Be an Environmental Advocate Essay

As times have changed, so has our planet. Global warming has become a critical issue in today’s society, and it will not go away unless we do something about it. There are people all around the globe who have made the change and decided to be conscious of the health of our world. Unfortunately however, it is not enough. As long as the majority of society continues to rely on fossil fuels, continues to waste energy, and continues destroying forests, our planet will continue to suffer. If we are to change the fate of our beautiful planet, society as a whole must take immediate action. To make the world a better place, we all should become environmental advocates, and take a stand to save humanity. We must make environmentally conscious changes in our own lives, teach those around us, and lead by example to make a difference. Above all else, every single person on the planet must change the way they live day to day. We must be aware of every potential harmful affect of every activity we engage in. Every gallon of gas saved, light turned off, and computer unplugged will impact the future of the Earth. Emissions from fossil fuels are the cause of global warming, and presently our society relies on these fossil fuels to function on a daily basis. By carpooling, walking, turning off the air conditioner, and unplugging appliances that we are not using, we can each save a substantial amount of energy. If everyone does just a little, it will add up to a lot. Next we should each take the initiative to teach others about the importance of being environmentally conscious. Some people do not understand how critical global warming has become, and therefore, can only change by learning. Others do not realize how easy it is to make small changes in life that will make a big difference, such as switching to energy efficient light bulbs. If we all would simply casually mention energy saving tips to our families, friends, and co-workers, or even strangers in the light bulb aisle, we can really affect the thinking of those around us. Finally, we can lead the way by setting a good example ourselves. People do as they see more often then as they are told. If our children, friends, and even strangers see us saving energy or planting trees, they are likely to follow our lead. If enough people become example setters, the idea of living green will become a trend. Just as we strive to be fashionable by what we see on the television or in magazines, if we are constantly bombarded by stories and images of people saving the planet, more people will strive to fit in. Every single person counts, and if we can set a responsible example for even one person, it is worth the effort. Our environment is suffering at the hands of its inhabitants. Still, global warming does not have to destroy our planet or the future of mankind. If we ignore the problem it will not go away, but if we take action now, before it is to late, we can save the Earth, one person at a time. By making small changes in our lives, teaching others the importance of living green and how easy it is to do so, and setting examples for others to follow, we can each make a difference. By becoming environmental advocates, globally, we can make the world a better place.

Satire in Gulliver’s Travels

Jonathan Swifts Gulliver's Travels is an elaborate concoction of political allegory, moral fable, social anatomy, and mock Utopias set within a parody of both travel fiction and journals of scientific exploration. When it was finally taken as satire, critics began insisting that Swift was mad; they did not like what they saw in the satirical mirror. Swift knew that people would see everyone's likeness but their own in this glass, so he wrote the character of Gulliver in a certain way in order to prevent the writing off of his actions as quirks. Gulliver visits four different societies in his travel, and upon his return home at the end, he cannot bring himself to rejoin society. The character of Gulliver will be examined in this section. Swift created him in such a way that the people of England could identify with him easily. He is a typical European: middle aged, well educated, has no overly romantic notions, is sensible, and conducts his affairs prudently. This section will look at the satirical aspects of the first book, where in Gulliver visits the land of Lilliput. Gulliver is a normal human being visiting a recognizably European society, but he is twelve times bigger than the lands inhabitants. The Lilliputians are as small morally as they are physically. They are petty and have arguments over aspects of life such as upon which end to break an egg: ?the king seemed to think nothing †¦ of destroying the Big-Endian exiles, and compelling that people to break the smaller end of their eggs; by which he would remain sole monarch of the world. ?.The Lilliputians are ordered to stand fifty feet away from Gulliver s house, unless they have a license whereby the secretaries of state got considerable fees. It is clear that the main satiric target in the first book is the pride Europeans take in public ceremonies and celebrations of power and magnificence: There's an obvious silliness to the obsessions with these matters when the figures are only six inches high. Gulliver returns home and promptly sets out to sea once more. He comes across the island of Brobdingnag, and this section will deal with the various satirical aspects of that society. He has left a land of small people and has now found himself in the role of a Lilliputian: he is now twelve times smaller than those around him. This entire book serves to reflect on the obsession with physical beauty which has grabbed Europeans of Swift's time. He is nauseated when he sees a woman with a cancerous breast; he notes that the flesh is full of holes into which he could have easily crept. When he is in a bedroom with a few maids of honor, he is disgusted when they begin to undress in front of him because of their size and physical grossness. The voice of Swift, behind Gulliver, is saying ?look at yourself, especially if you are a girl, and most especially if you think yourself lovely; excepting your size, in what way are you less vulgar than these Brobdingnagians The king of the Brobdingnagians also provides straightforward commentary on the Europeans Gulliver describes to him. Gulliver is the first to explain away the king's criticisms. He says that the king cannot help thinking in such ways because he has been isolated his entire life and has certain prejudices and a narrowness of thinking. Because of this, Swift allows he to write the king openly criticizing the European way of life; to the untrained reader, the passage is taken as Gulliver takes it, which is as the product of a closed mind. The fourth book is perhaps the most important. This section will deal with the views expressed in Gulliver s journey to Houyhnhnmland. The Houyhnhnms are extremely rational horses who co-exist with entirely irrational human-monkey hybrids known as Yahoos. Swift uses the conflict between the actions of these two species to set forth the fact that humans tend to describe themselves in terms of Houyhnhnms but act more like Yahoos. This book deals with more philosophical issues such as the nature of man's thought and the purpose of living. Again, Swift allows Gulliver to reveal the characteristics of Europeans. The reply he receives from the king of the Houyhnhnms is crushingly unflattering:?he looked upon us as a sort of animals to whose share, by what accident he could not conjecture, some small pittance of Reason had fallen, whereof we made no other use than by its assistance to aggravate our natural corruptions, and to acquire new ones which nature had not given us.?Through his inter actions with the people of Houyhnhnmland, his objective perspective on society from the previous books is shattered; he begins to realize facts about human nature. This time, he agrees with the king of the Houyhnhnms about his countrymen: ?When I thought of my family, my friends, my countrymen, or human race in general, I considered them as they really were, Yahoos in shape and disposition, perhaps a little more civilized, and qualified with the gift of speech, but making no other use of reason than to improve and multiply those vices whereof their brethren in this country had only the share that nature allotted them.? Gulliver's perspective and entire life are changed because of his episode with the Houyhnhnms and the Yahoos. The fate of Gulliver is just as important as his journey in supporting Swift's critical view of European life. This section will deal with what happens to him and why it occurs the way it does. When he returns home, he faints for over an hour after being embraced by his wife. He describes her as an ‘odious animal,' decides that her presence is morally unbearable, and describes her as a Yahoo. He cannot bear the company of Europeans anymore. Gulliver shuns the culture which bred him: ?the many virtues of the Houyhnhnms placed in opposite view to human corruptions, had so far opened my eyes and enlarged my understanding, that I began to view the actions and passions of man in a very different light, and think the honor of my own kind not worthy managing.?From this realization on, he walks around trotting like a horse and spends four hours daily speaking to horses, trying to force himself to be thought of as a horse. So although he comes to understand humanity bett er than any of his peers, he actually loses his grip on reality. In other words, the Houyhnhnms' society is perfect for Houyhnhnms, but it is hopeless for humans. Houyhnhnm society is, in stark contrast to the societies of the first three voyages, devoid of all that is human.

Letter of Recommendation Essay

Very rarely people in teaching profession like me come across a student like gulshan Ramesh. This has been penned down by me to make it very concrete that Mr. Gulshan Ramesh is a very unique and exceptional character in the student community. My relationship with this particular student started when I handled a course on machine drawing for his batch of students. Moreover, Mr. Gulshan was under my guidance for a year fro improving his overall personality. All of this has given me enough opportunity to observe him very closely. My observations have been listed below for your reference. Attitude: Mr. Gulshan is blessed with the positive attitude due to which he has always excelled in academic activity and otherwise Character: This student is highly disciplined, sincere and has pleasing manners. Academic: Constantly Mr. Gulshan has maintained a high grades in academic. I’ll rate him in the top 5% amongst approximately 70 students in the class. Intellectual independence: Mr. Gulshan has the capability to complete assigned tasks with minimum guidance that makes him intellectually independent. Communication: This student is good both in oral and written communication. He has the capability to put across ideas very clearly both orally and in written form. Leadership: In team tasks, this student has always emerged as a team leader because of his sincerity and overall multifaceted personality. Computer literacy: Mr. Gulshan is well versed with the following auto cad, pro e Others: Creativity, individuality and hard work have been the style of this student that has always made him to shine. Mr. Gulshan will be an apt student to undergo a graduate program. I enthusiastically recommend Mr. Gulshan for the graduate program he has applied for in your university with full financial aid.

News Paper Economic issue Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

News Paper Economic issue - Article Example While discussing the proposed payments and buying of the assets, the article also deals with how the government would like to have control over the banks at a scale â€Å"not seen since the great depression of the 1930’s†. This is significant as they have been questions over the way the government has been bailing out banks without asking for accountability in return. The article is disapproving of the way in which the government is silent on â€Å"specifics† on how and where the money from the stimulus package is going to be spent. From an economic point of view, the government is well within its rights to print more money and flood the economy with liquidity. However, it would be prudent to consider the inflationary effects of such a move. Further, the direct involvement of the government in the running of the banks may be a welcome sign in these times when reckless corporate greed and unethical behavior have undermined the credibility of financial institutions in the United States. The effect of such governmental intervention may not be exactly in the spirit of laissez faire economics but the current situation is that it would not be a bad idea if the rampant speculation and recklessness are reined in. This paper is in response to the article, â€Å"To Fix Detroit, Obama is said to drop plan for ‘Car Czar’â€Å"that appeared in the New York Times on Feb 15, 2009. The article discusses the cancellation of the appointment of an ombudsman to oversee the restructuring of the Big three automakers: GM, Ford and Chrysler. Instead, the article points out that the president himself would like to oversee the restructuring of the troubled automakers and thus there is no need for a â€Å"Car Czar†. The article is economic in nature as it pertains to the rescue of GM and Chrysler from near bankruptcy and their bailout under a federally guaranteed scheme. The article

Experimental economic summary paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Experimental economic summary paper - Essay Example It was found that the respondents were provided with much bigger rewards in the newspaper research as compared to the lab research. The research identified the existence of parallelism between the field and lab. The researchers also studied the thought processes of the research participants who were involved in the game. The respondents’ choice of subjects and comments were analyzed. In addition to that, the research conducted an in-depth analysis of the newspaper experiments and concluded that they are a potential means of conducting research and the response through newspapers is marvelous. One of the results of the research that I found quite interesting was the researchers’ increased confidence in the newspaper research. I personally think that the lab research is too hectic. Difficulty of approaching the required individuals is one potential factor that complicates the process of research and becomes a fundamental cause of the disinterest of many researchers in the process.

