Give Examples of social injustice

We see the social injustice against women in the novel Parvana and Newspaper article â€Å"Mukhtar Fought Back†. In the novel Parvana we were shown social injustice where eleven year old girl Parvana had to masquerade as a boy to gain access to the outside world. For much of the story her father is imprisoned leaving only her mother, older sister and two very young siblings. Most of the country is ruled by the Taliban and Taliban laws require women to cover themselves & ban girls from attending school or going out unescorted. She has rarely been outside but Parvana's disguise provides her a measure of freedom and the means to support her family. I believe that humans, female or male have desire to learn but discover that the laws are so socially restricting for females that they must resort to disguise and further risks. This is injustice not only to females but humankind. I think since the â€Å"Taliban† were corrupted in their beliefs they carried these laws on women. As there were misbelieves at higher level, people under them followed the road of injustice for e. g. some soldiers raped women who didn't cover themselves including their face. This also shows why parents in third world countries desire to have a male child because the boys provide more freedom and measures to families. Another example of social injustice against women is shown in the Newspaper article â€Å"Mukhtar Fought Back†. Mukhtar Mai was gang raped for an offence supposedly committed by her twelve years old brother Shakur. Mukhtar and her family are from the low Gujar caste and are expected to be subservient to the Mastoi. Therefore men of dominant caste Mastoi had the decision making power and resolved that to appease the honour of their caste; she must be raped in revenge for what they claimed was the rape of one of their women by Shakur. This shows that today there are societies that are based on the unfair system of caste and the justice is given on the decision made by the people of dominant caste. This also proves that the castes that are dominant have the right to speak and to even make wrong decision over the people of low caste. In reality it was a made up attempt to hide the fact that it was her brother who had been raped by men from the Mastoi caste. I think the guilt felt by the Mastoi for raping the boy lead them to exert their caste power on the weak caste and thought she is uneducated and poor, hence she will not able to take an action against them. Furthermore I believe they were over confident and they supposed if Mukhtar was raped she will also commit suicide as this is the custom. Often women were blamed even when they were the victims of rape but her sense of outrage and injustice made her refuse to commit suicide. I believe her story is not a victim's story; it's the tale of a survivor, and a fighter. I believe that the injustice she felt inside is a universal feeling of injustice, humans from all levels of civilization have natural sense of common morals and so she knew this is not right in any country or culture. I believe that in most of the third world countries often women are prohibited to do the same things as men since men are dominant. I think social awakening has to be brought up by the educated people themselves. The politicians should spend time to educate people. It is not civilized to ostricise a rape victim. I believe that on going efforts in social education would reduce the crimes committed against women in the third world countries.

Evidence Based Management Essay

Using evidences or facts to run the organization is not a new concept in the management practice. Some managers use their experiences, research, articles and other evidences conducted by business experts to make decisions in their organization. Using these evidences to create solutions to solve problems in the organization is known as evidence-based management (EBMgt). For the proponent of EBMgt, this decision–making process has some advantages in its implementation. Creating a good quality decision is a linear function with an improvement of data and information that are used as decision supports. Having reliable evidences and using systematic process, managers can create a better managerial and organizational decisions. In this good environment, organizations also will perform with a flexible way in implementing all decisions because they are resulted from numerous good researches. Finally, this model also will create a learning environment for managers to improve their comp etence to make a good decision. For the opponent of EBMgt, this practice is hard to be implemented in the organization because some reasons. Sometimes, it seems too much information for managers to consider as decision supports. Furthermore, from those data, managers frequently feel difficult to pick the reliable information. When managers think that they have a good evidence, sometimes they cannot use it as their decision support because it is not relevant to their organization in certain conditions. Lastly, managers frequently fall into the wrong business practice because a half-done solution that is offered by consultants. After that, managers often see other consulting firms to try misleading. To understand more deeply about EBMgt, let’s see an example of PT KAI, the Indonesian state-owned company that operate railways. Since the last four years, management of PT KAI has changed the company from getting loss USD 8.5 Million in 2008 to having profit more than USD 45 Million in 2013. The remarkable change in the company could not be separated from many innovations that has been applied by its management. In 2009, the management did some researches and survey about the company’s problems causing the lack of revenue. After that, they found two main issues that were human resources and services problem. To solve the first problem, the management applied the meritocracy system in its human resources system.

Analysing factors effecting Foreign Direct Investment in China Essay

Analysing factors effecting Foreign Direct Investment in China - Essay Example Southeast China in particular has become a hotbed of business activity. Presently, China is actively encouraging trade with the West, and it is a major trading partner of the United States. Despite this progress, many U.S. and European multinationals find that doing business in the PRC can be a long, gruelling process that often results in failure. One primary reason is that Western-based MNCs do not understand the role and impact of Chinese culture. The country launched its open door policy 26 years ago. Since the policy introduction the FDI flows in the country received a quick response. In 2004 China was at no.2nd position in the world of FDI with $64 billion. The Chinese FDI trends can be examined in two phases. In the third phase Deny Xiaoping opened China for overall economic reform. The phase was very fruitful for China. The government introduced new policies and market oriented economic reform. In result of these reforms the FDI's started flowing into the Chinese economy at rocket speed. In November 1999 US-China had an agreement regarding the WTO, according to which many new reforms were made (Sandra, 2001) those included In the first six months of 2002, act... One primary reason is that Western-based MNCs do not understand the role and impact of Chinese culture. Since the last few decades there has been a multifold increase in the FDI in China. The Chinese economy has now gaining the power of effecting the decisions of the economic bodies of the world. History of FDI growth in China: The country launched its open door policy 26 years ago. Since the policy introduction the FDI flows in the country received a quick response. In 2004 China was at no.2nd position in the world of FDI with $64 billion. The Chinese FDI trends can be examined in two phases. First phase: 1979-82 Second phase: 1984-91 Third phase: 1992-99 In the first phase the government establish for special zones with incentive policies. Although there was a high inflow into those regions, the total FDI flow reached US $ 1.8 billion. In the second phase the provinces were opened and recorded US $ 10.3 billion. In 1989 however the trend dropped. In the third phase Deny Xiaoping opened China for overall economic reform. The phase was very fruitful for China. The government introduced new policies and market oriented economic reform. In result of these reforms the FDI's started flowing into the Chinese economy at rocket speed. In November 1999 US-China had an agreement regarding the WTO, according to which many new reforms were made (Sandra, 2001) those included The sectors relating to the distribution services will be opened for repair and maintenance and China will phase in trading rights and distribution services over three years. The Government for the investment opened the telecommunication industry of China. The professionals were also allowed access to the service markets of China. The services included according, consulting, Information

City of Ruins Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

City of Ruins - Essay Example The photograph displays the unemployment rate in the city as well as the crime rate. According to Hedges (17), the streets of Camden are filled with the unemployed. Owing this a number of youth turn to a life of crime as a means of getting by. The thesis statement in the article is: ‘Camden, New Jersey, stands as a warning of what huge pockets of America could turn into.’ The thesis statement is valid. It focuses on the causes of the crime and poverty levels in the society. According to Hedges (15), the Camden is a creation of the city due to its inability to create a balance between employment and The educational attainment in Camden is low compared to the rest of the state and the county. It is a key issue that establishes a basis for the challenges in the city. The population of the city consists of 70% high school drop outs. Only 13% of the students in the city manage to pass the state proficiency exams in mathematics. Trends for student scores reflect on the poor standing of the Camden City public students. The article ‘City of Ruins’ present the trends in the county and state. The high rate of unemployment has left the people in the county in a destitute state. The inability to meet personal basic needs has resulted in a high crime rate. The youth turn to crime as a means of earning money for their families. The ability of a state to sustain itself in the wake of inflation includes managing the unemployment levels in order to establish an economic means for the growing population. Incidentally, the crime ad violent escapades has led to the failure of the education system, policing and municipal budgeting in the community. Additionally, homelessness is rampant as families experience difficulty in paying house rent in the area. According to Hedges (17), Camden is the poster child of postindustrial decay. It presents a warning of the effects of establishing a permanent underclass of the

