Should abortions be legal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Should abortions be legal - Essay Example Many people justify abortion on the basis of the fact that the choice of abortion lies in the hands of the mother but many ethical groups argue against this issue. They present with the fact that abortion is basically the killing of a living being and hence it is morally unjustified. Abortion is an important subject and it may be considered to be legally justified in cases where the life of the mother is at stake and in other extreme cases but abortion with no strong grounds should not be permitted legally. The rise in the population of the world has resulted in the utilization of different methods of contraception. The usage of these methods is to prevent unwanted pregnancies and childbirths. Abortion is also a technique utilized for the avoidance of an unwanted pregnancy. Abortion is defined as the ending of the pregnancy by choice which results in the death of the products of conception (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). The procedure of abortion is utilized for different reasons which include family planning, contraception as well as putting a control on the population. A more important purpose of abortion is for saving the pregnant woman from life threatening emergencies that may result if the pregnancy is continued. There are different techniques utilized for carrying out the procedure of abortion. These include the administration of drugs which result in the expulsion of the fetus. The second technique is the surgical intervention whereby abdominal surgery is performed to remove the fetus. The last method is the insertion of surgical instruments through the cervix for removal of the fetus (Willke, 1985). The procedure of abortion is legalized in the United States. Despite of this legalization, the procedure is losing its popularity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, there was a subsequent reduction of a percentage of 3.8 in the ratio of abortion between the years 1999 and 2000 (Elam-Evans et al 2003). Furthermor e, the younger generation has also shown its support for the anti-abortion laws and youths in the United States have expressed of the fact that the procedure of abortion should be legally unjustified until and unless the pregnancy becomes life threatening for the mother. Abortion has been viewed as a negative procedure which tends to lead to the death of a potential life and it is argued to be equivalent to a murder (Hayt, 2003). Thus, the subject of abortion has become an important subject and though it has been legalized, there have been many arguments to reconsider this decision owing to the fact that it yields no good to the society. References Top of Form Elam-Evans, L. D., Strauss, L. T., Herndon, J., Parker, W. Y., Bowens, S. V., Zane, S., Berg, C. J., ... Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (January 01, 2003). Abortion surveillance--United States, 2000.Mmwr. Surveillance Summaries : Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Surveillance Summaries / Cdc,  52,  12, 1- 32. Hayt, Elizabeth.(2003, March 30). Surprise, Mom: I'm Against Abortion. The New York Times. Retrieved from: http://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/30/style/surprise-mom-i-m-against-abortion.html Bottom of Form Part II: Anti-Thesis Abortion is an issue that arose and became a subject central to debates in the United States in the second half of the twentieth century. The Supreme Court of the United States took a final stand on the issue and the procedure of abortion was legalized in the year 1973 following the legal case of Roe v Wade.

Sales and Distribution Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Sales and Distribution Management - Assignment Example To solve the solve both the sales and distribution problem the company finds itself confronted with, it is important to objectively outline the situation. The situation, as it currently stands, is that our company had contracted with a sales/distribution company to both sell and distribute 3,000 tones of our toys across the United Kingdom in time for Christmas. The goods have been loaded onto the Emma Maersk and will arrive in the United Kingdom on the due date. The problem lies in the sales and distribution of the unloaded cargo to stores across the UK, given that the company which had originally been contracted to handle this process has gone out of business. As we have exactly three weeks to resolve this problem, the imperatives of immediately deciding upon a model for the effective and efficient sales and distribution of the unloaded cargo are inarguable. There are two steps to the resolution of the above-described problem. The first step involves motivating and managing a sales team to sell the goods within the specified time-frame and the second involves distributing the goods within that same time-frame. Our ability to do satisfy the first depends on our understanding of team behaviour and the ways and means by which to motivate sales teams. As for the second, the resolution of the distribution problem lies in the implementation of a modified version of the Just-In-Time paradigm. 2 Sales Team Management Models Researchers who study general team characteristics often examine and reference the models of Gladstein (1984), Hackman (1987), and Campion et al. (1996). These three key models are discussed below. 2.1 Gladstein's model Gladstein's (1984) model categorized the variables and labeled them as either input, process, or output (Figure 1). Gladstein defines inputs as contributions from individual, group, and organization for group effectiveness. Gladstein categorized the inputs into two levels: group and organizational. Process refers to the activities of decision-making and output refers to the outcomes of the team activities. Group task moderates the relationship between group process and group effectiveness. Group level inputs and organizational level inputs directly affect group effectiveness. Both levels of inputs indirectly affect the group process. Gladstein's model defines team effectiveness based on the performance of the team and the satisfaction of the team members. Figure 1 General Model of Group Behavior: Constructs and Measured Variables. From "Groups in context: a model of task group effectiveness," by D. Gladstein, 1984, Administrative Science Quarterly, 29, p. 502. 2.2 Hackman's model Hackman (1987) created a practical framework for team studies (Figure 2). Hackman's model (1987), like Gladstein's model (1984) uses an "input-process-output" framework for analyzing group behavior and performance. Hackman's model consists of six major variables: organizational context, group design, group synergy, process, group task, and group effectiveness. In Hackman's model, organizational context, refers to the reward system, the education system, and the information system, all of which support the work of the team. Organizational context, along with group design and group synergy, influences how well team members are able to apply their skill and knowledge to the team task. The model defines group synergy as interactions between members, which increases group progress and decreases

Role of Clothing in Communication

Role of Clothing in Communication Clothing is a language, a nonverbal system of communication that through its symbols conveys much about the wearer to the viewer. Before people speak to one another, their clothing makes a statement that expresses their sex, age, class, occupation, origin and personality, as well as what they are or what they want to be at a particular moment. A businessperson is recognized in a well tailored suit. Fashion can suggest or signal status in a social group. Groups with high cultural status like to keep in fashion to display their position; people who do not keep in fashion within a so-called style tribe can risk shunning. Because keeping in fashion often requires considerable amounts of money, fashion can be used to show off wealth (compare conspicuous consumption). Adherence to fashion trends can thus form an index of social affluence and an indicator of social mobility. Humans often wear articles ofÂÂ  clothingÂÂ  (also known asÂÂ  Apparel,ÂÂ  dress,ÂÂ  garmentsÂÂ  orÂÂ  attire) on the body . In its broadest sense, clothing includes coverings for the trunk and limbs as well as coverings for hands (gloves), feet (shoes,ÂÂ  sandals,ÂÂ  boots), and head (hats,caps). Articles carried rather than worn (likeÂÂ  pursesÂÂ  and umbrellas) normally count as accessories rather than as clothing. Humans also decorate their bodies with makeup or cosmetics, perfume,ÂÂ  jewelryÂÂ  and other ornament; cut, dye, and arrange their head and body hair (hairstyle), and sometimes their skin (tattoo, scarifications, piercing). All these decorations contribute to the overall effect and message of clothing, but do not constitute clothing per se. People wear clothing for functional and/or social reasons. Clothing protects the body; it also delivers social messages to other humans. Function includes protection of the body against strong sunlight, extreme heat or cold, and precipitation; protection against insects, noxious chemicals, weapons, contact with abrasive substances in sum, against anything that might injure an unprotected human body. Humans have shown extreme inventiveness in devising clothing solutions to practical problems. See: armor,ÂÂ  diving suit, bee-keepers costume, motorcycle leathers,ÂÂ  high-visibility clothing. Social messages sent by clothing, accessories, and decorations can involve social status, occupation, ethnic and religious affiliation, marital status and sexual availability, etc. Humans must know the code in order to recognize the message transmitted. If different groups read the same item of clothing or decoration with different meanings, the wearer may provoke unanticipated responses. Social status: in many societies, people of high rank reserve special items of clothing or decoration for themselves. Only Roman emperors could wear garments dyeed with Tyrian purple; only high-ranking Hawaiian chiefs could wear feather cloaks and palaoa or carved whale teeth. In other societies, no laws prohibit lower-status people wearing high statusÂÂ  garments, but the high cost of status garments effectively limits purchase and display. In current Western society, only the rich can affordÂÂ  haute couture. The threat of social ostracism may also limit garment choice. Occupation: military, police, firefighters usually wearÂÂ  uniforms, as do workers in many industries. School-children often wearÂÂ  school uniforms, college and university students wear academic dress. Members of religious orders may wear uniforms known as habits. Sometimes a single item of clothing or a single accessory can declare ones occupation and/or status for example, the highÂÂ  toqueÂÂ  or chefs hat worn by a chief cook. Ethnic, political, and religious affiliation: In many regions of the world, styles in clothing and ornament declare membership in a certain village, caste, religion, etc. A Scotsman declares his clan with hisÂÂ  tartan; an Orthodox Jew his religion with his (non-clothing) sidelocks; a French peasant woman her village with her cap orÂÂ  coif. Clothes can also proclaim dissent from cultural norms and mainstream beliefs, as well as personal independence. In 19th century Europe, artists and writers livedÂÂ  la vie de Bohe meÂÂ  and dressed to shock: George Sand in mens clothing, female emancipationists in bloomers, male artists in velvet waistcoats and gaudy neckcloths. Bohemians, beatniks, hippies, Goths, and punks continued the ( counter-cultural) tradition in the 20th century West. Now thatÂÂ  haute coutureÂÂ  plagiarises street fashion within a year or so, street fashion may have lost some of its power to shock, but it still motivates millions trying to look hip and cool. People such as inventor Dean Kamen or film director Peter Jackson wear simple functional clothing to distance themselves from the establishment (and possibly to attract additional attention). Marital status: Hindu women, once married, wearÂÂ  sindoor, a red powder, in the parting of their hair; if widowed, they abandonÂÂ  sindoorÂÂ  and jewelry and wear simple white clothing. Men and women of the Western world may wear wedding rings to indicate their marital status. Sexual availability: Some clothing indicates the modesty of the wearer. For example, many Muslim women wear a head or body covering (hijab, bourqa orÂÂ  burka,ÂÂ  chador,ÂÂ  abaya) that proclaims their status as respectable women. Other clothing may indicate flirtatious intent. For example, a Western woman might wear extreme stiletto heels, close-fitting and body-revealing black or red clothing, exaggerated make-up, flashy jewelry and perfume to show sexual availability. What constitutes modesty and allurement varies radically from culture to culture, within different contexts in the same culture, and over time as differentÂÂ  fashionsÂÂ  rise and fall. Moreover, a person may choose to display a mixed message.ÂÂ  For example, a Saudi Arabian woman may wear anÂÂ  abayaÂÂ  to proclaim her respectability, but choose an abaya of luxurious material cut close to the body and then accessorize withÂÂ  high heelsÂÂ  and a fashionable purse. Al l the details proclaim sexual desirability, despite the ostensible message of respectability. Similarly, a Japanese schoolgirl may wear the required school uniform in a way (skirts waistband rolled to shorten the skirt, long sleeves rolled up) that says sexy schoolgirl rather than good girl.

