MMR Vaccination Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

MMR Vaccination - Essay Example For instance, upon opening a local or regional newspaper, one does not usually find non-sensational stories represented on the front page. Instead, issues regarding horrific crimes, corruption, abuse of power, and other issues are usually front and center for the individual to read and digest. By means of contrast in comparison, the way in which scholarly research is performed is a much more slow and methodical process. Essentially, an individual is required to utilize the scientific method and carefully/painstakingly review their findings prior to making these public in the form of a scholarly journal article publication. At which point, ongoing peer review has been performed and a more thorough level of analysis by other individuals within the scientific community can take place. As can relatively be seen, the differential with respect to the way in which scientific community operate in the way in which the knee operates is bound and measurable. Yet, regardless of these differentials, it can and should be noted that the vaccine debate which took place with respect to Wakefield’s article did not represent a level of due diligence; either on the part of the peer review process or with regard to the way in which the media snapped at the story and widely reported it. For instance, the media perform something of a knee-jerk reaction and reporting the study’s findings as if they were indisputable fact. Unfortunately, this not only occurred with respect to the United States press, it occurred throughout much of Europe as well. Whereas it is somewhat not surprising that the level of due diligence which was performed by the media fell short of what is needed, it does, as a surprise to the reader/analyst that the peer review process evident within the scholarly publication of the journal article that established this faux debate

Modern America Matrix Essay Example for Free

Modern America Matrix Essay After John F Kennedys death, on December 6, 1963. Theodore White wrote an essay for Life magazine in which he compared Kennedys life to the legend of Camelot. Theodore White wrote that this was a time with a â€Å"magic moment in  American history when gallant men danced with beautiful women, when great deeds were done, when artists, writers, and poets met at the White House. There will never be another Camelot again†. Moss, G.D., Thomas, E.A. (2013). Moving on: The American people since 1945 (5th ed. ). Boston, MA: Pearson. Marilyn Monroe Marilyn Monroe was a movie star sex symbol in the 1950’s Marilyn served as a role model for women. The fashion of the day was not about comfort but to be very sexy and femininity conforms to the prevailing sexual stereotype. Moss, G.D., Thomas, E.A. (2013). Moving on: The American people since 1945 (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson. Tariff Reductions August 1993, Congress approved a new round of tariff reductions on manufactured goods covered under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. The tariff on manufacturing good had been affect since World War II. In 1993 congress reduced the tariff to help the country’s economic recovery. In 1994, Clinton followed these victories by reducing trade barriers with major Pacific Rim nations. Moss, G.D., Thomas, E.A. (2013). Moving on: The American people since 1945 (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson. Peace Corps In 1961, the Kennedy administration launched the Peace corps. This was established to help Latin America and other third world countries. The Peace Corps was formed because of the cold war concerns in third world countries and from a desire to give idealistic young Americans an opportunity for public service. Over the next two years, about 7,500 Peace Corps volunteers were sent to forty-four nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Most of them worked as teachers; others found jobs in health care, agricultural reform, and community development Moss, G.D., Thomas, E.A. (2013). Moving on: The American people since 1945 (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson. Alliance for Progress In the 1960’s the Kennedy  administration developed a multifaceted assistance program called the Alianza para progreso. The Alliance for progress was established to blunt the appeal of Castroism and foreclose Soviet opportunities in Latin America. Over the  life of the program, billions of dollars in loans and grants from both public and private sources were fed into the Alliance for Progress. Moss, G.D., Thomas, E.A. (2013). Moving on: The American people since 1945 (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

School Breakfast Programs Essay -- Essays Papers

School Breakfast Programs For most kids waking up in the morning, getting dressed and sitting down to a bowl of cereal and some toast is a normal occurrence for them. However for some students that luxury may not be possible. Over the past couple of years several states across the US have spent millions of dollars and served over 360 million breakfasts and lunches for children who cannot afford to have a regular priced meal or who don’t have money for food at all. With these programs producing such great results for the children in the classroom and out of school more and more states have begun to implement similar programs for underprivileged children. One of the major reasons for the popularity of the breakfast programs is that it enables the children to start there day off with a healthy, nutritional meal. And for kids that are in elementary and middle school having a well balanced meal to start their day off is important because at that age children tend to hit growth spurts sporadically and having the right nutrition in there bodies will enable them to grow with out any complications. Another key reason as to why the Breakfast programs have become such a major success is the in class room behavior of the students. In different polls taken across America schools that were using the breakfast programs had shown that students who took part in the programs overall grades improved, along with attendance and classroom behavior. In an article written by the Advantage Press it was stated that â€Å"A surprising benefit has been observed: there has been a sharp decrease in the number of children going to school nurses. Thus, less class time missed by students. Even teachers who had worried about the added work of overseeing br... ...Programs January 2004 http://www.mtcef.org/activities_3a.htm 5. Provision 2 Guidance National School and Lunch Programs 3 March 2004 http://www.sde.state.id.us/child/docs/CNPResources/Publications/P2Guidance- July242002.pdf 6. Chicago Public School Meal Programs September 2004 http://www.cps.k12.il.us/Parent/Enrollment/School_Lunch/school_lunch.html 7. ThedailyJounranl.com Monday, May 14, 2001 http://www.thedailyjournal.com/news/stories/20010514/opinion/568745.html 8. Policies and Procedure Manual Mississippi Nutrition Program September 2004 http://www.cn.mde.k12.ms.us/resources/forms/ta/mscnp15.pdf 9. Federal Food Programs http://www.frac.org/html/federal_food_programs/programs/sbp.html 10. School Breakfast Programs August 2003 http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Breakfast/AboutBFast/bfastfacts.htm

Economic Networkingâ€Exploring Alternatives for Promoting Sustainable De

Economic Networking—Exploring Alternatives for Promoting Sustainable Development in Africa INTRODUCTION The history of European aid intervention in the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states has traditionally acted to reinforce the hierarchical distinction between the â€Å"developed† and the â€Å"developing† world. The series of Lome Conventions which granted preferential trade agreements between these groups of countries have proved ineffective in encouraging economic sustainability in the ACP states, and although the ACP includes most of the Least Developed Countries (LLDCs) in the world, the agreements have been criticized as being unfair in the global context. Under pressure to negotiate a new ACP-EU agreement that would be consistent with World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations, and improve on the limitations of the previous Lome Conventions, the Cotonou Convention was signed in 2000, after arduous negotiations. Despite this agreement, the future of ACP-EU relations is somewhat vague. Particularly with respect to Africa, this uncertainty leaves room for eva luation of the effectiveness of the past agreements and an objective analysis of the motives behind previous economic ties. Furthermore, by analyzing the problematic history of European aid to Africa, there emerges a basis for shifting away from the neo-colonialist relationships that characterized most of the past agreements, and exploring the benefits of creating alternative partnerships. Ultimately, the possibility of forming partnerships amongst individual ACP countries and between other developing countries is an overlooked idea that should be further explored. A Historical Perspective African economic development is a subject of wide interest. Amongst the ... ...2 October 2003 Kwarteng, Charles O. Africa and the European Challenge. Vermont: Ashgate Publishing Company. 1997. The New Partnership for Africa’s Development. October 2001. Overseas Development Institute. Reshaping European partnerships: what future for the ACP? Meeting September 2003. http://www.odi.org.uk/speeches/edc_2010/meeting_report_17september.html The World Bank Group. World Development Indicators Database: Country Profile Table. 11 March 2004 . The World Bank Group. 2003 World Development Indicators. 11 March 2004. . Economic Community of West African States. About ECOWAS. 11 March 2004. .

