Khat Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Khat - Research Paper Example They are likely to smoke cigarette and drink alcohol as compared to the non-user c counterparts. More youth are using khat, and they can be categorized demographically as between ages of 15 and not exceeding twenty five years of age. This group has male and female drug users. Demographic data in relation to the age, gender and level of education can be used to describe the use of khat in African countries. The table below summarizes the khat drug use: (Al†Hebshi & Skaug, 2005). According to Al†Hebshi & Skaug, 2005, statistics show that in Africa, the female and male youth have insignificant differences in the percent drug users at the same educational level. School going youth below the age of twenty years are the majority consumers of khat as compared to those in college with over 20 years of age. It is shown that khat use is high among the urban poor and those in informal settlements, suburbs, the illiterate, and those in informal employment. Majority of the users tend to consume khat on daily basis, the least number are the monthly users. That is: The usage patterns and trends therefore show that khat is highly addictive and use can lead to dependence. Many consume the drug on daily basis. Eighty seven point seven percent is significantly huge value. The effects, signs and symptoms vary. They can be categorized as short term and long term effects. Nencini, P., Ahmed, A. M., & Elmi, A. S, 1986) argue that short term effects include: irritability, a feeling of excitement, euphoria, physical exhaustion, difficulties in breathing, constipation, increased heart rate and blood pumping, hallucinations, feeling of hyperactivity, manic behavior, increased alertness and concentration as well as increased motor activity. Long term signs and symptoms due to khat use include: Anorexia, gastric disorders, depression and elevated stress levels, heart diseases and cancer, tachycardia, liver complications and damage, cardiac complications among

Influence of Cannabis Abuse Variables on Psychotic Symptoms

Influence of Cannabis Abuse Variables on Psychotic Symptoms Influence of variables of cannabis abuse on psychotic symptoms and their severity: an Indian experience Abstract: Context: Cannabis is probably the most commonly used illicit drug. While not all cannabis users present mental health problems, heavy cannabis use may increase the risk of cognitive abnormalities, psychotic illness, and mood disorders. Cannabis-induced psychosis is not easily distinguishable from schizophrenic symptomatology, although it is characterized by more bizarre behaviour, violence, panic, more agitation, and less blunting of affect, and incoherent speech. Aims: To evaluate severity of various psychotic symptoms in relation to variables of cannabis abuse. Settings and Design: A cross sectional study of 30 male patients admitted at tertiary psychiatric centre, with diagnosis of cannabis induced psychosis was carried out. Methods and Material: Cannabis abuse variables along with psychotic symptoms severity on BPRS scale was obtained. Statistical analysis used: SPSS-17 was used for analysis, and significance level was at p-value Results: The symptoms that were associated with increased severity in majority of patients were hostility (83%), excitement (77%), and elevated mood, grandiosity, suspiciousness and motor hyperactivity were preset in more than 60% of individuals in range of severe to very severe form. Conclusions: Patients with long duration and early onset of cannabis abuse were presented with more severe form of psychosis. Frequency of cannabis use was not significantly correlated with total BPRS score, although amount spent over cannabis was significantly associated with total BPRS score. Family history of cannabis abuse predicted early onset of cannabis abuse. Introduction Cannabis is probably most commonly used illicit drug. [1,2] It is widely used in India and is an integral part of Indian culture and religious customs.[3,4] The correlation between cannabis and negative mental health outcomes has been unequivocally established [1,5,6,7,12]. While not all cannabis users present mental health problems, [5] epidemiological studies suggest that heavy cannabis use during adolescence may increase the risk of cognitive abnormalities and psychotic disorders.[1,8-10] Use of cannabis at early age and high frequency are associated with a greater risk of problems [5,7,11]. Arendt et al. consider that this cannabis-induced psychosis is an early expression of schizophrenia in vulnerable individuals rather than part of the differential diagnosis [12]. Moore’s review reported a 40% higher risk of psychosis in subjects who occasionally used cannabis and a probability of 50% to 200% higher in regular cannabis users [13]. Swedish Conscripts Study (Andreasson et al.) of inductees into the military reported a risk for schizophrenia 2.4 times higher among those who had used cannabis by 18 years than among non-users [14,24]. This cannabis-induced psychosis is not easily distinguishable from Schizophrenic symptomatology, [15,19] although it has been characterized by more bizarre behavior, violence, panic, more hypomanic symptoms and agitation, and fewer hallucinations and less blunting of affect and incoherent speech.[20,21] Need of the current study Studies have found cannabis associated psychosis a constellation of affective symptoms (euphoria, increased psychomotor activity), [16,17,18] whereas others have found similarity with schizophrenic symptomology of social withdrawal, thought disorder and disorganized behavior [19,22] so there is immense need to define the presenting features of this disorder in Indian population. Additionally phenomenology of the cannabis use disorder need to be explored to clearly define, identify and manage this population. Despite widespread use of cannabis there is lack of research data from most part of the world including India. Aims and objectives: Based on the existing literature we formulated following hypothesis that â€Å"Patients with cannabis associated psychosis have different symptom profile than other common psychiatric disorders, relating to variables of cannabis abuse e.g. dose, frequency, duration†. To test the hypothesis following objectives were formulated To assess variables of cannabis abuse in patients with cannabis associated psychosis. To explore the relationship between variables of cannabis abuse, and individual symptom profile and total BPRS score. Subjects and Methods: Patients in whom there was temporal association of cannabis use with onset of psychotic illness were included in the study. The study included 30 consequentially admitted, Hindi speaking patients of 18-50 years of age at tertiary psychiatric centre in north India from March 2011 to July 2011. Patients with mental retardation, a significant medical condition compromising ability to participate, history of head injury with any documented cognitive sequele, and inability to provide informed consent were excluded from study. Patients having history of psychiatric illness prior to onset of cannabis abuse, predominant abuse/dependence of other psychoactive substance and having any other significant medical illness were also excluded from study. Study design: A cross sectional study of subjects who satisfied the inclusion criteria was carried out. After recording socio demographic data, each participant in the study was subjected to questionnaire regarding his cannabis abuse and brief psychiatric rating scale (BPRS). To measure the quantity of cannabis intake by individual indirect measure in form of average amount (INR) spent daily was inquired. The age of onset, duration of abuse, and cause of onset- accidental, casual, peer group and offer by elder family members were recorded. The history of cannabis abuse as well as psychiatric illness in other family members was inquired. Results: Majority of the participants were young male adults of the rural background. About 47 % (n-14) of them were unmarried and 60 % (n-18) were belonged to joint family. All the study participants were formally educated and at least one family member of about 43% (n-13) of participants had history of cannabis abuse. As it has been shown in table 2 majority of the study participants were abusing cannabis for more than 10 years with mean duration of cannabis abuse 14.2 years. 50 % of the individuals experienced first cannabis intake before age of 13 years with average onset of cannabis use 14.5 years. Majority of the participants (66%) were daily cannabis abusers. More than 2/3 rd of the subjects was spending Rs. 15 per day on average over the cannabis. Onset of cannabis was occurred mostly due to influence of peer group (n-21). The symptoms that were associated with increased severity in majority of patients were hostility 25 (83%), excitement 23 (77%), and elevated mood, grandiosity, suspiciousness, distractibility and motor hyperactivity in more than 60% of individuals. Other symptoms that were present in severe to very severe form in more than half individuals were hallucinations, unusual thought content, uncooperativeness, and self neglect. Suicidability and tension was absent in 28(93%) of p atients, depression and motor retardation was absent in 25(83%) of participants, guilt was absent in 70% of patients and blunted affect, conceptual disorganization and emotional withdrawal were completely absent in >60% of individual patients. Correlation with duration of cannabis abuse Long duration of abuse was negatively correlated with depression and hostility but other symptoms like suspiciousness, hallucinations, unusual thought content were positively correlated. Duration of cannabis abuse was significantly associated with total BPRS score (p-0.002). Patients with long duration of cannabis were presented with more severe form of psychosis than patients with short duration of cannabis abuse. Correlation with Age of onset of cannabis abuse Older age of onset of cannabis use was significantly associated with depression (p Correlation with frequency of cannabis abuse Frequency of cannabis abuse was significantly associated with self neglect (p-0.007) and tension (p Correlation with amount spent over cannabis The amount spent over cannabis was significantly correlated with anxiety (p-0.030), hallucinations (p-0.001), bizarre behavior (p Discussion: This study was aimed at determining clinical symptoms in relation to variables of cannabis abuse. All subjects were male. This could be attributable to low levels of substance use among females in general and cannabis in particular. Age range was wide and may be due to variation in genetic vulnerability to psychosis, dose of cannabis and duration of illness leading to variable age at presentation. Positive symptoms (motor hyperactivity, excitement, hostility, elevated mood, suspiciousness, grandiosity) were found at higher frequency than negative symptoms (blunted effect, emotional withdrawal and motor retardation). Hallucinations were present in only half of the participants. Other symptoms of the psychosis like conceptual disorganization and catatonic symptoms were absent. Our result was in support of Vani Kulhali and colleagues [23] finding that patients with cannabis associated psychosis had high positive scores (>5) on respective BPRS items were hostility 25 (83%), excitement 23 (77%), and motor hyperactivity, elevated mood, grandiosity, suspiciousness, distractibility in more than 60% of individuals. The least common symptoms were suicidability and tension 2 (6), depression and motor retardation 5 (15%), guilt was present in 30% of patients and blunted affect, conceptual disorganization and emotional withdrawal were completely absent in >60% of individuals. Most studies have reported that cannabis produces psychosis with prominent positive symptoms [16,1718]. Our findings are in keeping with these studies. Scores on BPRS reflected both the total intensity and the profile of psychopathology. Thus our findings largely confirm that reports of other authors that cannabis produces a psychosis with predominantly affective features and more of positive symptoms. Family history of drug disorders is regarded as risk factor for substance use including cannabis, whether it also results in increased vulnerability to cannabis psychosis is not clear. Conclusions The implication of this study is that cannabis contributes in causing and modifying psychosis. Several noteworthy findings emerged from this heterogeneous sample of cannabis associated psychosis. First the severity of psychotic episode was significantly associated with younger age of onset of cannabis abuse and increased spending was associated with more severe psychotic episode. Second family history of psychosis was not associated with increased severity of cannabis abuse, although family history of psychosis predicted more severe excitement, elevated mood and grandiosity and early onset of cannabis abuse. Limitations of the study As this was a cross sectional study and cannabis variables were obtained from interview possibility of â€Å"recall bias† can`t be ruled out. It was not possible to measure the amount of cannabis in unit time. Proxy used to represent this variable may not be representative of active ingredient of delta- 9THC. We have to rely on the subjects `self- report` of not using any other substances and were unable to objectively verify this report. Thus, the possibility that some symptoms were related to abstinence from other drugs cannot be completely excluded. Wide age range could be a drawback of study since homogeneity in duration of illness and amount of cannabis abuse could not be ensured.