Comparison of A Farewell to Arms and The Great Gatsby Essay -- Ernest

Comparison of A Farewell to Arms and The Great Gatsby The author’s style from Ernest Hemigway’s A Farewell to Arms differ from F.Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby in many ways. Fitzgerald uses a more reflective style of writing meaning that he makes his characters reflect and the theme also includes reflection from the reader as well as the plot. On the other hand, Hemingway uses a more self-interest style with its theme, characters, and plot, meaning that he makes this book on his own personal experiences that cause the theme, plot and characters to differ in many ways. For example, the styles in which the characters are described are very different. Hemingway makes his characters less educated and from a lower social ranking than the characters from The Great Gatsby. Fredrick Henry, who is the main character in A Farewell to Arms, is less educated than Nick Carraway who is the main character in The Great Gatsby. The Great Gatsby also has a totally opposite theme than A Farewell to Arms because the them es that are employed by Fitzgerald’s book, are more about corruption of American youth and the education of young Americans while in Hemingway’s book, the themes are related to war and love. The plot from A Farewell to Arms is also very much different from the plot in The Great Gatsby whose plot is about five friends who meet this â€Å"millionaire† and all the time, he was lying about the money he had. H had said to be millionaire but wasn’t. In A Farewell to Arms, the plot is much more different emphasizing on a much more complicated problem. The plot is about Fredrick Henry who is an ambulance driver and deals with war issues during World War I. Fredrick Henry from Hemingway’s book is very different from Nick Carraway from Fitzgerald’s book. Henry is a young, ambulance driver that serves for the Italian army during the First World War. Henry is a very disciplined and courageous young European boy that discovers love with Catherine Barkley, an American nurse whose fiancà © was killed during a battle between Germany and Italy during World war I. Frederic Henry is an immature, troubled young man, caught in a terrible war. He is very much involved with drinking and picking up women only to have sex with them. On the other hand, Nick Carraway is a more centered young boy who went to Yale University and graduated with a major in business bon... ...In A Farewell to Arms, many upcoming events from the war lead the two happily united love partners to separate and take their own ways because of their jobs and then they reunite back together when Fredrick is severely injured by a bomb and is taken to a nearby hospital in which Catherine is the head, leading nurse and she takes care of him and they get married. In conclusion, The Great Gatsby is not related to A Farewell to Arms because of the ways the two aurthoprs express themselves. Fitzgerald uses a more reflective style of writing while Hemingway uses a more self-interest style with its theme, characters, and plot. The styles in which the characters are described are very different in both of the books. The Great Gatsby also has a totally opposite theme than A Farewell to Arms because the themes that are employed by Fitzgerald’s book, are more about corruption of American youth and the education of young Americans while in Hemingway’s book, the themes are related to war and love. The plot from A Farewell to Arms is also very much different from the plot in The Great Gatsby . These two books could never be compared due to their style in which the author has written them.

Book Summary

Book Summary Beginning chapter one with citing one of the ten commandments, â€Å"Thou shall not steal,† Wayne Grudem sets the stage of what is about to come; a black and white analysis on how having business success does not necessarily make you fall short of being a â€Å"good† Christian. As a well-known, very credible Christian theologist, one may wonder why Grudem would venture out to right a book solely about business. â€Å"Business for the Glory of God,† looks at business ownership, profitability, money, competition, and borrowing and lending, just to name a few topics.This essay will take a look at a few of the controversial topics, and share insight of why they may or may not be feasible arguments for why business is, â€Å"a gift from God. † When Grudem speaks of the commandment that states, â€Å"Thou shall not steal,† he uses this as evidence that by stealing, one must have their own possessions, and if we did not have possessions, this commandment would make no sense. This is a reasonable assumption, therefore it can be a good way to begin discussing how ownership is not so bad; on the contrary, if Grudem is unable to offer clear, factual information, his credibility may waiver.Chapter one continues with Grudem’s discussion of how ownership is not synonymic for greed, and if one is selfless and realizes that God is the real business owner, he has not sinned. The points that Grudem makes are quite valid, and are very simple, and to the point; the issue with this, is that these may seem like simple subjects, however the responses are more analytical than what is given. When speaking of ownership, the only viewpoint is one attempting to prove that business ownership is not a sinful act; without overcoming specific objections that this may be a sinful act.While the writer makes valid arguments, he tends to only cater to what he believes, instead of being philosophical on the subject. This can lead to the reader questioning the content being read, and frankly can lead to distrust in the content overall. A similar argument would be, â€Å"The world was created in six days overall, because the Bible said so. † Though this may be feasible to someone who acknowledges that the Bible is accurate, it is not a proper argument for those who look for a deeper understanding of the matter.Chapter four’s focus is commercial transactions; the beginning of the chapter reads, â€Å"Buying and selling are fundamentally good and provide many opportunities for glorifying God, but also many temptations to sin. † On the topic of buying and selling, Grudem discusses how selfish motives can easily lead to a sinful nature. When a business or individual is making a profit from their company, and they do not share the profits accordingly with their partners, they have encountered a sinful nature. Also, when a business begins focusing on their profits only, they have â€Å"idolized† money , and forgotten their original business promises.Grudem speaks of many good points on how buying and selling is essentially trading, so that we can get what we need. This is obviously what makes our economy, and allows us to provide for our families accordingly. Unfortunately, an unaddressed concern would be price gouging. For a typical, middle class American, there are a lot of products and services that are necessary that are outrageously expensive due to circumstances. One example of an unethical, non-Christian business practice would be pricing generators at a higher price due to power outages.This is unfair to the consumer who needs the product, and demonstrates the seller’s greed. Profits allow businesses to succeed; if there was no money earned for one’s labor, a business would be unsuccessful. Reasoning as to why profits are not against what Christianity stands for, is because if we make something and sell it for a higher price, we are generally selling the val ue that we have added to a product. Mass merchandisers, such as Wal-Mart, have the ability to sell items at low prices, because they can financially order items in very large quantities.The discounts that they receive on their merchandise are evidential to the buyer, who chooses to buy their items because they are the cheapest. It becomes a pattern; and being that consumers are primarily focused on the cost point, Wal-Mart has become somewhat of a monopoly. There is no physical value added to purchasing things from Wal-Mart, but there is value in saving a dollar or two. Due to the fact that privately owned supermarkets barely stand a chance against a mass merchandiser, â€Å"mom and pop† places are forced to close, with the inability to compete.Though price is a consumer’s primary concern, if there were lower costs of living, small businesses would have a lower overhead cost, and would not be forced to raise their prices for consumers. This is not insinuating that mass merchandisers are being sinful with their low prices; this simply demonstrates how the government’s involvement in protecting small businesses can drive the economy. In chapter eight, Grudem discusses competition; this is probably one of the most controversial subjects surrounding one’s idea that businesses are synonymous with greed and corruption.Competition can be defined from several different view points, and can be either positive or negative. One example of friendly competition would be a children’s basketball game. Children are encouraged to be aggressive, and to win, however, they realize that the game is to be played fairly, and friendly. Teams know that at the end of the year, the best teams â€Å"win†, and are awarded accordingly, which is another motivator for friendly competition. Competition takes place through all business standpoints, and sometimes goes without notice. In my workplace, there is friendly competition amongst employees who a re selling phones.Being that our pay is based on what we sell, this friendly competition can turn ugly very quickly; it just depends on your mindset. Being a Christian, I do not participate in unethical behavior that can hinder someone else, or me. I always make an attempt to treat each associate fairly, and I refrain from using foul or negative language. The unfortunate part is that not all associates will feel the same way about this, and this can lead to a tense environment, and ultimately employee remorse. This example demonstrates the positive and negative aspects of competition from a Christian viewpoint.Throughout his very short, theological book, Grudem tends to make a black and white analysis of topics pertaining to business. Throughout my reading, I found that his points were very valid; however, they could be contradicted very easily. To a common reader who may not have much knowledge on Christian theology, it would be feasible that they search for further explanation. Th is book would benefit from the author having more of a philosophical mindset, and sharing both views on the matter with conclusive evidence as to why his viewpoint is correct. In this instance, the reader yearns for more information and ultimately, a better argument.The writer begins each chapter with stating that all â€Å"can† lead to sin if you let it, but he does not elaborate enough. For my educational purposes, I found this book very helpful in its attempt to shed light on a commonly overlooked topic in the Christian world. I was able to see Grudem’s points very clearly, and more importantly, I was able to gain information that can help me in my profession. WORKS CITED Grudem, Wayne. Business for the Glory of God: The Bible’s Teaching On the Moral Goodness of Business. Wheaton, IL: Good News Publishers/Crossway Books, 2003

Descriptive Essay

Descriptive Portrait: My Grandmother When I picture my grandmother, I envision shiny grey hair, bright blue eyes, and the softest hands I have every felt. She is 94 years old and has 12 children. Virginia Irene Dill has raised many children, and that makes her the strongest person I know. When I walk through the door of her 75 year old home, I think of all the pain and joy my grandmother went through there. After so many years, our time together was not quite the same as it used to be since ten years ago when she started to fall ill due to old age. Despite the fact that her body does not allow her to do as much as she used to, I still remember her and the times we had together. Listening to the wonders of the world and the changes that have occurred, I have enjoyed hearing her stories. I enjoy most learning about my aunts’ and uncles’ crazy past. Our time together is special and the bond we hold is sacred. She holds the key to my history and is an example that a little hard work and a whole lot of patience is needed to make it in life. My grandmother’s small soft hands always surprise me. When I think of all the hard work that she had done including cooking, cleaning, and taking care of all her children, I cannot believe her hands could be kept so soft and manicured. She always wears a ring that my father bought her and she always tells me the story of when she received the ring The bright, shiny, silver ring holds an outer ring with jet black beads surrounded by sharp red beads, circled below with a turquoise stone, and pearly speckles. As I stand next to her, I feel like a giant. She is only five feet tall and is such a small, sweet lady. When I hug her, I feel safe and warm inside. While with her, I feel happy that she is a part of me She is a strong, sweet, and patient woman, and knowing this, it makes me happy to know that I have the potential to be like her. Her and I sit in her living next to the warm wood stove and have long talks about the past. We talk about my father and my grandfather, whom I never had the chance to meet. I always enjoy learning about my past, but the stories about my aunts and uncles and the mischievous things they did were always exciting to me. These stories always made me laugh like a young child when I hear them. Now ill due to old age, her face looks different. She is ghostly pale and calm as a cold winter breeze. I miss her smile and touch. Her hands and body are not as strong as they used to be, and most of the time, she looks tired. The smell of her oatmeal cookies no longer fills the room when I go to her house. The smell of fresh lotion scent has diminished, but most of all, I miss the long talks and warm hugs. I will always remember my grandmother and the impression she has made in my life.

