate discourse† (Mahmood, at press.princeton. edu, 2006, p. 8). Mahmood therefore writes about the women’s secreted resistance to androcentrism, but the notion of feminism refers to broad manifestation of such opposition. Another questionable notion that relates to feminism is positive freedom: â€Å"Positive freedom is understood as the capacity to realize an autonomous will, one generally fashioned in accord with the dictates of universal reason.. † (Mahmood, at press. princeton. edu, 2006, p. 12).The scholar suggests that positive freedom is a domineering concept in feminism, as true liberty can be brought about only by the ability to understand and realize one’s own true will. On the other hand, this concept, in my, opinion, is valid only in European or Western-oriented countries, as Chr istianity as a religion and ideology supports such a deep and thorough search for one’s ‘self’ regardless of gender, i. e. Western religions are more egalitarian in this sense, comparing to Islam, which, in turn, assists only males in their self-discovery, whereas females are traditionally viewed as property in this doctrine.This means, Muslim females are not always able to realize their true will, as they have been brought up in the spirit of complete obedience and inequality since their early childhood. Due to the fact that feminism in Islamic countries is currently being at relatively lower stage of development, it would be more appropriate to apply the principle of negative freedom, or absence of restraints and numerous taboos in such countries, as the elimination of objective (social, political and cultural) bounds is the first step to cognitive liberation.Another important message conveyed by the scholar is following: â€Å"if the ability to effect change in the world and in oneself is historically and culturally specific [†¦], then the meaning and sense of agency cannot be fixed in advance, but must emerge through an analysis of the particular concepts that enable specific modes of being, responsibility and efficacy† (Mahmood, at press.princeton. edu, 2006, p. 15-16). This means, in order to initiate certain social change, it is particularly important to learn the cultural context within which the transformation will occur. In fact, cultural literacy and the ability to evaluate certain phenomena, which exist in certain culture from the position of this tradition, are important, as they allow preserving national identity.The only note to be done is that situational approach is relevant in any situation, so that sometimes it is necessary to perform radical intervention – for instance, if certain (hypothetical) nation suddenly introduces a violent practice (legalization of homicide or infanticide), it would be unwise to conduct a scrupulous analysis of the cultural context and the causes of such an inhumane innovation – on the contrary, more conscientious nations should interfere into the situation and resolve it in accordance with international legislation.Such cases of emergency should therefore be approached from more radical standpoint. Furthermore, Mahmood challenges the notion that the Islamic revival is a strategy, employer to resist the Westernization of the corresponding states: â€Å"While this interpretation is not entirely wrong and captures an important aspect of Islamist movements, it nonetheless reduces their complexity to the trope of resistance†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Mahmood, at press. princeton.edu, 2006, p. 15-16). The scholar does not adopt the term ‘resistance’ , but the issue she discusses in her book, females’ participation in the piety restoration, can be characterized as the opposition to classical European and American feminism that seeks to separate social life from religious rituals (Madud, 2006) and create new (and, more importantly, extensive) opportunities for women in terms of career development and university education.On the contrary, the Islamic movement is aimed at providing women with a ‘narrow’ chance to access mosque not merely as ‘parishioners’, but also as ‘preachers’. Nevertheless, the foundation of the piety restoration and the issues in Western feminism can be approached independently , as local events, reflecting the peculiarities of certain nation.The author suggests that the piety movement has certain political functions: â€Å"The political efficacy of this these movements is, I would suggest, a function of the work they perform in the ethical realm† (Mahmood, at press. princeton. edu, 2006, p. 37). In my opinion, Mahmood overstresses the importance of the mentioned movement in political discourse: although it operates in the sphere of ethics and to great exten t modifies the nation’s cognitive constructs and convictions, it is not directly involved into the current state of political affairs.Thus, the movement, being completely clerical, is not capable of intervening into the politics in the present day – and due to the fact that Islamic countries are now influenced by numerous powers and their development is therefore dynamic and unpredictable, it will be possible to assert the penetration of piety restoration into politics only after its members gain access to political power or achieve the introduction of ‘piety policy’ at governmental level – otherwise the efforts within the realm of ethics might appear in vain.The most doubtful argument of Mahmood’s writing is her confidence in the broad perspectives of the Islamic revival: due to the fact that women are nowadays entitled to serve in mosques (sacred places, or male domain) as ‘preachers’, they are likely to expand their political influence in the future. On the other hand, the nature of this revival points to the desirable abstention from politics, as the pure concept of female virtuousness to great extent excludes the woman’s participation in the affairs of the state.Clearly, the idea of neo-piety teaches females to behave in strict accordance with religious prescriptions and demonstrate modesty and humility, but these qualities are unlikely to enhance the person’s access to power. Historically, women were allowed to serve as priestesses in ancient, but this fact gave them no benefits except prestige – the situation seems to recur.To sum up, Saba Mahmood basically tries to link two incompatible issues – feminism and the piousness renewal, which, as I deem, operate in completely different dimensions. In addition, the scholar suggests that the penetration into the religious system is the primary prerequisite for women’s access to politics, yet it is still unclear in which wa y the movement will modify the existing ethical matrix so that it determines their ‘political weight’.Works cited Mahmood, S. Politics of Piety: The Islamic Revival and the Feminist Subject. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2005. Available online at: http://press. princeton. edu/chapters/s7888. pdf, 2006 Wadud, A. â€Å"Politics of Piety: The Islamic Revival and the Feminist Subject (review)†. Journal of the American Academy of Religion, vol. 74 (3), September 2006: pp. 815-818