Tax Avoidance OR International Accounting Standards Dissertation

Tax Avoidance OR International Accounting Standards - Dissertation Example Thus, they maintain a liberal tax system for businesses and maintain a more stricter tax system for individuals. Due to this, most businesses have many options of manipulating tax law to their favour in order to pay less taxes. In principle, taxes are paid to promote social justice and assist the government and corporate sector to meet its objectives and needs. If an individual or business entity fails to pay taxes, they are liable to prosecution and this could result in fines or jail terms (Blankson, 2004: 3). This implies that although failure or refusal to pay taxes could have serious consequences, there are some kind of loopholes which can be explored by corporate entities in order to pay less taxes. The ACCA identifies that everyone must arrange his affairs to pay less taxes and it is not even a patriotic duty to pay more taxes (2009). This means that it might be desirable to arrange one's affairs to pay the minimum tax possible. James identifies that â€Å"tax avoidance involv es the taxpayer using the tax rules to his best advantage to minimise his tax liability† (2009: 129). Hence, the practice of tax avoidance entails the examination of the tax rules to identify the best way of arranging one's affairs to pay the least possible taxes. However, this theory seem to be in conflict with the normal view and spirit of taxation which is to promote social justice. ... It is said that the largest companies are the ones who hire the best tax lawyers and tax planners to cut down their taxes to the barest minimum (Sims, 2011). So in that case, is tax avoidance really legal or not? Aside that, how is tax avoidance carried out? What are the techniques and strong spots through which tax avoidance is carried out? In practice, what are the most dominant ways that are used by corporate entities to avoid taxes? 1.2 Aims and Objectives This research aims at â€Å"undertaking an enquiry into the concept of tax avoidance and an analysis of the techniques used and the main trends and activities that are used in carrying out tax avoidance†. In doing this the following objectives will be explored: 1. A critical review of the concept of tax avoidance and its relative position in the world of finance and business. 2. An examination of the main areas through which tax avoidance is carried out and the strategies used in carrying out tax avoidance. 3. Analysis o f the role of stakeholders: shareholders, employees and the public in the struggle for tax avoidance 4. A critical view of a moral approach to dealing with tax avoidance in the UK. 1.3 Research Design The research would focus mainly on a critical literature review for various levels of analyses. In arriving at this end, the research would involve a thorough examination of secondary sources like textbooks, journals and cases to ascertain the actual position of tax avoidance in the world of business. The critical review of literature will include an examination of authoritative text in ascertaining the most popular trends and systems that are used in reducing taxes in the corporate sector. This will involve the examination of the key elements and aspects of corporate tax

Cash flows(inflow-outflow-operating,investing,financing), Case Study

Cash flows(inflow-outflow-operating,investing,financing), Depreciation, Ratios,Income Statement, Retained earning Statement, Internal control procedures - Case Study Example It is calculated by subtracting the current asset from the current liabilities of the company. The negative figure means that the liabilities are more than the assets. Earnings per share (EPS) are considered one of the most important financial ratios from the investor’s point of view. The ratio highlights the average earnings from the shares transacted and is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to the common share holders and multiplying them with the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Earnings per share of 0.57 can be interpreted as if the investor invests $1 in the company, he will earn $0.57 on his investment. Debt ratio, which calculated by comparing the total liabilities to total assets, is a primary tool in determining the influence the company is under as a result of obtaining finances from sources other than equity. A lower ratio represents that the company is utilizing its equity in order to finance its operations and thus curtailing the financial risk. A ratio of 0.63 represents that 63% of the companys assets are financed by debt. Free cash flow method is basically a measure of financial performance of the company which is calculated as free cash flows minus the capital expenditure. From pure financial management’s perspective, free cash flow can be defined as the cash which the company is able to generate setting aside the money required to maintain or expand its current asset

Information Technology Project Management Essay

Information Technology Project Management - Essay Example This essay stresses that good understanding of these interactions will help us show the various approaches applied, contribute to an evidence base, and also the future development of the information systems. Importance of understanding this relationship is to help the information system users enhance their ability and discover their needs. This has increased to an increment in management of the risks accrued to children especially in the western societies. This paper makes a conclusion that a better method of governance can work efficiently in management of the failures associated with the information systems. The designing of a better information system requires to be incorporated with the requirements of both the working environment and the practitioners. There should be also a broader development concern of risk constituted to the children and the role the information system experts in relation to child protection. A relevant principle of the social technical is within the philosophical values and premises. This greatly depends on the level of participation. Participation involves co-ordination of the process that exists between information systems experts and the other people at large. The existing interaction of the two parties involved leads to an innovation of an effective organization design. Respect and considerations of all the people involved is crucial for the development of the project. Design is also another principle in the social technical.

Business Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Business Management - Assignment Example Strategic partnerships with other business organizations have been a key factor which has helped the company in its global expansion and dominance. In general four blocks of competitive advantage has been identified that provides an organization to outcompete its rivals. These are efficiency, customer responsiveness, quality and innovation. These factors help a firm to achieve either lower cost or higher product differentiation which in turn provides competitive advantage. In case of Federal Express for the company to maintain its profitability above average it is integral that it continues to develop its logistics more robustly (Gendron, 2012). The development of logistics services began from the period of 80’s and all the major competitors began to provide logistics services to assist the business customers in activities like assembly operation, warehousing and distribution. This can help the organization to develop its customer responsiveness and contribute in the long term-profitability. Better logistics management can help the customers to meet their customized requirements into a standardized physical network. Two direct advantages can be derived from this firstly, the reduction of cost and secondly higher cost capacity utilization. The customers can achieve higher level of satisfaction from the better security arising from this. Therefore, it seems plausible that higher investment in the BLS Division of the company which takes care of the logistics division is likely to bring more customers for the company which in turn will help in achieving higher revenues. This strategy is better than the price cutting strategy as such behavior often induces similar responses from the competitors which may fail to provide benefits in the long-run. Also UPS one of the biggest rivals of Federal Express had focused heavily on improving its logistics services in order to retain its competitive advantage throughout 2000’s. This is perhaps one of the

Journal #8 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Journal #8 - Essay Example According to Apex website, Mills Branch Wind is expected to occupy approximately 5000 acres of local open farming land in Eastern Kent and is capable of generating up to 100 MW of homegrown energy, with a potential of powering approximately 30,000 homes every year. The expected number of turbines is 25-30, with approximately  ¼ to  ½ mile spacing on active farmland. Demand for new infrastructure will be limited due to the existing highways and high-voltage power cables. The project intends to cause very limited disruption to farmers hence an opportunity for them to continue with their farming activities. Mills Branch Wind would constitute an important investment in the rural economy by providing revenues to farmers, schools and the government. During construction, 70-100 full time jobs are expected to emerge and 6-8 permanent opportunities at each local facility of operation and maintenance. Kent County is favorable for this project after examination of several potential sites due to: existence of high- voltage cables, affirmed wind resource, adequate commercial farmland for expansion, an existing highway network and location far from sensitive environmental and military areas. Landowners and farmers hosting the wind turbines would benefit adequately from payment of annual lease for a projected period of 25 years, injecting revenues amounting to millions of dollars into the local economy of Kent County. The construction of Mills Branch Wind is in its early stages as extensive studies, community input, permits, engineering and other activities must be finished first. Therefore, Apex is working closely with The Local Government of Kent County and the public to get the project on track. Mills Branch Wind project is not without challenges. The project is facing a lot of opposition from both economic and political environments. The major players in opposition are Eastern Shore Land Conservancy and Keep Kent