The struggles of The Current Economy †Economics Essay (200 Level Course)

The struggles of The Current Economy – Economics Essay (200 Level Course) Free Online Research Papers The struggles of The Current Economy Economics (200 Level Course) The article on the 09/08 WSJ summarizes the struggles the current economy is going through. There is too much supply of goods and services and not enough demand for them. Thus creating an oversupply. The massive layoff’s the economy has experienced has also contributed to the fall in demand as people trim their expenses in times of uncertainty. While most US companies are trimming manufacturing and closing plants foreign car makers are expanding their markets in the USA since they have lower manufacturing costs. And at the same time creating a price war with the local manufacturers. Consumers now have a wider choice than before. A slump in the business real estate market has caused a lot of business lots and office spaces to be vacant. A good indicator of oversupply is the telecom industry which had built itself up during the internet boom in the 90’s. The build up of extra transmission medium ended up causing an overcapacity. Overall the economic slowdown has benefited bargain hunters who are acting quickly to acquire companies that want to avoid liquidation or are in bankruptcy proceedings. Research Papers on The struggles of The Current Economy - Economics Essay (200 Level Course)Twilight of the UAWThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationDefinition of Export QuotasBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfPETSTEL analysis of IndiaMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductRiordan Manufacturing Production PlanNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This NiceAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaAppeasement Policy Towards the Outbreak of World War 2

Illinois State Unit Study - Geography, State Symbols Facts

Illinois State Unit Study - Geography, State Symbols Facts These state unit studies are designed to help children learn the geography of the United States and learn factual information about every state. These studies are great for children in the public and private education system as well as homeschooled children. Learn All About Illinois with These Resources Print the United States Map and color each state as you study it. Keep map at the front of your notebook for use with each state. Print the State Information Sheet and fill in the information as you find it. Print the Illinois State Outline Map and fill in the state capital, large cities and state attractions that you find. Answer the Following Questions About Illinois State Capital What is the capital?Capitol TourState Flag Why was Illinois added to the flag?State Flower What is the state flower?State Prairie Grass What is the state prairie grass?State Animal When was the state animal made official?State Bird Who selected the state bird?State Fish How big does this fish get?State Fossil What is the Tully Monster?State Mineral What is this mineral used for?State Tree What was the state tree changed to?State Insect Who suggested this state insect?State Song Who wrote the state song?State Dance What is the official dance?State Seal What was changed on the new seal? Printable Illinois Worksheets Illinois Printable Pages - Learn more about Illinois with these printable worksheets and coloring pages. Did You Know... List two interesting facts. Word Search - Print out the word search and find the state related words. Illinois State Symbols Game - Test your knowledge of the symbols. Do You Know? - Fun facts about Illinois. Route 66 Printables Historic Route 66 - The official website of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.Chicago, Illinois is where the Mother Road begins. Government - Learn about the three branches of government; executive, legislative and judicial. Envirofun - Learn about the environment and have some fun with: Middle Riddle: A picture riddle with an environmental message.How to Put Worms to Work for You: How to build a compost binMake a Water Cycle WheelLitter Hunt At Home in the Heartland Online - Family life in Illinois from 1700 to the present. Meet real people and share in their decision making. Shedd Aquarium - Explore the animals at the Shedd Aquarium. Dont miss the interactive story of Kayavak. Chicago Fire - Learn about this amazing fire that destroyed thousands of buildings and read about one young girls narrow escape. Willis  Tower - Learn about the second tallest building in North America. Print and color the pictures in the coloring book. Robert Pershing Wadlow - Meet the gentle giant. Odd Illinois Law: Catching fish with dynamite was forbidden.

Merriam-Websters 2018 Words of the Year

Merriam-Websters 2018 Words of the Year Merriam-Webster’s 2018 Words of the Year Merriam-Webster’s 2018 Words of the Year By Mark Nichol Toward the end of every calendar year, Merriam-Webster, like other major dictionaries, shares a list of the words most frequently searched for on its website. As usual, this search traffic is largely driven by public discourse, as people look up words they see and hear in the media and in conversations, seeking to learn definitions of unfamiliar words or to clarify for themselves the meanings of words they know (or think they know). This post discusses Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year for 2018 and ten runners-up. The Word of the Year, justice, was newsworthy in several contexts. The primary sense is that of administration or maintenance of fairness and lawfulness, and increasing concern about social justice has brought the concept, and the term that represents it, to the forefront in our society. But justice is a job title as well as a concept, referring to a judge on a national or state supreme court or similar body, and the controversy over confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh as an associate justice of the US Supreme Court also led people to check the definition. (The senior member of a supreme court is often titled â€Å"chief justice,† while the others are designated â€Å"associate justices.†) Finally, on a more trivial note, the Justice League is a team of superheroes created for DC Comics and appearing in various media, including a film released late last year. The runners-up include nationalism, which has figured prominently in the media as the concept gains traction throughout the world, including in the United States, where President Donald Trump recently unabashedly identified himself as a nationalist. However, he, like many people, appears to be unclear on the concept: Nationalism is often conflated with patriotism. However, while the latter term refers to pride in one’s country, nationalism denotes loyalty to a nation at the expense of international (and intranational) harmony. Nationalism is closely associated with fascism, a political philosophy that incorporates dictatorial control and centralization of authority and brutal suppression of individuals and groups deemed undesirable or resistant to fascists’ goals. In summary, to be called a nationalist is decidedly not a compliment, and to call oneself a nationalist does not invite compliments. Pansexual, incorporating a Greek prefix meaning â€Å"all,† refers to a conception of gender identity and sexual orientation as something that occurs along a spectrum, rejecting the idea of binary categorization. Lodestar, originally denoting Polaris, the North Pole Star, which for millennia has served as a navigational aid, now refers more broadly to a guide, inspiration, or model. (Lode is a Middle English word meaning â€Å"course† or â€Å"way; it’s seen also in the context of mining: A lode is a deposit of ore.) The term had a vogue this year after it was used in an anonymous op-ed in the New York Times purportedly written by a senior Trump administration official. Because Vice President Mike Pence is known to use the fairly obscure term, some people suspected him of being the author. An epiphany is an appearance or manifestation, but the term is most commonly employed to refer to a realization or revelation. Its popularity as a search term early this year likely resulted from the Christian holiday by that name, which on January 6 commemorates the visit of the Magi, or Three Wise Men, to where the infant Jesus lay; it derives from the Greek verb epiphainein, meaning â€Å"manifest.† Feckless, used by a television commentator to criticize Ivanka Trump for, in her role as adviser to her father, failing to criticize the Trump administration’s immigration policies, employs the root feck, of Scottish origin, meaning â€Å"value† or â€Å"worth.† Essentially, it is a rare synonym for worthless. Laurel, the word for a tree whose foliage was used to crown victors in athletic events in ancient Greece, became a hot search term when a debate erupted online about which of two words was being enunciated in an online dictionary’s pronunciation sound file. By extension of its original definition, the term came to apply to the celebratory object itself and to figurative honors; one idiom based on the term is â€Å"rest on (one’s) laurels,† which alludes to someone who, upon achieving an honor, refrains from attempting feats that bring further recognition. (Usage generally pertains to one who does not rest on one’s laurels, meaning that person does seek other honors.) Pissant was frequently looked up after a radio personality described a famous football player’s daughter with the word, which is a derogatory dialectal term formed from piss and ant. (This word is not to be confused with puissant, a rare term meaning â€Å"powerful† and etymologically related to power and potent. All three words derive from the Latin term posse, meaning â€Å"able,† which survives in English as the term for a group deputized to pursue a fugitive or, more loosely, to denote one’s entourage.) The death this year of Aretha Franklin, best known for her rousing rendition of the song â€Å"Respect,† prompted look-ups of that word, which literally means â€Å"look back.† (The second syllable of that word, meaning â€Å"look,† is also the root of spectacle, spectator, inspect, suspect, and so on.) Maverick is a term often applied to the late John McCain, a US senator and presidential aspirant, for his frequent opposition to party-line politics. The word, describing someone who often acts without regard for group or party loyalty, derives from the surname of a gentleman who, after taking a small herd of cattle as payment for a debt, neglected to brand them, rendering them vulnerable to appropriation by other ranchers, who rounded them up on the open range and applied their own brands to the livestock. Since then, the word has been a synonym for independent, though â€Å"stolen from a careless owner† would be a more appropriate association. The death of Marvel Comics mogul Stan Lee this year resulted in references to excelsior, the word with which Lee typically signed off in the columns he wrote for his company’s comic books. Though the primary meaning of the word is mundane- it was a trademark for a brand of wood shavings used as protective packing material and later a generic term- its origin is the Latin word meaning â€Å"higher†; excel, excellent, and so on are related. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:What Is Irony? (With Examples)Precedent vs. PrecedenceQuiet or Quite?