The Vampire Diaries: The Struggle Chapter Five

November 2, Saturday Dear Diary, This morning I woke up and felt so strange. I don't know how to describe it. On the one hand, I was so weak that when I tried to stand up my muscles wouldn't support me. But on the other hand I felt†¦ pleasant.So comfortable , sorelaxed. As if I were floating on a bed of golden light. I didn't care if I never moved again. Then I remembered Stefan, and I tried to get up, but Aunt Judith put me back to bed. She said Bonnie and Meredith had left hours ago, and that I'd been so fast asleep they couldn't wake me. She said what I needed was rest. So here I am. Aunt Judith brought the TVin,but I don't care about watching it. I'd rather lie here and write, or just lie here. November 3,Sunday (10:30 p.m.) I've just read over yesterday's entry and I'm shocked. What was wrong with me? I broke off in the middle of a sentence, and now I don'teven know what I was going to say. And I didn'texplain about my new diary or anything. I must have been completely spaced out. Anyway, this is the official start of my new diary. I boughtthis blank book at the drugstore. It's not as beautiful as the other one, but it will have to do. I've given up hope of ever seeing my old one again. Whoever stole it isn't going to bring it back. But when I think of them reading it, all my inner thoughts and my feelings about Stefan, I want to kill them. While simultaneously dying of humiliation myself. I'm not ashamed of the way I feel about Stefan. But it's private. And there are things in there, about the way it is when we kiss, when he holds me, that I know he wouldn't want anybody else to read. Of course, it hasn't got anything about his secret in it. I hadn't found that out yet. It wasn't until I did that I really understood him, and we got together, really together, at last. Now we're part of each other. I feel as if I've been waiting for him all my life. Maybe you think I'm terrible for loving him, considering what he is. He can be violent, and I know there are some things in his past that he's ashamed of. But he could never be violent toward me,and the past is over. He has so much guilt and he hurts so much inside. I want to heal him. I don't know what will happen now; I'm just so glad that he's safe. I went to the boarding house today and found out that the police had been there yesterday. Stefan was still weak and couldn't use his Powers to get rid of them, but they didn't accuse him of anything. They just asked questions. Stefan says they acted friendly, which makes me suspicious. What all the questions really boil down to is: where were you on the night the old man was attacked under the bridge, and the night Vickie Bennett was attacked in the ruined church, and the night Mr. Tanner was killed at school? They don't have any evidence against him. So the crimes started right after he came to Fell's Church, so what? That's not proof of anything. So he argued with Mr. Tanner that night. Again, so what? Everybody argued with Mr. Tanner. So he disappeared after Mr. Tanner's body was found. He's back now, and it's pretty clear that he was attacked himself, by the same person who committed the other crimes. Mary told the police about the condition he was in. And if they ever ask us, Matt and Bonnie and Meredith and I can all testify how we found him. There's no case against him at all. Stefan and I talked about that, and about other things. It was so good to be with him again, even if he did look white and tired. He still doesn't remember how Thursday night ended, but most of it is just as I suspected. Stefan went to find Damon Thursday night after he took me home. They argued. Stefan ended up half-dead in a well. It doesn't take a genius to figure out what happened in between. I still haven't told him that I went looking for Damon in the graveyard Friday morning. I suppose I'd better do it tomorrow. I know he's going to be upset, especially when he hears what Damon said to me. Well, that's all. I'm tired. This diary is going to be well-hidden, for obvious reasons. P.S. I wonder who our new European history teacher will be? She tucked the diary under her mattress and turned out the light. Elena walked down the hallway in a curious vacuum. At school she was usually peppered with greetings from all sides; it was â€Å"hi, Elena,† after â€Å"hi, Elena,† wherever she went. But today eyes slid away furtively as she approached, or people suddenly became very busy doing something that required them to keep their backs to her. It had been happening all day long. She paused in the doorway of the European history classroom. There were several students already sitting down, and at the chalkboard was a stranger. He looked almost like a student himself. He had sandy hair, worn a little long, and the build of an athlete. Across the board he had written â€Å"Alaric K. Saltzman.† As he turned around, Elena saw that he also had a boyish smile. He went on smiling as Elena sat down and other students filed in. Stefan was among them, and his eyes met Elena's as he took his seat beside her, but they didn't speak. No one was talking. The room was dead silent. Bonnie sat down on Elena's other side. Matt was only a few desks away, but he was looking straight ahead. The last two people to come in were Caroline Forbes and Tyler Smallwood. They walked in together, and Elena didn't like the look on Caroline's face. She knew that catlike smile and those narrowed green eyes all too well. Tyler's handsome, rather fleshy features were shining with satisfaction. The discoloration under his eyes caused by Stefan's fist was almost gone. â€Å"Okay, to start off, why don't we put all these desks in a circle?† Elena's attention snapped back to the stranger at the front of the room. He was still smiling. â€Å"Come on, let's do it. That way we can all see each other's faces when we talk,† he said. Silently, the students obeyed. The stranger didn't sit at Mr. Tanner's desk; instead, he pulled a chair to the circle and straddled it backward. â€Å"Now,† he said. â€Å"I know you all must be curious about me. My name's on the board: Alaric K. Saltzman. But I want you to call me Alaric. I'll tell you a little more about me later, but first I want to give you a chance to talk. â€Å"Today's probably a difficult day for most of you. Someone you cared about is gone, and that must hurt. I want to give you a chance to open up and share those feelings with me and with your classmates. I want you to try to get in touch with the pain. Then we can start to build our own relationship on trust. Now They stared at him. No one so much as moved an eyelash. â€Å"Well, let's see†¦ what about you?† Still smiling, he gestured encouragingly to a pretty, fair-haired girl. â€Å"Tell us your name and how you feel about what's happened.† Flustered, the girl stood. â€Å"My name's Sue Carson, and, uh†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She took a deep breath and went doggedly on. â€Å"And I feelscared. Because whoever this maniac is, he's still loose. And next time it could be me.† She sat down. â€Å"Thank you, Sue. I'm sure a lot of your classmates share your concern. Now, do I understand that some of you were actually there when this tragedy occurred?† Desks creaked as students shifted uneasily. But Tyler Smallwood stood up, his lips drawing back from strong white teeth in a smile. â€Å"Most of us were there,† he said, and his eyes flickered toward Stefan. Elena could see other people following his gaze. â€Å"I got there right after Bonnie discovered the body. And what I feel is concern for the community. There's a dangerous killer on the streets, and so far nobody's done anything to stop him. And – † He broke off. Elena wasn't sure how, but she felt Caroline had signaled him to do it. Caroline tossed back gleaming auburn hair and recrossed her long legs as Tyler took his seat again. â€Å"Okay, thank you. So most of you were there. That makes it doubly hard. Can we hear from the person who actually found the body? Is Bonnie here?† He looked around. Bonnie raised her hand slowly, then stood. â€Å"Iguess I discovered the body,† she said. â€Å"I mean, I was the first person who knew that he was really dead, and not just faking.† Alaric Saltzman looked slightly startled. â€Å"Not just faking? Did he often fake being dead?† There were titters, and he flashed that boyish smile again. Elena turned and glanced at Stefan, who was frowning. â€Å"No – no,† said Bonnie. â€Å"You see, he was a sacrifice. At the Haunted House. So he was covered with blood anyway, only it was fake blood. And that was partly my fault, because he didn't want to put it on, and I told him he had to do it. He was supposed to be a Bloody Corpse. But he kept saying it was too messy, and it wasn't until Stefan came and argued with him – † She stopped. â€Å"I mean, we talked to him and he finally agreed to do it, and then the Haunted House started. And a little while later I noticed that he wasn't sitting up and scaring the kids like he was supposed to, and I went over and asked him what was wrong. And he didn't answer. He just – he just kept staring at the ceiling. And then I touched him and he – it was terrible. His head just sort offlopped †¦Ã¢â‚¬  Bonnie's voice wavered and gave out. She gulped. Elena was standing up, and so were Stefan and Matt and a few other people. Elena reached over to Bonnie. â€Å"Bonnie, it's okay. Bonnie, don't; it's okay.† â€Å"And blood got all over my hands. There was blood everywhere, so much blood†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She sniffed hysterically. He stood up and paced around the center of the circle, his hands opening and shutting nervously. Bonnie was still sniffling softly. â€Å"I know,† he said, the boyish smile coming back full force. â€Å"I'd like to get our student-teacher relationship off to a good start, away from this whole atmosphere. How about if you all come around to my place this evening, and we can all talk informally? Maybe just get to know each other, maybe talk about what happened. You can even bring a friend if you want. How about it?† There was another thirty seconds or so of staring. Then someone said, â€Å"Your place?† â€Å"Yes†¦ oh, I'm forgetting. Stupid of me. I'm staying at the Ramsey house, on Magnolia Avenue.† He wrote the address on the board. â€Å"The Ramseys are friends of mine, and they loaned me the house while they're on vacation. I come from Charlottesville, and your principal called me Friday to ask me if I could take over here. I jumped at the chance. This is my first real teaching job.† â€Å"Oh, that explains it,† said Elena under her breath. â€Å"Does it?† said Stefan. â€Å"Anyway, what do you think? Is it a plan?† Alaric Saltzman looked around at them. No one had the heart to refuse. There were scattered â€Å"yeses† and â€Å"sures.† â€Å"Great, then it's settled. I'll provide the refreshments, and we'll all get to know each other. Oh, by the way†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He opened a grade book and scanned it. â€Å"In this class, participation makes up half your final grade.† He glanced up and smiled. â€Å"You can go now.† â€Å"The nerve of him,† somebody muttered as Elena went out the door. Bonnie was behind her, but Alaric Saltzman's voice called her back. â€Å"Would the students who shared with us please stay behind for a minute?† Stefan had to leave, too. â€Å"I'd better go check about football practice,† he said. â€Å"It's probably canceled, but I'd better make sure.† Elena was concerned. â€Å"If it's not canceled, do you think you're feeling up to it?† â€Å"I'll be fine,† he said evasively. But she noticed that his face still looked drawn, and he moved as if he were in pain. â€Å"Meet you at your locker,† he said. She nodded. When she got to her locker, she saw Caroline nearby talking to two other girls. Three pairs of eyes followed Elena's every move as she put away her books, but when Elena glanced up, two of them suddenly looked away. Only Caroline remained staring at her, head slightly cocked as she whispered something to the other girls. Elena had had enough. Slamming her locker, she walked straight toward the group. â€Å"Hello, Becky; hello, Sheila,† she said. Then, with heavy emphasis: â€Å"Hello, Caroline.† â€Å"What's going on?† she demanded. â€Å"Going on?† Caroline was obviously enjoying this, trying to draw it out as long as possible. â€Å"Going on with who?† â€Å"With you, Caroline. With everybody. Don't pretend you're not up to something, because I know you are. People have been avoiding me all day as if I had the plague, and you look like you just won the lottery. What have you done?† Caroline's expression of innocent inquiry slipped, and she smiled a feline smile. â€Å"I told you when school started that things were going to be different this year, Elena,† she said. â€Å"I warned you your time on the throne might be running out. But it isn'tmy doing. What's happening is simply natural selection. The law of the jungle.† â€Å"And just whatis happening?† â€Å"Well, let's just say that going out with a murderer can put a cramp in your social life.† Elena's chest tightened as if Caroline had hit her. For a moment, the desire to hit Caroline back was almost irresistible. Then, with the blood pounding in her ears, she said through clenched teeth, â€Å"That isn't true. Stefan hasn't done anything. The police questioned him, and he was cleared.† Caroline shrugged. Her smile now was patronizing. â€Å"Elena, I've known you since kindergarten,† she said, â€Å"so I'll give you some advice for old times' sake: drop Stefan. If you do it right now you might just avoid being a complete social leper. Otherwise you might as well buy yourself a little bell to ring in the street.† Rage held Elena hostage as Caroline turned and walked away, her auburn hair moving like liquid under the lights. Then Elena found her tongue. â€Å"Caroline.† The other girl turned back. â€Å"Are you going to go to that party at the Ramsey house tonight?† â€Å"I suppose so. Why?† â€Å"Because I'll be there. With Stefan. See you in the jungle.† This time Elena was the one to turn away. The dignity of her exit was slightly marred when she saw a slim, shadowed figure at the far end of the hallway. Her step faltered for an instant, but as she drew closer she recognized Stefan. She knew the smile she gave him looked forced, and he glanced back toward the lockers as they walked side by side out of the school. â€Å"So football practice was canceled?† she said. He nodded. â€Å"What was that all about?† he said quietly. â€Å"Nothing. I asked Caroline if she was going to the party tonight.† Elena tilted back her head to look at the gray and dismal sky. She remembered what he had told her in his room. He could see better than a human, and hear better, too. Well enough to catch words spoken down forty feet of corridor? â€Å"Yes,† she said defiantly, still inspecting the clouds. â€Å"And that's what made you so angry?† â€Å"Yes,† she said again, in the same tone. She could feel his eyes on her. â€Å"Elena, that's not true.† â€Å"Well, if you can read my mind, you don't need to ask me questions, do you?† They were facing each other now. Stefan was tense, his mouth set in a grim line. â€Å"You know I wouldn't do that. But I thought you were the one who was so big on honesty in relationships.† â€Å"All right. Caroline was being her usual bitchy self and shooting her mouth off about the murder. So what? Why do you care?† â€Å"Because,† said Stefan simply, brutally, â€Å"she might be right. Not about the murder but about you. About you and me. I should have realized this would happen. It's not just her, is it? I've been sensing hostility and fear all day, but I was too tired to try and analyze it. They think I'm the killer and they're taking it out on you.† â€Å"What they think doesn't matter! They're wrong, and they'll realize that eventually. Then everything will be the way it was again.† A wistful smile tugged at the corner of Stefan's mouth. â€Å"You really believe that, don't you?† He looked away, and his face hardened. â€Å"And what if they don't? What if it only gets worse?† â€Å"What are you saying?† â€Å"It might be better†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Stefan took a deep breath and continued, carefully. â€Å"It might be better if we didn't see each other for a while. If they think we're not together, they'll leave you alone.† She stared at him. â€Å"And you think you could do that? Not see me or talk to me for however long?† â€Å"If it's necessary – yes. We could pretend we've broken up.† His jaw was set. Elena stared another moment. Then she circled him and moved in closer, so close that they were almost touching. He had to look down at her, his eyes only a few inches from her own. â€Å"There is,† she said, â€Å"only one way I'm going to announce to the rest of the school that we've broken up. And that's if you tell me that you don't love me and you don't want to see me. Tell me that, Stefan, right now. Tell me that you don't want to be with me any more.† He'd stopped breathing. He stared down at her, those green eyes striated like a cat's in shades of emerald and malachite and holly green. She never got to finish the sentence. It was cut off as his mouth descended on hers.