Introduction to Business Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 3

Introduction to Business Law - Essay Example Law of misrepresentation have provisions that offer redress of the consumer detriment (Cartwright, 2007). However, the rights appear in fragmented forms that are complex hence making it unclear. The complexities presented by the law require amendments to ensure effective application of the law. The current laws provide confusions to the advisers of the consumers and traders as well as their clients, a fact that pose hindrances to private ordering. Therefore, the essay presents the law by highlighting the gaps that need amendments by considering possible avenues that are applicable in a case where the consumer is mislead by the trader. Misrepresentation refers to misleading actions when considered from a private law perspective. However, this law does not occur in a single body but rather represents several causes of actions for a number of issues arising from misrepresentation (Law Commissions, 2010; Atiyah and Treitel, 1967). Therefore, it gives rise to several families of rule. When a consumer intends to bring forth claims of misrepresentation, they are required to go through sea of actions that may be intimidating and lead to uncertain actions (Law Commissions, 2010). These represent some of the discouragement that hinders the consumers from commencing any claim from the fraudulent traders. When a consumer is presented with misleading facts, or is told something that is untrue, such a consumer is said to have been mislead. When the trader breaches the contract or act in a fraudulent manner, the law of England governs this in the 1967 act of the misrepresentation (Warren, 1983). A misrepresentation depends on whether the information falls within the three categories of factual, falseness and not an omission (Cartwright, 2007). When a representation is untrue, it represents an actionable prospect. However, when it is untimely, unintelligible, or not

Introduction to decision making Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Introduction to decision making - Assignment Example Although whether he elects to sell or hold on to the company’s most expensive assets in the anticipation that better circumstances can prevail. The task to make the decisions that will help in ameliorating the status of Qantas would be a difficult one with multiple challenges (Rao, 2010). Qantas has continually experienced challenges from high costs of jet fuel just like many other Local Airlines. Quite recently, the Flying Kangaroo has also faced local challenges where it is forced to cope with a commercial slowdown and increasing rivalry with the Virgin Australia Holdings. In order to continually grow profits, someone ought to introduce stern principles and make harsh decisions in order to compete in the airline business (Rao, 2010).The decision to either sell or retain the Airline’s most priced assets would be a difficult decision to make for any expert. However decision to undertake either of the two procedures is a risky trail to take. The decision of Alan Joyce was a strategic, tactical as well as an operational one. The principal objective of the decision is to sustain the company in the local airline competition and counter the Virgin Australia for its customers; for this reason, it can be said that the move is strategic. The plan is tactical because t here would counter the other Local Airlines by stealing customers from them. Qantas needed to deal with its declining market share and losses in its transnational operations through improving its competitiveness. With regards to the domestic scene, Joyce had to address the challenges from the Virgin Australia. The competitor Virgin Australia set up a program share accord with other global giants such as Delta Airlines and Singapore. Joyce took a draconian counteractive step by instituting central structural changes to the company’s operations. The action made losses of up to $200 million. Joyce made another decision to initiate new airlines,

Psychotherapy and Ethical Issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Psychotherapy and Ethical Issues - Essay Example It is generally termed as "talking treatment" in which the person who carries the treatment may refer as the therapist and the person being seen is usually referred to as the client. (The Royal College of Psychiatry) Psychotherapy usually involves different sessions of meetings (normally of 50 minutes or more of duration) between the therapist and the client in a quiet room in which the client reveals his worries and anxieties or psychological problems to the therapist and the therapist analyses the problems and find remedies for it. In order to keep the highest standards of professional practice, each Psychotherapist shall enter into agreement to hold and practice a code of ethics. The therapist needs to consider the integrity and welfare of the client when giving tips to overcome the emotional problems. Services are provided to clients within the parameters of informed consent and voluntary participation. When services are extended to individuals or organizations, there has to be a specific contract, which includes information on the nature of the service or intervention offered, the benefits and limitations of the service, frequency, and cost if applicable. This can be provided to the participant (s) before the service begins. Integrity and welfare of the client must be given prominence in the counseling sessio... Here is an example of a young lady, from a conservative third world country, working as a school teacher in Dubai. She was brought up in a highly conservative family had great moral values. Moreover she was the only daughter in her family which prevented her from acquiring a sound personality. Her school life as school teacher in Dubai initially gone well, but after around 3 to 4 months problems began to arise. She was stern in her approaches towards students and never allowed them to take anything easy in their studies. On the other hand, other teachers were more liberal and the students got enough freedom to grow and even to execute malpractices in their subjects. Thus students began to trouble her deliberately and they began to raise complaints about her quiet regularly. The principal and the management were also more liberal in their approach in order to secure good results for the school, thus, to keep their educational business intact. The principal once called her and asked he r to be more liberal in her approach which was a shock to her. She started to develop some emotional problems and finally, had to undergo a psychotherapy treatment.The therapist has initially heard patiently her worries and concerns with respect to her strong belief in morality and ideals. The therapist has realized that she was a person of high integrity and whatever the points raised by her was ethically right. She wanted her students to learn good behavior and practices in their life and she was ready to face any type of hardships to complete her responsibility. The therapist told the client that this world is not intended for

Cost Benefit Analysis and US Health Care Research Paper

Cost Benefit Analysis and US Health Care - Research Paper Example This paper will describe how Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) and Cost Effectiveness Analysis (CEA) can assist the US healthcare to address the issue of rising costs. ‘Cost-Effectiveness Analysis’ and U.S. Health Care is an article written by Uwe E. Reinhardt and published in the Today’s Economist blog. In the first part of the article, Reinhardt particularly says about the current significance of ‘comparative effectiveness analysis’ in the US healthcare. The author suggests that clinical practice guidelines promulgated by medical specialty societies must be based on a well structured comparative effectiveness analysis so as to deliver better outcomes to patients as well as the Federal government. He also recommends the introduction of a ‘comparative cost-effectiveness analysis’ with intent to establish least-cost therapeutic strategies capable of achieving a given therapeutic goal. Reinhardt clearly tells that two distinct groups oppose cost-effectiveness analysis in the US healthcare. According to the author, the manufacturers of pharmaceutical and biotechnology products or of medical devices often constitute the first group whereas the second group is comprised of â€Å"individuals who sincerely believe that health and life are priceless† (Reinhardt, 2009). In the article, Reinhardt mainly describes two interconnected approaches, such as comparative effectiveness analysis and comparative cost-effectiveness analysis to improve the overall health benefits delivered to patients and to trim down the cost of health products and services. Comparative effectiveness analysis is a better tool to compare and evaluate two potential choices and to identify the most feasible one. Under this method, positive and negative consequences of different choices under consideration are scrutinized, and finally the most effective choice is identified. The major strength of the comparative effectiveness analysis is that it

Case assignment Rising Cost of Prescription Drugs and its affect on Essay

Case assignment Rising Cost of Prescription Drugs and its affect on MEDICARE - Essay Example In order for pharmaceutical companies to lower prices they must take a totally different view to how profits are made and how future research and development can occur. Currently they take the approach that they have a twenty year patent in which to research, develop, market, and profit from a new drug. After this time generic manufacturers can legally sell their products and compete for customers. The companies that develop these drugs need to cover their costs and continue developing new drugs. Their profit schemes have worked so far, but times have changed. Big name pharmaceutical companies may be forced to change their pricing policies for one simple reason—competition of generics from developing nations, such as India and China, that deliver effective, cheap drugs. Reverse engineering of name brands and marketing of these generic drugs is projected to make these new players majorly influential in the drug market in years to come. According to Johnson (2009) â€Å"†¦ inclusion of noninfectious diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease, into this little- or no-profit scenario could undermine innovation for chronic diseases,† (Drug Industry’s Doomsday Scenario section, para. 3). The ugly truth is that the expensive process of researching and developing new drugs may force giant pharmaceutical companies to either delay research and development or take the risky avenue of trying to sell cheaper drugs for long term profits, neither appeals to them. With patents on existing drugs running out, generic bra nds are well positioned to seize as much market share as possible. It is only a matter of time before these emerging giants can acquire a profit majority and then break into the research and development arena as well. Demand for a product usually raises prices, and the market for medications is no different. According to Walsh (1999) â€Å"†¦the pricing of newly