Business Ethic 4 questions Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Business Ethic 4 questions - Assignment Example The other stakeholders would be the company itself and the society. The company will benefit from the profit drawn by the product in the market and the society will be adversely and positive affected from the benefits or drawbacks of the product. 3) The alternative decisions could be either to spend more money on R & D to make it safer before releasing it in the market. The other decisions could be to tell people about the fact that the product will not be able to work under extreme conditions. The last alternative could be to stop the production of the product citing it unsafe for the consumers. 4) Stopping the production of hazardous products falls under the category of rule based ethics because the motivation of the company to stop the production is safety of the people that the company values. Similarly, spending more money on R & D falls under consequentialism because the fairness of the action depends on its outcome only. R&D would make the product better and will increase its

American Revolution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

American Revolution - Essay Example The colonies thought that the government wanted to impose total control over them and make the pay expensively for things that they highly required yet could not afford them. Through the introduction of these Acts, the colonies also believed that the government would later come up with other taxation Acts, which would require them to pay more tax. B. What role did African Americans play during the American Revolution? The African American assisted the American in their revolution battle whereby they participated willingly in the military forces, even though they did this in exchange of their freedom from slavery. At first, the American avoided involving the black in the fight, but it is until when the blacks intervened that the Americans became victorious. Study shows that more than 5000 blacks participated in the battle and that the number of the Americans involved was much lower . C. Describe how the patriot achieved the unity needed to wage the War for Independence?. The patriot decided to make a declaration for independence which enables them bring people together, and gained the corporation they required to engage in the battle for independence . This was successful since, the patriots had power over all regions and population, and because the colonial states had abandoned their former government and chased the British senates away. Therefore, it became necessary to implement a new constitution in every nation .

Imperial China 1600 to 1900 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Imperial China 1600 to 1900 - Research Paper Example Therefore the imperial China from 1600-1900 is defined by about 44 years under the Ming dynasty and the rest under the Qing dynasty. The period from 1600 to 1644 marked the downfall of the Ming dynasty, which had earlier established a strong internal governance system in the country. Threats from external imperialists who partitioned and reduced the Chinese territory and devastating earthquake strained the Ming dynasty greatly and it eventually succumbed to the Qing dynasty. According to Johan, one of the most enduring remnant of the Ming dynasty is the China’s Great Wall that was strategically build to protect the country from foreign invaders(73). On ascending to power, the Qing dynasty made drastic changes in the social and political system of the country. Initially it concentrated on reviving the social economy and this required changes on previous structures that had been entrenched by the Ming dynasty. The reforms strengthened the central governance and the imperial rulings (Elman and Woodside 63). Johan notes that by the mid of 18 century China had achieved remarkable economic and scientific developments credited to prudent economic and political administration by the Qing rulers (104). China experienced a long period of peace and stability after the Qing dynasty ascended to power. This enabled expansion of Chinese society in virtually all realms. For instance, the population grew tremendously and other economic sectors developed (Susan 86). In addition, China opened its borders to international trade becoming a trading partner of several European countries, including Great Britain. China was an important source of silk, tea and porcelain (Susan 99). During Qing dynasty, the influence of Chinese art spread in the western countries and other trading partners. Moreover, China expanded its territory courtesy of a

Choose a good topic for this paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Choose a good topic for this paper - Essay Example Quite rightly so, in order to find out how something is morally right or wrong, the need is to know where the line has to be drawn because then only can the distinctions be made between the right and wrong steps. If actions and undertakings bring in a positive aspect to the fore where there is no problem for the people concerned with it, then there is understanding available. This optimism shall suggest for further usage of ethics in a quantifiable manner. However, it is important to know that the flip side is equally fatal. The unethical means are also significant to draw and gain something from (Shafer-Landau, 2012). What this will do is to inform everyone how things shall shape up and how sanity needs to be restored. As a parent, this seems like a difficult process all along, yet the basis for comprehension is there for one and all to see. This oxymoron is apparent because ethics seem to differ from person to person. There are some individuals who believe that ethics is all about doing ‘good’ for one’s own self but not for others. This is a flawed mindset which has drastic results in the end, and more so for the societal regimes. Ethics when taught to the young ones should always be in such a manner that there are more positive undertakings for everyone irrespective of his position within the society. It needs to comprise of the collective goodwill of the society to bring forward seriously positive results. Essentially speaking and focused more towards the junior-high age youngsters, teaching ethics to them is a difficult process as they might have readymade alternatives for them. With so much negativity being highlighted by the media and the different domains of the society, the children can only be confused rather than getting corrected. In the end, it would be justifiable to say that there is a dire need on the part of the parents and teachers to enact ways and means to bring correction which is long-lasting and has a positive

Fascism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Fascism - Essay Example Although a more full and complete analysis of fascism would necessarily require a comparison of fascism around the globe, this particular analysis will merely be concentric upon European fascism and the means by which it was defined in elaborated on by its most visible proponents; Adolph Hitler and Benito Mussolini. According to this level of analysis, the research will investigate Benito Mussolini’s â€Å"The Political and Social Doctrine of Fascism† and compare and contrast it to Adolph Hitler’s Mein Kampf. Further, the analysis will seek to consider what Hitler viewed as the primary and core weakness of democracy, his thoughts and beliefs with regards to individualism, and the underlying reason why Marxists and fascists must necessarily hate one another under the definitions of fascism that will be presented. Moreover, an analysis of bigotry and anti-Semitism will be discussed as a core and fundamental compound that fascism, regardless of its form, seeks to en gage. Most importantly of all, a fundamental level of comparison and contrast between these two characters and the means by which fascism evolved within their respective states will be engaged. One of the clearest levels of comparison exists between the writings of Benito Mussolini and Adolph Hitler is with respect to the degree of contempt that they both shared towards democracy and the idea and/or understanding that people or groups of people should have the determinant right to decide what the future of their nation/state might look like. As a means of understanding this, one should consider the following quote from Mussolini which is as follows: â€Å"The Fascist conception of the State is all-embracing; outside of it no human or spiritual values can exist, much less have value. Thus understood, Fascism is totalitarian, and the Fascist State—a synthesis and a unit inclusive of all values—interprets, develops, and potentiates the whole life of a people† (Muss olini 14). Likewise, from a careful analysis of Mein Kampf it can be concluded that some of the primary reasons for Hitler detesting the concept and practice of democracy was due to the fact that he considered it to be socialist inspired, week, ineffective, inefficient, effeminate, and patently un-German. Due to such a strong distaste for the concept, it comes as little to no surprise that Hitler, although democratically elected, sought immediately to garner power to himself and his henchman as a means of rapidly turning the German Republic into the Third Reich. An important concept for the reader to grasp is the fact that although Hitler and Mussolini necessarily defined the epiphany of fascism within their respective systems as well as helped to pen some of fascism’s most memorable and defining texts, they were nonetheless merely the figureheads and dictators of these respective peoples. As such, the ills of fascism and the means by which it grew, if all, and was exhibited within both Germany and Italy necessarily engages the reader with the understanding that the people of these respective systems also identified heavily with the series and approaches that their leaders put forward. At multiple times throughout Mein Kampf particular refers to what key defines as Jewish Bolshevism/Jewish Marxism. Due to the fact that

Fallacies Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Fallacies - Assignment Example One common source of fallacies is the media and this paper seeks to examine two exemplary and common fallacies from this source and illustrate how this source construes information to convince the audience. This is a common fallacy that is committed over the television. Ignoratio elenchi directly translates to "irrelevant thesis", which in formal perspective refers to a negation that fails to concentrate on the central argument (Destiny 2008). As commonly seen in televised political debates between presidential candidates, the interviewer might ask one of the candidates how he can handle the rising unemployment rates should he or she become the president, then the candidate may answer â€Å"I am glad you asked, since unemployment is a major problem facing our country, however, my opponent’s strategy to handle this situation is entirely insufficient,† (Destiny 2008). As illustrated from this example, the presidential candidate completely negated the question. This is a potent and a simple form of illogical fallacy. It occurs when an individual misinterprets the position held by the opponent (Destiny 2008). Such an argument was televised in the year 2001 when President George Bush assumed office he advocated for a new system of testing in schools, and then formed an argument that those opposing such a system were not interested in holding the schools responsible for their poor performance. On subjection to retrospection, such an assertion was not true, and it is dismissed on the basis that other political opponents had offered other adequate alternatives. After having studied logic, I explicitly understand how to distinguish between firmly grounded arguments that in essence have a basis from fallacious statements. Therefore, I do not think that I will be fooled by these fallacies. Presenters of fallacious arguments essentially construe information to appeal to the viewer, and as such they generally assume