Answer to exercises

Why does the Hong Kong Government impose duties on very few types of imports? p. 151 Discuss 12. Explain how the imposition of tariffs and quotas may restrict international trade and rotect domestic industries. p. 154 12. 2 ‘Free trade benefits everybody in an economy. ‘ Do you agree? Explain. Test yourself Refer to Fig. 12. 5. Explain why the supply curve after the imposition ofa unit tariff t is represented by the line abeg (Hint: Find out the quantities supplied at domestic prices below, equal to and above (Pw + t), respectively). p. 160 12. 3 Who would gain and who would lose under a quota? Fill in the following table with a in the appropriate box and account for them.Lose Reasons The importing country which imposes a quota Consumers Producers of import-competing industries The government The exporting faces a quota Producers of exports How do trade barriers imposed on the exports of the mainland of China also adversely affect Hong Kong? pp. 173-176 Exercises Multiple Choice Questions Free trade A. benefits all domestic consumers and producers. B. benefits domestic consumers of imports but harms domestic producers of import- competing industries. C. benefits domestic consumers of exports but harms domestic producers of exports. D. arms all domestic consumers and producers. Which of the following descriptions about trade barriers is INCORRECT? A. A tariff is a ax imposed on imports. B. A quota is a maximum limit imposed on the quantity of imports. C. An export subsidy is a government grant on exports. D. Exchange control is the government control over exchange rates, i. e. the prices of foreign currencies in terms of domestic currency. Which of the following is an effect of a quota? A. A quota shifts the supply curve of the imported product upwards. B. A quota reduces both domestic consumption and domestic production.C. A quota raises the quality of the imported product. D A quota raises the world price of the imported product. 4. Refer to the fo llowing diagram. The deadweight loss brought by a tariff is represented by A. Area (E + G). B. Area (H + D+ B). c. Area (B + q. Under the individual visit scheme, many individuals from the mainland of China travel to Hong Kong. This increases Hong Kongs (1) domestic exports of goods. (2) re-exports of goods. (3) exports of services. (4) imports of goods. A. (2) only B. (3) only C. (3) and (4) only D. (2) and (3) only 8.Which of the following descriptions about Hong Kongs attempts to face challenges in foreign trade is INCORRECT? A. Introduction of the Mandatory Provident Fund to improve the welfare of workers B. Improving productivity through capital investment as well as research and development C. Relocating land-intensive and labour-intensive production processes to the mainland of China and other low-cost economies D. Participating actively in international organisations and conferences to promote international trade Short Questions Country A imports Good X and exports Good Y.Su ppose the world price of Good X is lower than the domestic price of Good X in Country A under autarky. With the help of TWO diagrams, compare the situation without trade and the situation with trade and show the gains from trade. Do all domestic consumers and domestic producers benefit from trade? (8 marks) b**. Suppose the world price of Good Y is higher than the domestic price of Good Y in Country A under autarky. With the help of TWO diagrams, compare the situation domestic consumers and domestic producers benefit from trade? 