The Silver Chair Essays - Fiction, Literature, Narnia, Aslan

The Silver Chair Essays - Fiction, Literature, Narnia, Aslan The Silver Chair Imagine that you are in a different world from earth, time is different, and all living things around you can talk. While in this world you will go through the most amazing adventure that you could ever think of. That is just what happens in the novel The Silver Chair. It is an action packed, and keeps you wanting to read the whole way through. The author of the novel The Silver Chair is C.S. Lewis. The most well known novels that C.S. Lewis has written are The Chronicles of Narnia, which is made up of seven novels. This story takes place in the present time. The adventure in Narnia that these children go on takes about 12 days, however on earth it is like you had never left as time is different in Narnia. For example, if you left to Narnia while shooting hoops you would return to earth at that exact day and time when you were shooting hoops. This story starts out on a dull autumn day at a special school called the Experiment house. As the story goes on they are transferred to a knew magical world called Narnia. While in Narnia the children travel around a lot and go to several different places, they include: The Wild Waste Lands of the North, The Hill of the Strange Trenches, The House of Harfang, and The Underland. The main characters of this story are: Jill Pole, Eustace Scrubb, Puddleglum, Aslan, Prince Rilian, and The Queen of Underland. Jill Pole is a wimpy girl that gets picked on at the Experiment House who meets a unpopular boy named Eustace Scrubb, and the two of them travel to the magical world Narnia. Here they meet Aslan, Lord of the whole wood, and son of the Emperor across the sea. Aslan is the Lion, the Great Lion. He comes and goes as and when he pleases; he comes to help guide Jill and Eustace on their great adventure. They also get help on their travels from a Marsh-wiggle named Puddleglum, who helps guide the children as they do not know this knew world well. Prince Rilian disappeared when riding his horse in the woods about 10 years ago. The Queen of Underland is a bad green witch that is up to no good, living in the Underland of Narnia. This story starts out at the children's school (The Experiment House) where Jill and Eustace meet each other. They are both unpopular children who were hiding behind the gym from the other kinds when they noticed a hole in the wall. The hole seemed to be some sort of passage way, and at the end of this passage was a great lion. By now the teacher's and students were looking for the children, Jill and Eustace did not want to stay so they traveled down this tunnel to meet this great lion Aslan. Eustace is sent to Narnia right away but Jill is left behind, Aslan explains that he let them come to Narnia because he needs their help. What had happened was that the resent king of Narnia was very old and needed a replacement, the king has a son (Prince Rilian) but he mysteriously disappeared about 10 years ago. It was the two children's job to find Prince Rilian, and to do this they must follow the steps that the lion tells Jill. Eustace and Jill meet up in Narnia and set out on their journe y, early on they meet a marsh-wiggle(Puddgelum) who joins them on there great journey. First they must travel to the Wild Waste Lands of the North or the Land of the Giants. It is very rough terrain and very cold, Jill and Eustace are dying for a warm place to stay. The three travelers bump in to a beautiful lady dressed in green and a mysterious knight dressed in black, the lady explain that they could stay with the giants. They would provide food, cloths, and a warm place to stay, because Jill and Eustace are so hungry and tired they decide to go to the castle(The House of Harfang). Puddgelum explains that this might be a bad idea but they still end up going, while staying

Graduate Essays - English-language Films, Films, The Graduate

Graduate Essays - English-language Films, Films, The Graduate Graduate In The Graduate, the director, Mike Nichols, emphasizes the mysterious tone of the film with his overuse of lighting, camera angles, and shadows. The uncertainty Benjamin Braddock feels can be seen right from the start as he stands on the moving sidewalk at the airport. He is positioned at the right hand side of the screen moving forward. You can see a large area to the left where the credits appear. I think the director chose this technique for the opening credits to symbolize how this graduate is arriving at a new destination & has much uncertainty in front of him. Dark rooms with shadows are used heavily in this film. The director shows Benjamins room as dark and shadowy to parallel his personality. This is also seen in the Robinson house. Shadows everywhere with light on only part of the characters faces tells you that this is a house of mystery and uncertainty. The director places lights seemingly on the ground to cast huge shadows of the characters on the walls. This makes you feel that the directors idea is to have the characters deepest secrets and personalities overshadow the characters themselves. The pool scene where Benjamin Braddock is in the SCUBA suit demonstrates another film technique. The director uses a shot from inside the suit looking out towards the family. You cant hear anything. It lets you know how Benjamin feels about his current life. He is just going through the motions of life. Then, when Benjamin is under water sitting perfectly still, the director goes from a close-up and fades out until you cant see him anymore. This makes you think that the character is sick of it all and that he is about to change. Over-the-shoulder shots, odd angles, and shadows are all used in the hotel scenes. Benjamin doesnt want anyone to see him there. The director conveys this message with a shot that puts the large podium between the clerk and Benjamin; an over-the-podium shot. After the first affair with Mrs. Robinson. Nichols uses bright light on Benjamin and puts him in a bright white shirt to symbolize a new man that now has something to look forward to. The affair seems to consume his thoughts, as seen in the shot where he flings himself onto the raft and the shot switches to a shot of him on top of Mrs. Robinson. Then you see the father in front of the sun making him look dark while talking to Ben in the pool. This shows how Benjamin is just looking up at him and not registering what he is saying. He is only thinking of Mrs. Robinson. All of these different shots, angles, and lighting techniques make it easier for the audience to get the message that the director is trying to send, the feeling of each scene, the tone of the movie as a whole, and the personalities of the characters.