Fascism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Fascism - Essay Example Although a more full and complete analysis of fascism would necessarily require a comparison of fascism around the globe, this particular analysis will merely be concentric upon European fascism and the means by which it was defined in elaborated on by its most visible proponents; Adolph Hitler and Benito Mussolini. According to this level of analysis, the research will investigate Benito Mussolini’s â€Å"The Political and Social Doctrine of Fascism† and compare and contrast it to Adolph Hitler’s Mein Kampf. Further, the analysis will seek to consider what Hitler viewed as the primary and core weakness of democracy, his thoughts and beliefs with regards to individualism, and the underlying reason why Marxists and fascists must necessarily hate one another under the definitions of fascism that will be presented. Moreover, an analysis of bigotry and anti-Semitism will be discussed as a core and fundamental compound that fascism, regardless of its form, seeks to en gage. Most importantly of all, a fundamental level of comparison and contrast between these two characters and the means by which fascism evolved within their respective states will be engaged. One of the clearest levels of comparison exists between the writings of Benito Mussolini and Adolph Hitler is with respect to the degree of contempt that they both shared towards democracy and the idea and/or understanding that people or groups of people should have the determinant right to decide what the future of their nation/state might look like. As a means of understanding this, one should consider the following quote from Mussolini which is as follows: â€Å"The Fascist conception of the State is all-embracing; outside of it no human or spiritual values can exist, much less have value. Thus understood, Fascism is totalitarian, and the Fascist State—a synthesis and a unit inclusive of all values—interprets, develops, and potentiates the whole life of a people† (Muss olini 14). Likewise, from a careful analysis of Mein Kampf it can be concluded that some of the primary reasons for Hitler detesting the concept and practice of democracy was due to the fact that he considered it to be socialist inspired, week, ineffective, inefficient, effeminate, and patently un-German. Due to such a strong distaste for the concept, it comes as little to no surprise that Hitler, although democratically elected, sought immediately to garner power to himself and his henchman as a means of rapidly turning the German Republic into the Third Reich. An important concept for the reader to grasp is the fact that although Hitler and Mussolini necessarily defined the epiphany of fascism within their respective systems as well as helped to pen some of fascism’s most memorable and defining texts, they were nonetheless merely the figureheads and dictators of these respective peoples. As such, the ills of fascism and the means by which it grew, if all, and was exhibited within both Germany and Italy necessarily engages the reader with the understanding that the people of these respective systems also identified heavily with the series and approaches that their leaders put forward. At multiple times throughout Mein Kampf particular refers to what key defines as Jewish Bolshevism/Jewish Marxism. Due to the fact that

What is a monopoly Essay Example for Free

What is a monopoly Essay Monopoly is at the opposite end of the spectrum of market models from perfect competition. A monopoly firm has no rivals. It is the only firm in its industry. There are no close substitutes for the good or service a monopoly produces. Not only does a monopoly firm have the market to itself, but it also need not worry about other firms entering. In the case of monopoly, entry by potential rivals is prohibitively difficult. A monopoly does not take the market price as given; it determines its own price. It selects from its demand curve the price that corresponds to the quantity the firm has chosen to produce in order to earn the maximum profit possible. In assuming there is one firm in a market, we assume there are no other firms producing goods or services that could be considered part of the same market as that of the monopoly firm. The result is a model that gives us important insights into the nature of the choices of firms and their impact on the economy. There are some Advantages of a Monopoly. The Monopolies avoids duplications and hence wastage of resources. Enjoys economics of scale, due to it being the only supplier of the product or service in the market, makes many profits and be used for research and development to maintain their status as a monopoly. They also use price discrimination to benefit the weaker economic section of society. To avoid competition, they can afford to invest in the latest technology and machinery. There are some Disadvantages of a Monopoly. Monopolies have poor levels of service, there is no consumer sovereignty, the consumers are charged high prices for such low quality goods, and lack of competition could lead to low quality goods, as well as out dated goods. First off, any market type can see super normal profits in the short-run. What is more important is what happens in the end. Pure monopolies are not the only monopoly that can make profits. Natural Monopoly or a price discriminating monopoly can make profits as well. The only difference between them is â€Å"why† they are monopolies to begin with. Oligopolies are not monopolies, although they do tend to make above normal profits. Monopolistic competition does not yield these types of profits in the end. Economic profit goes to zero here in the end because there is a lack of barriers here to prevent competition from entering.