8 marks) With the help of a diagram, illustrate why the imposition of a quota would benefit domestic producers but harm domestic consumers and bring a deadweight loss to an economy. (8 marks) Structured Questions Trade Organization, China has to reduce its tariff on cotton. Suppose the world price f cotton remains unchanged after the tariff reduction. a. With the help ofa diagram, illustrate how the reduction in the tariff affects the domestic price, domesti c consumption, domestic production and volume of imports of cotton. (7 marks) b.How does the tariff reduction affect the consumer surplus, producer surplus, government revenue and total social surplus? (5 marks) a. Compare the effects of an increase in domestic demand on the domestic price, domestic consumption, domestic production and volume of imports if a country imposes a tariff and a quota on its imports, respectively. 12 marks) b. Would consumers prefer a tariff or a quota in the above situation? (2 marks) Answers p. 150 1. They mainly want to cut the volume of imports so as to protect their domestic industries. Moreover, imposition of duties on imported goods may raise government revenue. . The imposition of duties will raise the domestic price of imported goods, reduce the volume of imports, lower the consumer surplus of domestic consumers, but increase the producer surplus of domestic producers. 3. Many of Hong Kongs imports do not have domestic substitutes, e. g. , water, food, raw materials. Moreover, the image of a free port facilitates Hong Kong's negotiation with its trading partners to reduce their trade barriers. On the whole, free trade brings more benefit than harm to Hong Kong. p. 151 Discuss 12. 1 After tariffs are imposed, the domestic prices of imports rise.By the law of demand, people will buy fewer units of imports. After the imposition of quotas, the maximum quantities of imports allowed are smaller than the equilibrium quantities. As a result, the quantities of imports will drop. As people buy fewer units of imports, they buy more units of domestic goods as substitutes for imports. Hence, domestic industries are protected. p. 154 Discuss 12. 2 No. With free trade, domestic prices drop and domestic consumption rises. As a result, the consumer surplus increases, as illustrated by Area (C + E) in Fig. 12. 3.Hence, domestic consumers of imports gain. However, domestic prices drop and domestic production falls. As a result, the producer su rplus decreases, as illustrated by Area C Therefore, free trade does not benefit everybody. However, on the whole, as consumers' gains are greater than producers' losses, the total social surplus increases, as illustrated by Area E in Fig. 12. 3. Test Yourself 12. 1 At domestic prices below (Pw + t), since the price cannot cover the cost [i. e. the world price (PW) plus tariff (t)], importers are not willing to supply the good.Only domestic producers with MC domestic price will supply. This portion of the supply curve is represented by line segment ae. Since the domestic economy is a small open economy, it cannot affect the world price (PW) no matter how many units it imports. At the domestic price of (Pw + t), since the price can cover the (constant) cost, importers are willing to supply as many units as consumers desire without raising the price. Even if demand increases, the domestic price will not rise above (Pw + t). Hence, the supply curve turns horizontal at Point e (represen ted by line segment eg).