Hyphenated American Position Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Hyphenated American Position Paper - Essay Example In this way, the Irish-American has found a hyphenated identity through response to American perceptions of his (or her) Irishness. The grim nature of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century perceptions of Irish-Americans can be examined through a look at Nast's 1871 cartoon, reproduced below: Two particular signifiers of Irish-American stereotype are present in this picture. The character holds a bottle in one hand and a gun in the other. The bottle signifies Irish drunkenness, and the gun, violence. These stereotypes are so strongly ingrained that even a Korean-born man like myself can look at these signifiers and interpret them in the way intended by the artist. Further, the writing on the bottle - â€Å"Gun Powder, Uncle Sam's† - signifies that the Irish-Americans support their less than respectable habits with the resources of their new land. Nast also addressed Irish females in a series of cartoons about a servant named Brigid. The actual cartoons are difficult to locate , but a description can be found of her in Bronwen Walter's Outsiders Inside as a â€Å"clownish Irish maid.† (63) These characteristics were among America's first popular perceptions of the Irish-American. The Irish-American had much to contend with in building an identity. ... The narrator of the song applies for a job and is told, â€Å"No Irish need apply,† and the following occurs: I couldn't stand it longer, so a hoult [sic] of him I took, And I gave him such a welting as he'd get at Donnybrook. He hollered, Millia murther, and to get away did try, And swore he'd never write again, No Irish need apply. He made a big apology, I bid him thin [sic] good-bye, Saying: Whin [sic] next you want a bating [sic] write, No Irish need apply. (Poole, 1862) In this stanza, the narrator reclaims ownership of the violence stereotype, but turns it into an expression of pride. The final line signifies the narrator's willingness to stand up for his identity. In reclaiming this identity, he also reclaims the stereotype of the Irish-American as violent. He seems to intend an act of physical violence to be read as strength and pride instead of the byproduct of laziness associated with the trait in the Nast cartoons. This reclaiming continued long past the 1860s. Over a century later, Irish author Frank McCourt responded to these cartoons in his 1997 musical The Irish and How They Got That Way. His responses are not verbal but theatrical, as his actors perform â€Å"Brigid† jokes: WOMAN 1:Mrs. Van Wick said to Brigid, 'Look at the dust on this sideboard; I can write my name in it!' WOMAN 2: Lord above, Missus, isn't it a great thing to have an education! (McCourt, 1997) In performance, as viewable on the original cast recording, the actress portraying the mistress speaks in a high-class accent. The actress portraying â€Å"Brigid,† by contrast, speaks in a high-pitched brogue and rolls her eyes at the punchline. This action serves as a commentary on the ridiculousness of the joke

Types of Essay Writing Essay Example for Free

Types of Essay Writing Essay Essays are major part of academic education. In US almost all college and university admission can be done by writing essay. The admission officers with better insight about your essay and how you differ from the other applicants essays. In crucial stages the essays are used to make a decision whether an applicant will be selected. In academic education students regularly have essay writing activities based on their course content. The initial steps are usually deciding what topic to discuss. The next choice that essay writers tackle is what type of essay to write. There are various types of essays such as critical essays, reflective essay, admission essays, narrative essays analytical essays and many others. In addition there is variety of essay types, most of them are related to academic coursework written to study an exact topic and reflect the outlook of the writer. However, the students should focus on specific topic and what types of essays will be wrote. Admission essay The main point of an admission essay is conducted by admission board that you are worth entering the college. Nowadays almost all college and university admission can be done by using admission essay. You should write your best and demonstrate your superior writing skills. The admission essays are the best chance to show your commitment to a career in business by demonstrating those experiences, people, and events that influenced your decision to enter the field. Argumentative essay In Argumentative essay writing we try to convincing others to agree with our facts, share our values. When writing argumentative essay you should state or position regarding of a subject for the main point of opinion. While writing you can add statistics report, well expert view and well support advice about a state or debate. The well argumentative essay should be clear, exact, and highly focused. Cause effect essay In Cause effect essay writing you have to talking about a troubled with why things occur (causes) and what happens as a consequence (effects). The cause and effect essay is the best technique of organizing and talking about ideas. At university and college cause and effects essays are most general papers in a composition course. Classification essay Classification essay writing is not only writing about other essay types, but also the ability to organize the ideas and things into sort. Most of students are well experts in writing classification essays. Since years the students studying in the field that have need of them to sort out ideas. Hence, the students can be written his classification essay without difficulty. Critical essay When critical essay writings you have to state agree with the fully subject. The word critical is telling about the attitude when you have read editorial or part of the book. The critical essays start with a psychoanalysis or explanation of the article or part of a book. Definition essay The definition essay writing you can talk an understanding about certain idea or things. Such things as bird, water are very exact and well concentrate. The way of writing your definition essays you have to give your readers with a new way of looking at things your way. Five paragraph essay The five paragraph essay is the classic format of composition. Its only the format of writing essays; its the types of essays which help for college and university students to develop your composition skills. The name represents like this essays should have five paragraphs. The introduction should include with thesis statement and following paragraphs must be talking about the core your essay topic or subject. The conclusion should be concluding the topics or idea of your topic given.