Impact of Corporate Social Responsibilities

Impact of Corporate Social Responsibilities Corporate Social Responsibilities as the culture of Foreign Investor There are many reasons that attribute and would attribute to the failure, some being corporate social responsibility concept being new in Tanzania whereby majority of corporate or organisational employees, management included and civilians have not thoroughly understood the gist of the concept. Only corporate or companies that mostly implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) are foreign-oriented who bought shares in the companies through privatisation of the public sector and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) which support each other in facilitating sale, acquisition, take overs and monopoly of business depending on techniques and tactics applied or that would be executed to accomplish investors or shareholders, board of directors, management of an organisation, mission, objectives and goals. Organisational operating philosophy and work culture could either substantiate sustainably or fail completely. Relationship marketing which is a process of creating, maintaining , and enhancing strong, value -laden relationship with customers and other stakeholders. So far, transaction marketing is part of the larger idea of relationship marketing. Beyond creating short-term transactions, marketers need to build long -term relationship with valued customer, distributors, dealers, and suppliers. They build strong economic and social ties by promising and consistently delivering high -quality products, good service, and fair prices. Increasingly, marketing is shifting from trying to maximize the profit on each individual transaction to building mutually beneficial relationships with consumers and other parties. Marketing Network Infact, ultimately, a company wants to build a unique company asset called marketing network. A marketing network consists of the company and all its supporting stakeholders, such as customer, employees, supplier, distributors, retailers, advertising agencies, mass media and others with whom it has build mutually profitable business relationship. Increasingly, competition is not between companies but rather between whole networks, with the prize going to the company that has build the better network. The operating principle is simple. Build a good network of relationship with key stakeholders, and profit will follow. Further, competitors reactions flow a set of reaction policy or a flesh analysis of each situation.  [1]  Marketing occurs when people decide to satisfy needs and wants that customer can obtain a desired object. Exchange is the act of obtaining a desired object from someone by offering something in return. Thus, exchange allows a society to produce much more that it would with any other system.  [2]   Not all transactions involve physical direct money. In the broadest sense, the marketing tries to bring about a response to some offer. The response may be more than simply buying or trading goods and service. Marketing consists of actions taken to obtain a desired response from a target audience to some product, service, idea, or other object. Nevertheless, customer satisfactions depend on a products perceived, performance in delivering value relative to buyers expectations. If the products performance falls short of customers expectations, the buyer is dissatisfied and risk of losing him or her money also arise, threatening business investment potentiality and well being. If performance wins expectations, the buyer is satisfied. If performance exceeds expectations, the buyer is delighted. This is why corporate social responsibility going together with Marketing and the Events and Promotion activities in many organisation. Their duties are kind of the same mainly to build the brand awareness and build reputation in a given situation. Outstanding marketing companies go out of their way to keep their customer satisfied. Satisfied customers buy again, and they tell others about their good experiences with the product. The key is to match customer expectations with company performance. Smart companies aim to delight customers by promising only what they can deliver.  [3]   Marketing and Industrial Activities Marketing as a link between societys needs and its industrial activities, is also a function that adjusts the organisations offering to the ever- changing needs of the market place. It is an external sensor of the organisation that provides its adaptations and growth. Problems, such as high and persistent worldwide inflation, material and energy shortages, economic stagnation, consumerism, environmentalism, increased government regulation, changing consumer life styles, and under marked public sector needs. Marketers have to find solutions to these problems that reconcile corporate profitability, customer satisfaction, and social responsibility. Besides, problems are also opportunities. Still marketing plans, shape and interact with other corporate or organisation plans. However, societal marketing concept is among four alternative concepts under which business and other organisations can conduct their marketing concept, it is a management orientation aimed at generating customer satisfaction and long -run consumer and public welfare as the key to satisfying organisational goals and responsibilities. The underlying premises of societal marketing The main mission of the organisation is to create satisfied and healthy customers and to contribute to the quality of life. The organisation constantly searches for better products and services defined in terms of appeal and benefit to consumers. It is ready to promote benefits that are in consumers interest even if not in his or her mind. The organisation eschews those products that are not in the best interest of the customer. Consumers will sense and patronise those organisations that demonstrate concern for their satisfaction and welfare. Other alternative concepts under which business and other entities operate their marketing undertakings are product concept, selling concept and marketing concept which of late has been revised into or replaced by the human concept, the intelligent consumption concept and the ecological imperative concept.  [4]   Nonetheless, making a distinction between passive and active strategies is essential. Passive investment strategy regards market prices of products and services as fairly set, rather than attempting to beat the market by exploiting superior information or insight. In contrast, and active investment strategy attempts to achieve returns greater than those commensurate with the risk borne. The sustainability of relationship marketing through social responsibility could mainly depend on resource components strategically considered worth strategic action implementation to achieve and enhance competitive win-win advantage, vision, mission, objectives and goals in whatever culture of investment operations, strategy development and market place. The issue in question in not the merit of the agenda itself, but rather how and to what extent it relates to the development affairs in general. The impression that it only takes quantifiable objective to ensure sustainable development is a common as it is over blown and the idea that tripartite comprising government, business, community and general society or public, focus on long-term beneficial objectives to all parties despite profit difference that will accrue as net safely is justifiable. However, corporate social responsibility has been operative some decades ago in developed countries, likes one of the United States of America. In the case of Tanzania the concept is not much known by various native societies and general public. To mostly, Tanzanian, it is understood as a helping facility to the needy to easy certain difficulties facing some people at a particular area. In most cases, the CSR is extended by corporate mostly banks, mining sectors ,cellular (mobile) telephone service providers, breweries and soft drinks processors. Almost all the latter three industrials sector sponsor games and beauty pageantry. The sponsorship is almost publicity winning and advertisement. The corporate role and responsibilities to society are provided to the needy especially in the rural areas after much lobbying and sometimes, to secure the services unless a god father or good mother politician or senior government officer has been involved in the lobbing for various reasons, mostl y political to ensure his or her political ambitions in high government office or constituency are sustained and safe without such support the ambitious politician risk losing influence and political power and other hidden interest the person or group could have and whose easy channel to process successful would be through political channels. Corporation sake to win Political favours In other instances, the corporate themselves for the sake of winning political favours for their business undertaking they prefer to help disaster stricken areas such as flood and hunger hits constituencies and where school mostly primary school teaching and learning aids are insufficient, therefore, just to easen the problem would facilitate either some desks or text books depending on the learning institutes need sought for. Most of the societies that benefit even during tragic times are those whose native members have high office in government and political ruling party, else it cumbersome to secure it for various reasons, some of which could be corporate internal weakness to communicate policies to all levels of its employer from top management to the bottom, and from bottom to the top(top-bottom-bottom-up communication) else traits of nepotism and corruption could be existing within corporate lines of operations and functionalities. Such weaknesses are attributable to board of d irectors and senior management. Business ethics have to be considered and given due weight in all cases; however, difficult it could be in certain instances. Besides, ethics conflicts can arise when what might be best for company is wrong morally or professionally.  [5]   No law Binding CSR in Tanzania Another attribution to the ineffectiveness of corporate social responsibility in Tanzania, is the country having no law -binding or guiding on corporate social responsibility, however a bill has been prepared by the government of Tanzania for enacting a law on the matter. The Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania enacts the law while the President of the Republic either assents or not. If not assented, it doesnt become a law. Once assented it will be part of business law that governs the conducts of people and organisation engaged in business. So far, apart from what have been explained above, there are other many ways on how business and society interact. The majority of them are through direct sales and purchase of goods and services. On business law, major areas include antitrust, business organisation, bankruptcy, contracts, uniform commercial code, consumer protection, product liability, intellectual property, securities regulation, taxation, employment, real estate and insurance.  [6]   Social Investment Programmes by various Industries Corporate organisations are trying to support the society the do business with in different ways. Below are some of the organisations discussed in the case of Tanzania. In case of Stanbic Bank Tanzania, what they consider as a support to the community is only 1% of their post tax profit of the year. The rate of post -tax profit allocated to corporate social investment is fixed by the management. But what is this support for, they only building a class, supply of books, help in eradication of Malaria, and support orphanages.  [7]  The resources provide does not satisfy they need of the of the community as its only for the wishes of the bank and its only for a short time period and not long -term development of the community. The aim of the Stanbic Bank on other perspective is to gain brand awareness or brand equity building in the community. I can say this as regards to the profit gain by the bank while knowing that the money is coming from the Tanzanians who are doing transaction on daily basis. Also, I have not seen a bank going back to the society and keep supporting them after the first attempt. They normally go only once and later they go to another area without bother the previous development of the society. When these Corporate Bank doing social responsibilities support to the community, they call the media for them to be published on the newspapers and on the televisions station intentionally for publicity. I see directly their strategy is to marketing the company more than support the development of the community. However, other bank likes CRDB Bank Limited they introduce School Bus project for Primary School in the Dar es Salaam City. The project was launched by Mr. Mizengo Pinda- the Prime Minister of Republic of Tanzania, starting with five buses only. The project will be running by (UDA) Shirika la Usafiri Dar es Salaam for the students who are in need of transport to and from the school in the city.  [8]   This is fine I can see, but the issue is that, the bus need to have services and other maintenances now and then. Does the CRDB Bank aware of this concern for the future? Do they have a plan of 3-5 years maintenance expenses for the school buses? If yes, does the CRDB bank plan to increase the services to other areas as for now is only few routines considered. There is need of 50 buses to and from school for the student to cover the chaos they face on their daily transport said by the UDA General Manager, Mr Victor Milanzi at the launching ceremony held at Karimjee grounds in the city last year.The answer to the questions is not clear as most of the community project are their for the purpose of advertising the specific organisation and not having permanent programs for supporting the society as a whole. Authority should ensure sustainability of the project, effective and efficient management, and ways to increase the number of buses to carter for more students as each year enrolment has been increasing. Authority should bear in mind that, the most important factor for the student is to have a calm psychological state of mind for them to concentrate in their studies. The assurance of the transport to the student will reduce absenteeism, unwanted pregnancy for the girls hence better generation in the near future. As now we were having two types of generation, there are student who are coming from wealth family and be able to use school bus from their school famous knows as Academic School and those come from poor family who really face this chaos of transport to and from Government School. If this is not supported well, after 10year we will find the generation of Academic people having sophisticated life whiles those of Government struggling to survive in the society. Professionalism will become an issue as in Tanzania majority of the people are living under one dollar per day which does not support their daily life. This will even disturb the investment as their will be few human resource to be employed in a certain career. Cellular (mobile) telephone service providers are now engaged in community development and sponsorships. In Tanzania we have more than five company operators in this industry, to mention we have Airtel Tanzania, Vodacom Tanzania, Tigo, Zantel, Benson, Sasatel and TTCL (Tanzania Telecommunication Company Limited). Here I can talk of Vodacom Tanzanias the leading cellular network where they sponsor Tanzania Premium League Soccer. But still the players complain on the quality of the items provided to them by other sponsors. One of the team leader was comparing jerseys from Vodacom Tanzania and other sporsors in the forum at Channel 5 Television Station recently.  [9]  He gives bigup to Vodacom Tanzania for the standard of their jerseys. Vodacom Tanzania has been supplying team participating in the league with playing shoes, balls and jerseys labelled with their brand name for the publicity. Though Vodacom Tanzania jerseys are not of high quality but he mention at least are best than others. Vodacom Tanzania also engaged in beauty sector by sponsoring Miss Tanzania Beauty Pageant in each year.  [10]  Vodacom Tanzania sponsoring help contestants to get the opportunity to be known and make easy for them to get employment in different area like business promotion, public relations, customer care officer and advertising business. Again, this is excellent for the young generation once they get the opportunity to represent our nation in other country during the final competition worldwide and gain exposure. The question is after the first year of contract with Vodacom Tanzania been finished, Vodacom contract is not going to be renewed. As most of them are not famous any more and its not known what they up to. This means that, Vodacom Tanzania does not intension support the carrier development of the beauty but only to keep the community aware that they do sponsorship and build their good name. We have seen that Vodacom Tanzania support education sector especially in the poorest community in our country. I was asking if that support is measurable as they only build one to three classes in one area. Then that is called sponsorship and calling media to take new for the public to know their effort. This is laying peoples mind as it does not fulfil the needs of specific demand. Airtel also engaging in local community in which they operate, education is one of the organisation key pillars of the Airtel brand. Moreover, Airtel strive to reach and uplift the underprivileged in the community in which they operate through education. By consulting the Ministry of Education, Airtel provides uniforms, text books, furniture, teaching and learning aids focus in primary school.  [11]  Doing marketing is so expensive, it also take time to get people attention on advert whether in the radio, television station or in the newspaper. So the easiest way is to support the community they do business with and then customer will pay attention on what as been offered by the company meanwhile the company advertise it products or service they provide. That why in every activity that Airtel participate they put their brand name on it. Fun enough they even paint walls with their brand name to create awareness. So whatever they offer/ support it has to be with their log for publi city. The case of Morogoro floods disaster of 2010, 2000 homes in Kilosa were engulfed by the rising water and more than half were destroyed completely.  [12]  Camps have been established across the region to secure safe ground for the displaced families. Damage of infrastructure has been immense, roads and bridge have been swept away, and parts of the railway line left impassable slow down the region transportation system. Still that community are suffering because the support was on short bases and not for the future life of that society. But we have seen corporate organisation support has been sent in the areas for their daily life and now no one was responsible to know the future of the affected area for 3-5 years to come. Thats why people are still suffering because the get bread and water for their hunger and not able to start their life again and remain beggars from the society. I have seen Airtel previous knows as Zain Tanzania support the victims of hunger as flood have swept acres of crops in the region. The biggest problem is shelter where corporate organisation should join hand to support those families affected by the floods. Mining Sector also support community development and do sponsorship in Tanzania society. Tanzania has been rich in mining sector in various region. We are having gold mining in Bulyanhulu, North Mara, Tulawaka, Buzwagi Goldmine, Golden Price, Behemba Godmine, Geita Goldmine( the largest gold mine in the country) and others. Diamond mining in Mwadui/ Williamson/ Peter-Diamond and El Hillal Diamond. By 2008, Tanzania had become Africas third -largest exporter of gold; accounting for as much as 44% of the countrys of exports.  [13]  . An export drop to 50 tonnes in 2009 now places Tanzania at the fourth position after South Africa, Ghana and Mali. Mining sector provide 3% royalty base on the net instead of gross revenue of mining companies. This means that the government only receive revenue from royalties after subtracting cost on transportation and processing instead of subtracting from the amount that the minerals are sold for in the market. Considering the mining sector development in the country and the way they use to do corporate social responsibilities in the society is very awkward. They get millions of money from the gold sector from our land and left us with empty hand and holes in our mother land. The case of Barrick Gold Corporation engaged on their alleged poor treatment of local employees. Moreover, in 2009 at the companys North Mara gold mine heavy metals and toxic chemicals were reportedly leaked into the river Thigite. The incident has since become a bone of contention and source of conflict between locals and the mining business. The previous two paragraphs show how much the mining sector does not consider the society they do operation with. Mining sector are excluded from corporate tax when they operating for some year, some its about 50years. So they do what is called corporate social responsibility as covering to make the society calm. But still the support does not satisfy the utility of the community comparing to the profit they earned from the business. Kilimanjaro Premium Lager do sponsor Yanga and Simba , the nations biggest and best known football clubs that have been historic arch-rivals in Tanzania. Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL) they value sports as they lifted the spirits of every true fan of football in the country. The company believe that by doing the sponsorship of these two teams will primarily be an experience about gaining a share of heart in the society. TBl hopes by doing corporate social responsibility help to build and sustaining the two teams by provide kits for teams, match gear, casual and training. On top of this, if you look on other perspective TBL uses their resource to support the two teams to build the brand loyalty. TBL Marketing Director and the Events and Promotion Manager are the one who dealing with social responsibility but deep you can figure out its only marketing and brand awareness. If you compare the figure in the income statement and the expenses they incur on supporting the teams are of so minimal.  [14]  Kilimanjaro Premium Lager also sponsors Tanzania Music Award in each year where by the participant and the winner receive award for TBL. The event was Live in the TBC1 where individual from different part of the world can watch it, and there is when TBL get p ublicity. CSR support to Society is only a Publicity of the Business itself As mostly corporate social responsibility support to society through contributions has political affiliations, it does not mean producing solution to the needy society, such organisation could be focusing only on marketing myopia, sticking to existing wishes, desires and wants of the politicians in power while losing sights and meaning of the corporate social responsibility to the genuine needy people without enabling resources to overcome their ordeals or problems. Business scandals are to be avoided for the betterment and interest of corporate governance that refers both to the policies by which a company operate and the system of controls and oversight that enables the company to operate according to those corporate policies.  [15]   Operating according to corporate policies and total quality management (TQM) will also enable companies sustain substantially organisational success through effective planning and plan implementation to ensure product, service and brand are proactively incorporated with societal long-term interactions. Yet, any organisational plan has no values unless it is put into action, and production and service methods must be continuously improved. Single or occasional standard performance review and revision are to be discouraged and stay unacceptable organisation wise, so that also through corporate social responsibility, company business grows sustainably in good and bad times. The CSR can also help organisations get extraordinary results from ordinary people, depending on how parts of business could be accessed to various societies and societal culture, else corporate social responsibility in Tanzania wont succeed in sustaining substantial relationship marketing. Building a strong company brand identity in the public and societal marketing places to enforce and reinforce all corporate images and messages are essential to be constantly in place. Conclusion Its clear that corporate social responsibility is new to our culture. We learnt this from foreign investor who brought shares in our local companies. These investors once they invest in a certain activities they are excluded from corporate tax for 5year. Smart investor terminates the contract after five years and said they did not earn profit for the past year on their operations. While they are on operation they try to build their public relations, through direct contribution to society. That why you can find a certain organisation changes its business name after 4-5 year. There is no law guiding Corporate Social Responsibility currently. Government need to pass a law where by the President of Republic of Tanzania has to assent for the law to be practise by the corporate organisation. By having a law organisation will stop doing social responsibility as a marketing strategy to build the brand loyalty. Hence corporate organisation will extends the benefit of CSR and compensation to social, economic and environmental losses suffered by communities living within operation areas will be diminished. Orphan project, water supply and sanitation will not be a issue for the people around the organisation and even the one far from the company.