Tobacco Prevention Essay Example for Free

Tobacco Prevention Essay Over the past 50 years America has increased its level of knowledge towards the use of tobacco as well as enhanced its cessation techniques through the use of medication and researched programs. Despite these advancements smoking has continued to be a detrimental problem to the American public. According to the CDC, about 1,000 persons younger than 18 years of age begin smoking on a daily basis. 1 Many of the cessation programs directed at youths are still young and creating names for themselves. As a result of all the research that has been done regarding the cessation programs for youths, three effective steps have been found. First, screen for tobacco dependency within families; second, educate parents about the dangers of smoking and second hand smoke and third, counsel and the use of prescription medication. While these three techniques have been proven to be effective they are not a 100% guarantee and they dont address the major issue of actually getting the youths themselves to the programs. Research has extensively documented the harms of tobacco to people, specifically youths but none of it has stopped the tobacco industry from creating advertisements intended for youths. According to the World Health Organization Tobacco companies must attract a new eneration of tobacco users to survive. The industry constantly loses customers because many current smokers quit smoking or die from tobacco-related diseases. As a result, tobacco companies develop massive marketing campaigns to entice youth to smoke and become long-term smokers. 2 To parents, teacher and politicians the youth are the future of our country, to tobacco companies; the youth are the future of their business and their needs for survival. The problem of youth smoking is one that we cannot ignore and must continue to attack. As a whole Healthcare professionals, overnment lobbyist groups, insurance companies and most important the youth themselves all must re-commit themselves to exterminate this persistent problem at hand. Out of the 4,000 chemicals found in cigarettes, nicotine is often referred to as the most dangerous one. It is not regarded as being incredible dangerous to someones health but is feared by many people because extremely addictive. When smoke is inhaled that contains nicotine, the nicotine reaches the brain in a mere six seconds. When used in small doses nicotine acts as a stimulant to the brain or a substance that raises the levels of physiological activity in the body. In large doses it acts as a depressant and hinders the current of signals in the nervous system. Those substances which we call drugs cause their effects by mimicking some substance that naturally occurs in the body or by interfering with some process which naturally goes on. Nicotine acts in the former manner, by mimicking a naturally occurring substance in the body. 3 The substance that nicotine imitates is the chemical neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Each neuron has a protein, which is called a receptor, when nicotine is inhaled they attach on to these receptors in the place of acetylcholine. When nicotine binds to these receptors, like any other drugs they cause changes in the body. The primary changes that occur in the body due to nicotine inhalation are increases in the blood pressure and heart rate. Nicotine also nas psychoactive ettects or m -altering ettect upon use. The release of dopamine during the use of nicotine is a major contributor to the drugs highly addictive qualities. Dopamine is a chemical neurotransmitter that is naturally released in the body during a pleasurable experience. The nicotine released when smoking cigarettes release dopamine leaving the smoker with the feeling of extreme leasure, resulting in the desire to feel that way often. The evil genius of this drug is that while it produces dopamine it impedes the production of monoamine oxidase, which is responsible for the natural process of breaking down dopamine. The ability for nicotine to block the production of monoamine oxidase wears off short after the end of use, this fact causes the smokers to continue to get the urge to smoke and feel heightened levels of dopamine. 4 Nicotine dependence is defined as an addiction to tobacco products caused by the drug nicotine, meaning you cant stop using the substance despite the knowledge hat is causing you harm. The united States Department of Health and Human Services have concluded that for most youths its takes 2-3 years to become nicotine dependent but as few as 100 cigarettes to become addicted. In 2010 about 2. 6 American adolescents (aged 12-17) reported using a tobacco product in the month prior to the survey. In that same year it was found that nearly 60 percent of new smokers were under the age of 18 when they first smoked a cigarette. Of smokers under the age of 18 more then 6 million will likely die prematurely from a smoking- related disease. 6 There are two primary influences that cau se adolescents to susceptible to developing nicotine dependence, the first being peer pressure. Peer pressure is a fact of life and inevitable in your childhood and adolescence. Wheatear a person is conscious or not towards the pressure the choices and behaviors peers make affect the surrounding peers. According to Phillip Morris USA youths with at least three friends who smoke are 10 times more likely pick up the habit than youths who have friends that do not smoke. 7 The other influence that causes adolescents to be more susceptible to nicotine ependence than adults is not a psychosocial factor but a biological one. There are biological differences in adults and adolescents that leave adolescents more vulnerable to nicotine addition. Much of the research done in this sector has been executed with the use of adolescent rats and adult rats for safety reasons. Adolescent rats are more susceptible to reinforcing effects of nicotine that adult rats, and take more nicotine when it is available than do adult animals. 8 An animal study done by the National Institute on Drug Abuse has reported the negative affects that acetaldehyde has on smokers, specifically adolescents. The study found that acetaldehyde, an organic chemical compound found in cigarettes dramatically increases the reinforcing properties of nicotine and may also contribute to tobacco addiction. It was also found that acetaldehyde has an age- related effect and was far more drastic in the adolescent animals brains than the adult animals. 9 In 2009 the Philadelphia Department of Health conducted a study that found the high school smoking rate was higher in Philadelphia then any other large city. The smoking rate for high school students was 3. %, the racial breakdown of those statistics were 1. % of African Americans, 3. 1% of Hispanics and 15. 6% of Caucasians. 10 There are two main contributors that lead Philadelphia to have the highest high school smoking rate; cigarettes are cheaper in Philadelphia then any other major city and the prevalence of tobacco retailers in Philadelphia, there are 27 retailers for every 1,000 youth between the ages 10-17. 11 Pennsylvania ranked 19th in the country for price of cigarettes with an average of 5. 85 per pack, about 5$ behind New York which was ranked 1st. 2 To formulate national statistics the CDC uses the data from the National Youth Tobacco Survey. The National Youth Tobacco Survey is our countries most effective way of measuring youth tobacco use. It is a school- based, self- administered questionnaire given to middle school students (6th to 8th grade) and high school students (9th- 12th grade). It has been given every 2 years since 2000 and is used by the Healthy People Foundation to keep track of the 2020 goal it has set. In 2011 the use of all types of tobacco for middle school and high school 7. 1% and 23. % respectively and the prevalence of specific cigarette use was 4. 3% for middle school students and 18. 1% for high school students. 13 The Healthy People oals for 2020 were set in 2009 when the cigarette use rate for high school students was at 19. 5%, the overall goal is to get it down to 16% by 2020. 14 In or der to reach the goals set for 2020 it is crucial that the countries cessation programs are doing their part. Research has shown that the most effective method for youths to quit smoking is a binary method, both behavioral techniques and medication use. In terms of medication use there are two types of medicinal categories, first- line and second- line. First-line medications are the ones that tend to be used first by smokers trying to quit and second-line medications are used if the irst- line medications prove inadequate. The most simplistic first-line medications are over-the-counter and come in the form of nicotine gum, patches and lozenges. The gums, patches and lozenges all offers doses of nicotine, starting with the highest dose the smoker is supposed to reduce dose over-time with the hopes of eventual nicotine independence. Nicotine Inhalers and Nicotine nasal spray are also first- line medications that work in the same way as the gum, lozenge and patch but are prescription rather then over-the-counter. Bupropion and Varenicline are two other forms of first-line medications that are also prescription. Bupropion also known as Zyban and Varenicline also known as Chantix both work to reduce the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal and reduce the urges smokers feel. The two second-line medications are Nortriptyline known as Aventyl and Clonidine known as Catapres. Aventyl is traditionally used to teat depression but has also proved successful with tobacco cessation efforts and Catapres is generally used to treat high blood pressue, but like Aventyl has shown effective in tobacco cessation. 1 5 The behavioral techniques that are used in tobacco cessation come in two forms, an intervention style and a program style. The current research efforts that have been done regarding the intervention methods of cessation are deficient. There is simply a lack of evidence- based interventions, which makes it very difficult to Judge the success as well as improve the programs. This issue was addressed with the Canadian Tobacco Control Research Initiative, which came up with the better practices model. The better practices model is based on the idea that successful solutions to complex problems must draw from both science and experience. 16 The Canadian Tobacco Control Research Initiative came out with guidelines on what ssues should be used while developing cessation interventions. As time passes with these new guidelines and more evidence based interventions occur it shouldnt ta long to specify what are the best methods for success. 6 Programs can be more accurately researched because their data is much more accessible. A cessation program can mean many different things, ranging from face to face counseling, telephone counseling, Internet counseling and group counseling. The most effective forms of counseling have been face-to-face counseling as well as group counseling. Telephone counseling is relatively new but has showed success in its short life. Rega rdless of how the counseling has been delivered the technique that has been proved to be the most effective is the problem-solving approach. The problem-solving approach asks smokers to think of times they are likely to smoke and then planning what to do to distract themselves from the urge to smoke. 17 Social support such as encouragement and caring has not surprisingly been proven effective ways to help cessation. N-O-T, Not on Tobacco is the American Lung Associations voluntary rogram for teens that want to quit smoking has proven to be successful in the past. It is the most researched, most widely used and most successful program in the United States. (YTC) N-O-T has 7 major characteristics that have made it to successful: 18 1. Allows teens to volunteer to participate 2. Includes group activities 3. Has separate activities for boys and girls 4. Uses a total health approach 5. Consists of 10 session and can be used in school and community settings 6. Is based on more then 10 years of research 7. Is proven effective, has a 21% quit rate, higher then any other program N-O-T evelops skills, confidence and support system that teenagers need in order to quit. They understand that one of the keys to quitting smoking is to have the ability to keep your life the same without the use of cigarettes. By doing this and aiding the teens in other problems other then the smoking such as controlling weight after quitting and managing stress they have been successful. While there has been success in the cessation programs there is clearly an incredible amount of room for improvement. The most effective way to drastically improve success is creating a more accessible environment to programs. Although many youth think about and attempt to quit tobacco many are unaware of or unable to access cessation services. Also, many youth do not think quitting tobacco is difficult enough to warrant professional assistance. 19 The most important thing we can do moving forward is to better recruit youth who smoke and use tobacco. Recruiting for programs such as these should be very specific and focus are the target audience. Using the data from the National Youth Tobacco Survey it can be fgured out which ethnicity has the most smokers and recruitment techniques should be in accordance ith those number . An effective way to do this would be to tap in to previous existing social networks in a community, such as a club or a sports team. While your peers can be the reason you start smoking as a result of negative pressure they can also be the reason you quit as a result of positive pressure. Offering incentives can also be a useful technique for recruitment, offering something like pizza at meetings could raise the attendance and access. Even if the child goes into the meeting with the sole intent of getting the incentive they are still exposed to cessation efforts. One last ecruitment technique can be to use other teens as recruiters. It will give a more personalized appearance and give you the feeling that you will not be alone. It is also on the shoulders of the health insurance companies and the health care system to provide access to these youths. All health insurance policies should cover any cessation program or method used by teens to quit smoking, the high prices of some medications and some counseling practices can deter youths from making an attempt to quit. It should be the standard that all health care services monitor and care for nicotine dependency. It falls on a combination of the government, healthcare systems and public health agencies to formulate a system that can effectively treat youth nicotine dependence. It is also extremely important that high schools are smoke free; the majority of youths time is spent, as schools and creating a smoke- free environment will deter smoking amongst youth. Another way to improve the current youth cessation programs in to apply adult programs to youth specifically for interventions, the most lacking in research of all methods. Due to this lack of research on youth interventions we can use what has been proven effective with adults. The United States Public Health System has provided the public specifically adults with recommendations that have proved successful. These recommendations include: It is essential that clinicians and health care delivery systems consistently identify and document tobacco use status and treat every tobacco user seen in a health care setting, Telephone quitline counseling is effective with diverse populations and has broad reach. Therefore, clinicians and health care delivery systems should both ensure patient access to quitlines and promote quitline use along with eight other proven effective recommendations. 0 As spoken about previously there are biological differences are one of the many things that vary between youth and adults. These differences could lead to a lack of success and should encourage counselors to use adult recommendations carefully. As a country we should be encouraged by the amount of success youth cessations programs have had but also motivated to continue to improve them. While it is unrealistic to think there will be a time when there are no smokers on this earth that should be our goal. We should aim for a 0% high school smoking rate because that will drive people to continue to find successful methods. If we live with the goal of a 0% smoking rate five or ten years down the road when we look at what the youth smoking is and look at its decline, it will be drastic. If you think about it in terms of a professional baseball pitcher, he goes into each game with the mindset of pitching a perfect game and works each day towards that goal. In hindsight with a more realistic mindset he can look back on his performance and see that getting 24 out of 27 men out rather then 27 out of 27 is still a success. Cessation is not an easy process and the only thing that can make it easier is a more committed effort by all parties involved.