Virtual Reality :: essays research papers

When a sound source is visible and auditory cues conflict with visual cues, vision always predominates over audition. When a sound source presents no visible cues, the most important role of vision is in the monitoring of head movements. The visual field provides important feedback about the nature and degree of head movement so that deliberate disturbance to the visual field causes significant disruption in the ability to localize and invisible sound source. This is essential in ensuring the success of virtual reality.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  All the applications of the technology of television have been dominated by entertainment. Because of this, the vast majority of televised scenes have been of familiar landscapes; domestic rooms; churches; courtrooms and even the open prairie. In each case, the viewer is able to bring a vast amount of his or her experience to bear in interpreting the missing third dimension.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  However, as applications of television broaden to include displays for molecular modeling programs for surgery for instance, the televised scenes become unfamiliar and interpretation of the depth cues become more difficult.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Just as in the cinema, the human eye’s persistence of vision means that we experience consecutive still images as a continuously flowing moving image. But, despite constant development in video display technology (better colour, higher definition images etc.), all television systems present a completely ‘flat’ 2-D image. Therefore, it is essential to understand various techniques used by virtual reality engineers to ensure a realistic visual stimulation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Depth Enhancement Techniques   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many applications of television technology, which would benefit from conventional 2-D display to 3-D systems, are deprived of this transformation due to other considerations. Nature has solved the lack of binocular vision in animals not equipped with two forward-facing eyes by furnishing them with a mechanism for extracting depth information from motion parallax cues. Humans cannot do this without artificial aid and so require the assistance of video depth enhancement systems like the Pulfrich Effect and Depth Enhanced Vision (DEV).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Pulfrich Effect is named after a nineteenth century discoverer who noticed that if a neutral density filter is placed over one eye, a swinging pendulum appears to swing in an ellipse. Depending on the direction of motion, objects on a video screen also appear to recede into the screen or advance out of the screen. This effect is due to the filter that causes the brain to process two identical retinal images at different speeds, which results in motion parallax being misinterpreted by the nervous system.

Lord of the Flies: Human Nature Essay

â€Å"We are all murderers and prostitutes – no matter to what culture, society, class, nation one belongs, no matter how normal, moral, or mature, one takes oneself to be. † R. D. Laing British psychiatrist. R. D. Laing obviously backs up William Golding’s point of view that human nature is evil. Human nature is directly affected by the environment; and is constantly changing due to the experiences of the individual. Oscar Wilde once said â€Å"The only thing that one really knows about human nature is that it changes. Change is the one quality we can predicate from it. The systems that fail are those who rely on the permanency of human nature, and not on its growth and development. The error of Louis XIV was that he thought human nature would always be the same. The result of his error was the French Revolution. It was an admirable result. † Human nature depends upon the environment in which they are immersed. The idea that children, not humans in general, are swayed by the ideas and actions of their parental figures is also a central idea of the book, â€Å"The Lord of the Flies† by William Golding. Because of the war in England where the boys were from their human experience was one of war. If there was no war going on in England at the time they were evacuated from England, there would’ve been no deaths, no Lord of the Flies, and certainly no beast. Because if they had came with a good human nature then how would there have been a beast which Golding classified as the basic evil inside all of us. Another thing that ties in with this that children try to copy what they see adults do so if a child sees an adult smoke up or drink then he may believe that it is okay or it is right because their parents do it. As George Orwell once said â€Å"Part of the reason for the ugliness of adults, in a child’s eyes, is that the child is usually looking upwards, and the adults are rarely looking down. Yet no matter what they will always adore, look up to and love their parents. † But as was just said sometimes that can be a bad thing. So what must we do? Well for starters why not try to teach our children better and try at all costs to set good examples for our children so that our society will hopefully be salvaged from the god forsaken wrath of evil. Children who’s parents smoke have a 40% higher chance of smoking than children who’s parents don’t smoke. 1 Chances are it is a mix of two things, first the fact that they think that it is okay for them to do it since their parents do it, the second is because of the nicotine addiction could be passed on from adults to their offspring. Now of course there are exceptions to the thesis like kids who smoke because their parents don’t, but that is usually a small percentile of the population. Most children will not do it as a rebellious act just because they see their parents doing it so therefor it is okay. Now as was stated briefly previously kids will a lot of the time do what their parents do because they look up to them so why wouldn’t they copy what the adults are doing. So why can’t we just stop altogether because we have a lazy society who rejects change so this may take a lot longer than would be hoped for. â€Å"The only thing that one really knows about human nature is that it changes. Change is the one quality we can predicate from it. The systems that fail are those who rely on the permanency of human nature, and not on its growth and development. The error of Louis XIV was that he thought human nature would always be the same. The result of his error was the French Revolution. It was an admirable result. † So with this in mind why do people still rely on human nature to remain the same when it has been proven that human nature is constantly changing. That is why our country has not recently had a revolt because our forefathers had enough insight to know that things would not be the same 200 years from then. This idea was shown throughout the book by the kids changing their minds and revolting. First all the children agreed that rules were needed to keep order amongst themselves. Then when they felt the boring and unpleasant side of work and rules they changed their human nature to that of a slacker or a person who doesn’t follow society’s rules and doesn’t attempt to strive for excellence. Also after voting Ralph the president, people still later agreed and followed Jack. So basically al that can be gathered by this information is that never rely on human nature to remain the same. In conclusion, although it may no work due to the constant changing of human nature, we must try not to set bad examples for younger ones who look up to us, and also try to give our children the best life we can provide for them and teach them right from wrong and teach them the right morals. Basically, we should just try to do the best parenting job we can do and hope the information and things you taught him or her will help them through life.

Assginment

The first individual believe that the root cause of committing a crime is poverty. When a individual has no money and he cannot provide the essential needs for himself or his family (food, clothes, shelter, etc†¦ ) he loses his sense to distinguish between right and wrong which leads to crime (robbery, murder, breaking laws, etc†¦ ). As income levels rise, crime levels often decline proportionately. People living in poverty commit crimes because, for them, the benefits of stealing something outweigh the risk of getting aught. Also, poor people have high rates of illiteracy and high levels of poverty.A lack of education leaves few opportunities for well-paying Jobs, which increases the likelihood that an individual might succumb to poverty and commit crimes. The effects multiply since one person in a neighborhood who commits a crime sends a message to others in the neighborhood that criminal behavior is acceptable. According to this individual collective society should be pu nished, not the individual who committed the crime. Collective society is the real culprit because they tolerate unjust societies that allows poverty. Behaviorism theory best describes this explanation.The second individual believe that the root cause of committing a crime is poor parenting, specifically, the failure of some parents to teach their children the values of respect for the law and for the rights of others. Children who are neglected or abused are more likely to commit crimes later in life than others. Similarly, sexual abuse in childhood often leads these victims to become sexual predators as adults. This individual also thinks that single-parent families are not only more likely to live n poverty, but they also are more likely to commit crime.Children who grow up in adults. According to this individual councils should make greater use of their powers to force violent parents to attend counseling or face court. Psychoanalysis theory best describes this explanation. The third individual believes that the root cause of committing a crime is drug and alcohol abuse. The urge to commit crime to support a drug habit definitely influences the decision process. Both drugs and alcohol impair Judgment and reduce inhibitions, giving a person greater courage to commit a crime. Drugs are related to crime in multiple ways.Most directly, it is a crime to use, possess, manufacture, or distribute drugs classified as having a potential for abuse (such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and amphetamines). Drugs are also related to crime through the effects they have on the user's behavior and by generating violence and other illegal activity in connection with drug trafficking. This invalid also believes that alcohol consumption alters three fundamental factors relating to motor vehicle crashes. It decreases driver performance, increases risk-taking behavior and decreases the hence of survival of occupants involved in crashes.According to this individual it is hypocrisy for society to permit alcohol but prohibit heroin as both drugs are dangerous. Alcohol is a greater factor in violent crime than any other drug while nicotine results in many deaths. Drug supply can only be reduced by reducing demand, and demand is caused by poor nutrition and a lack of education and wisdom in matters pertaining to health. The re-deduction of all children in basic dietary needs of the human body is a primary solution to drug addiction. Prisons would not be used as places of punishment, but rehabilitation.The health approach is fare wiser and humane than the severe authoritarian imposition of punishment. Generally we need a more tolerant,informed, educated and less Judgmental approach to drug crime. Punishment usually fails to reform. Treatment of causal factors can accomplish much more. Biological approach theory best describes this explanation. Question 3. ) Pick one of your traits, and explain the influences that both nature and nurture have on it. For example, i f you have a short temper, explain its origins in your emetics, your culture and your childhood experiences.One of my major traits is caring. Caring is hereditary in my family. My mom and grandfather are caring. My grandfather was a landlord in Pakistan and he use to do allot for people who were poor, like giving them a free land and telling them not to worry about anything. My mom use to help every one of her relatives and friends in their time of need. I am a caring person since I was born, during my childhood, I use to care allot for my family including my parents, grandparents, siblings, and my friends by doing little things for them.For example, my sister and I use to share a bed and blanket, and in the middle of the night, she would take the whole blanket to herself in her sleep and I would let her sleep with the blanket while I sleep without it. So, caring is in my nature, it's how I am. My personality of caring nurtured while growing up. I went a level up in caring and made caring my profession by becoming a nurse (LIP). Now not only care for my family and friends I also care for my patients. I am proud to care for people who are in need of medical help and I am glad to help hem.I also have three children now and I show them that I care for them by homecomings all three of them. I work four to five days a week, twelve hours per day, Just for them, so that they can have a good childhood and life ahead. Question 4. ) People sometimes wonder how any pregnant woman could Jeopardize the health of her fetus. Consider your own health-related behavior in the past month†¦ Exercise, sleep, nutrition, drug use, medical and dental care, disease avoidance and so on. Would you change your behavior if you were pregnant?Would t make a difference if your family, your partner, or you yourself did not want a baby? Whole lifestyle. I would eat healthy, do exercises that are good and healthy for me and the baby, sleep on time and if I was taking any unhealthy drugs I would stop, basically I would not Jeopardize the baby's life under any circumstances. If I had any bad habits like smoking or drinking alcohol I would try my best to leave all my bad habits and take care of the baby. No, it would not make a difference if my family, my partner, or l, myself did not want a baby. I would still care for it and take care of it.