Hispanics and Higher Education Essay Example

Hispanics and Higher Education Essay Example Hispanics and Higher Education Essay Hispanics and Higher Education Essay Introduction: Society keeps the hype that higher education is the key to success, so if one graduates one has take several steps forward to succeed in life (Sewell, Shah). Such success comes easy for white Americans since a study done by Newsweek (2011) an online news company demonstrated that 9 out of 10 white Americans graduate in four years meanwhile 5 out of 10 minorities graduate in 7 years. Why is this? B. Background: Some more background for you, did you know that in California less than 15 percent of Hispanics hold a bachelors degree, and near 10 percent of African Americans hold a bachelors compared to 34 percent of white Americans. If we take what Shah and Sewell comment about success, why isn’t minority success the same? C. Relevance: In order to have a bigger picture of the world, and be informed of social injustices D. Credibility: I am a Hispanic/Latino American who has taken two Latin American Studies courses, one focusing on higher education. Besides it wouldn’t be the same if an Anglo-American gave this speech E. Preview of Main Points: 1. Problem: Very few role models in Hispanic/Latino American lives with higher education degrees 2. Problem: Schools in low income communities do not have the same funding that schools in high income communities have 3. Solution: Higher funding for schools in low income communities Transition 1: William Sewell and Vimal Shah (1967), retired doctorate professors of sociology at the University of Wisconsin state that role models in society are used to set the bar of success by others. II. First Main Point: Hispanics/Latinos have very few role models in their lives A. Third Generation Hispanic/Latinos apply to college 1. Beginning with immigrant workers in the 1950s and 60s, due to the migratory status of first generation Hispanics/Latinos College was not an option since financial aid was not available to them nor was there many jobs available to them. Therefore they would end up with weak economic stability (Ovink, Veazey, 2011). 2. Following the line second generation Hispanics/Latinos did not apply to college but instead searched a job right after high school (if they graduated) to help their parents with their debt (2011). 3. It’s usually a third generation Hispanic American who applies to college since the parents might have more economic stability than the grandparents and since more financial aid makes college affordable (2011). B. Not many Hispanic Role Models 4. If it takes two to three generations for Hispanics/Latino Americans to attend college, there is a lack of role models for them to set the bar. a. Compared to white Americans who have had generations going to college, and who only need to turn on the television to see an individual with a degree (MacDonald, Botti, Hoffman, 2010). 5. White Americans have many more role models . Take for example an Ivy League school; a minority must apply with pure merit mean while a person with a certain last name or certain amount donated gets instant admission (2010). c. There are not many Hispanic/Latino American individuals who have a large sum or amount of money to donate to schools nor are there many renowned Latinos (2010). 6. The article by these three individuals (2010) continues to state that the only role models Latinos really have is movie actors and music artist who are usually not even American Transition Statement 2: Lets look at the second problem though. III. Second Main Point: Lack of economic aid to low income communities, A. Low funding for schools in low income schools 1. Due to recent budget cuts teachers are being laid off while the number of students continues to grow, creating bigger class sizes (Clemmitt, 2007) 2. Less individual attention to each student (2007) 3. Take Southern California for example, schools are highly underfunded since the drop out rate for Hispanics/Latinos is 32. 8% (2007) B. Show graph, Minority Funding Gaps By State (Funding Gaps 2006, The Education trust) 4. The average funding for a student should be $2,000 or more through out his/her school year. Indicated here, less than $500 (Clemmit, 2007) 5. A study conducted by UCLA showed that the school most funded by LAUSD was Beverly Hills High School with a 90. 8% graduation rate where minorities are less than 20% (Neil and Balfanz, 2007). C. Show next graph, Blacks, Hispanics Attend High Poverty Schools (â€Å"The Condition of Education 2004 in Brief† National Center for Education, 2004) 6. 75% percent of Hispanic/Latino Americans attend high-poverty schools, while less than 5% of white Americans do (Neild and Balfanz, 2007) D. Show last graph, Majority of Drop Outs Are Hispanic, Black (â€Å"The Cost and Benefits of an Excellent Education for All of America’s Children† Teachers College, Columbia University, 2007) 7. As one can notice not only are Hispanics in low income schools, but as a result they are the most that are high school drop outs. Transition Statement 3: As you have noticed there is a serious social problem, an injustice with not only Hispanics but minorities in general. To every problem there is a solution though. IV. Third Main Point: Higher Funding and Role Models A. According to Luis Ricardo Fraga, Kenneth J. Meier and Robert E. Englan in their article on the Journal of Politics (1986)) representation of minorities in higher education has stayed low and will stay low unless Hispanics create public figures with professional degrees (p. 856) 1. How can this be done? B. Higher Funding for low income schools 2. Low Income schools need more funding to redirect resources to creating a better educational curriculum so that programs and acts such as No Child Left Behind can reach their full potential (Kelly, Scheider, Carey 2010) C. Prompting Hispanic Americans to finish college 3. According to Kelly, Schneider and Carey (2010), its not so much learning about the problem in minority graduation rates but also about creating role models for Hispanic Americans even if they are not the same ethnicity. 4. The American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research an organization funded by Bill Gates also states in the same article that even if one is not Hispanic one should take initiative in ones community and become a role model for minority students not just Hispanic students by volunteering at a high school or school (2010). . Doing this will help create a stronger and smarter society through education diminishing gender, and racial lines (2010) Transition Statement 4: As we can see, Education in Hispanic Americans is a serious problem and a social injustice for other minorities also. V. Conclusion A. Review of Main Points: 1. MP/Problem- Hispanic Americans do not have many role models in their lives due to how it takes two or three generations for a Hispanic American family to have a college graduate. The popular role models that Hispanics currently have are artist, or actors not college graduates 2. MP/Problem- Not enough money is being funded into low income schools causing less money or funding to create high school graduate individuals and college graduates 3. MP/Solution- By giving minorities not only Hispanics/Latinos help in graduating one would be helping society not only certain ethnicities reach success B. Restatement of Thesis: I have just informed you on the social injustice of education for Hispanic/Latino Americans C. Conclusion: Lets hope that in the next ten years, the statistics will read differently

Statistical Estimation of Healthy Life Expectancy Research Paper

Statistical Estimation of Healthy Life Expectancy - Research Paper Example Model selection was performed using the software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 11.01. Values for Mallows' Cp were computed manually based on values derived from the computerized models. Scatter plot of the models are, however, performed in Microsoft Excel (2003) for more presentable rendition. To facilitate estimation of the most significant predictors of healthy life expectancy (HALE), one-variable linear regression was performed on each of the 22 predictor variables. To assist in the refinement of the first multi-variable model, a scatter plot of p vs. Mallows' Cp is shown in Figure 1. It may be gleaned from the scatter plot in Figure 1 that four predictor variables X2, X9, X20, and X22 are outliers, while the rest of the other predictor variables were concentrated in the area on the plot encircled in red. The predictors were divided into three blocks: (1) block 1 variables consist of those assumed from the results of the one-variable regression models which can most significantly predict HALE; (2) block 2 variables were those assumed to be moderate predictors of HALE; and (3) block 3 variables were those assumed to be least significant predictors of HALE. Criteria used in grouping the results of... Model selection was performed using the software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 11.01. Values for Mallows' Cp were computed manually based on values derived from the computerized models. Scatter plot of the models are, however, performed in Microsoft Excel (2003) for more presentable rendition. Preliminary Analysis To facilitate estimation of the most significant predictors of healthy life expectancy (HALE), one-variable linear regression was performed on each of the 22 predictor variables. To assist in the refinement of the first multi-variable model, a scatter plot of p vs. Mallows' Cp is shown in Figure 1. Figure 1. Scatter plot of p vs Mallows' Cp It may be gleaned from the scatter plot in Figure 1 that four predictor variables X2, X9, X20, and X22 are outliers, while the rest of the other predictor variables were concentrated in the area on the plot encircled in red. Modeling and Analysis The predictors were divided into three blocks: (1) block 1 variables consist of those assumed from the results of the one-variable regression models which can most significantly predict HALE; (2) block 2 variables were those assumed to be moderate predictors of HALE; and (3) block 3 variables were those assumed to be least significant predictors of HALE. Criteria used in grouping the results of the one-variable regression models were: (1) computed values of Mallows' Cp which most closely approached the value of p; (2) coefficient of determination (R2), delimited to those capable of predicting the variance in HALE by at least 50% (R = > 0.500); (3) highly correlated, based on the Pearson correlation coefficient (0.70 < r < 1.00); and (4) values of the sum of squares of the residuals are to be less

Business Plan Decs Decking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Business Plan Decs Decking - Essay Example Items such as quantity of work output as well as attendance and quality of output will be measured. For each employee who illustrates superior total performance, a (not yet determined) monetary supplement will be added to their base salary in recognition for their efforts. 21 Establishing such a system ensures the integrity of the company, as well as satisfying total quality management objectives. The aim is to ensure employee satisfaction, while still building a community reputation for quality products and services. 21 Decs Decking and Landscaping has established three specific objectives in the pursuit of creating growth and short-term profitability; which the ownership deems as a viable set of business requirements. These include: The business and its ownership believes that these objectives are highly attainable, achieved through aggressive advertising and promotion, as well as establishing business relationships with various suppliers. Decs Decking and Landscaping intends to pursue its expanded objective of establishing remote facilities by conducting marketing research (customer demographic studies) to determine which geographical regions are most suited to the high-end services that the business provides. We believe that the key to success for contemporary businesses lies in maintaining a superior level of customer service. Our mission is to provide superior products and services while maintaining our uncompromising principles as the business continues to grow. Decs Decking and Landscaping will utilise three specific guiding principles to assist in measuring the effectiveness of our decision-making: Consistently improving on the level of customer service that Decs Decking and Landscaping provides. Measuring this level of customer satisfaction will be accomplished through the utilisation of surveys and questionnaires aimed at gathering customer perceptions of their level of received service

Cooperation between Canada and China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Cooperation between Canada and China - Essay Example After the completion of the railway, the majority of Chinese left Canada after the passing of The Chinese Immigration Act of 1885. The act was followed by other acts that were focused on increasing the fees that were levied on the Chinese residents found in Canada. The period between 1923 -1947 was referred to as exclusion era. This was the time during which China was restricted from visiting or residing in Canada (Canadian Census of population 46). However, after 1947, the two countries were engaged in business activities and economic development that resulted in a remarkable economic growth of the two countries. This paper seeks to discuss how globalization influences the patterns of development in Canadian and Chinese history. Since the 1940s, Canada and China have been involved in a number of partnerships that have been growing tremendously resulting in strong economic ties between the two countries. For example, leaders from the two countries have been meeting regularly to discu ss the rich oil fields in the two countries since oil has made both countries to have a stronger relationship. When the energy ministry is not conducting its mandate well, both countries have to raise the issue and make sure that the issue is finally settled. China and Canada have been signing agreements concerning energy distributions and this provides for the exchange of experience in economic matters. One of the agreements that they signed was that Canada had to supply carbon captures and storage projects since China didn’t have the technological know-how about carbon. This agreement gave china confidence and groundwork for further industrial cooperation between the two countries. Influence of globalization on the developments in Canadian and Chinese history China and Canada are two developed countries that have a significant impact on the global economy. The two countries have been involved in trading activities since 1945. Based on the tremendous economic growth of China in the last 50 years, the majority of countries have taken the initiative to form economic ties with China and Canada. Through recognizing its growth potential, the Canadian government has taken the initiative to widen its relationship with China. Precisely, the aim of the Canadian government is to ensure that China’s growth in economy benefits Canada. This is done by making China the most preferred destination for residents of Canada. Due to high influence and emergence of China as a major player in economic sector for the last two decades it has made more countries worldwide to seek the attention from China, and strong economic ties have been established so that they can trade with China and that why Canada was no exception but rather to carry on with trade (China Index of Economic Freedom 33).