Soft bass Essay Example for Free

Soft bass Essay It starts with a deep, soft bass. I was wondering if it was going to start really slow. I was very surprised when the lead violinist starts so strong. Her solo was very powerful. But at the same time very stressful to me. I imagined a scene where someone was dying and people were fighting. And this feeling was amplified even more when the rest of the orchestra joined in. After the third minute though, it started to get softer and slower. This time it sounded peaceful and serene. This goes on until the build up of the fifth minute. But it goes back to being soft. I got a little confused as to why it sounded like a rollercoaster going up and down. The best part of the first movement for me would be the last two minutes – when the wind instruments could be heard and not part of the background. Its playful tune balanced out the powerful violin solo. Overall, I think the first movement was very powerful and emotional. The second movement was very lovely. I felt very at home. Hearing the soft strings and grace notes brought back memories of good times with my family. Like a Christmas gathering with a warm fire inside and a beautiful landscape of snow outside. The echoing of the soloist and the other strings, I found very amusing. And if I am allowed, cute. The whole movement was just very lovely. The wind instruments gave it a lot more happiness with its staccatos – very much like bunnies hopping around in the spring. I think this movement would be absolutely beautiful to play at a wedding. The third movement starts with the soloist. Its feel was very much like the first movement with its powerful notes. I like how the orchestra comes out softly then builds up to a strong note. It reminded me a little of Lord of the Rings when the Wraiths were after the Hobbits. The third movement wasn’t stressful though unlike the first. It was very powerful but it was a happy aura. Like dogs having a tug of war with a blanket and rolling over each other. The last part becomes really soft and slow; just the solo violinist and the winds. I liked it very much.