Repercussions of an introvert personality Essay Example

Repercussions of an introvert personality Essay Example Repercussions of an introvert personality Essay Repercussions of an introvert personality Essay This report aims to explain and justify the repercussions of an introvert personality, remarkably in a job which involves public contact. It is done so by taking into consideration various factors which would affect an individual personality. The word personality originates from the Greek word persona, which means mask. It is notably interesting to be knowledgeable about the theatres of the ancient Latin-speaking world, wherein the mask was not used as a plot device to disguise the identity of a character, but rather was a convention employed to represent or typify that character. An individual personality may be defined as the total pattern of characteristic ways of thinking, feeling ad behaving that constitute the individuals distinctive method of relating to the environment (Kagan and Havemann 1976) Personality is a very comprehensive concept yet it is very individualistic and unique by itself. Personality of an individual is determined by the way they perceive or react to the world outside them. In order to interpret a personality, it is very important to find out what motivates them, take into consideration their thinking process, their way of reacting to situations. The process of personality thus integrates the processes of perception, motivation and learning. (Huczynski and Buchanan 1991) Personality, predominantly, are of two extreme types of personality; extrovert and introvert. However of late there is a third term which is in vogue; ambivert, used for personalities that fall between extrovert and introvert. A lay mans description of introverts personality is described as a person who is shy, lacks social skills, will not talk, is withdrawn and unfriendly. However, Introversion is not the same as shyness, though introverts may also be shy. Introverts choose solitary over social activities by preference, whereas shy people avoid social encounters out of fear. (Whitten 2001) Myers Briggs says an introvert derives energy from his or her internal world of emotions and ideas. (CIO 1995). Introverts may not necessarily be silent people but people who remain silent by choice. They are sometimes quiet, introspective (reflective) and appreciate order. (Huczynski and Buchanan 1991). Introverts have always been criticized of being lonely, shy etc. Its worth mentioning Marti Laney description of an introvert as someone who is a good listener, who enjoys time alone, appears calm and is self contained. Introversion is not the same as shyness, though introverts may also be shy. Introverts choose solitary over social activities by preference, whereas shy people avoid social encounters out of fear. The various characteristics of an introvert personality have been studied and debated with various conclusions. However a few characteristics are a vital and cannot be overlooked as a characteristic. The characteristic of an introvert brings out a process of their emotions, thoughts, and observations internally. Many a time introverts are found to be social people; but reveal less than extroverts do. Introverts take their time to think before they respond or react in a given situation, and develop their ideas by reflecting privately. Introverts personality traits are in general passionate, but not aggressive. In short, they are more private, and less public. However at workplace, when boss or a senior asks for the status or an explanation for a pending assignment, it will be considered impertinent on the part of an employee to be silent. The employee is expected to speak up and be answerable. It is highly empirical that an introvert will not be selected or cannot sustain a job involving public contact. Silence will not be granted for introversion of an individual. Some introverts arent stereotypically shy and can strike up conversations with anyone; they do talk and listen to people. However, most introverts avoid striking a conversation with someone. In comparison to out going natured people, Introverts lack the tactic of talking up by themselves. Theyd rather have meaningful conversations about the depths of human souls and minds, but find few opportunities (those arent the usual conversations at work during regular briefings or board room meetings). While working in a company any good role involving public contact, it is a part of the normal routine to make presentations. Introversion of an individual will make the audience of the presentation raise questions on the ability of the individual. This can result in high levels of demotivation and can result in side lining of the employee during presentations.

The leage of nations essays

The leage of nations essays The League of Nations and its Impact on World Peace Through my studies and research I have come to the following conclusion about the League of Nations: despite all of President Woodrow Wilson's efforts, the League was doomed to fail. I feel this was so for many reasons, some of which I hope to convey in the following report. From the day when Congress voted on the Fourteen Points, it was Obvious that the League had a very slim chance of being passed in Congress, and without all of the World powers, the League had little chance of surviving. On November 11, 1918 an armistice was declared in Europe. Wilson saw the opportunity to form an international organization of peace to be formed. He acted quickly. On January 18, 1919 he released his fourteen points. The Fourteen Points consisted of many things, but the most important was the fourteenth-the establishment of a league of nations to settle international disputes and to keep the peace. After congress had voted, only three of Wilson's fourteen points were accepted without compromise. Six of the others were rejected all together. Fortunately the League was compromised. Wilson then went to Europe to discuss the Treaty of Versailles. Representatives from Italy, France, and Britain didn't want to work with the nations they had defeated. They wanted to hurt them. After much fighting and negotiating, Wilson managed to convince them that a league Of nations was not only feasible, it was necessary. The Senate supported most of the Treaty of Versailles but not the League. They thought it would make the U.S.A. too involved in foreign affairs. Wilson saw that the League might not make it through Congress, so he went on the road and gave speeches to sway the public opinion. Unfortunately, Wilson's health, which was already depleted from the negotiations in France, continued to recede. Wilson's battle ...

Getting into Editing as a Writer

Getting into Editing as a Writer Many writers expand their services to offer more than writing; are you a writer wanting to become an editor? Here’s how to pick up your first jobs and start editing away†¦ Associations and more Join editorial societies like the  Editorial Freelance Association  (EFA),  Society for Editing  (ACES),  Editors’ Association of Canada, and the  Society for Editors and Proofreaders  (UK) . They put you in touch with fellow professionals and clients through association job boards – and underwrite your capabilities as an editor. Rates and payments Suggested editing rates can be found at the  Editorial Freelance Association  (EFA, USA), the  Society for Editors and Proofreaders  (SFEP, UK) and the  South African Freelancers Association(SAFREA, ZAR). Stick to the market average: Not too low and not too high. Rates also depend on the project’s size, the level of editing needed and the editing type – specialized editing pays more. Insist on a deposit upfront for first-time clients and get the terms in writing. (Hourly Editing Rates Calculator) Types of editing†¦ Editors can specialize in nonfiction, short fiction, novels or

Participation in the political process Research Paper

Participation in the political process - Research Paper Example Federal government. All states elect state Governors to represent and lead their states. However the powers, privilege, and policy-making allowance of any Governor differs from state to state. For example, the state of Texas Governor’s role is a bit different from the majority of other states. Interestingly enough, the Texas Governorship, rather the territory that would one day be called the state of Texas, has existed longer than the office than the President of the United States (Maddex, 2006). From 1836-1845 the position of Governor was titled the President of the Lone Star Republican prior to the unionization of the state. The present Constitution defines the position of Governor as the Executive power of Texas Governors; however there are limitations to that power. There is a â€Å"pluralism† of the executive powers, which disperses the overall control among a number of elected to boards and committees (Texas State Historical Association, 2014). This decentralization of power is unique and needed. For this reason Texas government, specifically, limited the powers of any individual Governor to prevent any repetition of the past (Maddex, 2006). In order to become a Texas Governor the candidate must be, at least, 30 years old and be a resident of the state for no less than 5 years. The elected Governor is responsible for commanding the military, appointing heads of state agencies, handling states funds and taxes, and can propose bills and has the right to veto those bills presented by others (Texas State Historical Association, 2014).At one time, the Governor was exclusively in control of pardoning of prisoners. However these powers have, also, been limited. In 1929 the state created the Board of Pardons and Paroles, which would be the primary office In charge of prisoner pardons, the Governor is only allowed to act under the advisement of the Board. The Governor

Rabies (lyssavirus ) Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Rabies (lyssavirus ) - Research Paper Example Conclusive steps have been presented within the research on how to avert the effects of the disease, and possibly reduce its impact in the human and animal kingdom. Several diseases have come to the world today. Diseases vary from those that attack human beings, those that attack animals, and those that attack both humans or mammals and non-mammal animals. Rabies (lyssavirus) is one of the most feared diseases in the world considering the nature in which it has killed many people in the world today. Any person who has encountered the effects of Rabies (lyssavirus) can explain better on how the disease is a danger to the existence of all mammals in the world. Rabies (lyssavirus) causes an inflammation of the brain among all the mammals or warm-blooded animals. The diseases have a longer period between contraction and occurrence of the first signs and symptoms. The experimental time between infection and demonstration of the symptoms is between one week and to more than one year. This time is dependent on how long the virus will have to travel before it reaches the central nervous system. Early symptoms of the disease include tingling and fever. One of the common characteristics of Rabies (lyssavirus) in warm-blooded animals is violent movement and behavior. There is also a common uncontrolled behavior and excitement. Fear of water is common among those infected. Some parts of the body become hard to move among people, with confusion and loss of consciousness. Death is normally very near the moment such symptoms have started appearing (Kienzle et, al 78). There are common methods through which this disease is spread among humans, and from one animal to another. The common ones, that transcend both types of living things is a scratch or bite. The virus is transmitted by saliva. In most cases, that is common in the world, dog bite with an

Spreading Innovation Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Spreading Innovation - Term Paper Example The problem being addressed by this innovation is poor devotion or observance to individually administered management practices particularly prescriptions among diabetic individuals. The outcome associated with this innovation is improved control of individual glycemic levels and reduced costs of treatment since the prevalence of complications is significantly reduced (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2012). This innovation can be introduced in my organization to help improve quality and safety of healthcare services. One of the problems that can be addressed by this innovation in my organization involves cancer patients. Text messages and nurse follow up whereby participants are asked to respond to the text messages outlining their current conditions can help the organization detect changes in patients health status as some cases of cancer may reoccur. Subsequently, responses to text messages by the participants can be used to detect any cases of complications after initial treatment is conducted. As reiterated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (2012), strategies that I may employ to sustain this innovation include making a personal relationship with the participants and also aligning the content of the text messages with individual interests. This is important as it may arouse motivation and conversely help build a construct ive relationship based on trust between the medical practitioners and the participants. In a nutshell, text messaging and nurse follow-up as an innovation can be used to track health progress among patients suffering from a wide range of illnesses. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2012).Daily Text Messages and Nurse Follow-up Improve Self-Management Behaviors in Patients with Diabetes, Leading to Better Glycemic Control and Lower