Commentary on Nicolas Stargardts article, The Final Solution Assignment

Commentary on Nicolas Stargardts article, The Final Solution - Assignment Example Nazis and Hitler hence blamed the Jews for all the economic and social problems that were experienced in Germany. As the pure race, it was their duty and obligation to exterminate the Jews. Therefore, to a larger extent, anti-Semitism was Nazis idea. Hitler desired to eliminate all Jews. However, the racist idea of the Nazis was supported by many people in Germany. The development of a racist biological anti-Semitism in the 19th century in which the Jews were viewed as distorting the body of politic was the primary cause of the Holocaust Also, the Jews were alleged to be a particular societal problem. This problem hence needed a solution for the nation to survive. Besides this, Jewry was linked to communism. This in turn made the Nazis perceive the Jews as the greatest threat to the middle-class Germans. The Nazis hence set out to eliminate the Jews due to the long, complicated process, in which the Nazis Jewish policy became progressively radicalized2. The presence of the Jews in Ge rmany was regarded as a problem as well as a great annoyance. As a result, they were to be eliminated  so that  the Nazis  could have  a better Germany without the Jews. After all the plans to isolate the Jews failed, but it led to mass killings of about six million Jews, which was the final solution. The Holocaust or the final settlement did not take place suddenly. Rather, it was the result of a long course of anti-Semitism. After gaining power, in 1933, the Nazis used terror and propaganda to enforce their racial and anti-Semitic policies. It was, therefore, the unplanned modeling of the Nazi policies to the Jews that led to the execution of the final solution. The Nazis passed Nuremberg laws that took away all the Jewish human rights. For instance, the Jews were not allowed to attend German universities or schools. They were also not to use sporting facilities, run businesses, or sit on common benches. Additionally, if they happened to leave Germany,

Ineffective Work Place & Organizational Work Essay

Ineffective Work Place & Organizational Work - Essay Example As the discussion declares   procedures are developed, which culminate in to events and eventually give results. From the results, more ideas are developed for more procedures, making the process an endless circle. This is the process that generates change within an organization. However, in some instances, this process may not generate the desired change. There are times when the results culminate in events which are disastrous. This necessitates careful observation and supervision of the processes which are routine in the organization in order to avoid unwarranted circumstances. In health care, ineffective work place routine may be detrimental to human life and therefore it is necessary that these procedures be clearly understood by the health care managers. This paper highlights that In order for work place routine to be effective in achieving the objectives of the organization, it is important for health care managers to study and confirm their effectiveness. Performance of health care routines is usually the obligation of informed and skilled people. They are people who care about the outcome of their activities. Their actions are usually governed by institutional or organizational regulations as well as personal perspective and profession. In their research, Trisha Greenhalgh, Christopher Voisey and Nadia Robb view routine as an important aspect of health care. It enhances learning especially where foreign patients are involved. According to the research they conducted, it was routine for patients to be brought in accompanied by interpreters. This is significant in ensuring that staff and the medical personnel understand the patient. The research also established that interpreters had developed a way of overcoming the challenges in r egard to many patients who are used to making appointments for service.  

Commentary on Nicolas Stargardts article, The Final Solution Assignment

Commentary on Nicolas Stargardts article, The Final Solution - Assignment Example Nazis and Hitler hence blamed the Jews for all the economic and social problems that were experienced in Germany. As the pure race, it was their duty and obligation to exterminate the Jews. Therefore, to a larger extent, anti-Semitism was Nazis idea. Hitler desired to eliminate all Jews. However, the racist idea of the Nazis was supported by many people in Germany. The development of a racist biological anti-Semitism in the 19th century in which the Jews were viewed as distorting the body of politic was the primary cause of the Holocaust Also, the Jews were alleged to be a particular societal problem. This problem hence needed a solution for the nation to survive. Besides this, Jewry was linked to communism. This in turn made the Nazis perceive the Jews as the greatest threat to the middle-class Germans. The Nazis hence set out to eliminate the Jews due to the long, complicated process, in which the Nazis Jewish policy became progressively radicalized2. The presence of the Jews in Ge rmany was regarded as a problem as well as a great annoyance. As a result, they were to be eliminated  so that  the Nazis  could have  a better Germany without the Jews. After all the plans to isolate the Jews failed, but it led to mass killings of about six million Jews, which was the final solution. The Holocaust or the final settlement did not take place suddenly. Rather, it was the result of a long course of anti-Semitism. After gaining power, in 1933, the Nazis used terror and propaganda to enforce their racial and anti-Semitic policies. It was, therefore, the unplanned modeling of the Nazi policies to the Jews that led to the execution of the final solution. The Nazis passed Nuremberg laws that took away all the Jewish human rights. For instance, the Jews were not allowed to attend German universities or schools. They were also not to use sporting facilities, run businesses, or sit on common benches. Additionally, if they happened to leave Germany,

Police Accountability Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Police Accountability - Essay Example As the paper declares abusive police behavior is conceived of as antithetical to the functioning of a modern, free society and the public has a natural right to seek arrests in instances of police abuse. Seeking to understand police accountability presently in place in Canada, the following essay will explore the mechanisms to keep police officers subject to the law which they are charged with upholding. What are the police accountability mechanisms presently in Canada and are these mechanisms effective? With the theme of exploring this question with an eye to the ramifications of police accountability and 21st century, the following now turns to an exploration of police accountability in the Canadian context. According to the discussion findings as stated above, police accountability is essential to the functioning of a modern and free democratic society. Accordingly, Canadian society is based upon the notion that power rests with the people in that elected officials are subservient to the electorate. This is the basis of modern liberal democratic governance and the tenets which frame the ideas of Canadians vis-Ã  -vis their elected officials are also relevant with respect to the security of the state. Similarly, those who are entrusted with upholding the law are subject to the stipulations of the criminal justice system and are held accountable for their actions in the pursuit of fairness, justice and equality. In the Canadian context, police officers are accountable to the wider public through a variety of mechanisms which are in place to ensure that police officers remain subject to the law while they seek to uphold it.

Quality of Living Analysis for Greenpoint, Brooklyn Essay Example for Free

Quality of Living Analysis for Greenpoint, Brooklyn Essay Greenpoint Greenpoint, Brooklyn is a culturally vibrant neighborhood full of a wide range of retail shops, restaurants, bars venues, banks, and other services. It is largely occupied by people of Polish descent (43. 6% according to the 2000 Census) and of Hispanic descent (19. 2%. ) The median income is $33,578, significantly lower than the corresponding national average of $41,994. Even with the median income in Greenpoint being almost $10,000 less than the national average, it has many of the same difficult characteristics shared by most New York City neighborhoods namely igher-than-average housing prices, overcrowded schools, higher utility prices, high local taxes, and lack of high paying Jobs- all of which create a much higher total cost of living than most cities in the United States. A very low proportion of Greenpoint residents own their homes. According to the 2000 census, only 19. 2% of residents owned the homes they were living in, versus the 66. % national average. Rent prices have also consistently been on the rise, despite a few significant hiccups since the November 2008 financial crisis. It could be a great advantage to local residents if a rogram was set up providing local tax breaks for first time home owners in Greenpoint. Also, if the budget would allow, the City could match the Federal governments pledge of $8000 in assistance for first time homebuyers. With $16,000 in assistance, and lowered taxes, many Greenpoint residents who otherwise would not be able to purchase a home might be able to afford that option. A lower percentage of Greenpoint residents graduate high school than the national average (70. 4% vs. 80. 4%), which is also true for those with Bachelors degrees (21. 2% vs. 24. 4%). This lack of higher education hinders peoples likelihood of getting high aying Jobs, and in turn, makes it harder for them to move out of poverty into the middle class. A no-cost GED training center should be set up on Greenpoint Avenue to assist high school dropouts (of any age) in getting a diploma. Similarly, a Greenpoint GED College fund should be set up, to provide full CUNY scholarships for the top 10% of the graduates of these GED programs. This not only would incline many people to seek their own education who otherwise wouldnt, but it would also prevent many of the best students from slipping through the cracks, and ensure that more Greenpoint kids got a chance to go to college. A hot button issue for Greenpoint (and Brookyn as a whole) is land-use and development. In 2005, the City Council passed a plan for the re-zoning and development of much of the Greenpoint and Williamsburg waterfront, as well a large block of the upland area. The plan is known as the Greenpoint-Williamsburg Land Use and Waterfront Plan. The plan focuses on changing zoning regulations along the northern Brooklyn waterfront and some of the upland areas, mostly to allow for large residential buildings to be built. Many residents of the community were worried about the waterfront development uildings being built very high, and pushed for regulations limiting the number of condominium ; rental developments being geared only toward those with high incomes, and not toward those with average Greenpoint ; Williamsburg incomes (Williamsburg has an even lower median income than Greenpoint, $23,567. An attempt was made to strike a compromise between the community and the development groups, to solve both of these problems in one fell swoop. The compromise that was eventually passed is called the Greenpoint-Williamsburg Inclusionary Housing Program, which attempts to address concerns about both uilding height and low-income housing. The program stipulates that any development that includes a certain amount of affordable housing is eligible for a floor area bonus, meaning they are allowed to build higher than the base restriction. There are 2 waterfront zones designated, R6 and R8; in R6 the base floor area restriction is up to 23 stories, in R8 it is 33 stories. With 20-25% of space within the development designated for affordable housing, this restriction can be raised 4. 7% to 30 stories and 40 stories respectively. While in theory this idea sounds promising, in practice it will not accomplish the goals it claims to. First of all, if a new development chooses not to go past the floor area restrictions, then there is no requirement that they provide any affordable housing. This leaves little incentive for developers to spend the extra money to build higher, and choose to include the low- income housing, as they only gain 4. 6% in floor area bonus, but have to designate over 20% of the total space of affordable housing. It ends up only inclining them against building past the base floor area restrictions (which many residents believe are already far too lax, allowing for unnecessarily tall buildings that block other uildings views, and obstruct sunlight for large areas of the upland waterfront. I believe the plan should be changed to require that any and all new developments include at least 10% affordable housing to begin with. In addition to the affordable housing problem, the Greenpoint-Williamsburg Land Use and Waterfront Plan does not include any provisions for building new schools in the neighborhood. A new high school in Greenpoint is sorely needed, as most high school age students who cannot attend the Automotive Technical School, which is the o nly public high school in Greenpoint, end up attending schools in Ridgewood, Queens and Williamsburg. The plan also has no provisions for public daycare centers, tutoring or after-school programs, or improved transportation routes from the northwestern waterfront area (which is very difficult to commute from). It would be prudent to adjust the plan to require at least some of these programs to be set up in the area, at the shared cost of the developers and the City. It is important to use contractors and building companies from the local area when building new developments in Greenpoint. Too often, contracts for restoration projects, and new developments end up going to companies not from Brooklyn. For instance the old Greenpoint Hospital, which has been gathering dust since 1982, is going to be converted in 240 units of affordable housing, but the contract for this conversion went to TNS Development Group, based in Queens. Two other contracts, from local Greenpoint community groups, were both rejected. A perfect sector to create high paying Jobs in the local community is in skilled construction and building, it seems only right to award the slew of evelopment contracts that are available in the area to local contractors and edited to require that 50% of all building contracts from now on go to companies located in the 11222 area code. Shortly before her death, Jane Jacobs summed up the problems with the waterfront development plans in a letter to Mayor Michael Bloomberg: The communitys plan does not cheat the future by neglecting to provide provisions for schools, daycare, recreational outdoor sports, and pleasant facilities for those things. The communitys plan does not promote new housing at the expense of both xisting housing and imaginative and economical new shelter that residents can afford. The communitys plan does not violate the existing scale of the community, nor does it insult the visual and economic advantages of neighborhoods that are precisely of the kind that demonstrably attract artists and other live-work craftsmen [but] the proposal put before you by city staff is an ambush containing all those destructive consequences. The roadblocks in the way of changing some of these plans would be great, and in order to make it possible, it would require a tremendous amount of public outcry and rassroots organization, in order to influence some major change of character in the highest levels of local power. If Mayor Bloomberg could be convinced to live up to his many campaign promises of building more public schools (and not Just charter schools), and more affordable housing, then maybe Greenpoint could get the funds and zoning changes needed to build a new High School and provide good housing for its largest demographic, the lower class. In order to fund some of these projects, taxes could be raised on all waterfront property that is not designated to low income ousing- which might provide some more incentive for developers to build more affordable housing in the area, and if it not, it might at least add some tax revenue that could help fund a new local high school. A plan that properly addresses all the issues in a neighborhood like Greenpoint would have to be much more expansive and detailed, and would surely encounter a lot of resistance from some local politicians and big development companies, but some of the ideas presented in this paper could have far-reaching positive consequences if they could gain enough public support, and be implemented.