Analysis Of Gold Coast Tourism And Sunshine Coast Tourism Essay

Analysis Of Gold Coast Tourism And Sunshine Coast Tourism Essay The rapid growth of tourism industries over the last few decades has seen the emergence of new tourist attraction destinations and this has had quite a number of significant importances in various regions. For instance, in Australia, there are various tourism attraction destinations which have in the past spearheaded the economic growth of this country in the sense that they offer employment opportunities, attract foreign investment, result into the preservation of the natural environment, and allow communities to enjoy the utilization of their regional natural resources and conserve their heritage. However, there are variances in the levels of economic importance as is apparent with Gold Coast Tourism and Sunshine Tourism which are both found in Queensland region. A comparison between these tourists attraction destinations revealed that Gold Coast attracts numerous visitors which make it to incur many expenses as compared to Sunshine Coast. All the same, Sunshine Coast Tourism has gained a higher level of economic importance in the Australian region as compared to the Gold Coast tourism. This report intends to offer a comparative analysis of these two Australian tourism industries and offer recommendations that would spearhead tourism growth in Queensland region. Comparative Analysis of Gold Coast Tourism and Sunshine Coast Tourism Introduction Tourism plays a very significant role in the economy of Australia where it contributed about 2.6% to the Australian gross domestic product (GDP) and 4.5% to the employment of this country in the fiscal 2009-2010. With about 46% of the tourism expenditure in Australia being spent in various regional areas, coastal tourism is deemed to be of considerable significance to Australias many regional communities. Thus, to establish the degree of tourism importance in Queensland, this report intends to estimate the economic importance of Gold Coast Tourism and Sunshine Coast Tourism across the Australias tourism regions. The report will: Compare the value of each of these tourism industries to the local economy, and Rank each of them with respect to their relative importance to the local economies Composition of Australias tourism regions Basically, Australia has eighty four tourism regions and each tourism region comprises of quite a number of SLA (statistical local areas) as the Australian Bureau of Statistics defines in consultation with territory and state tourism organizations. Despite the availability of various other tourism regions, this report yearns to conduct a comparative analysis between two of the Queensland Australias tourism regions namely the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Queensland regional tourism industries seem not to be of equal size, tourism expenditure, output or even visitors numbers (Pambudi, 2009). In fact, all these comparative factors can greatly vary from a given region to another as will be discussed in the following sections. Gold Coast Tourism Gold Coast has traditionally been celebrated by the holiday makers because of its stunning natural environment and various man-made attractions. The Gold Coast leisure assets currently seem to be the key market drivers in the capital popularity with many corporate delegates seeking multidimensional business event experiences. The impressive modern event and convention facilities are merely the starting point for the Australias Gold Coast. The professional and infrastructural support services in this tourists region are comparable to the other cities in the world. However, Gold Coast is regarded exceptional when the overall tourism experience is perceived (Page Connell, 2006). For instance, this tourism attraction centre offers business integration pristine coastline equivalent to 70 kilometers, 100,000 hectares of universally listed heritage rainforest; more theme parks when compared to anyplace in the southern hemisphere; huge chunks of private islands, over 600 cafes and restauran ts; 800 accommodation venues as well as canals of about 500 kilometers, which are all found within forty minutes drive from each other. In essence, the duality of the eminent tourist attractions and infrastructure which cater for both meeting and leisure segments have made Gold Coast to be considered as one of the most desired Asia Pacifics resort destinations. Gold Coast Tourism towns and products Gold Coast is remarkably known for its broad beach, Burleigh Heads, Coolangatta, Main Beach, Southport, and Surfers Paradise. Basically, the broad beach offers quite of restaurants, cafes and large shopping malls. The broad beach also has a beautiful sandy beach that is backed by attractive Kurrawa Park which is considerably perfect for everybody. In fact, there are parklands and pathways where tourists can relax and wander as well as an affordable childrens park coupled with enduring waves for the surfing enthusiasts (Jones Phillips, 2011). More often, there are live entertainments within the parks along with appealing art and craft markets where books, clothes, bric-a-brac, crafts, jewellery, and gifts are sold. However, key to the Gold Coast Tourism success in the past years has been the visiting friends and relatives alongside the business markets. Furthermore, holiday visitation is deemed to remain the most dominant source for the regions domestic visitors. Over the last years, the holiday visitations has significantly remained to be the prevailing source of domestic tourist or visitors for the Queensland region with the level of visitation marginally increasing (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2010a). Truly, tourism serves as the fundamental backbone to the Gold Coast Citys lifestyle, community, and economy. From golf courses and international resorts to theme parks, this city has attracted many tourism entrepreneurs worldwide to come and capitalize on the Australias leading excitement ventures and sunny-days tourism destinations. Gold Coast Competitive Advantage and SWOT analysis The resort and hotel skyline of this famous surf city is very iconic. There exist accommodation which cater for all budgets starting from mountain retreats and luxury resorts to camping ground and backpacker accommodation. Gold Coast vast tourism infrastructures are underpinned by unrivalled arrays of built and natural attractions. The pristine rainforest regions serve as the home to the health retreats, mountain trails, art galleries, craft shops and wineries which await visitors seeking for a peaceful green shake off from the citys world famous beaches commonly found at the Gold Coast. This citys tourism industry is widely supported by dedicated programmed events which exposes the tourism operators to ample business opportunities. The events include blues on broadbeach, tastes of the Gold Coast, Gold Coast marathon, and the New Year eve celebrations (Page Connell, 2006). Moreover, Gold Coast is also seen as a fashionable destination for the business tourists who recognize this coa stal city as a vibrant, safe, and friendly place to partake in meetings and conferences. According to Lee and Spisto (2001), the strength of this tourism attraction center also rely on the strategic location which allow it to utilize the citys two comparative international airports that permits visitors access into the city via the Brisbane airport and Gold Coast airport. In fact, the Brisbane airport provides the passengers a direct connection to 39 domestic and 26 international destinations. With its diverse leisure and business products offerings, Gold Coast often attracts international and Australian visitors year round thereby negating the seasonal troughs and peaks traditionally experienced by the seaside locations. The entrepreneurial investments culture in this city, sub tropical climate, community support for ideal tourism development together with the profile and size of the tourism industry set the Gold Coast Tourism to be in a less competitive operating environment. However, Gold Coast tourism is faced with weaknesses such the shortage of cultural tourism experiences and products; over reliance on fine weather condition experiences; much concentration on the development of accommodation infrastructure as well as the misperception of the Gold Coast City as being too touristy, surfers paradise and only belongs to surf and sun. Despite having weaknesses, there are numerous opportunities in Gold Coast tourism (Tourism Research Australia, 2010). These include innovative and new tourism icons and products; nature based tourism in Gold Coast city coastal and Hinterland regions; niche market development; innovative retail experiences; emphasizing the links between Gold coast lifestyle and beach culture as well as growing the international air services and leisure focused airlines. Regardless of the robust domestic market, Gold Coast Tourism is threatened by the high volume and low yield markets which results from urban sprawl, population growth and loss of the valued major events. There is equally the absence of crisis and disaster management tourism plans; lack of inventive, world class tourism infrastructure and products; safety and crime problems alongside the global market competition in relation to the other tourism destinations both in overseas and in Australia (Commonwealth of Australia, 2010). The environmental degradation resulting from the failure to effectively manage the Gold Coast assets carrying capacity, also posses significant threats to the available tourists attraction destination. Sunshine Coast Tourism Just as the name suggests, in Sunshine Coast, there are sparkling waters, intoxicating views, warm weather and seductive sunsets which only wait to welcome the tourists from Coolum, Noosa, and Caloundra along the coastal line to the enchanting Montville, Mapleton, Mary Valley and Maleny all which are found on the hinterland. With some of the globally best beaches in addition to the picturesque hinterland which is only a few minutes away, this tourism attraction destination offers naturally refreshing sites that friends and families would probably long to see and enjoy. For example, being located about 100 kilometers north of Brisbane; Sunshine Coast incorporates various beach side towns which extend to the Glass Mountains. Furthermore, this tourist attraction destination offers a vast variety of leisure and tourism products which range from waterways and coastal beaches to national parks, quality restaurants, world class resorts, scenic hinterland areas, and various other well built tourists attractions. Sunshine Coast is found within the easy reach of Brisbane which can be accessed through road or rail via the Bruce Highway (Buckley, 2011). Actually, the region supports the domestic airport at Maroochydore while Sunshine Coast airport hails the direct flights from Melbourne and Sydney. Sunshine Coast Competitive Advantage and SWOT analysis Sunshine Coast region is deemed to be amongst the rapidly growing regions found in South East Queensland. This coastal region faces multifaceted challenges in servicing the future visitors and residents needs particularly with regard to the basic infrastructure services and transport. Despite the fact that tourism is seen to be the largest current contributor to the gross regional product by about 16.4% in Sunshine Coast region, investment in tourism related infrastructure alongside tourism products has not been fully utilized to meet the regional visitors future needs. Nevertheless, in Australia, Sunshine Coastal region has a rapidly expanding tourism industry and population base which ideally provides domestic market for the offered tourism products. This tourists region surfaced over the last few years from a very predominant rural community to a vastly developed and urbanized region. All these occurred due to coastal areas increasing development which paved way to the growing tourism industry. Moreover, Sunshine Coast tourism is a renowned leader in delivering diverse tourism experiences in a stylish, natural and friendly environment where the visitors can reconnect, relax and re-energize. The Sunshine Coast tourism attraction destination has further been recognized both globally and domestically for its sustainable development and management of the various natural attractions and assets along with its lucrative tourism ventures (Jones Phillips, 2011). Finally, the effective planning and policy coordination; strong community support; an integrated cohesive industry and the consumer service culture of the Sunshine Coast tourism has enabled this industry to deliver the visions long embraced by most tourism industries, and these form the basis for its competitive advantage. Although Sunshine Coast Tourism offers beautiful tourism destination attractions and opportunities to all parties, the industry equally has weaknesses and threats that revolve around its daily operations. Essentially, the strengths of this tourism appealing destination is seen in the series of proffered cultural activities such as the museums, historical places, galleries in addition to the quality and number of surfing beaches, rivers, national parks, and the stylish sub-tropical coastal destination. The increasing occupancy rate in the past six years for all types of accommodation coupled with fast access to the island has immensely created an increased demand for the commercial accommodation as well as tourism products and facilities. However, this tourist destination point has numerous weaknesses including fragmentation of the transport services which emerge due to deficiency in integrated transport networks; lack of diversities in the provision of accommodation options like the high end and low end accommodation options, and poor signage (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2010b). The eminent higher proportions of unoccupied private dwellings, lack of critical mass tourism attractions besides the closure of most tourist attraction centers over the last years has significantly contributed to the overall weakness of the Sunshine Coast tourism. Conversely, there are looming opportunities such as the positioning of Sunshine Coast Tourism as a global head in sustainable tourism; the strong natural attractions which lend themselves to the product development opportunities that consists of the experience based nature activities and attractions; opportunities to invest in the preservation and protection of the natural attractions alongside the emanating opportunities to develop more conferences, events and meeting venues that encompass potential cultural precincts. More tourism opportunities also arise from the development of an assortment of accommodation options to suit and meet the individual target markets needs, and building up further cycle tourism infrastructur e within the region to furnish the connecting networks like the cycle paths, trails, trip end facilities, and bike lanes which link the activities centers to the tourists attraction regions (Tourism Research Australia, 2010) The high population growth rate coupled with potential environmental degradation seems to be some of emerging threats that Sunshine Coast Tourism faces. Nonetheless, this coastal tourism region also lacks quality products to adequately support the beach and coastal lifestyle image. The lost momentum to develop commitments on improving the transport infrastructure and the competition from market rivals such as Gold Coast and various other competitors equally prove to be viable sources of market and operational threats for Sunshine Coast Tourism. Market segmentation and dominance Since Australias local tourism industries are not of equal size, the number of visitors, tourism expenditure and outputs tend to vary significantly from one region to the other. However, in the entire Queensland region, the Gold Coast is seemingly one of the Australias most lively tourism destinations. For instance, in the fiscal 2010, the international and domestic tourism expenditure totaled to $4.528 billion which could be slatted into $2.1 billion and $2.428 billion respectively. In terms of economic importance, Gold Coast Tourism had a rating of 6.4% when compared 6.7% accorded to the Sunshine Coast Tourism (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2009a). Further, the total tourism expenditure for Sunshine Coast was $2.458 billion despite having a higher market rating in terms of economic importance of tourism in Queensland region. The total output for both of these coastal tourism destinations also differed in the financial year 2010 based on the fact that the amount recorded by Gold Coast Tourism nearly doubled that which was recorded by Sunshine Coast Tourism. In the fiscal 2010, Gold coast had a basic price total output equivalent to $51.870 billion whereas Sunshine Coast Tourism had $27.056 billion. Therefore, in terms of regional importance, Sunshine Coast is ranked number sixteen, one point above the Gold Coast which is placed number eighteen whereas the expenditure and output rating saw Gold Coast Tourism ranked first in Queensland region. Moreover, based on the domestic regional comparison for the year ended December 2010, the total number of visitors in the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast were 3,396,000 and 2,604,000 respectively. This gave rise to an annual change in the number of visitors of 6% and -3% for Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast in that financial year (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2009b). The holiday percentage for these tourism destinations were equal at 59% while some variances were witnessed in their business undertakings whereby, Gold Coast had a business advantage percentage of 9% as compared to 6% reported by Sunshine Coast. The number of nights spent by the visitors also significantly varied across this fiscal period where Gold Coast had a total of 13,755,000 nights which brought about 1% annual change and -0.1nights change in comparison to Sunshine Coast 2010 annual record of 10,186,000 nights which resulted into -12% annual changes coupled with -0.4 nights change (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2010c). Further differences were noticed in the levels of length of stay and holiday visitation percentages in which Gold Coast reported 4.1 and 59% by the year end 2010 whilst Sunshine Coast had 3.9 and 59% in that order respectively. Finally, the domestic regional comparison showed that Gold Coast accounted for 20% of the total percentage share of visitors to the Q ueensland while Sunshine Coast only justified 16%. At the international levels, Gold Coast had an annual change of 0% in the number visitors; 5% annual change in the number of nights and a holiday visitation percentage equivalent to 78%. On the other hand, Sunshine Coast had a 2% annual change in the number of visitors; 3% annual change in the number of nights alongside a holiday visitation percentage equivalent to 80%. Nevertheless, in terms of international business operations, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast reported business growth percentages of 5% and 2% while at the same realized 40% and 14% in the number visitors percentage share in Queensland. Annually, the estimated total revenues for Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast are $1.2 billion and 0.9 billion (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2010c). Recommendations and conclusions While coastal tourism is perceived to significantly contribute to the Australian economy, the actual degree of tourism importance tends to vary from one region to another. Basically, the level of importance seems not to entirely depend on size of that particular regional tourism industry as has been witnessed in the case of Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. In terms of the annual business operations, Gold Coast Tourism appears to be in the forefront in every undertaken activity as compared to the Sunshine Coast Tourism but they are all globally recognized tourism destination attraction points. It is therefore recommended that Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast tourism products should avoid being too touristy by only offering surf and sun experiences but the aim should be to offer nature based experiences like rainforests, wildlife and beach experiences amidst allowing for opportunities to meet the local characters, connect with the local communities as well as experience local hospitalities.