Reciprocal love in John Donnes Holy Sonnets Essay -- John Donne Holy

Reciprocal love in John Donne's Holy Sonnets Holy Sonnet XV deals with the question of reciprocal love that runs throughout Donne’s religious poetry. The Sonnet is an address of the speaker’s mind to the speaker’s soul; it is a meditation on the Trinity and man’s relationship to God. The poem’s form and the multi-layered conflation throughout expound upon the nature of the Trinity. The theme of humility in reciprocal religious love or receiving and understanding God’s glory (as Donne understood it) runs throughout the poem. This allows the speaker’s soul to understand his own need for humility in order to love god fully. Donne uses the Sonnet form cunningly in this poem; the formal divisions of the Sonnet reflect the trinity, with three four-line sections, while the inner workings of the poem expound upon God’s love for mankind and the need for humility. The poem’s rhyme scheme is abba/abba/cddc/ee. This formally divides the poem into three four part sections that m ove from the spiritual to the physical downward through the Trinity, increasing tangibility with regard to the physical and allowing the speaker to achieve a closer relationship with God through Christ. Each four-line section expounds upon one aspect of the Trinity- God the Spirit/God the Father/God the Son. Donne continually juxtaposes the explication of aspects of the Trinity with explication of man’s relationship to God, resulting in a high degree of conflation throughout. The first line opens with a simultaneous statement of doubt and faith, â€Å"Wilt thou love God, as He thee?† While the speaker is convinced of God’s love, he doubts his ability to reciprocate. This is in contrast to many of Donne’s other Holy Sonnets in which the speaker continuously implores ... ...al in lines one and two with enjambment between the words â€Å"digest† and â€Å"my soul.† He even goes so far as to conflate God the Father with depraved man through enjambent and the phrase â€Å"robbed man† in line 9. In fact, this line seems to actually serve as a kind of â€Å"volta† due to the ultimate extreme of conflation, thus following the traditional Italian sonnet form. This emphasizes the purity of the form as representative of the Trinity in this sonnet. Donne’s use of the form of the poem itself as an embodiment of the Trinity seems to further emphasize the perceived interrelatedness of all things, and therefore supports the mutual statement of love that opens the poem. So, the conflation rises to yet another level, where the poem itself is a resonation of God’s love as a manifestation of the trinity, and Donne takes the role of creator, thus acting in the image of God.

Subjective Intelligence :: Technology Technological Essays

Subjective Intelligence The human aspiration to create intelligent machines has appeared in myth and literature for thousands of years, from stories of Pygmalion to the tales of the Jewish Golem. After thousands of years of fantasy, the appearance of the digital computer, with its native, human-like ability to process symbols, made it seem that the myth of man-made intelligence could become reality. However, when will we know when we have reached that critical point when a machine becomes a mind? What is it that distinguishes real intelligence from the mere processing of symbols and interpretation of stimuli? When is intelligence achieved? To answer these questions one needs a concrete definition of intelligence in order to formulate the criteria necessary to evaluate the intellectual capability of machines and men. Webster’s dictionary defines intelligence as, â€Å"The ability to learn and understand.†[1] This is a very broad definition and allows for as much interpretation as the concept we are trying to define. Furthermore, this definition fails to account for the full range of cognition that the human brain is capable of. Webster’s definition does not account for the critical aspects of emotion, free will and personality. A second definition given by the Encarta encyclopedia is the â€Å"general mental capability to reason, solve problems, think abstractly, learn and understand new material and profit from past experience.†[2] All of these are traits of the human mind. Therefore it would follow that if a machine does not possess one of these human characteristics it cannot be considered intelligent. Furthermore, it necessitates that an intelligent machine must be human-like. If this is so, a machine could then be described with the same qualifying words we use to describe a human. Is a machine then bright, smart, stupid or clever? If we define intelligence as â€Å"â€Å"a likeness to the human mind,†Ã¢â‚¬  the human characteristics that Webster failed to capture in its definition, are encompassed in a separate humanistic definition of intelligence. However, where Webster and Encarta are too broad, the humanistic definition may be too tight. It is commonly agreed that humans are all intelligent beings, however it does not necessarily follow that humans are the only intelligent beings. Therefore by defining intelligence in such a way one could be ruling out different forms of intelligence that are intelligent by nature, but then not by definition.

Market mix Essay

REPORT Table of content Identify key characteristics of the product. Review pricing policy Analyse the impact and importance 1. Promotional method 2. Channel of distribution 3. Level of customer service provided Establish the components of the marketing mix. Identify external environment factors Identify consumer priorities Assess the marketing mix Introduction Braaap began with the vision of making motorcycling more enjoyable and more accessible, enabling more people to experience what we love about motorcycling. Plan from the beginning was to build a World-Class Motorcycle that could compete with the custom built American race bikes, whilst still being affordable to the masses. With a dream of building a niche motorcycle brand, braaap founder Brad Smith set out to find manufacturing partners that could build the ultimate motorcycle with him. As an eighteen year old kid with nothing to offer but a vision, he and an interpreter visited over 50 motorcycle manufacturing plants; one by one getting laughed out of their offices. Finally he found manufacturing partners that believed in his vision, believed in the brand. We now have what we believe is the best motorcycle range of its type in the world. We are the only motorcycle brand on the planet with a lifetime warranty, and we are the only production bike to win back to back world championship s for our genre of the sport. Characteristics Braaap Motorcycles are the only Australian motorcycle company and the only dirt bike on the planet to offer a life time warranty and customised dirt bikes. With the option of over 1000 colour and sticker kit combinations there’s no wonder braaap are the category leader. 1. Braaap Pro 50cc The braaap PRO 50cc Is the Ultimate Kids bike! Designed in Australia and Backed by Lifetime Warranty the braaap Pro 50cc is Loaded with safety features and top level specs including disk brakes, category leading suspension, restrict-able throttle and electric start. 2. Braaap Pro 88cc – Youth Edition The kids 88cc braaap features all world class componentry as the adults 88cc but features a cut down seat to suit kids. The braaap 88cc is a perfect match for someone learning to ride, with a 4 speed semi centrifugal gear box this bike is packed with fun! 3. Braaap Street Superlite 125cc The Street Superlite is an exciting addition to the Australian designed braaap range. With a mission to take everything braaap represents and bring it to your daily commute. The street legal braaap SS 125cc is a superlight street legal motorcycle suited for the daily commuter or weekend riding with a power to weight ratio make every ride awesome. 4. Braaap Pro Factory 190cc The braaap Factory â€Å"RACE† Bike. Our â€Å"braaap factory 190cc† is the Ultimate Power house, race bread SUPERLITE machine. Featuring the Japanese Daytona Anima 190cc engine, French Frame, European Exhaust and Canadian Suspension the power to weight ratio will blow your mind! If you want to go fast and roost ya mates this is the bike for you. Marketing mix The largest moto fashion retrailer in AUS is the slogan of Braaap. The market mix strategies used at Braaap to become a successful company in business of dirt bike, pit bike and mini bike. Pricing, Promotion, Products, Channels of distribution and Customer Serviced are the key ingredients at Braaap. Pit bike, Dirt Bike, Mini Bike and their parts and accessories are available to shop online and in store. Braaap offers their own brand name bike or other major brands including: ProTaper, Renthal, Daytona, Elka and Castrol. Braaap refers their bike as the best dirt bike of its type in the world. It is assembled by Braaap’s mechanics base in Australia. There are 4 superstores branches around Australia. Not only bikes are the products at Braaap, other fashion accessories are the main products too. Action sports equipments, for example, helmets, riding gear, T-shirt, shoes, jeans and spare parts of bikes are available to shop. Pricing Policy and Customers Pricing At Braaap, the price of products is various. For the price of accessories and spare parts is divided into 4 ranges * $0 – $24.99 * $25 – $49.99 * $50 – $249.99 * and over $250 Objectives The main objective of the organisation is to make their products affordable for people for this reason, Braaap also offers the payment plan for those who cannot afford a bike with $3 a day for a bike. The law of demands is often referred as Consumer wants to buy more of a product at a low price and less of a product at a high price. This inversion of demand and price shows that the higher price of products the less willing to buy. However, there are amount of people who purchase a higher price product because they believe a product is better in quality. At Braaap, they offer the products to attach customers at different level. The main customer of Braaap is a young-adult who has a passion in this sport.