Defining and Discovering Values Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Defining and Discovering Values - Essay Example Since future is almost unpredictable, other factors may come in that force us to alter some of these plans. Flexibility is certainly the value that allows me to make a move away from a â€Å"rule of thumb† that may not necessary guide me to my goal. Safety is the other value that I treasure most in my ethical leadership. It describes that quality in me that keeps me mindful of the well-being of my followers. As a leader, I would not assign a risky task to my follower that I would personally shy away from being part of it. Lastly, comfort informs me of the need to live a worthwhile life despite the life demands. Life is not a rehearsal and, therefore, getting the most of it while it still lasts is my priority. As such, I always seek to ensure that my followers and I lead comfortable and enjoyable lives. While the above values are critical in my leadership journey, the most challenging bit has been to integrate them in my leadership style. Fortunately, an understanding of the fact that everything I desire to achieve begins with a deliberate move towards it, the only sure way to integrate the values is by living them each day. For instance, every morning as I wake up, I choose to of the above value that I reflect on and try to practice as I interact with others. When faced with ethical dilemmas, for instance, I can support my core values by considering the long terms gains rather than the selfish and short terms desires. Undoubtedly, practicing ethical leadership is an ideal situation that everybody should endeavor to achieve. Its benefits are to the wellbeing of humanity rather than selfish individualistic gains. Therefore, whereas sticking to my ethical values may cost me a lot, the feeling that I am practicing what is right reinforces my ethical professional life. My strengths include organization, discipline, empathy, cohesiveness, and being a model. I

International Relations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

International Relations - Essay Example Such research can bring the certain contribution also to the discussion about political "realism". The realistic theory usually is considered as the most consecutive interpretation of the essence and the reasons of political events such as confrontations, military alliances, diplomatic negotiations and international relations as a whole. Realists have managed to create the elegant theory of the international relations, having specified that the conflict of interests between various political communities is internally inherent in the international system, and having shown that uniqueness of the international relations is caused by the nature of the political communities, which are representing themselves as the parties in these relations. From our point of view, problematic part of the realistic theory consists in the way of conceptualisation of these communities, namely the national states. There are different forms of realism, but behind all of them there is one uniting idea: on the stage of the international relations act uniform "characters" named states. Further these states are considered as discrete units, which functioning almost in the same way as individuals in a society. This idea generates the whole complex of representations about the state and its activity on the international scene. ... This discourse considering the state as a uniform and independent rational character creates the general frameworks for reflections on something that is usually described as "the international system". Thereof the realistic theory reduces the international relations to the stage, on which the states pursue their egoistical interests. The end of the Cold War has called into existence a number of trial attempts to define new world order. Meanwhile the only obvious fact is that the world community has entered a grandiose global transformation process, which at least till now has generated more social problems, rather than solutions. The end of rivalry between super-states and an increasing break in wealth and access to resources between states have contemporized with disturbing growth of violence, poverty and unemployment, number of homeless persons, and erosion of ecological stability. The world also became the witness of one of the deepest, since times of Great depression of thirties, global economic recessions. At the same time isolated before nations get more and more close both voluntary and against their will due to growing integration of markets, formation of the new regional political unions, remarkable successes in the field of telecommunications, biotechnology and transport, which have stimulated unprecedented demographic shifts.As a result of such a merger of people and cultures nowadays we may observe the world, characterized by increasing integrity, cultural variety, and supersaturated with intensity, confusion, and conflicts during the adaptation to pluralism. Now let us consider the differences, which exist in the viewpoints of realists and those of liberalists. Liberals after the World War I have formulated the

A borderless world has resulted in an improved global economy Essay

A borderless world has resulted in an improved global economy - Essay Example To that extent, the world may be seen as borderless since ideas and information pass from country to the next (Fung and Fung, 2007). Besides, there have been many improvements in the global economy, which came about because of establishing a borderless world. Such concept of a borderless world may also be seen through the prism of free ports. Goods and services flow freely through the porous borders and labour can be sourced from any corner of the world. Global financial institutions have facilitated millions of transactions over the years. The once huge gap between developed and developing countries is quite narrow today. Conducting business is increasingly becoming global as mobility, technology and revenue opportunities are witnessed in emerging markets hence tempting firms to expand their operations into these markets to reach new consumers. Despite the recorded economic challenges of the world, going borderless could offer a new prosperity avenue. World trade is projected to rise by 86% in the coming 15 years as the demand for traded goods increase in global markets (Fung & Fung, 2007). A borderless world has presented immense investment and commerce opportunities. Businesses can succeed in the borderless world with commitment and right focus. New technology enables regulatory best practices globally. As emerging markets advance their technological infrastructure, they become revenue opportunity markets. The excellent talent pool available in global markets is another critical driver of globalization thanks to a borderless world. In addition, business regulations, permits and tax compliance have improved tremendously. The borderless world has brought more positive than negative effects to UAE economy. Firstly, creating free border is responsible for improved foreign investment. A survey conducted in the year 2005 revealed that the inflow into UAE of foreign direct investment achieved a

International Relations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

International Relations - Essay Example Such research can bring the certain contribution also to the discussion about political "realism". The realistic theory usually is considered as the most consecutive interpretation of the essence and the reasons of political events such as confrontations, military alliances, diplomatic negotiations and international relations as a whole. Realists have managed to create the elegant theory of the international relations, having specified that the conflict of interests between various political communities is internally inherent in the international system, and having shown that uniqueness of the international relations is caused by the nature of the political communities, which are representing themselves as the parties in these relations. From our point of view, problematic part of the realistic theory consists in the way of conceptualisation of these communities, namely the national states. There are different forms of realism, but behind all of them there is one uniting idea: on the stage of the international relations act uniform "characters" named states. Further these states are considered as discrete units, which functioning almost in the same way as individuals in a society. This idea generates the whole complex of representations about the state and its activity on the international scene. ... This discourse considering the state as a uniform and independent rational character creates the general frameworks for reflections on something that is usually described as "the international system". Thereof the realistic theory reduces the international relations to the stage, on which the states pursue their egoistical interests. The end of the Cold War has called into existence a number of trial attempts to define new world order. Meanwhile the only obvious fact is that the world community has entered a grandiose global transformation process, which at least till now has generated more social problems, rather than solutions. The end of rivalry between super-states and an increasing break in wealth and access to resources between states have contemporized with disturbing growth of violence, poverty and unemployment, number of homeless persons, and erosion of ecological stability. The world also became the witness of one of the deepest, since times of Great depression of thirties, global economic recessions. At the same time isolated before nations get more and more close both voluntary and against their will due to growing integration of markets, formation of the new regional political unions, remarkable successes in the field of telecommunications, biotechnology and transport, which have stimulated unprecedented demographic shifts.As a result of such a merger of people and cultures nowadays we may observe the world, characterized by increasing integrity, cultural variety, and supersaturated with intensity, confusion, and conflicts during the adaptation to pluralism. Now let us consider the differences, which exist in the viewpoints of realists and those of liberalists. Liberals after the World War I have formulated the

Philosophy Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Philosophy - Article Example (d) PERSON or HUMAN – The idea of a person in Hicks is tied to the ability to be â€Å"responsible for one’s own decisions,† which he says causes one to be â€Å"a finite center of freedom.† (106) A working definition in the context of the essay might perhaps be that a person or human is a being created by Judeo-Christian God and given the ability to exercise the power of free will. He also makes the point that this means persons are not necessarily good due to these â€Å"moral freedoms,† and that this is why â€Å"persons† are the only ones â€Å"capable of entering into a personal relationship with their Creator by a free and uncompelled response to his love.† (108) (e) FREE WILL – Free Will in Hicks means a will that decides things in a way that cannot be analyzed on a strictly causal level. Hicks gives the example of a patient who has received hypnosis therapy, and that â€Å"his volitions of actually been predetermined by another will †¦ in relation to whom the patient is not a free agent.† (107) This, he says, is not truly free will. Therefore, true free will, even if given by God, must not contain any pre-conditions like a mind â€Å"infallibly guaranteed always to act rightly.† (107) The argument put forward for this is that non-moral or natural evil acts as a sort of character-building process which helps people to become successful (Christian) people and enables them to truly ascend to a higher plane of spirituality. Because Christianity has â€Å"never supposed Gods purpose in the creation of the world was to construct a paradise,† the fact that natural evil exists does not contradict the idea of a benevolent, omnipotent deity. (109) Hicks paraphrases Irenaeus, who believed that although Man was made in the image of God, the suffering and hardships of the world were a necessary evil to help turn man into the â€Å"finite likeness of God, which is revealed in Christ.† (109) In other words, it is only through suffering that Man can become

Charles Gershom Artist Analysis

Charles Gershom Artist Analysis Kalpana Vadnagara   As a student of Crafton Hills College, I got the opportunity to view a collection of still life paintings and drawings by the Los Angeles-based artist Gershom, which is on display at the Crafton Hills College Art Gallery from February 21 to March 10. An opening reception was held on February 21 at 1 p.m., followed by a lecture from Gershom, Precision and Soul: The Daily Practice of the Painting, at 2 p.m.  At the art gallery was a rare opportunity for student viewers to engage with this revered artist. The exhibition includes twenty-four different sized oil paintings on wood panel. It also includes the representation of his studio settings with some preliminary drawings, to show his art process, also some of the objects in a showcase, which has been used by the artist to draw, and a slide show of his emoji like drawings were moving on a computer. Gershom was born in the Netherlands and lived for many years in Amsterdam. Art has always been his passion, but he earned the degree in Psychology and Epidemiology at first and then moved to Los Angeles to study sculpture and painting. Currently, he teaches Neuropsychology of perception and imagination at different schools, and also teaches drawing studio and rendering in oil paint. To make paintings, he has been using classical techniques of layering and glazes. Most of his still life paintings are painted almost life size. During his lecture, he explains the process of his paintings, which sounds very interesting. After a lot of pencil drawings, he traces them on tracing paper and cuts them, which he uses to create a balanced composition with a grid method by following the rule of third. Gershom said that lines create drawings and shapes create paintings. He also discusses that how important the background of an artwork works. To generate a three dimensional illusion he uses differ ent values on two dimension surface. By creating the contrast, the objects automatically getting the attention and being a focal point of the whole picture.   Blue Bowl with Cherries, 2010oil on panel14 x 1617-1/2 x 19-1/2 framed From different paintings, I choose two different works to discuss about it. The first painting is titled Blue Bowl with Cherries was the heart of the show. Like all other work, this is also painted on panel with oil, size 17-1/2 x 19-1/2 framed. To make this work interesting, the artist uses white, greenish gray, blue, and red colors, and composed it with asymmetric balance. The missing shadow of the bowl and different forms like spheres, and cube create a mystery here. Soft, shallow curves recalls the curves of the human body and often have a pleasing, sensual quality and a softening effect on the composition. Most of the shapes are formed by lines and shifts in color and value. As we move from left to right the value changes into darker, this creates a sense of depth and dramatic contrasts emphasizing a strong light source from the left side of the artwork. The negative space of the work which is lighter greenish gray background enables the viewer to clearly distinguish the shapes, moreover the emptiness of the top part is creating the asymmetrical balance to the artwork. White Pot with Artichoke, 2005 oil on panel24 x 19 29-1/2 x 24-1/2 framed The second artwork I chose to discuss about is titled White Pot with Artichoke, which he created in 2005, five years ago than the first painting. The disproportionate amount of negative space accentuates the artwork vulnerability and isolation. The changing values of different shapes play a major role in establishing space relationships. The artist uses different values to create different textures. Somewhere it feels so soft with lighter value, at the same time, with more contrasting values, he creates a very harsh surface. Artists use color, line, and shading to imply textures in a two-dimensional work. The use of such lines, values, shapes, color and textures create the illusion of depth in space from the foreground through the middle ground to the background. As per my point of view the focal point of this painting is the green Artichoke textured shape on the right side, which emphasis the most that catches the viewers attention. Usually the artist will make one area stand out by contrasting it with other areas. The area could be different in size, color, texture, shape, etc. Compare to first painting, this one is more calm and soothing because of the muted colors. These kind of work is very thought-provoking and accommodating for art students to study and understand the elements of art. Bibliography Gershom. Precision and Soul: The Daily Practice of the Painting. Personal interview. 9 Mar. 2017. Gershom-art.com. WordPress.com, n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2017. Gershom. Gershom. LORA SCHLESINGER GALLERY, n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2017. .  