Competitive Advantage In The Banking Industry

Competitive Advantage In The Banking Industry Online banking is a self service technology that is used by customers of the bank to carry out in real time activities such as, payment of bills, check account balance and transfer funds. It is worthwhile to note that online banking can be used to reduce cost for banking institution. For instance Hernandez-Murillo et al (2010) suggest that the cost of a customer doing online banking transaction, in a brick and mortar bank in the United State is about one percent of the cost of the customer using the traditional banking method. Esser (1999) reported some of the advantages of online banking to the customers. The findings were: Customers can easily manage their accounts as they can access their accounts any time of the day. The customers do not also need to visit the bank premise to request for services such checking loan rates, view their transaction history etc. Customers can set up a standing order to pay bills and can also schedule new bills or stop payment of bills, when the need arise but this is subject to availability of the internet. Specialised services such as ordering for checks, changing user profile or address can all be done through the online banking. Messages are sent to customers via encrypted email. It should however be noted that the use of internet by bank is not seen just as an innovation and a convenient way for customers to use banking services, but also as a way to make more profit and to reduce operating cost for the bank (Arnaboldi and Claeys, n.d.). Internet banking services are expanding rapidly in the developed countries mainly due to the availability of computers and easy of access to the internet. Its adoption is developing countries was at a slower pace, until recently when banks in developing countries are offering internet banking against the limitation they face (Jenkins, 2007). Another noteworthy point is that online banking can also act as a disadvantage to banks, for instance a troubled bank that has low deposits and could not for borrow from the interbank, when the news of the banks distress leaked out, most the customers withdrew their deposits through the internet without facing the issue of queuing in the banking hall and opening time (Janson, 2009). This could not have been possible without the online banking facility. Customer satisfaction is affect by several factors that can hinder or improve the adoption of online banking by the customer. One of these important factors is personalisation, which demands politeness, courtesy, and friendliness from the employees of the bank toward the customer (Simmers et al, 2008). However, the self-service technology has made a remarkable change in the way the bank interacts with its customer (Simmers et al, 2008). Most of the researches on online banking explore the factors affecting the adoption by banks. The focus of their researches were on the usage of online banking by banks as a reaction to the adoption decisions of the industrys competitors (Hernandez-Murillo et al 2010). Hernandez-Murillo et al (2010) study the factors that determine the adoption of online banking by banks in United States during the period 2003-2006. The Multimarket Contact index was used by these researchers as a substitute of the strategic force required by banks to adopt online operations as a competitive reaction to the rivals actions. The authors results suggest that strategic consideration plays an important role in the adoption of online banking by geographically localised market. Tan and Teo (2000) base their study on studying the factors namely, attitudinal, social and behaviour control, that affect customersthe adoption of online banking in Singapore. The theories of planned behaviour and diffusion of innovations were used by the authors to evaluate their hypothesis. The authors argue that the consumers attitude, his subjective norms and his perceived behavioural control, all contributes towards his adoption of online banking. Amin (2009) examines the factors affecting the acceptance of online banking by people in Malaysia through the use of a technologically accepted model called a linear regression. He propose through the study that the qualities, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, perceived credibility and social norm were statistically important while perceived enjoyment was not important. Another factor affecting the adoption of online banking by customers is security of the account accessed through the internet. For customers to feel secure and make use of online banking, the bank must offer online security systems that protect customers assets and information (Smith, 2006). The research to examine the intensity of the impact of online banking on the financial performance of community banks carried out by Acharya et al (2008), both sampling and statistical procedures were used to build a broad online banking index. The basis of their study was on analytical frameworks which used both the structural equation modeling (second-order factor analysis) and multiple regression analysis. Internet banking seems to represent a possible means of allowing new entrants into the banking industry (Arnaboldi and Claeys, n.d.). Smith (2008) uses Porters five force model to analyse the competition within retail banking in an increasingly financially troubled environment. In his analysis where used data from 22 banks, Smith suggests that the barriers to entry identified may not prevent considerable number of entrants into the banking industry. He also observed that the true competition amongst banks may be found in the differentiation of their internet banking products. The paper is based on an exploratory research for a sample of nine banks from each country, a web survey is conducted to collect data for each internet bank using an analytical framework based on a three dimensional model. Both the advancement in technology and change in social trends, such as the increase in customers preference to perceived convenience, have caused a high reorganisation of the financial institution. Banks have to re-examine their marketing strategies and also prompt growth in the adoption of self-service technologies (SSTs) (Loonam and OLoughlin, 2008). Very little research has explored the role of SST in a high involvement service such as that of financial investments. Customer satisfaction with banking services was researched with respect to their interaction with human and technology. It was discovered through the use of multiple regression that consumers overall satisfaction is predicted to be influenced more by human rather than technological encounter (Haytko and Simmers, 2009). While consumers show they are displeased with failure in transaction that involve a bank employee, they tend to accept responsibility for any kind of failure they come across during or after the use of online banking and may continue its usage (Haytko and Simmers, 2009). It should however be note that the focus group used in the research by Haytko and Simmers were students who already has high affinity for the internet. Liao and Cheung (2008) employ the use of service quality (SERVQUAL), Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and transaction cost analysis to measure customer behaviour to the use of online banking. In their empirical studies, six elements of SERVQUAL namely, usefulness (USE), ease of use (EOU), reliability (REL), security (SEC), responsiveness (RES) and continuous improvement (IMP) , were used to relate to consumer satisfaction in internet banking services (CSIBS). The study was Laukkanen et al (2008) provides more insight to barriers erected by bank customers to the adoption of online banking. The researchers split the non-adopters of online banking into three groups namely the postponers, opponents and rejectors. They suggest, through survey papers submitted by some customers of banks in Finland, that psychological barriers are higher determinant of resistance to adoption than ease of use and its value. Bauer and Hein (2006) carried out another research to gain more knowledge about the consumers point of view in the adoption of online banking. They use micro-economics theory of consumer utility maximisation to model how consumers make decisions on adopting online banking. Simmers et al (2008) relatively examine how the impact of the human services and those provided by technology affect the consumers satisfaction. The authors through two studies both use the six-item and five-point Likert scales conclude that human encounter was initially more important than technology encounter until the convenience of banking online prevailed. The first study was carried out through the survey of some undergraduate students, with most of those that responded between age 19 and 21 years. The second study was carried out with as survey of 153 bank customers at the university, with most less the 24 years of age. It could be seen from these studies that students who have higher affinity to the internet are used for the two studies. It should also be noted that the research is carried out in US, but will most bank customers in UK score convenience higher than online banking security? Joseph and Stone (2003) investigated the customer perception of the impact of technology on service delivery in the banking sector. According to the findings of this research . . . high scores on the ability to deliver service via technology appears to be correlated with high satisfaction with services deemed most important to customers Hence, availability of internet banking services appears to be very important for banks for customer satisfaction and retention. However, availability of internet banking services itself is not a sufficient factor to increase customer satisfaction. User friendliness of the internet banking services appears to be an important factor for customers to use these services Research has been carried out on performance of the internet as an alternative or complementary channel used in delivering some bank services, like current accounts. For instance Gondat-Larralde and Nier (2004, cited by Arnaboldi and Claeys, 2008) carry out a research on the competitive process in the UK market for personal current accounts between 1996 and 2001. The rate at which the market shares changed with respect to price differentials between the brick and mortar banks and the direct banks that use the internet and telephone to operate. The results of the research point to the significance of customer switching cost as a key determinant of the competitive process in banking industry. Mukherjee and Nath (2003) suggest note that the physical separation between the bank operation internet service and the customer introduce an environment of insecurity. The authors develop a structural equation model, called Lisrel, and through empirical test carried out on 510 internet users in India. Nearly all research work refer to the US banking system and research attempts on the performance of online banking are few (Arnaboldi and Claeys, n.d.). IBM (2005) identify three shortfalls of customer satisfaction researches, the first one is that enough attention is not paid to the different behavioural segment customers belong, the research usually take a general view of the customer base. The next one is that most of the researches are not analytical as they fail to show the impact the different elements of the customers experience might have on the brand support and emotional link. Lastly how customer satisfaction is measured is a poor forecaster of to future behaviour of customers. This research differ from other studies in that it will be carried on banks in UK and as there are little research done on the use of online banking as a tool competitive advantage in the banking industry. The author will survey focus groups made up of bank customers in UK will be use to analyse the reason for adoption of online banking and finally the evaluation of satisfaction derive by the bank customers. Qualitative data analysis research will be