Zeena and Mattie, portraits of antifeminist characters in Edith Whartons Ethan Frome

When she wrote Ethan Frome, Edith Wharton used her pen rather than her fist to reflect her feminist values. In the novel, Ethan Frome written by Edith Wharton, feminist ideals, principles, and problems are demonstrated in the societal dictations that shape the lives of the characters, the pitting of a woman against a woman, and Wharton's strangely antifeminist characters. Several societal concepts such as these combined to bring Mattie into the Frome household; the idea that a woman should not be allowed to work alone to support herself, the gap left in a home when there is no female figure to fill the domestic role or the female figure is incapable of fulfilling her role, as Zeena was unable to do. There were two jobs that needed to be done in Ethan's world: the first job, the job of the man, was being the monetary receiver, while the second job, the job of woman, was the idea that she should focus her attention on the domestic needs of the household. Because Zeena cannot fulfill her roles, Mattie was brought in, creating an unbalanced, and eventually disastrous, home life. Ultimately, Ethan, Zeena, and Mattie all suffer from the entrance of Mattie into the marital life of Ethan and Zeena. This suffering is a direct result of society's pressure on Mattie to rely on her family rather than herself. In Wharton's Ethan Frome, women took the lower position they were assigned and then fought against each other, accomplishing the men's idea of inferiority and subservience. By working against one another, Mattie and Zeena are working for men's expectations: that they will simply care for the man of the house, rely on him completely, while they have nothing of their own and nothing that they do simply for themselves. In the novel, Ethan spends all day working on the farm and bringing in the money to run the household. While he is gone, Mattie cooks his meals and does other household chores but is essentially just sitting around waiting for him to return. As a character, Zeena is strangely antifeminist due to her insistence on work being done for her because she believes that she is too weak of body and mind to do it herself. Zeena spends her days in bed, contributing nothing to improve her and Ethan's life together. This means that she is not only completely dependent on Ethan, but she is effectively hurting their livelihood by only taking, not giving anything to help them both. Feminists believe that women can do whatever work men can do equally well, so by relying on Ethan to do the work she has deemed herself incapable of doing, Zeena is flouting feminist principle. By needing, not just wanting, a man to take care of her, in the main body of the novel, Zeena is an antifeminist character. The other lady of Ethan Frome, Mattie, is also not who one would consider to be a strong, feminist character. Mattie relies on the charity of others to survive, and when that charity dries up; she believes she has no resources off of which to live. Crippled, querulous, damned, she is transformed into the proper inhabitant of Starkfield. As a person, Mattie is incomplete in herself: she has earned nothing in her life except for the love of a man who can never be hers. Edith Wharton created antifeminist characters and by having those characters fail, she is able to express her message of independence leading to happiness, something that none of her characters achieved. In the feminist view, women should all be working together, helping each other out, as they are working towards the same goals. Instead of striving towards similar goals or attempting to further the position of the other, Zeena and Mattie continually beat each other down, in that quiet, manipulative way that women often do. Mattie acquires the love of Zeena's husband, which causes Zeena to expel Mattie from her house and send her away. From a feminist perspective, Mattie and Zeena are fighting over that which they should be fighting against, not only society but also a man.

Intolerance: Minority Group and Society Essay

Princess Diana once said, â€Å" The greatest problem in the world today is intolerance. Everyone is so intolerant of each other. † It is indeed true that intolerance is one of the greatest problems faced by the word today. Intolerance refers to lacking the capacity or willingness to recognize and respect the beliefs, practices or traits of others. In the past, there has been uncountable number of incidents of one being prejudiced against another individual who is unlike the majority of the population. For example, in the context of my society, Singapore, intolerance has been displayed towards racial minorities, religious minorities, single mothers, foreigners, the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer (LGBTQ) community and many other marginalized groups. Some might argue that intolerance of these minority groups is less prevalent in my society today as compared to the past. However, I personally feel that intolerance is still widely seen in my society today, due to the conservative nature of Singaporeans, globalisation and the increasingly competitive Singaporean society. Some schools of thoughts argue that the intolerance towards those who are different is gradually being reduced today as there are greater opportunities for education that have led to increasing integration of people who are different. Education in Singapore promotes social integration among the different racial groups in Singapore. Schools in Singapore provide a common space for social integration not only among locals from various ethnic groups, but also between the local and foreign students. Schools in Singapore also place strong emphasis on Civics and Literacy education to inculcate respect and appreciation of different cultures in Singapore. For example, through the celebration of Racial Harmony Day and International Friendship Day, students are able to appreciate the different cultures of their peers better. Another aspect in which education has led to a reduction in intolerance is the alternative education pathway for children with special needs. Special education programmes that cater to these children aim to help them become independent and enable them to function well in society. This is evident through the increasing number of social enterprises that cater to those who are physically or intellectually challenged. These people gain not only a chance at being employed but also have a chance to interact with members of society on a more frequent basis, something which is not as common in the past. This is likely due to the developing special education sector in Singapore, which has seen success in public education and in helping children with special needs to integrate into mainstream society. Therefore, education has been a platform that has moved my society into a more tolerant one. Intolerance towards those who are different is gradually being reduced in my society, as there are increasingly more ground-up initiatives that have successfully raised awareness and understanding. Many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and Voluntary Welfare organisations (VWOs) or even individuals that have engaged in advocacy that sets out to raise public awareness about minority groups. Thus, prejudiced mindsets towards several minority groups in Singapore are gradually being eroded. An example of this is the Yellow Ribbon Project that started out in 2004, is organized by CARE network Singapore, which aims to help ex-convicts reintegrate back into society. Inmates are encouraged to sign up for skill training courses so as to be able to take up more jobs after their prison sentence. It was reported that by 2008, through awareness of the programme in Singapore, 560 new employers had registered with the Singapore Corporation of Rehabilitative Enterprises (SCORE) to offer jobs to ex-offenders. Though this may not yet reflect the mindset of the entire population towards ex-convicts, it signals an opening up of attitudes that are gaining speed. Therefore, intolerance is less prevalent in my society due to the efforts undertaken by various organisations to successfully raise awareness and understanding of the public towards these marginalized groups. While there are merits in the above arguments, it is too naive for one to simply assume that with education and efforts by activist groups, intolerance towards those who are different are not as common as in the past. In fact, intolerance towards those who are different is still widely seen in Singapore today because of the fear of erosion of national values in this increasingly liberal-minded world, in turn driving us to promote our conservative beliefs with greater intensity. With globalisation, there has been an increasing influence of the Western Culture. Due to the fear of erosion of traditional family values that are the foundation of social institutions such as the family, people are becoming more intolerant of changing values and remain conservative to ensure that these traditional values are not threatened by foreign cultures and values. In order to protect traditional values and social institutions, institutionalized discrimination towards certain groups of people in society exists in the form of government policies implemented. This reveals an unwillingness to accept those who may be different and accord them with equal rights. For example, in the case of Homosexuality, section 377A of the Penal Code criminalises acts of gross indecency between men in Singapore. The Woman’s Charter also does not recognize marriages that are not between men and woman in or outside of Singapore. The refusal of the government to recognize the legitimacy of homosexual marriages reveals an unwillingness to respect the range of sexual orientations that are different from the traditional concept of sexual orientation the society may have. Another example is the Pink Dot rally on the 28 June 2014, which generated strong responses among Singaporeans. An Islamic religious teacher launched the â€Å"Wear White Campaign† in retaliation to the Pink Dot LGBTQ movement. The Faith Community Baptist Church (FCBC) supported this campaign whereby over 6,400 members of the church dressed in white to attend a special â€Å"family worship† service conducted by the church. This was done to protest the annual Pink Dot rally with their Senior Pastor, Lawrence Khong, who views this movement as a â€Å"decline in moral and family values. † Thus, this shows that despite the increasingly liberal and Western influenced world we live in, Singaporeans still remains a largely conservative society that is still strongly rooted to our traditional values. Therefore, intolerance is not only still largely prevalent but it has in fact intensified over the years. Next, into lerance towards those who are different is still prevalent today because the increased mobility in a borderless world today has heightened the level of interaction amongst people from different cultures. Thus, increasing the incidence of cultural clashes. Globalisation has enabled greater mobility of people and there has been an increasing migration of people to live or work in foreign lands. With more foreigners entering the country, the chances of cultural clashes between the foreigners and local  residents rises, especially when foreigners do not assimilate the local culture. An example of Singaporean’s intolerance towards foreigners is evident through the Not In My Backyard movement. In 2008 when the government announced plans for an unused technical school at Serangoon Gardens to be converted into a dormitory for foreign construction workers, residents of the Serangoon Gardens housing estate responded with an online petition, which was signed by 1,600 out of 4,000 households in the immediate vicinity. They cited fears of threats to their security, the possibility of increased crime in the area, and fears about maids hooking up with foreign workers as reasons to object the construction of the dormitory. Therefore these mindsets and prejudices towards foreigners in society reflect intolerance of those with different cultures from the local cultures in society. Lastly, in the competitive world today, the threat to one’s livelihood has made intolerance of the different still prevalent in Singapore. Singapore is seen as a land of opportunities for migrants with skills. Many foreigners are attracted to work or settle in Singapore as they can earn more in Singapore to improve their standards of living. However, many Singaporeans view the increase in the number of foreigners as a threat in terms of competition of jobs and living space. This has led to their discontentment with foreigners. An example of Singaporeans viewing migrant workers, as a threat to their livelihood is evident through a recent incident of the cancelation of the celebration of Philippines Independence Day event in Singapore. Organisers of a planned Philippines Independence Day celebration in Singapore on the 8 June 2014 decided to cancel the event altogether, owing to difficulties in getting an alternative location for the event. The event was supposed to be held at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza, in Singapore’s shopping district but this had stirred up much unhappiness among Singaporeans as they opposed to the choice of the venue. Some even threatened to resort to violence if the event were to take place. The organisers had to remove a Facebook page about the event after it dew hundreds of anti-Filipino comments. Through these actions and discontentment of Singaporeans towards such events further emphasizes the point that Singaporeans view these foreigners as threats to their lives and are thus unaccepting of the activities they carry out. Therefore, intolerance is still prevalent in the Singapore society. In conclusion, despite efforts made by the government and various activist groups to promote inclusiveness and multiculturalism and reduce intolerance towards marginalized groups of society, intolerance is still widely seen in my society today. This observation is largely attributed to the fact that our essentially conservative Asian society skews our perception of tolerance in order to maintain its position of power.