A Midsummer Nights Dream :: essays research papers

i dunn0. By; orange lim   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I used to think that life w0uld be easier if you had friends there t0 help y0u.its true. It has always been like that since the 6th grade.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Since the 6th grade there has always been the0ries of  ¡Ã‚ ¥gr0upings ¡Ã‚ ¦ in batches. Unf0rtunately that had t0 happen with me .   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The 0nly way I survived the 6th grade til n0w is because of my family , friends and the pe0ple I l0ve.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  My family is mainly my dad, my mum, my 0lder br0ther lems, me, my y0unger br0ther jay, and my y0unger sister Sab. We were like the perfect family f0r me. I think we are, because their mine. My dad was a business man, m0m is a lawyer, older br0 is a c0llege quarterback>others think of him as a dreamb0i, but t0 me, waking me up with a  ¡Ã‚ ¥whapak!! ¡Ã‚ ¨ of a pill0w in the m0rning makes me think of him as a nightmare!< I on the 0ther hand am  ¡Ã‚ §I think ¡Ã‚ ¨ the n0rmal 0ne. I am a member of the pep squad and the track team. Student by day trainee in track and pep on the aftern00n onwards.jay then is a basketball player. Sab then is the strangest. She is the j0ker in the family. S0mewhat like the  ¡Ã‚ §luis stevens ¡Ã‚ ¨ of the family. But she excels in the fields 0f v0lleyball.and in math.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Then there are my friends. Theres tammi, a  ¡Ã‚ §study first bef0re anything ¡Ã‚ ¨ type a girl. Mariel a team cap in v0lleyball.tara, a c0-cap in v0lleyball. Thea and MR 2 0ver achievers, but MR m0stly acts like a cl0wn.strict th0ugh. Then there ¡Ã‚ ¦s kat. A great seatmate. We usually had breakfast together coz we usually were the early c0mers to class. All of us are n0w in the 9th grade. Trying to make it to the top.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Last yet the greatest is Chin0.he isn ¡Ã‚ ¦t a chink though. i just like calling him that. His full name is Zigfried Derek Bartholomew. But he doesn ¡Ã‚ ¦t look that of a Zigfried. I only call him that when I get mad at him. Then he says  ¡Ã‚ §how ¡Ã‚ ¦d it go back to Zigfried? ¡Ã‚ ¨ then he ¡Ã‚ ¦d know I ¡Ã‚ ¦m angry..   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  So this is where the story starts.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I was on my way to school but my m0m said  ¡Ã‚ §orange, where d0 you think your going? ¡Ã‚ ¨ I said  ¡Ã‚ §to school.. for training ¡Ã‚ ¨. she then had a smile on her face then s0me0ne blind f0lded me and guided me t0wards what I think was the backyard.

Neural Masculization and Feminization :: Biology Essays Research Papers

Neural Masculization and Feminization American society separates two sexes and distinguishes two genders. Through innumerable cues, we are taught that men and women are different. Most public places provide separate restrooms for men and women. Most department stores sell men's and women's clothes in separate departments. Even separate clothing size scales exist for men and women. Many health forms and applications for schools or jobs inquire about sex. Clubs and organizations, such as Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, exist solely for one gender or the other. When considering questions of sex and gender, each term must be defined. Sex refers to the biological distinction between male and female. Gender is the socially constructed understanding of man and woman. Why are so many distinctions drawn between male and female, man and woman? Are the differences between male and female limited to genitalia, or do the differences extend to behavior? If males and females do indeed act differently, what is the source of this difference? Several studies have indicated that males and females do act differently. One study even reported that men and women college students hold their books in different manners (1). Robert Trivers, an influential evolutionary biologist during the 1970's, suggested that males and females have evolved different patterns of behavior due to various levels of investment in reproduction and child-rearing (2) . According to Trivers' theory, female mammals are more invested in the reproductive process than male mammals because females must contribute a relatively large egg, milk, and blood to create offspring. Males, however, donate a relatively small amount of seamen. Since females must sacrifice more to reproduce, they are more likely to favor producing a smaller quantity of high quality offspring. In contrast, males have relatively little invested in each offspring, so producing a large quantity of offspring is favorable to males. Thus, theoretically, females are more selective of mates than m ales, and males must compete to win mates (2) . Because of this competition, males are thought to be more aggressive than females. Observation of human children has confirmed that young males tend to be more aggressive than young females (3) . In accordance with this pattern, preschool-aged boys are generally more willing to explore than preschool-aged girls, while girls tend to return to their mothers from exploration more frequently than boys (4) . For example, if a room was divided by some sort of barrier, with the mothers on one side and the children on the other, the boy children are more likely to try to find a way around the barrier, and the girl children are more likely to stand in the middle of the barrier and cry (4) .

An Analysis of The Clod and the Pebble by Sir Francis Blake Essay

â€Å"The Clod and the Pebble† Sire Francis Blake compares selfish and unselfish love through interesting and thought provoking interpretations. These viewpoints are obvious through Blake’s indication of their states of innocence and experience. His first entity, which is a clod, says, â€Å"love seeketh not itself to please†(Blake 3). The second interpretation, which is given in the form of a pebble, reasons, â€Å" Love seeketh only Self to please†(Blake 11). The clod is depicted as a selfless, passionate emotion whereas the pebble is a vain, arrogant and selfish sentiment. We can assume that the author has a lot of experiences when it comes to love, possibly writing this poem in a period of romanticism, but cannot assume he is the speaker. The different perspectives of love in the poem lead the reader to believe that there are two speakers. The Clod may perhaps be of a feminine viewpoint, which is understandable after reading â€Å"Nor for itself have any care† and â€Å"Trodden with cattle’s feet†, where love is unselfish and sacrificial (Blake 2). The pebble gives off a sense of authority gained from experiences while it mocks the innocence of the clod. The abrupt use of â€Å"But† provides a change to the sweet and harmonious tones of the first stanza, while the phrase â€Å"a pebble of the brook† represents it is a hard and unmovable object, learned from its experiences. Specific words such as â€Å"care† used by the clod and â€Å"bind† used by the pebble are what make the feminine/masculine tones understandable. The beautiful and artful personifications of the content clod and pompous pebble create a clear understanding in contrasting the representation of the selfishness and selflessness of human nature in love.

Crime and punishment morally ambigous character Essay

Several morally ambiguous characters played different vital roles in Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky. In fact, most characters illustrated in this twisted novel can be evaluated as possesing â€Å"good† and â€Å"evil† qualities. Sonia Marmeladov is especially ambiguous and important in this novel. Her contradicting social and moral statuses along with her contrasting roles as a saintly liberator and sinner allowed Sonia to play a crucial role throughout the novel. Not only that but her character further strengthens the theme of religious awakening. At times Sonia’s character becomes hard to categorize as â€Å"good† or â€Å"evil† because of her actions. The first descriptions the reader gets of Sonia are from her drunk father, Marmeladov. She has lived her life with little money, poor housing conidtions described as having â€Å"every sign of povery† (294). Sonia tries to make an honest living by making linen shirts but â€Å"do you suppose that a respectable poor girl can earn much by hard work? Not fifteen farthings a day can she earn†(15). Not merely enough to support a family along with her drunk father’s habits. So Sonia eventually becomes a prositute in order to to support her family and gains a â€Å"yellow ticket† (16) This is what gained Sonia her title as a sinner and which puts her character at question. However, Marmeladov explains to Raskolnikov how Sonia goes to them â€Å"mostly after dark, she comforts Katerina Ivanorna and gives her all she can†( 16). This part of Sonia’s character depicts her as a loving daughter willing to sacrifice herself to save her family. This portrayal in some ways resembles Christ as â€Å"He himself bore our sins† in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness. † He sarcrificed himself as she sacrifies herself. Does that change the fact that she is committing a sin? No of course not and that is exactly where the conflict of her morality takes place. The world sees her in â€Å"such an attire†(163)which puts her to shame in her â€Å"guady finery† (163) Yet the reader sees a young, timid girl who was pushed to take drastic decisions in her life. It is Sonia’s actions which are â€Å"evil† but her purpose and pure soul make her more saintly than most of the character’s in the novel. Because her character plays this role, it is her who helps Raskolnikov find his religious faith and who leads him to finally come clean later on in the book. Another circumstance where Sonya is morally ambiguous is where she has to decide to either have a relationship with Raskolnikov, or leave him out of the picture when he tells her that it is he who murdered the pawnbroker. Sonya knows that it is right to help Raskolnikov because he could be lost and go even deeper into his madness. However, Sonya knows that Raskolnikov is a killer and it would be wrong to be associated with somebody who knowingly commits sins as extravagant as murder. Sonya is also aware that Raskolnikov has issues and his madness could drive him to do other things that could lead to even worse consequences. Sonia does tell Raskolnikov that he must turn himself in and confess his sins but she also hugs him and kisses him as to comfort him. Her odd response is to tell Raskolnikov â€Å"I will follow you, I will follow you everywhere†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ I’ll follow you to Siberia† (407). As she tries to find a valid excuse as to why he killed those women, she finds that there was no good intentions in his mind, yet she still sticks by Raskolnikov’s side. This response leaves the reader wondering whether Sonia is doing this to help a lost soul and play her role as a saintly liberator or does her love blind her and is she simply not caring that what Raskolnikov committed was murder. However, even though the last part of the book depicts Sonia as an accomplice to a morally wrong crime, the epilogue illustrates her as a saintly liberator. In Siberia, the image which she carried back in part one and part two of the book are stripped and she is loved by the prisoners in the camp. They even called her â€Å"little mother Sofya Semyonovna†(538), and although it is clearly stated that Sonia herself did nothing special to be liked, their preference for her depicts that they sensed her moral â€Å"goodness. † Without direct statement, Sonia herself was the reason why Raskolnikov felt in some way his religious reawakening. Through her unconditional love, she and her role made this â€Å"story of a gradual renewal of a man† (542) happen. Dostoevsky theme of religion was carried on and developed by Sonia’s character through her moral ambiguity. Though her character appears to be immoral in several cases, in the epilogue the reader sees how it all comes together and how Doestoevsky uses Sonya illustrates important social and political issues that were of concern to him, such as the treatment of women, the effects of poverty, the importance of religious faith, and the importance of devotion to family.