Paul Strand :: essays research papers fc

Paul Strand (1890-1976) was born in New York and attended the Ethical Culture School, based on the principles of John Dewey , a popular choice for those middle class Jewish families wishing to assimilate into secular US society.(Encarta) In 1907 he joined the photography classes and club taught by Lewis Hine, the greatest American documentary photographer of his time, who was photographing living conditions in slum areas and the treatment of immigrants on arrival at Ellis Island, and campaigning for the appeal of child labor laws through photographs of "Children Working" on the streets, in factories and in mines. (Capa) Hine took his students to Alfred Stieglitz's "Gallery at 291", which had an overwhelming impression on the seventeen-year-old Strand, who later returned to discuss his photographs with Stieglitz. After leaving school Strand started work in the family business, continuing his photography in his spare time.(Encarta) His early work followed the pictorialist model of the photo secession, but further visits to 291 and other galleries, and discussions with Stieglitz meant that Strand was kept up to date with the new modern art from Europe. He shared Stieglitz's growing disillusion with pictorialism, and in particular his growing insistence that photography should make use of the unique possibilities it offered, particularly its ability to describe the scene with greater detail and accuracy than the human hand, rather than attempt to mimic painting or drawing. (Rosenblum) Strand expressed his views clearly and forcibly in a number of articles. Strand was one of the first photographers to take up the visual problems and approaches which he saw in modern art. By 1915 this was showing clearly in his work, with an interest in geometrical forms, patterns, rhythm, space and the division of the frame; the pictures were like a knife cutting through the butter of Pictorialism . Stieglitz greeted this with enthusiasm, showing it in the gallery and making it the feature of the final issues of Camerawork. (Web Galleries) The "White Fence", perhaps the best known from this period, shows the white painted pickets of a fence across the lower half of the picture, setting up a rhythm which is syncopated by their imperfections. The spaces between the posts show a dark grass area, pictorially of equal weight to the white wood, setting up a 'figure-ground opposition' (we can see it as either light areas against a dark background or dark areas against a light background) in this part of the picture, producing the spatial illusion of bringing the horizontal grass expanse into a vertical visual plane.

George Orwells Writing techniques in Animal Farm :: Animal Farm Essays

George Orwell’s Techniques Discuss the ways in which Orwell effectively shows some of the aspects of communism and the events surrounding the Russian Revolution This essay will focus on the ways and techniques that George Orwell uses, to show the parallels between Russian Communism, and Animal Farm. It will explain the importance of the single techniques, and the overall aim of the writer.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Book, Animal Farm, was written by George Orwell and was first published in 1945. As Orwell always wants to draw attention to a lie or faults in the system with his books, he concentrated on Russian Communism with this one, and although it sounds like a childish story at first, it is very serious from its bases to the finished story.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  By creating a smaller, compressed version of the USSR within a farm in England, Orwell shows how easily someone can grasp power by abusing the communist principles and shaping them to his liking and benefit. He also associated the animal characters within the story, with communist party members, peasants, workers and army. Everyone gets a job, that he or she has to do and everyone is everyone’s â€Å"comrade†. There are Stalin and Trotsky, represented by the two pigs Napoleon and Snowball, the politburo is represented by the pigs in genera,l the peasants are sheep that follow without their own opinion about things, and the pigeons for example are messengers.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  He uses extremely simple language, because he wanted to state his message about communism as clearly as possible and with no chance of misunderstanding the text. For example: The seven animal commandments are extremely simple language and easy to understand for everyone (animal and man or reader).â€Å"1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy. 2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend. 3. No animal shall wear clothes†¦ etc†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  He also uses this simple language, because he wants to make a clear statement that no one can manipulate. The normal reader would also understand it, if it were a bit harder, but the press could then change it to their own liking and that’s exactly what he didn’t want. Only because the book is written in simple language, it doesn’t mean it’s a children’s book. It’s the same as with the little prince. Children can read it, and understand the funny story about animals, and adults can read it and understand the serious and horrible core of the story where no one has their own rights anymore, because everyone is equal.

Essay --

Jerusalem is the beholder of a violent, yet religious, past. It is the holy center for three of the world’s major religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. It was the center for many battles and the motivation for the Crusades. The Crusades were the cause for much blood shed and marked the beginning of a long war between Islam and Christianity. However, most of the focus in history of this holy center begins with the Crusades and continues there after, so this is where the essay will be focused: the times and history of Jerusalem before the Crusades. The city of Jerusalem is located in modern day Israel and was established around 4000 BC. The early history of Jerusalem is up to debate between the records kept by the various texts and accounts left by early inhabitants. It was inhabited by the Jebusites for a long period before Abraham, or any other occurrences that gave Jerusalem its early background. It is said to have been ruled by an ally of Abraham, Melchizedek, until King David, around 1000 BC, took over the city and founded it as a homeland for the Jews. This began the first official reign of a religion over the city, for no religious significance nor reign had control over the city. Jerusalem became the capital of King David’s empire, and for a period of time, under his son’s rule, it was a major trade city and was very significant among the surrounding peoples. After King David died in 970 BC, his son, Solomon, took over and fabricated the first Temple in this holy city run by the Jewish people and functioning upon their beliefs. This temple became known as the great temple as it was added upon over multiple years by varying skilled architects. Solomon’s rule brought the city success, but after his death Davidic ruler... ...hich triggered the Roman decision to rebuild Jerusalem as a non- Jewish Roman territory. It remained a regular territory with no religious rule until the Byzantines conquered it in 330 A.D. and instated it as a Christian city. The Jewish people weren’t allowed to live within the city. About 300 years later, the Persians took over the city from the Byzantines and it was ruled by these pre-Islamic rulers until 629 A.D. The Byzantines took back over, but only began to rebuild the once again Christian city when the Caliph Omar invaded Jerusalem and began occupying the city in 638 A.D. This was the beginning of the Crusades. Jerusalem has had a long and horrible history with many different political and religious occupations leading up to the Crusades and even after. Jerusalem is a very important city in human history amongst its various leaders and various occurrences.

Goodwill Stores: A Business Case

The circumstance given depicts how important cash discounts are when looked into in real life. The latter compels debtors to pay on time their liabilities and when they do so, gaining deductions on their payables to one or several persons (their creditors). Accordingly, it also showcases some alternation of standards as businesspersons become more aware on how to manage or manipulate the said deductions. Like in the given situation wherein the cash discounts were still recorded though paid after the discount period where the business blamed the mail room or the post office for the delay (using the long process the reason of default of payment). Most likely, in that given case, only a few portion of the cash discount will be exhausted against complaint which, I think, is an advantage to the creditor (from 4% cash discount to 3% because of delay) since that does not completely exhaust the entirety of cash discount. Moreover, debtors often recognize and accept that cause making the full payment still fall on the discount period though was really paid beyond it. So the firm, instead of paying their debts on proper time (w/ discount), extends their actual payment on it using the money to some more transactions that involves credit terms or agreement. Ulysses, being a new employee of the company, would merely adhere or hold on into that â€Å"special norm† discussed to him by Lavares; that norm that exempts some of our deemed knowledge pertaining a particular business concept. Most firms, especially the low earning one, will most likely be induced by such having their reason â€Å"Other businesses do it anyway† (Peer pressure) and the thinking that it is so possible and somehow licit. Given these beneficial advantages doing such, it is still best to comply with things in good faith or on what is right (payment on the proper discount period). By that, at least, he would assure that he will not have a hard time when sleeping at night. Discussion 1. What are the ethical considerations in this case? Again, it is still best for debtors to pay their debts within the proper discount period (safety of self and of business). Taking into account these â€Å"ethical considerations† that must be observed or else the firm will suffer their corresponding consequences, we may assert to the potential-onerous nature that incompliance of debtor may bestow. Given the fact that creditors may demand for disclosure on certain parts of his debtor’s record, the latter should at least be prepared and has a good reason out of that, should be able to expound something important on it (allowing the cash discount), and maybe present tangible proofs that is suitable and reasonable or else he would suffer the thing plus damages. Given the rights in fully examining the record (by looking into the ledger account of cash to check if the debtor really paid within the discount period), the creditor may know if the debtor truly paid on that day or not. Another point here will be the need of creditors of money on the last date of discount period. Since no money was received by him, it is apparent that he somehow suffered something (for instance he also has a debt to someone). And the proper or just remedy for that will be the cancellation also of the cash discount he provided his debtors (those who pay beyond the discount period and continue to blame the post office, etc to sustain the cash discount). The problem in those considerations is that only a few applies it. They just keep everything, the operations, fast and in line with their competitors and clients’ needs without concern to the fundamental principles they should be applying (knowing only is insignificant). 2. Who are the stakeholders that are harmed or benefited in this situation? Debtors, given the latter, should also keep in mind that the in time when they are now in the position of a creditor allotting cash discounts, there is a great possibility of them encountering such that would also delay the proper date of payment yet still acquire the cash discount through excuses and reasons. Here, it would be prejudice if the creditor would not allow such because he himself actually did the same in time he was a debtor. This implies the practicality today that most would consider or acknowledge cash discounts even if they are paid a bit late, depending on the situation. Again, the essence of entice is here that forces creditors to condone not-on-time payments. Having that context, we may arrive or be aware that there are persons benefiting and not benefiting from it. Those who benefit from it in general would be the debtors. They are the persons pardoned from the delay in payment or just suffer a small reduction in the discount rate agreed. Another benefit out of that would be the idea that they could stimulate more the inflows and outflows of the firm’s money. Those merchandising firms that issue charge sales invoice in most of his transactions often benefit from these (large receivables all subject to cash discount). Accordingly, creditors are persons harmed out of it. Harm here would depend on the need of creditor for money because again, there are cases where payment to one is depended upon the payment of another. If the creditor was not able to pay his creditor and get the discount amount because of no payment of his debtor, the best remedy would also be the cancellation of the latter’s right to cash discount. Having all that, we may deem that those who are new to these kinds of things and ideas would most likely be harmed. 3. Should Ulysses continue the practice started by Philmon? Does he have any choice? In the beginning, yes, he should continue the practice started by Philmon. He must, at first, look and understand more the situation the firm is confronting and all of the matters in it with regard to the department he was placed in. In time he already knows all of the business’ complexities and such; he may now start to consider himself worthy and commence to petition for amendment or proposition of things and ideas (innovation) in accordance to what he deems more appropriate and more ethical relying on his substantial knowledge about the matter and to somewhat make it correspond more with the ethical considerations discussed earlier. Looking at the choices he has given this situation, I think he has many. If he often feels insecure working on such idea that it may be licit or not, he would not be able to perform well his job on the firm and would preferably be placed in another firm that usually just do the same thing. Given that reality, it is still best just to go on with it and slowly make the things better via recommendations, proposals, etc. Recommendation First would be for the firm to withdraw and dispose all its late payments and pay them instead on time. Then focus on things the business could lend or give credit to (maximizing the opportunity to supply loan). So in the right time, they would start getting their desired money on hand sufficient to cover what they will provide their debtors. Aside from security, doing such may give a good psychological effect to workers like Ulysses who engages in preparing and dating of checks. Having such in place of work, the continuous essence of motivation will more likely be observed and raised leading operations in a more productive form. Additionally, innovations, leadership, teamwork, and the like would also rise.