History of Makeup in Film

History of Makeup in Film Makeup has been around and enduring changes since 3100- 2907 BC. Men and women in Egypt started with creams to keep their skin soft and glowing. Soon other countries started created their own form of makeup. Makeup has been around for centuries and is still widely used today. The egyptians used dark green colors for eyeshadows and for mascara they would tint eyelashes with kohl. Sometimes they would use the kohl for eyeliner. This kohl was actually made from soot. In Rome they had the same ideas on how apply makeup but the ways they did it were dangerous. The Romans believed that to be rich your skin had to be pale. To achive this look they would use chalk and even white lead. Because these methods were so dangerous many women died due to lead poisoning it caused a lot of health problems such as hair loss,stomach problems and death. Eventually they started making makeup products from natural food ingredients. In the victorian era it was believed that if you were wearing makeup then you were a prostitutes or actresses. Any heavy makeup or even a slight color change in hair, they would be looked down upon. By this time makeup was evolving and people got tired of using harmful chemicals on their face. Women had stopped using kohl for their eyelashes and started using hot wax and other oils. Instead of using flour to powder noses Max Factor created a press powder around 1914. In film makeup actors would usually do their own makeup which caused them to just grab anything. Most of the products they used contained lead and mercury. To get the desired look they would use an extremely heavy grease paint that was pink in color to re correct the lighting from the film equipment. If the paint was applied to lightly the actors would look pale. To try to fight that they would also use black and red liners to try to hollow out their eyes. They would sweat under all of those stage lights and every mark on their face would show. Max Factor and George Westmore realized this was a problem so Max created a special kind of grease paint that was a lighter product. You were able to build it up to however thick you wanted to and it hardly showed any harsh lines. He would set that grease paint with his pancake makeup which was really his new pressed powder. They still used the red and black liners to hollow out their eyes. His pancake makeup was used in Vogues of 1938 and Goldwyns Follies. It was only used in movies but soon everyone was wearing it offscreen. Max Factor went on to create his beauty empire. He started making foundations, lipsticks, eyeshadows, cheek tints etc. George Westmore went from a wig maker to a makeup artist. George invented a lot of tips and tricks for cinema makeup. Even the invention of false lashes. George opened a tiny makeup studio in 1917. He had big clients like Mary Pickford. He actually found a way to fake her curls everyday. Film makeup has not changed. They use safer materials that have actually been tested. Also, they have also gotten more creative. For example they have been able to make rubber pieces to attach onto the skin and how to paint faces to look more like a character or a monster. Spirit gum was also introduced to the makeup world along with latex. The latex works great for making small wrinkles. Lon Chaney used to use wire and toilet paper to curve his nose up for one of his roles. It was a very dangerous way to curve his nose because the wire would make his nose bleed. The first time that horror makeup was used in a movie was Nov. 30th in 1925 with the Phantom of the Opera. In order to get the makeup effect, Lon Chaney would put his wig on along with a prosthetic piece for his forehead. He used black shadow for the underneath his eye to make it look like his eye was pulled down with a little bit of white on his bottom lash line to make the eye appear bigger. Also, he used a fish skin material and glued it down with spirit gum. They tried to glue his nose down with just spirit gum but it would always fall back down. They had wires running from his nose into his wig piece and the wire was secured with the fish skin. They also had little wires for his mouth. His face had little tiny wrinkles all over the place white and black makeup was used to make him look a bit deadish. Then the last step was to give him new teeth to complete the look. In 1935 The Bride of Frankenstein was the next movie to use special effects makeup. Normally actors would do their own makeup but for this movie they brought in a makeup artist named Jack P. Pierce. Jack created two scars under her chin that went into her hair. The scar making process took about an hour. They covered her face with foundation lipstick and false eyelashes. Then for her hair they just combed her hair upwards onto a little cage and added grey streaks. The creature of the Black Lagoon in 1954. The costume was made from molded rubber sponge. In 1973 The Exorcist used some sort of forehead piece. They covered up her eyebrows. Also, they used latex to create the cuts on her face and a little bit of bruise colors around her face to make her look possessed with the help of contacts. To create the vomit they used pea soup. In 1977 The Incredible Melting Man came out. For this makeup look they gave the actor an oversized helmet that they painted to look skeletal then with a flesh tone. Then they would put syrup and paint all over the mask. Each take they would have to apply more and more so it would look fresh. Next is Alien from 1979. For this movie they used a soft modeling material and snake vertebrates. Also, they used cooling tubes from a car. In 1984 Nightmare on Elm Street became popular because of Freddys burns across his face. To create these burns the makeup artist used individual pieces to lay on the actors face. First, he started off by securing a bald cap on with spirit gum then latex. Then had to block out the eyebrows and his beard with a glue stick so the prosthetic pieces would not get stuck to the hair when he glued them down. He put the head piece on first, then the neck piece, he would secure the face piece and then the chin piece. All together there was 11 pieces that were put on. The makeup took about three hours to put on and taking it off. When all of the edges were blended and secure he would go over all of the burns with red paint then very lightly with a white color. The face pieces were sculpted out of silicone so they wouldnt have to start from scratch each day. In 1990 Edward Scissorhands came out and they brought in a mechanic to work on his hands. For his makeup he has a pale shade on his face, the underneath of his eyes have dark bags and that can be done with just a black eyeshadow thats lightly dusted. For the cuts on his face a small layer of latex is all the sfx makeup this movie needed. In 2000 The X-Men was released. For Mystique they had a full body cast to sculpt the 110 pieces. About 60% of her body was covered in prosthetics. They did plaster casts of mostly all of the cast members. Also, they did casts for Wolverines hands. The makeup took around seven hours for just Mystique. 2004 Hellboy was released. The makeup for Hellboy took four hours. First they used all foam pieces. They applied his back piece and put it over his head to attach to his chest. The last pieces that were applied were the facial prosthetic pieces that only left his lower lip. He was then painted all red.They would attach the lower lip part right before they started filming so he could eat or drink. Special effects makeup has gotten more advanced as the time goes by. The artist now have the choice to make prosthetics to make their job easier. The variety of makeup choices are larger. For example airbrushing in now a possibility. Instead of having to hand paint all of the prosthetics, it takes less time to airbrush than to paint every individual piece. Once youre done airbrushing you can spend more time focusing on the more important details.

The September 11 Generation :: September 11 Terrorism Essays

There has been much talk about how the events of September 11 changed everything. I don't think they changed the central urgency and relevance of what each one of us does with our life.. I think we're all being pressured by history. How many people have lost their jobs or are re-evaluating their work and lives? Those of us who are concerned about the issues of diversity, coexistence, reconciliation, conflict prevention, understanding and tolerance, peace and justice, will find our life gives us a firm ground to stand on. This is where the action is for the foreseeable and unforeseeable future. Clash of civilizations? War of the worlds? Global discord, intergroup ignorance, suspicion and fear. Many thoughful people and insitutions   were studying and addressing those questions long before September 11. Now the efficacy of tens of thousands of diversity awareness training sessions is put to the test. This is our performance review. What beneficial effect have we had in all these years? We have seen so many people rise to the challenge of the occasion. We have seen the cumulative effect of humanity shining through fire and smoke, we have heard so many people speaking about the importance of peace and understanding. Two hours on that Tuesday morning are having enormous ripple effects. What if we called this the next level of diversity awareness training? How are we debriefing it? We need to continue. It is a case study for sensitivity training, for strategic planning, for risk assessment, knowledge management, religious understanding. I can't think of an activity that is not affected. Groups may need us to convene and moderate the discussion, to provide guidelines for interaction, to be facilitators. We have numerous opportunities. We can speak about the interconnectedness of people and cultures. We can help to define patriotism in a new way. We can offer ourselves as resources in forums, classes, religious services, panels, talkshows, to provide alternative ways of thinking and acting. We can assist people to learn and teach about different cultures, religions, nationalities. What have you been doing?    In one fell swoop the importance of our work has been put into stark relief against the horizon. I hear about people who have just realized the truth of being a citizen of the world. Thinking people have been practicing this craft for many years. I think groups and institutions need us.