Cushy Armchair New Objectives and Rules Essay

As you know, my name is Alison Sampson. I am the new director of Cushy Armchair. I come from Cabletronica U.S. with the purpose of guiding Cushy Armchair to a new era in this changing industry. We will begin with some small steps, all involving â€Å"greater consolidation† in order to achieve economies of scale and scope. In order to adapt and to be more competitive, we must focus our efforts to reduce cost, speed product design and improve technology transfer. Specifically, we most work in production, design (fabric & Style), sales and distribution (advertising), and procurement. Requested Activities †¢To Purchasing Manager: oWorld Furniture’s procurement division In New York, will be responsible to contract all chair glide-mechanisms, as well as fabric orders in excess of HK$35,000. This will help us to reduce our raw material cost. †¢To Marketing Manager: New York advertising specialist will work together with us in launching new advertising campaigns. In this way, we can all share knowledge and come up with the best decision. †¢To Design Manager: New York staff will be included in any substantial design and feature changes. In order to accomplish our ultimate goal of having everything in one place. Conclusion Even though I haven’t yet had the opportunity to meet with almost anyone, I will contact you over the next days to discuss the impact of these policy changes and the changes coming ahead. Do not hesitate to contact me if I have not called you yet. You will receive this MEMO in your native language over the next couple of days. I hope you share my observations and concerns for the future of Cushy Armchair, and I trust you will welcome these changes.

See the prompt Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

See the prompt - Essay Example ..† Machiavelli, p. 55. This quotation is from the book The Prince by Machiavelli 4. â€Å"Our love of what is beautiful does not lead to extravagance; our love of the things of the mind does not make us soft. We regard wealth as something to be properly used, rather than as something to boast about.† Pericles, p. 147 5. â€Å"The bourgeoisie, wherever it has got the upper hand, has put an end to all feudal, patriarchal, idyllic relations. It has pitilessly torn asunder the motley feudal ties that bound man to his natural superiors, and has left no other bond between man and man than naked self-interest, than callous cash payment† Marx, p. 738. This quote is from â€Å"Manifesto of the Communist Party, Chapter I â€Å"Bourgeois and Proletarians.† 1. When one lives the life away from the public eye, it is known as private life. Socrates reasons out his choice for living a private life that enabled him practice philosophy. He says that he has the divine umbr ella that protects and guides him for dos and don’ts in life. As for taking active part in life, he asserts that he has no divine directions. Socrates was too sincere, too honest as such he was unfit to be in public office and he would not be able to survive in the dishonesty prevailing over there. A public life is one that concerns and associates with the state. This area is engulfed with secular interests. According to the convictions of Socrates, if he were to take active interest in politics, in all probability it would not help him nor would it help the society. Personally his actions and responses are identical whether they concern the private or public life. One can control and discipline one’s private life, but as for public lifean individual is controlled by extraneous considerations and will have to make compromise with truth. 2. According to John Stuart Mill, self-will is one of the great misdemeanors of man. The barometer of goodness of humanity consists in obedience. A man has no choice but to act and perform. That which the human being does not consider as duty is a sin. Human nature is fundamentally corrupt as such redemption is only possible by killing human nature from within. With this perspective of life, demolishing any other human faculties, capabilities and vulnerabilities cannot be considered as evil. †¦ Man needs no capacity, but that of surrendering himself to the will of God, meaning the capacity to surrender itself is a great quality and liberty is kindergarten stuff as compared to the capacity to surrender. This is the Calvinistic theory. For man is the controller of all types of liberties. For an individual who knows the infinite power of surrender, individual liberty is of no consequence to him. Individual liberty is the demand by the imperfect individual. Total surrender is the domain of the perfect individual. 3. This book contains the guidelines for the dictators and tyrants to rule their subjects. Most of th e important rulers of Europe have benefited from the advice contained in the book and they helped to shape the governing policies. It has been hailed as the supreme guide of governance. The dictums prescribed by Machiavelli must have appealed to the baser instincts of such undemocratic rulers. He believed that the origin and substance of power was through wicked actions. He carefully distinguishes between getting and retaining power, which is done by wicked actions, but it is not possible to

Week 2-510 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Week 2-510 - Essay Example needed information, and when they receive the inputs, they should process it and take the correct decision for the proper functioning of the organization. One of the important inputs or aids that will surely help an organization in the decision making process is the research and statistics component. That is, components like descriptive statistics and probability concepts with good hypothesis and research will go a long way in aiding the management to come up with correct decisions. In the case to be analyzed, USA World Bank (UWB) is on the threshold of launching a new product, with the board already initiating the decision making process. And the component that is aiding this decision making process is the statistics work done by the respective department. So, this paper by using the research and statistical concepts will analyze the UWB’s issue or problem, opportunities, stakeholders’ view, end state vision, available solutions and the results. USA World Bank is facing some important issues, which needs quick and appropriate attention. The first issue is USA World Bank’s track record in introducing new products, which cannot be considered successful. Brian Allen, President of New Product Development for USA Word Bank, agrees with this fact, â€Å"Our new products have pretty much tanked in the past couple of years. We’re under a lot of pressure† (Scenario). So, the issue or challenge is to break this trend and introduce a truly workable product. The next issue that is plaguing USA World Bank is the need to select a product to launch using faulty statistical results. That is, a survey was done to find which product out of two, a consumer credit card or a credit card for small business owners will work optimally. Even though, the survey clearly favored the normal consumer credit card, the issue with that result is that a statistics specialist found faults with the statistical analysis particularly the me thod used to collect the data. As the product

Rucial Role in Shaping the Life Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Rucial Role in Shaping the Life - Essay Example Unfortunately, my mother succumbed to cancer when I was only six years old, and I only understood what happened to her when I was in middle school. Hence, I had to do many things that my mother would have done for me due to the absence of my father and elder brother. For instance, I visited the doctor on my own and many other things I did by myself. Over time, little things that I did on my own built my personality, and it was only in the second year of my high school that the final stroke hit me after my brother was diagnosed of cancer. Effectively, my brother's two-year illness made me a different person despite having learned how to live on own for many years. Following my brother’s diagnosis of cancer, my life changed and became completely different. I realized that I became quick to anger, but I did not show the anger, and neither did I know the cause of the anger. In addition, I was always in pain and moody although I did not show my father this side of my personality. Importantly, I never lost faith since I continued praying for my brother who was always there for me despite his condition. When I had questions, my brother would always respond to my questions each time. During the time he experienced incidents of pain, my brother remained positive throughout the pain. Effectively, I learned the importance of a positive attitude in life, and I inculcated a positive personality that has helped me achieve milestones. In addition, I discovered the importance of avoiding anger, being moody, and being sad since these factors depicted a feeling of fear and made an individual weak. Moreover, speaking to people whom I trusted helped me ch ange to a better person that I am today. As I said, my life was similar to a movie since most movies depict challenging and unbelievable situations that happen to unlikely people.Today, my brother remains the biggest inspiration since he always saw the light at the tunnel and he walked me through the journey of identifying this light with him, which was instrumental in life. To quote my brother, â€Å"Everything will be fine in the end. If it will not be fine, then it is not the end.† I do not know where the quote came from, but the quote is helpful in time of despair.

Firms Making Competitive Moves Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Firms Making Competitive Moves - Assignment Example This study stresses that among the advantages of being a first mover, is especially when making the exceptional initial moves in a particular market that allow a specific firm to come up with a dominant position that other businesses strain to overcome. A sufficient example of this is the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) that established a very strong bond with the officials of China in leading the Western Fast Foods, as they were the initial western restaurant that entered China first. Currently, they are still the leading firm in the rapidly growing market. Among the disadvantages, a first mover cannot be so certain about the likelihood of the customers in embracing the offerings that make the initial moves inherently risky.This paper declares that  a time a rival or even a competitor introduces a disruptive innovation that in most cases conflict the existing competitive practices for instance the emergence of online trading where the executives make informed choices from three main responses. First, they might think that the innovation could effectively replace the established offerings therefore choice on focus particularly on the traditional methods of business. Second, a firm could choose to overcome the challenge by attacking different dimension and perspective. Finally, simply a firm may decide to match the competitors’ direction of the move.  A Blue Ocean Strategy entails the creation of a new and untapped market instead of competition with rivals in an existing market.