A Great Leader: Martin Luther King, Jr.

It was the 1963 March on Washington, attended by 250,000 people, 75 percent of them black, where Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his â€Å"I Have a Dream† speech (Ruffin, 2001). The speech was aired on national television, reaching millions of Americans, including the President.The speech effectively raised civil consciousness by providing a clear path and goals for the Civil Rights Movement. Three decades after he was gunned down on a motel balcony in Memphis, Tennessee, Martin Luther King, Jr. remains to be the human rights icon of today whose influence has become a fixed part in the lives of those people he helped and touched (Pastan, 2004).Born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia he was the second of three children of Reverend Martin Luther King, Sr. and Alberta Williams King (Oates, 1994). Belonging to a middle-class family, King, Jr. and his siblings enjoyed relatively better lives than average black children.At the very young age, he was exposed to ideas and issue s of racial equality as his father was actively involved in the local chapter of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People who led a successful campaign to equalize the salaries of white and black teachers in Atlanta. Although he and his siblings had white playmates, they were not allowed to go to the same school with them.He attended Atlanta Public Schools, David T. Howard Elementary and then Booker T. Washington High School. When he was in high school, he joined an oratory contest and won second place. His happiness was short lived for he had a long bus ride to get home where passengers were segregated according to the color of their skin.The blacks had to stand and make room for the white people. At fifteen, he entered Atlanta's Morehouse College, then Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Pennsylvania and Boston University, where he earned his Ph.D in systematic theology. While in college at Cozer, King, Jr. became exposed to Mahatma Gandhi and was inspired by his advocacy of non-violent activism. He even visited the Gandhi family in India in 1959 to deepen his understanding of non-violent resistance and his commitment to the advocacy of the Civil Rights Movement in America (Sunnemark, 2004).After completing his education, he rejected most offers instead chose to become pastor of Montgomery, AL's Dexter Avenue Baptist Church. He was named president of the new Montgomery Improvement Association, which set his public career into motion. When he lead the local African-American community’s bus boycott, King, Jr. became a household name and threats started coming to him and his family. He and his groups demanded three things: (1) seating arrangements according to first come-first serve basis; (2) drivers equal treatments of white and black passengers; and (3) hire black drivers to predominantly black routes.Bus companies suffered losses as their customers are mainly black (Haskins, 1992). His house was bombed and he faced charges of co nspiracy against the bus company. The bus boycott lasted a year, characterized by violence and different forms of intimidation but King, Jr. did not fail to emphasize the Christian way to handle the attacks. He advised his group to â€Å"turn the other cheek†. In December 21, 1956, King, Jr. together with other boycott leaders, rode the first desegregated bus.The next few years were relatively quiet for King, Jr. but he remained to be active, getting involved with other civil rights movements. He founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) to coordinate the protests which followed the success of the bus boycott (Garrow, 1968).The SCLC became involved with African-American students who voiced out their denunciation of segregated public facilities such as whites-only lunch counters. However, some students did not approve of King, Jr.’s participation in their cause (Kirk, 2007). They claimed that he was just all talk without taking real actions. He receive d all the credits from the hard work of the group. He kept the money, enjoyed the fame that truly belonged to others who sacrificed. This impression was furthered when he was able to spent lesser jail time compared to others who participated in sit-ins in an Atlanta department store and was arrested.They argued that King, Jr. used his mainstream appeal to leave the jail early through presidential candidate John F. Kennedy. John F. Kennedy needed King, Jr. to reach to the black people while the black people were in doubt whether King, Jr. was still the right leader to represent them. Versions of these criticisms surrounded him all through his life.Hallmark of his success was in 1964 when he received the Nobel Peace Prize (Bull, 2000). He accepted the award in behalf of the Civil Rights Movements. Early the next year, the Nobel Peace Prize winner was back in a jail cell. Such is the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. Though intrigues, threats and violence hunted him all his life, his con tributions to free America, blacks and whites, were incomparable.ReferencesBull, Angela (2000). DK Readers: Free At Last, The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr. NY: Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Inc.Garrow, David (1968). Bearing the Cross: Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. NY: HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.Haskins, James (1992). The Life and Death of Martin Luther King, Jr. NY: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Company.Kirk, John (2007). Martin Luther King, Jr. and The Civil Rights Movement: Controversies and Debates. NY: Palgrave Macmillan.Oates, Stephen (1994). Let the Trumpet Sound: A Life of Martin Luther King, Jr. NY: HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.Pastan, Amy (2004). Martin Luther King, Jr: Biography. NY: DK Publishing, Inc.Ruffin, Frances (2001). Martin Luther King, Jr. and the March on Washington. NY: Grosset & Dunlap.Sunnemark, Fredrik (2004). Ring Out Freedom! The Voice of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Making of the Civil Rights Movement. IN: I ndiana University Press.  