Merchant Of Venice - Antonio And Shylock :: Free Merchant of Venice Essays

William Shakespeare shows how two tradesmen can have completely different lives when others view them differently in the play The Merchant of Venice. In the play, Bassanio, Antonio’s friend, needs money to pursue his love. They seek a loan from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender in Antonio’s name. The contract is for three times the value of the bond in three months or else Shylock cuts off a pound of flesh from Antonio. While all this is happening, there are love plots going on. One of which is for Shylock’s daughter to elope with Lorenzo, a Christian. Later on, Antonio’s source of money, his ship, is reported sunken in the English Channel, dooming him to the loss of one pound of his flesh. There is a trial on the bond, and when it seems sure that Antonio will die, Portia, disguised as a doctor of laws legally gets Antonio out of the situation and Shylock recieves harsh penalties. Antonio and Shylock, two similar businessmen of Venice, are viewed differently and are treated oppositely to heighten the drama of the play and mold a more interesting plot. Antonio and Shylock are both successful entrepreneurs in Venice but they both have different attitudes and experiences. When Antonio is asking Shylock for the loan he says, â€Å"Within these two months – that’s a month before this bond expires – I do expect, return of thrice times the value of this bond.† (1.3.169-170). Antonio and Shylock both are well off and successful businessmen. Antonio, being a man who is treats everyone nicely, lends his good name to Bassanio to woo Portia. Shylock on the other hand, could never do that and is a very greedy man who asks for three times the value of the loan. Also, Antonio is a risk taker and thinks things will always go the right way for him and his success will continue, which is shown when he accepts the high interest rate and the bizarre payment if the money isn’t received. Shylock handles his business straightforward and charges interest because it is his job, although being a very high amount and if it isn’t carried out, Shylock gets his payment of one pound of flesh. Shylock is depicted as the greedy businessman while Antonio is the nice man who tries his luck. Another way Antonio and Shylock are different is their religion based social status: Antonio is a Christian and Shylock is a Jew. Merchant Of Venice - Antonio And Shylock :: Free Merchant of Venice Essays William Shakespeare shows how two tradesmen can have completely different lives when others view them differently in the play The Merchant of Venice. In the play, Bassanio, Antonio’s friend, needs money to pursue his love. They seek a loan from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender in Antonio’s name. The contract is for three times the value of the bond in three months or else Shylock cuts off a pound of flesh from Antonio. While all this is happening, there are love plots going on. One of which is for Shylock’s daughter to elope with Lorenzo, a Christian. Later on, Antonio’s source of money, his ship, is reported sunken in the English Channel, dooming him to the loss of one pound of his flesh. There is a trial on the bond, and when it seems sure that Antonio will die, Portia, disguised as a doctor of laws legally gets Antonio out of the situation and Shylock recieves harsh penalties. Antonio and Shylock, two similar businessmen of Venice, are viewed differently and are treated oppositely to heighten the drama of the play and mold a more interesting plot. Antonio and Shylock are both successful entrepreneurs in Venice but they both have different attitudes and experiences. When Antonio is asking Shylock for the loan he says, â€Å"Within these two months – that’s a month before this bond expires – I do expect, return of thrice times the value of this bond.† (1.3.169-170). Antonio and Shylock both are well off and successful businessmen. Antonio, being a man who is treats everyone nicely, lends his good name to Bassanio to woo Portia. Shylock on the other hand, could never do that and is a very greedy man who asks for three times the value of the loan. Also, Antonio is a risk taker and thinks things will always go the right way for him and his success will continue, which is shown when he accepts the high interest rate and the bizarre payment if the money isn’t received. Shylock handles his business straightforward and charges interest because it is his job, although being a very high amount and if it isn’t carried out, Shylock gets his payment of one pound of flesh. Shylock is depicted as the greedy businessman while Antonio is the nice man who tries his luck. Another way Antonio and Shylock are different is their religion based social status: Antonio is a Christian and Shylock is a Jew.

Womens Rights :: American America History

Women's Rights It was long ago when women were looked upon as slaves to the hard Working, man. In today's society women now are more respected and are acceptable for many jobs as men are. Yet, long before our time during World War II, women were thought many different things that they could only imagine. During the postwar, women were, then equipped with many different abilities colliding with their home chores and knowledge. Women then took their stand and many acts were passes in their favor. In this essay I shall be discussing the many different requirements women went through during World War II, their postwar abilities, and the discussion of what the men in the past had against the women of today. The war's demand, the war had made the proposition to the women to do the man's work (Leahy, pg.35). Women were encouraged to take these jobs for the first time in history. To some it was a shock but to many it was a divine privilege. By 1942 a poll showed that only 13% of Americans opposed women in the workforce (Leahy, pg.36). Many of them also became war nurses and helped many of the men recover. It would seem that women's interests in occupational equality were directly linked to the nation's state of distress. Many women were exceptionally well at making bombs and took the place of men. During the war women received many different opportunity and advancement in their lives. Even though there were many laws prohibiting women from working they still came through for our country (Walker, pg.2). For once women were looked at as producers and not reproducers. After the war the men had returned home and back steps began to take place with the women. In 1945, 3/4 of the women polled by the Women's Bureau of the Department of Labor wished to continue working which showed their interests in the skills they possessed. During this point much frustration ran through these women for the men had created "homemaker" for the description of a women's job and life. Women continued working during the postwar and grew stronger. The veterans of the war were not so opposed but more rejecting to the fact of women taking their places. Knowing that the women would help the war's progress greatly many issues were discussed before allowing them to work. The government wanted power towards them, to have possession of influence that the women undergoes.