Impact of Diplomacy on International Security Systems

Impact of Diplomacy on International Security Systems How can diplomacy contribute to the enhancement of security in the  International system? Please carry out an in-depth analysis of at least one case study. Diplomacy has gone a long way towards the enhancement of security in the international system and its potential to continue to do so is substantial. Diplomacy has served to diffuse many of the situations where countries’ diametrically opposed viewpoints have posed a threat to world security. Diplomatic actors have learnt lessons and have been able to refine the diplomatic strategies used to manage international security through their involvement in the resolution of situations where security in the international system has been threatened. Take for example the Cuban Missile Crisis, where diplomatic efforts averted a nuclear catastrophe in the height of the Cold War. More recently, multi-lateral diplomatic efforts have diffused the substantial threat posed by the ambitions of the North Koreans to expand their nuclear capabilities. At the time of writing, diplomatic efforts are fervently attempting to resolve the growing threat of military strikes against Iran. In can be argued therefore, that in the face of globalisation, the security of the world is increasingly linked to reliable systems of communication and trust between nation states; systems which are sustained through diplomacy. This is not to say that diplomacy is an infallible tool which can be used to enhance security at international level. One only has to look at the failure of diplomatic efforts to avert the war in Iraq, the continued negotiations between Israel and the PLO and those diplomatic efforts which failed to resolve the tension in the Balkans before civil war erupted in order to evidence this viewpoint. However, when considered in overall terms diplomacy has made great inroads in the enhancement of security internationally and has the potential to continue to do so. Perhaps it can be argued that diplomacy is not always a reactionary method of averting crisis; it has an all important role in increasing global security in a pre-emptive way as well. Therefore, diplomacy when understood ‘in the round’ is the lifeblood of any system of trust and communication which is intended to enhance security in the international system, and diplomacy therefore contributes greatly to the enhanceme nt of security in the international system. To understand diplomacy and how it contributes to the enhancement of security in the international system, it is perhaps wise to ask the following questions: what is the exact definition of diplomacy?; what is the exact definition of security?; and; how exactly does diplomacy enhance security in the international system? These questions will be addressed during the course of this essay. Also, in terms of analysing how exactly diplomacy can enhance security in the international system it is perhaps useful to explain the role of agencies and alliances like to IAEA, NATO, the EU, the United Nations and the Security Council which promote the enhancement of security internationally by relying on diplomatic efforts. These agencies will be looked at, and their roles will be explained during the course of the essay. Most importantly however are the theoretical underpinnings of why and how diplomacy functions, and these will be addressed in the essay. The theories of Realism and Neo-Realism w ill be examined in the context of diplomacy and security enhancement in an international context as they are useful springboards to help explain the concept of diplomacy and human interaction at the most basic of levels. A case study will be looked at in the essay and it will be explained in relation to the above mentioned issues. The subject of the case study will be North Korea and the diplomatic efforts that have served to avert what was potentially a nuclear crisis. As Fierke (2005) observes, diplomacy can be described as negotiation in an international setting that is often conducted by a mediator who acts as a go-between between the actors seeking to reach agreement. Diplomacy requires subtle and sophisticated communication strategies as well as statesmanship and a good understanding of public affairs. Security is the state of being free from injury and immediate danger. Most situations which pose a threat to international security and which call for diplomatic efforts require ad hoc responses at differing levels from those best equipped and best positioned to intervene diplomatically. No country would find it easy to achieve diplomatic objectives alone, and this fact is evidenced by the existence and the successes of international agencies and alliances which promote diplomatic relations and interventions. The agencies often have common objectives and often act together in order to achieve these. The International Atomic Energy Agency exists to scrutinise the security threats that may be posed by countries who wish to advance their nuclear weapons programs. It has a supervisory as well as a diplomatic function. The European Union, first established to promote economic stability in Western European Countries, has expanded to serve an increasingly diplomatic function. Alliances like the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) have more peace-keeping responsibilities and are frequently called upon to preserve peace, so that diplomatic efforts can continue in situations of political and military instability. The United Nations and the Security Council have perhaps the most significant roles, when compared to the rest of these agencies. These organisations were formed to engender peace and diplomacy in a global context, and they have particular powers for example, the power to impose sanctions on those countries that are considered to be posing a threat to international security. The diplomatic deployment of these agencies can contribute and has contributed to the enhancement of security in the international system. However, to fully understand the function of diplomacy and how it can enhance security in the international system, it is useful to take a speculative look at how the world might work in the absence of diplomacy. A good place to start in this endeavour is perhaps to examine the theories of Realism and Neo-Realism and how they relate to the ideas of international security and diplomacy. Realism and Neo-Realism are discourses which seek to explain how power in the context of international relations may be seen through the lens of human propensity. They may help one to rationalise diplomacy as they seek to explain human nature and how this idea influences the accrual and preservation of power in the international system. Machiavellian adages such as ‘better feared than loved’ explain the classical realists’ viewpoint that power is, simply, the prize of those who inspire fear in others most effectively[i]. Morgenthau, a classical realist suggested that: i)International relations is propelled by a set of objective, rational laws that reflect unchanging human nature; ii)Interest is ‘defined in terms of power’ and therefore international politics must be understood as operating outside the spheres of moral and ethical concerns; iii)The definition of interest in terms of power is universally true and remains a consistent point of reference which can be used to understand events in international politics; iv)National interest takes precedence over moral concerns, and therefore states are permitted to act rationally, at all times in order to protect national interests; v)States try to behave morally. However, immoral actions can be pursued in the national interest; vi) Political considerations must be understood singularly, as a primary concern, because interest is defined in terms of power. The theory of Realism therefore regards power as a dynamic that cannot exist independently of human characteristics such as selfishness and competitiveness. Realists would also argue that power must be relinquished if one pursues a course of action which does not involve behaving selfishly, competitively and ruthlessly. Therefore, a realist would argue that diplomacy cannot contribute to the enhancement of security in the international system as the theory of Realism assumes that the pursuit of diplomacy is not only axiomatic to the effective accrual of power, but sees benevolence and diplomacy as both pointless and naive. Neo-Realism on the other hand has a more sophisticated view of how diplomacy can contribute to the enhancement of security in the international system. It has evolved as a more contemporary, more widely accepted rationale and explains power and international security by focusing more on the role of international states in politics, than on the role of human nature. Neo-Realism explains the distribution of power internationally in terms of anarchy, and the absence of centralised authority structures. In the absence of these central authority structures, international actors are forced to follow a route of self preservation which involves behaving competitively, and involves using diplomatic skills like co-operation if these serve to augment their security relative to other states. Therefore when North Korea announced that it intended to withdraw from the thirty-two year old nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 2003, neo-realist diplomacy is largely what led to their recent announ cement that they would cease their nuclear proliferation objectives in exchange for compensation. The North Koreans have also stated that is it important to maintain a good relationship with the United States. However, how has this diplomatic success story enhanced security in the international system? The answer is that diplomacy enhances security in the international system by identifying and building channels of communication with extremist regimes and other international actors who could pose a potential threat to international security. International security is enhanced by identifying what the best ways to communicate with these actors are. Evidence to support this viewpoint can be seen by again turning to look at the situation in North Korea. North Korea has long been an insular regime, devoted to the rejection of Western values and traditions. George W Bush has even identified North Korea as being part of the ‘axis of evil’ described in a now famous speech about the ‘war on terror’. However, Western diplomacy and communication with North Korea is not something that came about simply to resolve the 2003 nuclear crisis. Diplomacy has been a long running strategy between North Korea and the West. For example, the diplomatic efforts that helped to diff use the historical long running tension between North and South Korea have created the diplomatic bedrock which was capitalised upon when the 2003 North Korean nuclear crisis emerged. The multi-lateral discussions that led to the eventual resolution of the crisis involved Japan and South Korea; countries that the West has spent years building diplomatic channels of communication with. It is important therefore to understand that diplomacy is not just about communication strategies or strategies that come into play as a reaction to a crisis; diplomacy is about the forming and preserving of relationships and the building of trust and co-operation between international states. It is only when diplomacy is understood in this context that the writer’s argument that diplomacy can contribute to the enhancement of security in the international system gains credibility. To conclude, it has been argued in this essay that diplomacy can contribute in many ways to the enhancement of security in the international system. Past diplomatic initiatives and past diplomatic successes have been examined and extrapolated in support of this argument. North Korea has been used as a case study to illustrate the writer’s argument. The theoretical relationships between diplomacy, power, international security and human nature have been examined in depth by looking at the theories of Realism and Neo-Realism, and this helped to explain the growing importance of sophisticated diplomatic strategies in enhancing security in the international system. Most importantly this emphasis served to explain and illustrate the many ways in which diplomacy can contribute to the enhancement of security in the international system. Bibliography Books: Buzan, B, Jones, C, Little, R. The Logic of Anarchy: Neorealism to Structural Realism. Columbia University Press, New York. 1993. Chang, G. Nuclear Showdown: North Korea takes on the World. Hutchinson. 2006. Fierke, K. Diplomatic Interventions. Palgrave Macmillan. 2005. Griffiths, M. Realism, Idealism, and International Politics: A Reinterpretation. Routledge, New York. 1992. Articles: Bellamy, A . Globalisation, Security and International Order after 11 September. Beeson, M, The Australian Journal of Politics and History. Volume 49. Issue 3. 2003. p339+. Falk, R. The Pursuit of International Justice: Present Dilemmas and an Imagined Future. Journal of International Affairs. Volume 52. Issue 2. 1999. p409+. Genest, M. Realism and the Problem of Peaceful Change. Perspectives on Political Science. Volume 23. Issue 2. 1994. p70+. Greenberg, J. Does Power Trump Law?. Stanford Law Review. Volume 55. Issue 5. 2003. p1789+. Heady, F. Comparative and International Public Administration: Building Intellectual Bridges. Public Administration Review. Volume 58. Issue 1. 1998. p32+. Lieb, D. The Limits of Neorealism: Marginal States and International Relations Theory. Harvard International Review, Volume 26, 2004. Newmann, W. Causes of Change in National Security Processes: Carter, Reagan, and Bush Decision Making on Arms Control. Presidential Studies Quarterly. Volume 31. Issue 1. 2001. p69. Watson, B. The Politics of Confusion in International Relations Theory. Perspectives on Political Science. Volume 25. Issue 1. 1996. p6+. Zumbrunnen, J. Courage in the Face of Reality: Nietzsches Admiration for Thucydides. Polity. Volume 35. Issue 2. 2002. p237+. Newspaper and Magazine Articles: Freedman, L. International Security: Changing Targets. Foreign Policy. Issue 110. Spring 1998. p48+. Shuja, S. The Historical Myopia of International Relations. Contemporary Review. Volume 278. Issue 1620. January 2001. p18. Waller, J. National Security. Insight on the News. Volume 15. Issue 39. October 25, 1999. p10. 1 [i] Aristotle’s definition of legal rationality as ‘reason free from passion’ also conveys the realist’s vision of morality and rationality as distinct spheres, which too, is a predicate of Realism.