Islamic contracts and hedge technique Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Islamic contracts and hedge technique - Essay Example The different aspects of the Islamic hedging techniques have been researched and analysed in this paper. Contents Contents 3 Introduction 4 Discussion 4 Background of Islamic Finance 4 Types of Contracts 6 Hedging Instruments of Islamic Finance 7 Profit Rate Swap 8 Foreign exchange Risk Hedging 9 Conclusion 10 11 References 12 Introduction Islamic Finance has been based on the principles of the Quran or more categorically on the principles of Sharia. According to the principles of Islamic Finance the acceptance and payment of interest is unfair. Thus Islamic Finance is devoid of any payment or receipt of interest in case of any business transaction. This kind of financing technique is adopted for the achievement of the goals which are specific to the Islamic economy. The sharing of the profit and loss is the main principle of the Islamic Sharia. According to the Sharia this measure would bring equity as well as justice in the economy. Hence the alternative names for the banks running on the principles of Islamic Finance are PLS bank. In the financial system there are various types of risks that persist which may result in a huge amount of loss. The hedging techniques are adopted in a financial market in order to cover a particular position of exposure which is generally in relation to a particular financial activity by taking a position that is opposite of what the risky situation is. Most of the banks take such hedging techniques in order to cover the exposures that arise out of the mismatches in the asset and liability of the books of accounts. These kinds of hedging techniques are also prevalent in the context of Islamic Finance. This essay looks into the various risk management measures that are being undertaken in order to provide a solution for the risk exposures and the types of instruments that are being implemented for the purpose. Discussion Background of Islamic Finance The main objectives of Islamic Finance are to promote the principles of Sharia in the ways in which business activities are being conducted. This is done with the objective of promoting growth and prosperity in the economy in a fair way. These financial services would conform to the principles of Sharia and would ensure that the distribution of income in the economy would be equitable and there would be optimal allocation of the resources in the economy in a justified manner. As opposed to the conventional modes of financing which considers interest as the opportunity cost of money, Islamic finance considers the existence of interest as an unjust practice. According to the principles of Islam, loans are provided by one party to the other to meet any kind of contingent situation that may arise. A lender should thus help the borrower to get the loan rather than taking undue advantage of it. Therefore there should be a relation of cooperation between the lender and the borrower. There is no relation of debtor and creditor as in case of commercial banking that is pr actice according to the general convention. The principles of Sharia state that there is simply no return that the people can actually reap unless they take any kind of risk. The principle in is practice in both the capital markets as well as the labour markets. This means that the labourers would not be eligible for wages unless they take some risks while working or bear a cost. On the other hand the capital

Outline how legislation, policies and procedures relating to heath Essay Example for Free

Outline how legislation, policies and procedures relating to heath Essay The Health and Safety at work act is a piece of legislation that is responsible for convering all health and safety in britain. However, the health and safety manager at individual establishments are responsible for carrying out the act and making sure everything is in cohearance with the piece of legislation. HASAWA influences health and social care in many different ways such as the protection it now gives to employers and employees, before this piece of legislation was made people had no legal protection whilst they were at work. HASAWA influences health and social as it tells the owner of a business, or establishment, what they need to be doing to make sure they are working in accordance to the legislation. Everyone has the duty to comply with the act, this includes employers, employees, trainees, self employed, manufacturers, suppliers ect. This legislation keeps people safe as it provides people with the instuctions to make their establishments safe for themselves and their employees. HASAWA tells owners to carry out a risk assessment which points out the hazards that need to be changed and/or fixed. An example of legislation influencing a health and care setting is The Manual Handling Operations regualtion. MHOR is always thought to be the last resort, and only if there is a possibility of injury. Legislation tells emplyers and employees how to move and handle things appropriately and when it is and isn’t appropriate to move and handle things. Employers must carry out risk assessments before opening a business to find if there are any faults or dangers to the customers or employees. There must be a health and safety policy written specifically for that setting and someone must be employed to be in charge of health and safety. Everything in the establishment must be insured incase accidents occur. Employees must take responsibility of your own and other peoples health and  safety and not do anything that could cause someones health and safety to be put at risk. This influences the setting as it keeps people working or entering the setting safe and gives them the appropri ate instructions to keep them as safe as possible. It keeps people safe as it provides instructions and regulations that must be followed to keep everyone safe, and if everyone follows these regulations and instructions then their safety and health will be safe. Food Safety Act 1990 The Food Safety Act 1990 is a frame for all food legislation in Britain. Responsibilities for food businesses include: Ensuring you do not include anything in food or remove anything from food making it a hazard to the health of people consuming it. Advertising food in a way that isn’t misleading or false. The food safety act influences health in many different ways, it gives environmental health the right to inspect the quality of food, the place it is prepared and the place it is served and if it is not up to standard they have the power to close the establishment, in extreme cases. Before the establishment is closed down they are served a notice of improvement or be temporaraly closed until the standards are back up. Without the Food Safety Act food would be able to be served to you in any conditon, and if you became ill from that food you could not retain any form of compensation because there is no legislation telling the establishment how to cook, prepare and serve food safely. Employers and employees must make sure food is safe to eat, make sure they don’t add, remove or treat food in a way that makes it harmful to eat, make sure the quality of the food is the same as it is advertised or expected by the customer, Keep track of where the food was bought, if unsafe food is discovered it needs to be recorded and removed and tell people why the food has been recalled. There must be hand wash at all sinks and hands must be washed before touching food, after touching food, after using the toilet, after touching animals, after touching your own skin and hair, after sneezing or coughing and after touching raw food. Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 RIDDOR is the piece of legislation that states all injuries, diseases, illnesses need to be reported to either the health and safety executive or  the local council. RIDDOR is put in place so that health and safety executives can look at where the risks occur and can take steps to prevent them. There are of course only certain injuries and dangerous occuurences that need to be reported, things such as violence at work, gas leaks, injuries that have occured during work or in the work place. RIDDOR also benefits people who have been injured at work and want compensation, health and safety executives follow up on the case and evaluate if the acdicent was because of the employee being put at risk or if they didnt follow procedure. The employers responsibility is to maintain the safety of their employees customers and they have the responsibility to report if an employee or customer has been injured whilst at wor k or in the establishment. Without RIDDOR, injuries caused in the workplace could not be claimed upon and the hazard could not be found and removed, if the hazard isn’t removed then people will be continuously be getting injured. The incidents need to be written in an accident book and should inlude the date and time of injury, the name of the worker, a description of the accident, action taken and the result. Slips, Trips, Falls Slips, trips and falls are the most common causes of major injuries in the work place. Most trips are caused by uneven or un-maintained floors, and slips are usually cased by wet floors. However, slips, trips and falls can be prevented if the right preventions and procedures are put into place and followed. The employers responsibilities are to make sure the floors serface is even and maintained, decreasing the risk of trips, all obstructions in hallways and on floors are removed and stored properly, this also decreases the risk of trips. All spillages should be immediately cleaned up using the appropriate method, usually a cloth or mop, and a wet floor sign should be appointed if needed, this decreases the risk of slips. Staffs responsibilities are to wear safe and sensible footwear which have good grip, and they must also keep their work stations clear and tidy, also both staff and service users have the responsibility to report obstructions and spillages if not recognised. The pol icy put in place ifluences health and care as it prevents the risks of slips, trips and falls, without it there would be no procedures to influence staff to remove the risks, such as obsticles that may cause trips. If staff, employees and the service users don’t follow the policies put in place then the risks of accidents will be raised, and if an accident does occur and they haven’t followed the procedures they were responsible to follow then they can’t claim any form of compensation.