Police Strategies Essay

The topic I chose to research about is which police strategy/tactic is most effective in reducing crime and disorder. There are various forms of policing such as community-oriented policing, problem-oriented policing, hot spots policing, broken windows theory, and zero-tolerance policing. COP is a model of policing that stresses a two-way working relationship between the community and the police along with the police becoming more integrated into the local community, and citizens assuming an active role in crime control and prevention. POP is a concept created by Herman Goldstein in which he believes the police should take the categories of crime, order maintenance, and service and break them down into discrete problems and then develop specific responses to each one. Hot spots policing originated from research that revealed crime is extremely concentrated in small areas. The broken windows theory is about how crime problems develop at place, and how police should focus their role to stop crime problems from arising. According to Paul M.  Walters, there is a strategy for COP to prevent crime and disorder which is referred to as response to incidents (R2I). R2I requires law enforcement officers to react to crimes or emergency incidents. In order to promote citizen confidence in the police, officers should swiftly respond to any such incidents and establish and maintain control over the situation. R2I also requires officers to respond proactively to crime patterns. This is accomplished through such tactics as directed patrol, targeted identifications, etc. However, if police administrators do not carefully manage the R2I strategy, their departments can quickly be overwhelmed by community demands. In order to manage increased calls for police service, administrators need to monitor demand and then research as many creative ways as possible to respond to these calls. There are many ways to respond to calls for assistance that do not require the immediate dispatching of an officer in a patrol car. Other, less expensive responses may satisfy the request just as effectively. Another way to better serve jurisdictions using the R2I strategy is to invest in current technology in such areas as communications, information, case management and analysis, and transportation which may include automated mug systems, records management and retrieval systems, automated aging systems, and mobile data terminals. Department managers must then use all their resources, both technological and human, in a balanced way that produces not just activity but also results that they can measure against their mission statements. Managing the limited resources of departments to respond effectively to both incidents and calls for service, while producing the greatest advantage for their communities, requires managers to make informed, professional decisions. Foot patrol and Neighborhood Watch programs are two other popular strategies for the effectiveness of COP. A number of evaluations in the 1980s reported that while additional foot patrol did not reduce crime, it did increase feelings of safety. If people are less fearful they might not withdraw from the communities, and the process of neighborhood deterioration might not begin. Neighborhood Watch programs have repeatedly been found to have little impact on crime. Residents who live in areas with more crime, and who live in inner-city minority neighborhoods, have been less willing to participate in Neighborhood Watch programs or any other activities that involve partnership with the police. The effect of whether COP works is hard to say and evidence is very mixed. It’s hard to evaluate since it’s done differently from police department to police department. While a number of questions remain, the future of COP appears bright. According to Paul M.  Walters, the heart of the POP approach is the concept that police must be more responsive to the causes of crime, rather than merely dealing with the results of crime. Maintaining neighborhood safety can be more beneficial to the community than merely treating isolated neighborhood problems. This approach represents a significant shift in how both the public and the police view the role of law enforcement in the community. Problem-oriented policing is a proactive, decentralized approach to providing police services designed to reduce crime and disorder, and by extension, the fear of crime. Department heads achieve this by assigning officers to specific neighborhoods on a long-term basis. Long-term involvement between the officers and neighborhood residents fosters the development of credible relationships based on mutual trust and cooperation. It also allows a high-level exchange of information between citizens and police officers, as well as mutual input concerning policing priorities and tactics for specific areas of the community. Problem-oriented policing also istributes police services more effectively across the community and targets high-crime areas for problem-solving approaches that allow law enforcement to define and deal with the causes of crime. This helps to neutralize the undue influence of special interest groups that can be the recipients of preferred services when no system of community-based priorities exists. Systematic reviews and meta analysis are a method for determining whether POP reduces crime and disorder. A study was conducted by Weisburg, Telep, Hinkle, and Eck. Whether they used a more conservative mean effect size approach or examined the largest effects on crime and disorder reported, they found that POP approaches have a statistically significant effect on the outcomes examined. Importantly, the results are similar whether we look at experimental or nonexperimental studies. The small group of studies in the review allows us to come to a solid conclusion regarding the promise of POP, but it does not allow statistical conclusions regarding the types of approaches that work best for specific types of problems. They think it a major public policy failure that the government and the police have not invested greater effort and resources in identifying the POP approaches and tactics that work best to combat specific types of crime. Moreover, a much larger number of studies are needed to draw strong generalizations regarding the possible effectiveness of POP across different types of jurisdictions and different types of police agencies. The portfolio of available studies does not allow us to draw conclusions about such contextual factors and suggests that U.  S. policing has adopted POP widely without an evidence base for deciding where and when it should be used. The central conclusion of our review is that POP as an approach has significant promise to ameliorate crime and disorder problems broadly defined. Hot spots policing is easier to implement than COP and POP. Research early on showed it had promise in reducing crime. It’s easy to implement as officers are still doing patrol and making arrests. Computerized crime mapping is used in nearly every police department that does hot spots policing. Some programs can do statistical analyses to identify hot spots and find trends in crime across time and space. The programs also can have maps updated with the latest data each day. Studies have found that hot spots policing is at least moderately effective in reducing crime. It’s so hard to know what exactly works because many studies also involve elements of POP and other tactics. The broken windows theory is widely viewed as effective in policing circles after it was used in New York City in the 1990s and the city had a large crime drop. There are several suggestions for how police could best prevent crime with the broken windows theory. Police should return to the order maintenance role. Police should not ignore disorder. Police should negotiate consensus with residents and users of public spaces about what is or is not acceptable in that area. The key is to deal with disorder quickly and not let it untended, and clean it up in areas that have declined. This is hypothesized to prevent fear of crime and maintain social controls in areas such as residents aren’t afraid to intervene and/or move away from the area. Some studies have found increased complaints against the police with the broken windows theory. In conclusion, the research I obtained about the various police strategies and tactics leads to an important statement. Unfortunately, there is no clear answer. There is fairly mixed and weak research evidence about the impacts of these tactics on crime. COP seems effective in fighting fear of crime and improving police-community relations but not in fighting crime. A report by the National Academy reinforces that the most effective strategies and tactics are those that target small locations, take a focused approach, and are highly proactive.