A Critical Analysis of Wind By Ted Hughes Essay -- Papers Essays

A Critical Analysis of Wind By Ted Hughes Hughes's opening line is sculpted in such a way that it gives the reader an abundance of sensations. The poet achieves amazing efficiency in the line "far out at sea all night" in that the reader is exposed to distance, time and environment. The metaphor of the house being "out at sea" projects the image of a boat "far out" feeling totally isolated. The house faces wave upon wave of inexhaustible pounding from the wind as a boat would from an enraged sea. The time scale of "all night" could literally mean all night or it may refer to the perception that the wind is so acutely intense that it feels prolonged. The words "crashing", "booming" and "stampeding elevate the wind to one of biblical proportions which sounds like an orchestra thumping out a killer crescendo. The line "stampeding the fields" accentuate the brutality of the wind attacking the natural surroundings. In keeping with the oceanic metaphor the house "floundering" evokes a sense futility. The alliteration in "black" and "blinding" impose emphasis upon the words and a heightened sense of awareness in the reader. The second stanza is a witness to the winds legacy. The magnitude of the winds power is illustrated with "the hills had new places". The ultimate measure of the winds potency is that its changed the environment which we would normally imagine reassuringly permanent. The personification in the "wind wielded blade-light" makes the wind dangerous and randomly spiteful. I think the " black and emerald, flexing like the lens of a mad eye" refers back to the sea metaphor in the first stanza. A stormy sky like a stormy ... ...e last two lines of the poem Hughes writes the "window tremble to come in" and "stones cry out". The personification in "tremble" and "cry" show that even inanimate objects are displaying signs of fear and distress. The theme for the poem is ultimate respect for nature's weapons and total humility for anything caught in the conflict. In some instances respect turns to terror as if hiding from an omnipotent tyrant. The structure of the poem is consistent throughout with six stanzas of equal length. Hughes uses a lot of alliteration to break up the reading fluency to reflect the choppy subject of the poem. Hughes's use of metaphor skilfully illustrate the scale and nature of the wind whilst drawing attention to the way the wind exploits the delicacy of the surroundings we usually consider so dependably solid.

Transcendentalism :: essays research papers

Although the transcendentalism movement was an extremely long time ago the ideas are still pertinent today. When Henry David Thoreau said, 'Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. It is not important that he should mature as soon as an apple tree or an oak';(247), that he would be telling people to be themselves many generations later.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The transcendentalism movement took place during the early 1800's when America was developing its own writing style. The authors of the time all thought in the same wavelength. Some of them, such as Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson belonged to a transcendentalism club in which they shared their ideas. Thoreau had ideas that he firmly believed in and tried to act upon his ideas. He wanted to live in solitude and be one with nature, so he went to Walden Pond and was semi-secluded from society. Except for a couple of times when he went to the nearby town for things he needed he was on his own. He did well with it, but wanted to move on with his life so he left Walden. After his experience, he decided to write about it in his book, Walden Pond. Thoreau tried to live his life based on his ideas no matter how extreme they may have been.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  These transcendentalists had many ideas that seemed to others to be extremely impractical. The authors thought that they could transform the world through their ideas. One of their main ideas was that we are all true individuals and should not conform to whatever the 'norm'; is. Thoreau tells us to live our own life, whether it be good or bad, it is ours. 'However mean your life is, meet it and live it; do not shun it or call it hard names';(247). Also, we should do the morally right thing. We should do what our heart says is right and not always listen to our heads. They also wrote in an optimistic view and their writings were very inspiring.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  All of their ideas are relevant today on some level. People are reading Emerson and Thoreau as though they were on the current best sellers list. Not everybody reads the material because they are assigned it, but rather they are using it as a tool to find out how to live their lives. All of our lives we are told to be ourselves and not to go along with the crowd, and that is the same thing Thoreau said over a century ago.

Bias: A CBS Insider Exposes How the Media Distort the News Essay

The nonfiction book of Bernard Richard Goldberg entitled â€Å"Bias: A CBS Insider Exposes How the Media Distort the News† is phenomenal and controversial. Goldberg boldly and bravely mentioned celebrity news man and reporters who actively participate in the idea of media bias. His book generally states the slanted or one-sided nature of the news coverage. The book will give the readers ideas and evidences on how integrity, fairness, and balance disappeared from news reporting. Hence, this paper attempts to give the readers a glimpse about Goldberg’s perceptions of the how the news is being formulated nowadays. It intends to discuss some of the evidences backed up with Goldberg’s opinion about news formulation in America particularly in the CBS News. This paper also aims to provide personal feedback and evaluations about Goldberg’s charges of media bias and present ideas about journalism today. Veteran CBS reporter, Bernard Richard Goldberg in his book â€Å"Bias: A CBS Insider Exposes How the Media Distort the News† exposed how media bias prevails in America’s media. The title itself gives the readers an idea about its content. The book clearly walks them through from the author’s experiences in the world of journalism. He delivered an array of criticisms against major broadcasting networks and news reporters. He mentioned his perceptions about his colleagues’ biases in presenting news. Goldberg showed how news organizations and his colleagues working as ‘journalists’ operate behind the cameras. Any reader will agree that the extreme bitterness of Goldberg towards his colleagues before was very evident and transparent in the book. The book presents facts and evidences about the idea of the media being leftist. Chapter 5 is a good example on how reporters used media for political persuasion. Goldberg supported this idea through evidence. In 1980, Goldberg started noticing that the homeless people in America showed on the news â€Å"didn’t look very much like the homeless people† (Goldberg 63). The ones he saw on the sidewalks at large were drug addicts or winos who mumbled crazy things, but the ones that journalists showed on television were different. â€Å"They looked as if they came from their neighborhood and mine. They looked like us† (Goldberg 63). The quantity of homeless people being depicted in the media will somehow tell the leader’s capability to lessen poverty. During that time, the elected president was Bill Clinton. Goldberg clearly said that media illustrated Bill Clinton as a perfect humanitarian. Homeless people have a better situation than before, or better yet, the problem of homelessness was solved. According to Goldberg, this was about not wanting to show certain Americans at all. Monumental stories of how Americans live their lives are not nearly monumental to some TV journalists. Goldberg criticized that journalists delighted so much on news and stories like Princess Diana, Fidel Castro’s communist dictatorship, and Jon Benet Ramsey but failed to focus on more important issues for American people that need to be addressed. The TV news influenced the viewers that the most important and significant story of contemporary times was Princess Di because it inspired and illuminated the people, but how about the more important realities which need to be solved? Goldberg presented wordy references of how media always ignore more relevant information. An example of the presented evidences was that â€Å"more and more mothers have opted for work outside of the house over taking care of their children at home and the results have been disastrous† (Goldberg 164). However, serious stories like this were not given serious coverage. The increasing number of sexual abuse in America, the increasing number of premarital sex of children below 15 years old, the effects of divorce and absence of American mothers at home were some of the important stories that were not accentuated in media. Identity politics, according to Goldberg, was very eminent. In his book, Goldberg gave an example: â€Å"During the Clinton impeachment trial in 1999, as the senators signed their names in the oath book swearing they would be fair and impartial, Jennings, who was anchoring ABC News’s live coverage, made sure his audience knew which senators were conservatives but uttered not a word about which ones were liberal† (Goldberg 57). This was a cold fact given which proves that conservatives and liberals in politics are treated in an obviously different manner by the news media. The book also informs the readers how media selects news and how they present it according to their own stand to attract attention. One prominent example is the way AIDS in the U. S. was depicted as an epidemic to â€Å"spark demand for massive government AIDS spending. † Since Goldberg has been in the news reporting field for a long time, readers can easily assume the credibility of the book. Most of the facts presented were even based on his personal experience in the business. His perceptions are backed up with statistics and evidences which will give the readers’ impression that he knows what he is talking about. His bravery to name names would make him gain heroic impression. Personally, however, I found weaknesses in the book. I agree with the idea that reporters mentioned by Goldberg tend to slant the news to cater to their own preference—the standard of most viewers or the pro government. However, I am skeptic about whether the presented evidences given by Goldberg are enough to coin them media biases. It may be safe to conclude that Goldberg’s colleagues provided some favorable information and concealed unfavorable information to the news viewers. Goldberg observed that reporters choose to cover certain events only, but did he not consider that events are infinite in number which means space and time are necessarily limited? Reporters make their judgments in choosing events to cover which they think are newsworthy. Personally, that is not enough to label them as bias in general. I strongly believe that there is media bias as Goldberg wanted to depict, but the presented evidences were not just enough. I wish he went beyond that. Another weakness I found in the book is that Goldberg used political and technical terms like liberal bias, liberal hate speech, and conservatives to name a few. He failed to define them according to its context. Defining those terms will give the readers an idea what he was talking about. It may be easy to conclude that his target readers are those people working in the same business. Thus, those ordinary people who seek the truth can just define those terms in their own context and reality. As a result, they may misinterpret the message. Goldberg also failed to mention what factors made the media elite to be bias in presenting and choosing news. Was it because of their educational background? What kind of orientation and realities do they have that affect their preferences in judging what is newsworthy? Was it because of laziness, or was it because they unintentionally conform to the standard of the majority? It is natural for a reader to assume that Goldberg can actually answer these questions since they became his colleagues. I wanted to commend Goldberg’s idea about the homeless story. I find it weak. The readers may ask themselves whether homelessness during Bill Clinton’s administration remained stagnant. If only Goldberg provided information on the succeeding 0% of homelessness during Clinton’s era, it might truly create a stronger impact. However, in reading the book based on Goldberg evidences, I came up with the conclusion that the media abused their power to give information according to their own preference and standard. The problem is that they are not aware of it. They think that what they are doing is right. His book is good though in suggesting the news they are feeding the public are filtered and manufactured either intentionally or unintentionally. News must be presented accurately and completely, then let the public judge its context. The problem with journalists is that they tend to go beyond their job. I do not want to think that men and women entered journalism because they want to make a difference. Although that is good, the problem is they may just report certain news motivated by their own idealism and preference. For example, highlighting inspiring stories that may, in their own idea, inspire people and make a difference. Media must be very careful in giving the right and accurate information. Viewers of news want accurate information. They dislike slanted information because it will be costly in time, money, and effort to seek the truth. Despite its weaknesses, the book has motivated me to go and seek beyond the box. It cannot be ignored that Goldberg presented facts in his charges and accusations. The book provides one assurance: one cannot expect perfect accuracy and balance of information even from competitive and â€Å"credible† media.