Internal and External Analysis of Franchise

Internal and External Analysis of Franchise Penny Thomas, an Ivey graduate with the help of her daughter, who also is an Ivey graduate, decides to purchase a license to open a Marble Slab franchise in the Great Toronto Area. After paying her fees of $25,000 to the company, she starts thinking of her marketing plan for her grand opening that she has two weeks to hand to the Marble Slab head-quarters in Calgary . So she hired a marketing consultant (me) to help her. First, the corporate capabilities of the company had to be defined, financial capabilities, Marketing capabilities, Operational capabilities and the available human resources. After comprehensively studying the internal capabilities of the company, the external forces affecting the business are analyzed. The two external forces categories discussed in the report are the economical factors in the area, the social factors. Politically and technologically didnt have an effect on the business. After that, the direct and indirect competitions of Thomas were examined and t hen plans were made to compete with them. The direct competitions were Baskin Robins and Dairy Queen. The indirect competitions were McDonalds, Star Bucks, grocery and convenience stores. After carefully examining all these influential forces, a consumer analysis of the three best potential target markets were women, young adults and families was set up. And the target Market of Women was found most suitable for Thomass business because women are the primary caregivers, dominant shoppers in the community and they are more health conscious than males. Once the target market was chosen, a marketing 4Ps plan was constructed. Product wise, Marble Slab franchise had plenty of options to choose from, from milk shakes to ice cream cakes. But the primary product that Thomas should use while promoting the grand opening is the Childs size ice cream with one mixin because it is popular and it appeals to womens concerns because it is small and tasty. Then prices were determined for only caterin g, because Marble Slab is a franchise and it wasnt allowed for Thomas to change any of the prices. She only had power over the catering prices, so calculations of the breakeven points of the three different catering options were conducted and the best catering choice was the Sundae Bar option. After that, the location of the store was determined by studying each areas population and traffic. And the area that was chosen was the Toronto Annex area, although with a low population, it had a lot of foot traffic from students (almost half of students being female) and near a busy shopping street. Following the location of the business, different promotional options (billboards, radio, etc.) were examined and the most suitable, affordable combination of promotions for the grand opening were chosen. In conclusion, this marketing situation was studied comprehensively and the following results of the marketing report project that the grand opening is going to be successful along with the yea rs to come. The Marble Slab Creamery has been a well-known name in the market for ice cream since it first opened in Houston, Texas in 1983. Now Marble Slab has 400 branches worldwide in which, Penny Thomas had been blessed to be a part of when she purchased the right to open up a franchise in the Greater Toronto Area. Thomas is going to have a grand opening in May 2008 and needs a marketing plan to get approved by the headquarters in Calgary, Alberta about how she will handle the grand opening. The following marketing report breaks down the corporate abilities and the external analysis of Thomass company, also it discusses the consumer analysis and the competitive analysis. After deciding on the right target market, the report discusses Marble Slabs marketing plan which include product, price, promotion and placement. Corporate Capabilities: Marble Slab enjoys many financial abilities, being one of 400 franchises; Penny Thomas shares the same purchasing power of the franchisor. This is really helpful because Thomas would get a great deal of help from the Marble slab company by providing penny with connections that she can use to increase the store’s success and it would save her time now that she got all the connection and purchasing power she needs. Another ability and privilege that comes with a franchise is that the financial risk of any financial disaster is reduced and the consequences wouldnt be as severe because the store is backed up by a large well-established company that acts as a safety net for Penny Thomas’s store, which is helpful and the store can feel more secure. On the other hand, marketing budget was set at $10,000, which can cover all the costs of the grand opening adequately, which is good for the starting company because budget is tight for any new project and e fficiency is a key player in making the starting of this store follow more smoothly. Marketing capability wise, Penny Thomas enjoys Marble Slabs already existing prominent name, so the store isnt a new store that the target market must discover and learn about. Therefore, the franchisor made Thomas’s promotional task easier, and many existing Marble Slab customers will come to this location. As well, Marble Slab is already known for its high quality products that many customers around the 37 Ontario locations enjoy and crave. Thomas’s operational activities offer a great deal of mainly quality, freshly made ice-cream, with the option of letting the customer customize their purchases with a choice of toppings blended into their ice-cream flavour of choice, these choices include fruit pieces, candy and specialty nuts. These blends were made by a Marble Slab employee on a marble granite slab it also serves kosher, low-diet frozen yogurt, sundaes, floats, soft drinks and i ce-cream cakes. All these activate differentiate Marble slab from any competition giving them a competitive advantage that leads to more sales. Moving on to human resources, Thomas is blessed with the degree from Richard Ivey school of business, help of her daughter who also graduated from Ivey and valuable 25 years worth of experience working for the Hudson Bay company and she was familiar with her father’s past AW restaurant that he owned. This helps her greatly, because she knows what to expect and she is a very wise women in the field of business. She is also enjoying the expertise and network of the Marble Slab’s company, that helps her get started with the help of her network and make her avoid wrong decisions that were made in the past. Marble Slab’s employees must be well trained to handle all the machines and blending techniques so they can achieve the whole Marble slab’s experience that the customer expects. Employees are also highly hygienic be cause the work requires lots of hand work. External Analysis: The economy this year is going through a difficult recession in the United States. Which raises fears on how the Canadian economy will get affected later with the decline in Canadian exports and the commodity prices, only one wonders how the recession will hit Canada. But the consumer spending and the Canadian GDP are still growing. This instability raises fears for the business, maybe hurting it in the future because if the recession does hit, less consumers will be able to afford the quality of Marble Slab so sales will decline. Also because Marble Slab deals with dairy products, cocoa and sugar commodities, in which always fluctuate in price and never stable depending on supply and demand of the market. That may hurt or help the business because prices might fall to less than expected, increasing the marginal profit or increasing to more than expected, decreasing the marginal profit. Socially, Thomas’s business is expected to decline in winter months, bec ause of Canada’s long harsh winters, because less people get a craving for good ice cream in the winter months than in the summer. Ice cream is also became a popular snack within the people, with the average Canadian consuming 8.4 litters annually in 2007. Also, the companys good quality products give the store an advantage of having people to like to show off in a way Marble Slab’s ice cream while they are eating it with their friends. Also, there is growing health a trend growing that pushes people to look for healthier ways to snack such as frozen yogurt, in which Marble Slab’s serves their customers. Competitive Analysis: Marble Slabs direct competitions in the market are Baskin Robins and Dairy Queen. Baskin Robins always had a strong presence in the Canadian Market. They have their stores present in good locations with high traffic for customers convenience. They serve 31 original high quality flavours, with the same price range as Marble Slab. Baskin Robins also enjoys a fortune of resources and promotional power. Though Baskin Robins has all these features, they dont give their customers the option of customizing their purchase like Marble Slab does. Marble Slab can compete with them by keeping the prices in the same range while emphasizing to the target market the option for customers to customize their purchases. This way Marble Slab would have a competitive advantage over Baskin Robins. Baskin might respond to this by introducing the same option we offer or decreasing their prices. The other direct competition to Marble Slab is the world-wide restaurant of Dairy Queen, whi ch served the same category of products with the option of customized purchase to their customer as marble slab does, but Dairy queen also sells hot food items such as hotdogs, burgers and fries. On top of that, they targeted the family markets because they also offer friendly-kid options. Dairy Queen is present in high traffic areas such as malls. Marble Slap therefore, has to try to avoid competing with Dairy Queen by targeting a market other than families, and at the same time focus on the quality of Marble Slabs products and show customers that they may be paying more but the quality they are gaining is much more than Dairy Queen. Dairy Queen might respond to this by increasing the quality of their products and focusing on the hot foods that they serve and promote it more to attract more customers. For competitive positioning map (see Exhibit #1). In addition to Marble Slabs direct competition, Marble Slab has three indirect competition; McDonalds, Starbucks and Grocers and convenience stores. McDonalds is the worlds largest fast food chain restaurant. Other than hot foods, they offer soft-serve dessert items such as ice cream, milk shakes and the Mcflurry. McDonalds is present in high traffic areas and offers a drive thru for customers in a hurry. They have cheap prices that anyone can afford in Canada, but also serve low quality products. McDonalds may seem like tough competition but it is not because it serves limited options for its customers. Marble Slab should focus on their quality and the unique Marble Slab way of making their products and making it more accessible for customers by adding a drive thru option. McDonalds wouldnt respond because their main goals arent about frozen desserts, they care more about their hot foods. A second indirect competition to Marble Slab is Starbucks, which is a premium retailer of coffe e dessert and fresh food items. Starbucks gives its customer a cozy atmosphere and wireless internet. Like Marble Slab, it offers high quality products for premium prices. Marble Slab already serves better quality choices and options of ice cream which gives a competitive advantage to Marble Slab. Marble Slab can also compete with Starbucks by giving the same cozy atmosphere in the restaurant but also suitable for younger children. Starbucks will respond to this by introducing new drinks which will appeal to children. The third indirect competition is the mass produce ice cream companies that distribute to grocers and convenience stores. These products appeal to a lot of people because they vary in prices and they are really accessible for customers because they are sold in grocery or convenience stores. Problem with this is that they are not always fresh and full of ingredients that keep the product fresh which can be harmful to the customer. Marble Slab can compete with this by se lling their mixes and their ice creams at a number of grocery and convenience stores in the future. For competitive positioning map(see Exhibit #1). Consumer Analysis There are three target market options that will probably appeal to Marble Slab, families, young adults and women. Families with children under 15 years of age are the best potential customers. Children represent the bottom of the population pyramid, which means that they are more than any other target market. Families eat ice creams when they go out with their children and the children ask their parents to buy them ice cream to satisfy their sweet tooth. Families are willing to buy mostly on weekends at locations near parks while taking the kids out, and inside malls while shopping. The second target market are young adults that age from 15-24 years of age who have some or full independence, and can spend their disposable income on social interactions. Young adults find ice cream a popular after a long day at work or at school or just simply to chill out. Young adults are influenced to buy from Marbles by seeing famous people or their idles eat Marble slabs Ice crea m. Young Adults would purchase an ice cream from shopping centres while they are shopping or beside a high school or a college when they are on break or after class. As good as the young adults target market sounds, it is very competitive because there is already a lot of ice cream outlets targeting this group. Which leads to the last target market†¦ Women, which are the best target Market for Thomass Marble Slab creamery. Because women are the caregivers and dominant grocery shoppers in our society, they also do more shopping than men in general, and they are more health conscious, which is good for the stores low-fat snacks. Women are influenced to purchase from Marble Slab when seeing skinny models satisfying their taste buds by enjoying their tasty Marble Slab snack, while still keeping their bodies fit. Women are everywhere, they can purchase from shopping malls, streets, gyms, parks and colleges at any time of the day, any day of the week, but mostly weekends. And women s pend alot of time at malls so Marble Slab would be a great snack for them. 4Ps {Product} Marble Slab is a franchise that differentiates itself from other ice-cream outlets because it serves their customers high quality, top of the line products. With the option of customizing their purchases by choosing different flavour blends and mixins which included, fruit pieces, candies and specialty nuts. Mixins were blended by employees on a marble granite slab. Also Marble Slab offers Kosher for the Jewish customers and a wide variety of different milkshakes, frozen yogurt, sundaes, milkshakes, floats, ice cream cakes, soft drinks and newly added fat-free frozen yogurt. The product that Thomas should focus and promote the most is Childs size ice cream because it is fairly popular and it appeals to her target market which is women, because it is a small portion with less calories and very tasty. {Price} Marble Slab is a franchise; therefore it doesnt have any power of changing of prices.(For unit contributions of products see exhibit 3) It requires Thomas to sell 7764 units of Childs size ice cream to break even and start making a profit. (see exhibit 2). Childs size ice cream is the product that will be promoted with the promotion of the grand opening, because it appeals to womens needs; its small and tasty. But the company gave Thomas the flexibility of prices in catering. Thomas should choose the Sundae bar catering option because it gets the most profit selling less units to break even than the other options. Sundae Bar needs 57 customers to breakeven the costs while the Ice Cream social needs 59 customers to break even and start making a profit.(see exhibit 4) The portable Slab option is unaffordable because there is only $685 left from the $10,000 budget that was set for the promotion, and $2,500 are needed for additional equipment.(exhibit 5) Thomas should keep her pr ice at the average which is $6.95 per person because price wars may lead to bankruptcy and because she is located in a busy area beside a university and a shopping street. Therefore, will get a lot of catering offers because it is where a lot of students and women who are either shopping or hanging around or at university would probably come and party on birthdays and other occasions. {Placement} Thomas should open her Marble Slab restaurant in the Toronto Annex Area. Although it has a smaller population of any of the four options, The Annex area has a lot of traffic from the university that is there and it is very close to Bloor Street, which is a major shopping street. This location is the most appropriate for the Creamery because Thomass target market is women. And women are the primary shoppers in society and the university probably has a high percentage of females attending it. So this location is located in the heart of where many women walk for either shopping or going to class. The location will also help have a more successful grand opening because it is exposed to people who go thru that busy area. {Promotion}To effectively promote the new store for the grand opening, Thomas should spend $2,120 on two street level media unit, in the Toronto Annex area , because the street media would be exposed to the people shopping and in university, showing them that a light, low fat snack from Marble Slab would be delicious while shopping or after class. In addition, Thomas should purchase two 10Ãâ€"20 feet billboards costing $2950 that would be located in high traffic roads. These billboards and street media should show a visual image of the creaminess, lightness and taste of a super premium Ice cream, preferably a childs size ice cream with one mixin, because it is small in calories and it would be best to promote. The advertisement will have a beautiful athlete physically-fit model eating from it. That way it will appeal to the target markets taste buds and show that you can stay healthy and fit while still eating delicious food. Thomas should also spend $645 on a daytime radio commercial for 30 seconds and $650 on a radio commercial at breakfast time. Thomas should purchase those times because morning time is the most time that people tune in to listen to the radio while they are eating breakfast or driving to work. And the other commercia l at daytime is effective, because it is when most people are awake and thinking of things to eat to get on with their day. Both types of promotion should emphasize the good quality, freshness and low fat in Marble Slabs products. All this adds up to $9315, which is less than the budget of $10,000 with an excess of $685. (See Exhibit 5) Confidently, this report will satisfy Penny Thomass wants and needs. This report discussed in detail the corporate capabilities, consumer analysis, competition analysis and the external analysis of the franchise. And from studying all these factors, the most suitable product, location, price and promotion were chosen for the grand opening of this franchise within the budget of $10,000. In conclusion, this marketing plan was designed to boost the businesss success from the start of the grand opening and for the many years to come. Surely, the Marble Slabs headquarters will approve of this report and would be anxious to see the results when the grand opening is on May 2008.