Marriott at Myanmar Essay

This report is prepared to be the first document evaluating Myanmar’s attractiveness for consideration of establishing Marriott Hotels and Resorts in this country. The best location for the hotel is chosen to be the city called Yangon since it offers a wide variety of activities for travelers with different interests. Yangon Marriott Hotels and Resorts will be attracted to upscale visitors who wish to stay in a luxury, five-star hotel with exceptional service quality, while enjoying the beauty of the country. The target groups of customers are not limited only to local high income Burmese, but also foreign visitors who come on a business or vacation purposes in Myanmar. Myanmar is a resource-rich country with a lot of unseen and attractive destinations. If developed properly, the country has a high potential for growth in the tourism industry in the future. However, due to the high level of risks of its cultural, economical and political systems, this country is considered not attractive enough to operate the luxury brand hospitality business under Marriott name. Strained relationship with the U. S government and the European Union also makes it more difficult for an international brand like Marriott to establish a new business in this country. II. Overview Summary Information A. Key information regarding demographics of the target country The Union of Myanmar, previously called Burma, occupies the largest geographical area in the mainland Southeast Asia. From North to South, three parallel chains of mountain ranges divide the country into three river systems and create various topographic regions. It shares national borders with several countries: China on the north, Laos on the east, Thailand on the southeast, Bangladesh on the west, and India on the northwest, with the Bay of Bengal to the southwest. The country achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1948. The population of Myanmar, approximately 54 million people, is highly diverse. There are eight major ethnic groups, which can be subdivided into 135 ethnic minorities. The official language is Burmese; however, several native languages are also spoken. English is usually spoken, particularly by the educated urban elites, and is the secondary language learnt in government schools. Eighty percent of Burmese population is Buddhist, prevalent in Theravada sect. The military government has officially relocated the capital of the country from Yangon to Naypyidaw in March 2006. III. Business History A. History of the company Marriott International, Inc. is a leading worldwide operator and franchisor of a range of value and luxury hotels and related lodging facilities. Nowadays, Marriott International has about 3,150 lodging properties located in the United States and 67 other countries and territories. Its operations are grouped into five business segments, which are full-service lodging, select service lodging, extended-stay lodging, timeshare, and synthetic fuel. Marriott International was formed in 1993 when Marriott Corporation split into two companies: Marriott International and Host Marriott Corporation. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. B. Products/services offered and their unique advantage in the target markets The Marriott has become one of the world’s leading hospitality business operators from its excellent quality, service, and value. Throughout the Asia-Pacific region, its brand name has continuously led the company to the consistent growth in Marriott properties in many countries such as China, Japan, Singapore, and Thailand. Each Marriott hotel differentiates itself with exceptional amenities, individualized attention to guests, and careful reflection of local surroundings. As the business expands worldwide, Marriott brand gains a high level of brand loyalty from its guests. This large customer base will help facilitate the business when the brand enters to new-oversea markets. IV. Business Activity A. Industry structure, competition in the country and current economy of the target country Even though the number of travelers visiting Myanmar is very low, tourism is considered the country’s major source for foreign exchange. Burmese government has been trying to promote their tourism industry to outsiders. They launched the campaign of ‘Visit Myanmar Year’ in 1996. After that, according to the Statistics from Ministry of Hotels Tourism, the number of tourist arrivals has been increased. However, this increasing number could not retain on a continuous basis due to the country’s uncertainty and instability in many areas that made people feel uncomfortable visiting Myanmar. Myanmar’s economy is currently mixed and primarily based on agricultural activities, including livestock, fisheries, and forestry. This sector accounts for 50 percent of the country’s overall GDP. The country also possesses several kinds of valuable natural resources, including intensely fertile soil, offshore oil, and gas deposit. It is also the world’s largest exporter of teak and precious stones such as jade, pearls, rubies, and sapphires. Since late 1988, Myanmar moved toward more market-oriented economy. It changed its centrally planned economy to be more liberalized, both in domestic and international trade. The role of private sector was promoted, and foreign direct investment was welcomed. Despite such efforts, Myanmar is still considered the poorest country among the Southeast Asian nations. Although tourist industry has a high potential for growth in the future, it still remains underdeveloped. This is because mismanagement from the military government’s control, ineffective and inefficient policies, poor infrastructures, together with the country’s bad international image have drawn the whole country to the state of underdevelopment. Moreover, since the late 1990s, Myanmar’s economy has worsened due to economic sanctions from many countries such as the European Union, Canada, and the U. S. Foreign investments usually come from China, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. V. Market Research A. Market conditions in target country 1. Existing demand There are several reasons why Myanmar should be a good place in consideration for new investment opportunity. The country has vast and virtually untapped natural resources. To this day, Myanmar remains one of the most mysterious and undiscovered destinations in the world. The country seems appealing to many tourists around the world due to its unseen attractions with regard to cultures, history, and natural beauty. There has been an increasing demand from outside the country, especially from those travelers who wish to discover this resource-rich country. Myanmar is viewed as a good destination for people who want to have an exotic adventure, beach vacation, and mountain experience. In addition, advocates supporting Burmese tourist claim that it is the only method to help Burmese poor citizen to have a better standard of living and avoid isolating the country from the rest of the world. Another important issue needed to be pointed out is the message from the leader of Myanmar’s opposition National League of Democracy. Aung San Suu Kyi has in the past asked foreign tourists not to visit the country, as this helps increase the military junta’s power. This is one of the reasons why some people do not want to visit the country. 2. Competition After the Burmese government opened the country to promote several industries, tourism started to develop in Myanmar. Nowadays, there are approximately 500 hotels and guesthouses throughout the country. In Yangon alone, there are only six luxury hotels and approximately 20 moderate and economy hotels. Among those luxury hotels, none of them is operated under the recognized global hotel-chain companies. Most of the hotels are run by local Burmese people or businessmen from neighboring countries such as China, Singapore and Thailand. Therefore, competition in Myanmar’s tourism industry has not reached the intense level yet. VI. Potential Difficulties or Restriction A. Entry requirement The Government of Myanmar posts some restrictions on foreign investors wishing to do business in the country. In order to establish and operate under contractual agreement or partnership, foreign entity must submit all proposals to the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) and get approved under the Foreign Investment Law (FIL). Foreign investors can set up their business either in the form of a wholly-owned subsidiary or a joint venture with any partners: an individual, private company, a cooperative society or a state-owned enterprise. In all joint ventures, the minimum equity required from the foreign party is 35 percent. Moreover, the minimum amount of capital requirement to be eligible under the Foreign Investment Law is set to be US $500,000 for an industry, but US$300,000 for a service organization. Tourism industry is one of many sectors allowed under the Foreign Investment Law. Rather than the initial investment requirement, Myanmar also has commercial tax of ten percent levied on service of operation of hotels. B. Intellectual property issues Intellectual property is one important issue that prevents many oversea businesses from entering to Myanmar. The country has a negative outlook on its control with regard to this matter. Myanmar is considered having poor, maybe poorest, intellectual property right laws by the outside world. Marriott brand could be jeopardized since Myanmar’s legislation alone may not be able to protect the ownership of the company’s trademark. In the past, there was an evident showing that some local businesses were registered by using the existing international trademarks or trade name, and that prevented the original owners to register their own names and run the business in this country. VII. Cultural Issues A. Religion and its role in the society Since most Burmese people are Buddhist of Theravada stream, Buddhism has greatly influenced the standards of etiquette in the country. Their core religious belief is karma, the concept that good fathers good and bad fathers bad. This core belief has reflected in almost every aspect in everyday life; however, it does not play a significant role in doing business in this country. With basic knowledge of Burmese culture and custom, foreigners would find it easy to live with the local people. B. Special cultural issues For employer and employee relationship, Burmese employees are hardworking and loyal to their bosses. In return, an employer is expected to give help when in times of need. Such help can be the advice given for personal problems or loan granted in a financial crisis. As in all Asian countries, Myanmar respect people older than them. Therefore, in order to avoid friction in workplace, subordinates should be working under an older supervisor. Friendship, trust, and honesty are valued in a business relationship. Favors received, such as introducing a potential client or supplying a reference, must be repaid at a future time. For the first time in a business meeting, details of the project may not be discussed. Instead, the meeting may be spent evaluating each other’s personality and business strengths and weaknesses. In general, Myanmar business people find it easier to deal with Asians than Westerners. C. Business cultural issues In recent years, both China and India have attempted to strengthen ties with the Burmese government for economic benefits. This situation indicates that relationship with the military government could help smooth out the process or get the deals more easily. Personal relationship is considered one of the key components that could determine the success of the business. Foreign business will be more likely to succeed if the foreign entity can tie with a local partner, ultimately the Burmese government. According to Asian Journal of Political Science, â€Å"all post-colonial Myanmar governments and the business community benefited from their clientelistic networks. Without the help of government officials, many business firms would have gone under quickly; at the same time, without the assistance of business people, it would have been hard for most post-colonial Myanmar governments to keep themselves in power. It is very clear that government-business relations cannot simply be reduced to a zero-sum game. Certain interactions between the military government and the business community were mutually empowering†. Corruption is systemic at all levels of the Government and society. From Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, â€Å"It is considered by economists and businesspersons to be one of the most serious barriers to investment and doing business in the country. A Byzantine and capricious regulatory environment fostered corruption. † VIII. Service Operation A. Location of service facilities The best location that Marriott Hotels and Resorts could be is in the city called Yangon. Yangon, previously known as Rangoon, is one of the most popular areas for foreign visitors and is considered the gateway to Myanmar. It is the largest and former capital of the country. Even though the city is no longer the capital, Yangon continues to be the most important commercial center of Myanmar. This relatively simple city is attractive in its own particular way. Yangon has earned the name ‘the Garden City of the East’ since it is green and cool with lush of tropical trees, shady parks, and beautiful lakes. The city offers a wide variety of activities for visitors such as diving, cultures, and ecotourism. Therefore, this city has a potential to attract a lot of travelers with different interests. B. Service modification necessary to adapt to local environment Since one of Marriott’s strength lies in its careful reflection of local surroundings, Marriott Hotels and Resorts built in Yangon should hold the same principle. Yangon Marriott Hotels and Resorts should combine the city’s natural beauty of its history, culture and scenery while offering the unique luxury standards. Destination hotels and resorts type might be an appropriate alternative for Marriott in Yangon. The destination resort should be located in the Yangon area with noteworthy natural features, plus an urban setting. IX. Personnel Strategies A. Employment restriction Myanmar has active labor force of about 20 million. They are fairly trained manpower and skilled labor with relatively low cost comparing to other neighboring countries. There is only 23 percent of the overall population working in the service industry; however, these Burmese people are considered hospitable due to the fact that they are generally honest and kind. However, due to the country’s poor infrastructure, Burmese people are not provided with good education. Their skills might not be good enough to fit in Marriott’s high standards of hospitality service. Therefore, it seems necessary for Marriott to provide training sessions to improve their hospitality skills. B. Expatriate issues Since Marriott ties the brand image with its superb service quality, it is vital that Yangon Marriott Hotels and Resorts are equipped with talented management team. Marriott International Inc. might need to import managers from oversea to run the Myanmar operations in order to ensure that Marriott’s core business practice is followed everywhere. This issue brings about big challenge since it will not be easy to find the talented people who will be willing to work in a country with high uncertainty and instability in many aspects on a voluntary basis. Marriott International Inc. might need to provide them with high enough incentives to encourage them to accept this assignment. Nevertheless, under the Foreign Investment Law, Myanmar allows the employment of foreign experts and technicians. Required manpower can be recruited through Township Labor Offices. X. Risks A. Government stability The most important risk exposed in Myanmar deals with its political issue. For the past 40 years, Myanmar has been ruled by the military government or junta, in which the power is centered. The State Peace and Development Council, or SPDC, maintains strict authoritarian rule over the people of Myanmar. The country has a reputation abroad for brutally crushing political dissent, as in the case of house arrests of Aung San Suu Kyi. According to the information from the articles Foreign relations of Burma and Military of Burma, â€Å"Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy won a landslide victory in the country’s election of 1990; however, the military — which has controlled Myanmar (Burma) for decades — refused to transition the country to civilian democratic rule. For her part, Aung San Suu Kyi has spent most of the last decade under house arrest for her political efforts. In 1991, Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize while still under house arrest. † This case brings about the global awareness and concern on the country’s political abuse and human right violation. B. Legal risk The country also completely lacks of regulatory and legal transparency. â€Å"All existing regulations, including those covering foreign investments, are subject to change with no advance or written notice at the whim of the regime’s ruling general. Myanmar does not accept International Court of Justice. C. Economic risk Myanmar’s economy suffers from serious macroeconomic imbalance. The country’s money currency is called Kyat, which is not stable at all. Volatility happens on a weekly basis. The Kyat is not convertible. This severe situation includes rising inflation, fiscal deficits, and multiple official exchange rates that overvalue the Burmese Kyat. A major banking crisis in 2003 also contributed a large negative impact on the overall disrupted economy. XI. Potential Benefits A. Market potential As already mentioned, Myanmar is one of resourceful countries that have high potential for future growth in tourism industry. The country offers all traditional delights of Asia in one country. If developed properly, the country’s tourism can become one of the world’s famous tourist destinations. Seeing this opportunity, Marriott brand can expand globally throughout the Asian Pacific region. Now Marriott brand has its hotel chains in Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam in this Asia Pacific region. B. Incentive from local government Myanmar’s Foreign Investment Law provides a lot of incentives to foreign investors in the form of tariff and taxes. The business will be granted a tax exemption for three consecutive years beginning the first year of operation. The country also provides the relief from income tax on profit reinvested within one year. Myanmar guarantees that the business permitted under FIL will be protected from being nationalized during the granted period. C. Relationship to the United States However, according to Bureau of Democracy – Human Right and Labor, â€Å"the US and Burmese relation has been worsened after the 1988 military coup and violent suppression of pro-democracy demonstration. Subsequent repression, including the brutal crackdown on peaceful protestors in September 2007, further strained the relationship. † â€Å"In addition, since May 1997, the U. S. Government has prohibited new investment by U. S. persons or entities. A number of U. S. companies exited the Burma market even prior to the imposition of sanctions due to a worsening business climate and mounting criticism from human rights groups, consumers, and shareholders. The United States has also imposed countermeasures on Burma due to its inadequate measures to eliminate money laundering. † As a result of the above fact, it seems inappropriate for Marriott to enter Myanmar at this moment. Since Marriott is a U. S. based company, the company could run into a big conflict with the U. S. government, which could have a seriously negative impact on its hotel operations around the world.