Interactive Session: Running the Business from the Palm

Chapter 1 Interactive Session: Organizations: Running the Business from the Palm of Your Hand Case Study Questions 1. What kinds of applications are described here? What business functions do they support? How do they improve operational efficiency and decision making? Email, messaging, social networking, and sales force management are described in this case study. The applications support business functions including collaboration, location-based services, and communications with colleagues.These applications improve operational efficiency and decision making by allowing people to communicate from wherever they are. They are no longer tethered to one place or one machine. They can receive information and data instantaneously which allows them to make better, faster decisions. In the case of Doylestown Hospital, doctors use iPhone applications to access medical reference applications, giving them a broader base of information on which to base decisions. 2. Identify the problems that businesses in this case study solved by using mobile digital devices.TCHO Chocolate solved some of its operational and production problems by using iPhone apps to remotely log into each chocolate-making machine, control time and temperature, turn the machines on and off, and receive alerts about when to make temperature changes. The company owner remotely views several video cameras that show how the TCHO Flavor Lab is doing. Company employees exchange photos, email, and text messages via iPhone apps. GE’s employees use iPhone and iPad apps that help them find patterns and trends in large volumes of data that may help alert them to problems before they become serious enough to affect customers or suppliers.Monitoring apps let managers zoom in from a global map to a specific transformer and read key performance indicators at any time. Dow Corning managers analyze real-time data from core corporate systems including sales figures, trends, and projections, using mobile handheld devices. â€Å"In 15 seconds I can get a sense of whether there’s a financial performance issue I need to get involved with,† said Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Don Sheets. Sunbelt Rentals combined multiple systems and databases into a single package for its sales teams.Rather than accessing several different computer systems for information, sales agents receive combined information from corporate point-of-sale systems, inventory control and management systems, and enterprise systems, for a truly integrated view of business functions. SAP’s Business One mobile application sends alerts on specific events to sales managers, giving them real-time information about deviations from approved discounts, inventory availability, and in-stock products. 3. What kinds of businesses are most likely to benefit from equipping their employees with mobile digital devices such as iPhones, iPads, and BlackBerrys?Any business with a need to communication wit h customers, suppliers, and business colleagues can benefit from equipping employees with mobile digital devices. Student answers will vary as they relate their own experiences and knowledge of using mobile digital devices. Try to encourage the students’ creativity and imagination with this question. Here are a couple examples: Insurance companies: claims adjusters or agents writing new policies or updating old ones, can take pictures of property as-is or that’s been damaged, update data on the condition of a property, and document property damage for claims processing.Real estate agents: can take pictures of homes for sale and send to prospective buyers, send information to other agents or prospective buyers and sellers, answer questions, and complete documents related to buying and selling property. Winemakers: can receive up-to-date weather forecasts, track crop information via GPS coordinates, store and access data on crop varieties for later analysis, track employ ee productivity during harvest time, take pictures of crops to include in a database, and communicate with suppliers and customers. 4. One company deploying iPhones has said, â€Å"The iPhone is not a game changer, it’s an industry changer.It changes the way that you can interact with your customers and with your suppliers. † Discuss the implications of this statement. First and foremost, those that effectively and efficiently deploy mobile digital device technology gain a huge competitive advantage over those who do not use the technology to stay in constant touch with customers and suppliers. Sales and Marketing can take a hit by not having access to information that can close business deals faster and more efficiently. Costs can increase without the ability to contact suppliers and track product shipments, especially for those companies who use just-in-time supply chains.Interactive Session: Technology: UPS Competes Globally with Information Technology Case Study Qu estions 1. What are the inputs, processing, and outputs of UPS’s package tracking system? Inputs: The inputs include package information, customer signature, pickup, delivery, time-card data, current location (while en route), and billing and customer clearance documentation. Processing: The data are transmitted to a central computer and stored for retrieval. Data are also reorganized so that they can be tracked by customer account, date, driver, and other criteria.Outputs: The outputs include pickup and delivery times, location while en route, and package recipient. The outputs also include various reports, such as all packages for a specific account or a specific driver or route, as well as summary reports for management. 2. What technologies are used by UPS? How are these technologies related to UPS’s business strategy? Technologies include handheld computers (DIADs), barcode scanning systems, wired and wireless communications networks, desktop computers, UPSâ€℠¢s central computer (large mainframe computers), and storage technology for the package delivery data.UPS also uses telecommunication technologies for transmitting data through pagers and cellular phone networks. The company uses in-house software for tracking packages, calculating fees, maintaining customer accounts and managing logistics, as well as software to access the World Wide Web. UPS has used the same strategy for over 90 years. Its strategy is to provide the â€Å"best service and lowest rates. † One of the most visible aspects of technology is the customer’s ability to track his/her package via the UPS Web site.However, technology also enables data to seamlessly flow throughout UPS and helps streamline the workflow at UPS. Thus, the technology described in the scenario enables UPS to be more competitive, efficient, and profitable. The result is an information system solution to the business challenge of providing a high level of service with low prices in t he face of mounting competition. 3. What strategic business objectives do UPS’s information systems address? †¢ Operational excellence: UPS has maintained leadership in small-package delivery services despite stiff competition from FedEx and the U. S.Postal System by investing heavily in advanced information technology. †¢ New products, services, and business models: In June 2009 UPS launched a new Web-based Post Sales Order Management System (OMS) that manages global service orders and inventory for critical parts fulfillment. The system enables high-tech electronics, aerospace, medical equipment, and other companies anywhere in the world that ship critical parts to quickly assess their critical parts inventory, determine the most optimal routing strategy to meet customer needs, place orders online, and track parts from the warehouse to the end user. Customer and supplier intimacy: Customers can download and print their own labels using special software provided by UPS or by accessing the UPS Web site. UPS spends more than $1 billion each year to maintain a high level of customer service while keeping costs low and streamlining its overall operations. †¢ Improved decision making: Special software creates the most efficient delivery route for each driver that considers traffic, weather conditions, and the location of each stop. UPS estimates its delivery trucks save 28 million miles and burn 3 million fewer gallons of fuel each year as a result of using this technology.To further increase cost savings and safety, drivers are trained to use â€Å"340 Methods† developed by industrial engineers to optimize the performance of every task from lifting and loading boxes to selecting a package from a shelf in the truck. †¢ Competitive advantage: UPS is leveraging its decades of expertise managing its own global delivery network to manage logistics and supply chain activities for other companies. Its Supply Chain Solutions division pro vides a complete bundle of standardized services to subscribing companies at a fraction of what it would cost to build their won systems and infrastructure. . What strategic business objectives do UPS’s information systems address? UPS invests heavily in information systems technology to make its business more efficient and customer oriented. It uses an array of information technologies including barcode scanning systems, wireless networks, large mainframe computers, handheld computers, the Internet, and many different pieces of software for tracking packages, calculating fees, maintaining customer accounts, and managing logistics. You may want to highlight how UPS has had to change and adapt to new technologies to remain competitive. . What would happen if UPS’s information systems were not available? Arguably, UPS might not be able to compete effectively without technology. If the technology were not available, then UPS would, as it has through most of its history, a ttempt to provide that information to its customers, but at higher prices. From the customers’ perspective, these technologies provide value because they help customers complete their tasks more efficiently. Customers view UPS’s technology as value-added services as opposed to increasing the cost of sending packages.