Aspirations

For as long as I can recall I had always been afraid of aspiring for more than I had the ability to attain. This summer I met my future wife, I Just didnt know it yet. Although that Is another story that was written on its own, but once we were in love and both accepted each other, we came to find that others did not agree with our decision. We thought our bond could overcome anything Including their reproach, but, sooner than later, it began to come between us. Soon my life became a struggle to keep our love a secret from society.We didnt want different treatment, because we were both till the same people we met and the same girls everyone else knew. I was afraid of losing her to the world. I began to consider my options. Let my love go and let society separate us or follow my Intuition and Just live my life the best way I knew how, I chose to live and love even though It was hard from the start. I began to love my girlfriend fearlessly. I began to fight for us and overcame my fear of the unknown and the contempt others may harbor towards us. Even though we had challenges to overcome and people to confront we both held fast to the opportunities that lay ahead.The glares and sly whispers from others only provided a reason to prove them wrong thus I grew more determined to be happy no matter what the circumstance. She gave me the confidence to not only pursue my goals but actually fulfill my potential academically and set ideals for my life. She allowed me to be whoever I wanted to be, without letting go of how I got there. She was the kind that let me embrace those internal contradictions that made up an entire oxymoron, complex and complete human being.

Module C - Educating Rita - Moving Into The World Essay

Module C - Educating Rita - Moving Into The World - Essay Example â€Å"Everything I know--and you must listen to this--is that I know absolutely nothing† – Educating Rita This quote aptly sums up the experiences of those venturing into a new world as the very experience tends to challenge and at times question everything one knows including their values and beliefs. The experience of venturing into a new world often leads to encountering various challenges that detain attitudes and beliefs that ultimately define an individual’s psychological dispositions, however history bears testimony to the fact that such challenges or obstacles encountered by individuals are often short term and yield innumerable benefits in the long run. Willy Russel's Educating Rita offers an intriguing perspective on the manner in which Rita - a young and ambitious hairdresser from Liverpool, undergoes various trials and transformations in the pursuit of goals and manages to get various rewards in the forms of life changing qualities such as self-confid ence, independence and education which she so longed for. Her exhilarating journey is in many ways similar to that of the characters Ernesto Guevara and Alberto Granado, in the MotorCycle diaries. The transition into a new world is almost synonymous to encountering endless challenges which individuals are forced to fathom in the midst of their journey as they adapt to their new surroundings. The composer Willy Russell has creatively portrayed this in the opening scene in the play through various symbolic elements. Here â€Å"we see† Rita is presented struggling to open the door to Frank’s office. This gives â€Å"us† an insight on the very pinnacle of Rita’s character and the manifest challenges she is likely to face as she strives to ‘enter’ the ‘new world’. The stage directions used here emphasize the stark differences and the characterisations of the two – signifying, Rita’s seeming state of ignorance and lack of dexterity to manoeuvre her way into the world unknown to her. On being unable to open the door she exclaims â€Å"It's that stupid bleedin' handle on the door. You wanna get it fixed!† The use of slang and the tone of her voice shock not only Frank but take the reader by surprise, since Rita seems completely oblivious to the social conventions and the use of formal speech. Thus this enables â€Å"us† the audience to paint a more precise image of Rita’s boldness and her values. In addition the stage directions used in this instance that focus on Frank’s confused face further emphasizes her naivety and exposes the intricacies of her character and attitudes. The moving into a new world despite age or background is one that requires sacrifice. Defying dominant socio-cultural norms is an inevitable and inherent part of the struggles encountered by those venturing into a new world. In Educating Rita, the challenges faced by Rita are highlighted through the var ious dialogues between her and Frank in relation to the complications of her background, education and marital life. Rita is depicted inept to pursue her studies due to her husband’s disapproval of her ambitions and beliefs. These obstacles ultimately stand in the form societal pressure or the pressure to conform to dominant cultural expectations during her schooling years. This is highlighted in the text â€Å"See, if I'd started takin' school seriously I would've had to become different from me mates, an' that's not allowed† – this indicates the social pressure experienced by Rita forbidding her to defy the set social standards and

Madison and the War of 1812 -was the war of 1812 the first war for Research Paper - 1

Madison and the War of 1812 -was the war of 1812 the first war for manifest destiny - Research Paper Example The strategy for attacking Britain was through Canada which by then was Britain’s colony. American officials were very optimistic about the success of the invasion 1. However, America was to suffer a humiliating defeat at the hands of Sir Isaac Brock, British soldier and administrator in charge of upper Canada(modern Ontario) on the August of 16th,1812.On September 13th,1814, Baltimore’s Fort McHenry after withstanding several hours of Bombardment by the British Navy, the following morning hoisted the American flag, a sight that inspired Francis Scott Key to write a poem called â€Å"The star-Spangled Banner† which would later be adopted as the U.S. national anthem. Notably, Kentucky made contribution of approximately 18,000 troops to the war as a result suffered a very high proportion of the nation’s casualties in the war. However, saw an end to the war and the atrocities through a negotiated settlement which was referred to as the Treaty of Ghent, on Dec ember 24th 1814.Kentucky once again was to feature in a major way through statesman Henry Clay who played an important part in the efforts. By then he was already the house speaker. James Madison’s tenure were particularly dominated by foreign dilemmas especially since they marked the last years of the Napoleonic wars. Noteworthy, when the Embargo Act was repelled, subsequent attempts to reduce tensions at sea included the Non-Intercourse Act, which took effect from March 1809 to May 1810.Importantly, it set the grounds for non-importation or exportation against belligerent nations including France and England as trade with these nations was prohibited. Therefore under the Act trade with all other nations was permissible. But as far as France and Great Britain, trade would resume with whichever nations dropped its restrictions against U.S. but American ships would go wherever they wanted. Furthermore, under the terms

Wal-Marts sustainability strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Wal-Marts sustainability strategy - Essay Example From that time the company has attained massive expansion and is currently operating under different brand names. It is one of the most successful groups with operations in 27 countries, has more than 10,000 stores with different departments and employs over 2 million people. (Wal-Mart, 2012, p.3). The aim was to improve the lives of the people by saving their money while making profit through reduced expenses and improved management. They operate as supercenters, food and drug store, restaurants, general merchandise stores, warehouse clubs, small markets, discount stores human and cash and carry stores. Its strategic management has been based on five principles: resource development, reduced expenses, online shopping services, satisfied customers and social and environmental responsibility (Sullivan, 2010, p. 156).These have led to the rapid growth in revenue, customer base and workforce. Like any other large international companies, there need to develop a proper management strateg y to ensure the business fulfills its mission.This paper will critically analyses the challenges facing Walwart international and gives its recommendation on how to overcome these challenges with keen consideration of seafood supply chains. Challenges of Wal-Mart’s supply chain Employees The company employs over two million employees across the world and has been accused of violating their rights. According to Marshall (2012, p.3), their employees went on strike in Los Angeles after several months of trying to reach out to the company’s executives with success. Prior to this strike, there was also demonstration in other regions, with the employees complaining of low wages, healthy risk and poor treatment while at work. There has been case of firing of workers that are actively involved in their trade union OUR Wal-Mart (Marshall, 2012, p. 4). OUR Wal-Mart has filed several cases on unfair treatment of the workers Such as termination, warnings or reduced working hours. Most complain seem to be a strategy by the executives to reduce the cost of labor and eventually reducing the operational cost. The reduction in expenses is supposed to increase in sales and revenue. Staff reduction can hinder proper management of day to day activities in the stores as well as in factories. Each outlet has different management and this has worsened the situation, some stores lack proper safety facilities, do not give employment contract to their employees, and poor sanitation. Poor working conditions can affect the quality of their products especially food and this pose greater health risk to the consumers. Thestrikes, demonstrations and poor working conditions, not only have negative impacts on the employees but also create a negative image of the company thus affecting business. Competition Like any other company in profit making business, Wal-Mart faces stiff competitions from other large stores, small stores and international companies and sometimes has been for ces to close down their stores. This has forces them to change their mode of marketing as well as their mode of doing business. Being an international company poses greater challenges because of different ways of doing businesses in these countries and also different cultural back grounds of their customers. Sea food store in China almost closed down due to the way chines prefer to choose their sea food, they were forced to display them while uncovered and this led to high sales. According to Ellickson at el (2012. P 750) Wal-Mart has changed the pricing strategy of supermarkets to reduce completion. Its entrance in the market led to closed down of other business but this is just one sided opinion since it has also faced competition. Their low price strategy has worked well for