When Small Means Big: The Impact of Nanotechnology

A revolution in science and technology, which will significantly impact our daily lives, is looming in the horizon. The scientific community is now excited by changes that could be brought about by the multidisciplinary discipline of nanoscience and nanotechnology, which is comprehensively defined asâ€Å"[r]esearch and technology development at the atomic, molecular, or macromolecular levels, in the length of approximately 1–100 nm range, to provide a fundamental understanding of phenomena and materials at the nanoscale, and to create and use structures, devices, and systems that have novel properties and functions because of their small size. The novel and differentiating properties and functions are developed at a critical length scale of matter typically under 100 nm.Nanotechnology research and development includes integration of nanoscale structure into larger material components, systems, and architectures. Within these larger scale assemblies, the control and construct ion of their structures and component devices remain at the nanoscale†. (National Research Council 2002, cited in Dreher 2004).Although technically encompassing any device measuring at least 1,000 nanometers—a nanometer (from Greek ‘nano’, meaning dwarf) is one-billionth of a meter (The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004)—much of the work being done presently focuses on materials smaller than 100 nm (Gupta et al 2003) since it is at this level that materials exhibit unique physical and chemical properties that can be harvested to convey improvements to engineered materials (i.e. enhanced magnetic properties, better electrical and optical activity, and superior structural integrity) (Thomas & Sayre 2005).Ralph Merkle, as cited by Gupta et al (2003), noted that atomic configuration, to an extent, determines physical and chemical characteristics of materials, using as examples carbon in diamond, or silica from sand. From this perspect ive, the manufacturing techniques we are using today appear crude since we are moving molecules by heaps and mounds, and, therefore, are manufacturing devices that could still be improved for accuracy and precision (Gupta et al 2003). Nanotechnology, according to Gupta et al, aims to explore and exploit the possibility of designing at the molecular and atomic levels, and producing a generation of novel products that boast of greater strength, lighter weight and better precision (2003).Technically nanotechnology is not something new. Ball (2003) notes that nanoscale devices have been, and are currently being, utilized by organisms in their daily functioning. He cites, for instance, the proteins that serve as motors to flagella of motile bacteria, as readers and interpreters of the genetic code, or as miniature solar panels in plants that gather sunlight for photosynthesis (Ball 2003). The possibility of harnessing this potential within the environment and put them to practical use ha s been floated in the scientific community as early as the 1940s, when von Neumann forwarded the idea of manufacturing systems or machines that are capable of self-replication, which could potentially lower production costs (Gupta et al 2003).Richard Feynman in 1959, in an address to the American Physical Society entitled ‘There Is Plenty of Room at the Bottom’, advanced the possibility that, similar to what we are doing at the macroscopic scale, we could maneuver atoms to where we want them to be, and produce materials that would solve the problem of manufacture and reproduction (Buxton et al 2003; Gupta P et al 2003). In 1986, K Eric Drexler provided a picture of nanotechnological use in the future in his book Engines of Creation, where humans are utilizing self-replicating nanoscale robots in daily life processes (Ball 2003).The move from the drawing board to actual application, however, has been very recent—as evidenced by the relatively few nanotechnology pr oducts—fuelled by theoretical and laboratory progress which showed that, indeed, systems can be built from molecules and atoms maneuvered at the microscopic scale (Gupta et al 2003). L’Oreal recently introduced in the market sun creams that contain nano-sized grains of titanium dioxide, which absorbs ultraviolet light, but without the ‘smeared chalk’ appearance of regular creams (Ball 2003). This same technology, according to Ball (2003) was taken a step further when it was found that titanium dioxide particles become reactive when exposed to ultraviolet light, leading to the development of self-cleaning tiles and glasses—titanium-coated tiles and glasses that use the sun’s energy to burn up dirt stuck to their surfaces. In the filed of medicine, nanotechnology is currently being utilized with state-of-the-art technology to combat genetic diseases (Dunkley 2004).In addition to these, researches are currently undergoing, exploring the various possible applications of nanotechnology in various fields. For instance, in the medical sciences, the development of nanorobots could aid in precise, and rapid, cellular repair and regeneration, delivery of drugs at the site where it is needed, destruction of cancerous cells, or unblocking of clogged blood vessels (Dunkley 2004). The capacity to detect disease through alterations in body chemistry or physiology is also a possibility through nanotubes or nanowires coated with detector molecules (Buxton et al 2003). Molecular imaging, according to Buxton et al (2003) will also provide us with a view of the human body beyond gross anatomic structures, since this would utilize molecules that would home to tissues affected by specific disease processes. Environmental problems we face today, such as air pollution or oil spills, could be remedied through nanorobots designed to clean these toxic elements from the air we breath or the water we drink (Dunkley 2004).The material sciences will also significantly benefit from nanotechnology, with the promise of development of stronger and lighter plastics, computers with faster processors and increased memory storage, ion storage for batteries (which will improve performance), quick-charging battery cars, and fuel cells for motor-driven devices that are environment-friendly and energy efficient (Gupta et al 2003). Perhaps a bit too far in the future, Dunkley even forwards the idea that it might be possible, with nanorobots moving atoms and molecules, for us to create common and everyday things from our own backyard, moving manufacturing to the domain of the household with a wheelbarrow and a shovel (2004).Because of the great promise held by nanotechnology, governments worldwide are investing in nanoresearch, to further refine our understanding of this small world. Global investment in nanotechnology has been estimated to be â‚ ¬5 billion, according to the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering (2004). The E uropean Union pledged to spend â‚ ¬1 billion (Ball 2003), whereas Japan allocated $800M in 2003 (The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004). The United States is willing to spend nearly $3.7 billion for nanotechnology from 2005 to 2008, with nearly $500 million allocated for research funding (Dunkley 2004; The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004; Thomas & Sayre 2005).The considerable change nanotechnology can bring, as well as the huge sums of money governments worldwide are currently spending to make this a reality, has sparked some questions from various sectors on the impact of nanotechnologies, not only to the scientific fields to which it will be applied, but to the society in general. In the biological sciences, for instance, the primary concern is the possible toxicity exposure—and chronic exposure, at that—to nanoparticles can bring about, since these materials have the capability of interacting with cells and cellular organ elles, and hence, alter body physiology (Ball 2003; The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004).Dreher (2004), and Thomas and Sayre (2005) have recently reviewed the evidence on the health impact of nanotechnology exposure, and found that there is a paucity of evidence to encourage or preclude use of nanotechnologies in humans pending full investigations and detailed evidence supporting or debunking the same. Ball (2003) notes that, in the same way as new drugs or devices, nanotechnology must be viewed as a potential health hazard unless proven otherwise. Large scale production in the future would necessitate hazard-testing and human exposure assessment, to minimize risks (The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004).The significant economic impact of nanotechnologies, according to experts, may not be felt in the short-term, although this must be viewed with caution, since it is entirely difficult to predict what impact a developing technology that has n ot yet realized its full potential will have (The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004). The differing capacities of developed, developing and underdeveloped countries to participate in the nanotechnology race has also raised concerns that it might intensify the economic gap between these nations, leading to what is referred to as a ‘nanodivide’ (The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004). Finally, patenting of nanotechnology—which is advantageous since it would, though economic incentive, encourage other individuals to contribute to scientific progress—may stifle creativity or innovation when a broad one is granted (The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004).Another area of concern is military and defense capability. The development of new devices—pervasive sensors, improved clothing and armor, and enhanced information and communication exchange—could be viewed both as opportunities and threat s, depending on who uses them, and how they are used (The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004). But more than this, the Royal Society (2004) cautions that the secrecy coupled with development of technologies for defense use might fuel public distrust, and heighten the understanding that nanotechnology is being developed primarily, if not entirely, for military ends.Ethical issues pervading the socio-cultural impact of nanotechnologies are also a concern. For instance, development of new nanodevices may cause a significant change in employment patterns, role perception, education patterns, and eventually family life (Dunkley 2004). The end result, still according to Dunkley (2004) would be a shift in our present definition of inequality, poverty, and class, and finally, the way we construe society in general.If what Dunkley predicted would come true (i.e. manufacturing at our own backyard), then the capacity to produce would be entirely dependent on having the neces sary resources for this production, which brings to fore the concern of concentration of the harvests of nanotechnology in the hands of a few. Although nanomanufacturing could present the solution to hunger and homelessness, the question remains whether it will alter our perception of the material world where we move (Dunkley 2004).The possibility of devices being used to store personal information, although enhancing personal security on the one hand, also raises the possibility of violation of civil liberties, especially when collection and distribution of the same is made without the consent of the person involved, or access to these information could be limited to the hands of the few who could develop and control personal information databases or systems (The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004).Finally, the possibility of radical human enhancement, or the creation of humans in the future, through nanotechnology (in conjunction with biotechnology and informati on technology), though a remote possibility, still carries with it the burden of resolving whether these creations are really human, and whether they also possess souls like we do (Dunkley 2004). In the same vein, this new capability would radically change, if not totally abolish, our perception of religion and morality (The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering 2004). On a lesser plane, the possibility of nanotechnology extending human longevity to hundreds of years will definitely alter our view of aging and death (Dunkley 2004).What, then, lies in store for us in the future with nanotechnology? Actually, no one can tell, since nanotechnology is but a frontier—which, to Melbin is a pattern of sparse settlement in space or time—or what Dunkley (2004) describes as relatively ‘unsettled and a wilderness waiting to be discovered’. Until such time, therefore, that the full potential of nanotechnology has been realized, or at least understood throug h research, we may endlessly speculate about how nanotechnology will affect our daily lives and society in general, who will benefit from its, what and capabilities will it provide us. The concerns, however, raised in this paper are valid considerations of the impact the future application of nanotechnologies will have, and this necessitates caution and vigilance on the part of all stakeholders.ReferencesBall P, 2003 (23 Jun), ‘Nanotechnology Science's Next Frontier or Just a Load of Bull?’, New Statesman, vol. 132, no. 4643, pp. 30-31.Buxton DB, Lee SC, Wickline SA, Ferrari M & for the Working Group Members, 2003 (02 Dec), ‘Recommendations of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Nanotechnology Working Group’, Circulation, vol. 108, pp. 2737-2742.Dreher KL, 2004, ‘Health and environmental impact of nanotechnology: Toxicological assessment of manufactured nanoparticles’, Toxicological Sciences, vol. 77, pp. 3–5.Dunkley RWS, 2004, ‘Nanotechnology: Social Consequences and Future Implications’, Futures, vol. 36, no. 10, pp. 1129-1132.Gupta P, Malhotra R, Segal MA & Verhaeren MYFJ, 2003, ‘Recent trends in nanotechnology’, in R Gulati, A Paoni & M Sawhney (eds), Kellogg on Technology & Innovation, Wiley, Hoboken, NJ, pp. 261-283.The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering, 2004, Nanoscience and nanotechnologies: opportunities and uncertainties, The Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering, London.Thomas K & Sayre P, 2005, ‘Research strategies for safety evaluation of nanomaterials, Part I: Evaluating the human health implications of exposure to nanoscale materials’, Toxicological Sciences, vol. 87, no. 2, pp. 316–321.

Understand Your Fats and Fibers

Dr. Joseph F. Robare Bad tats are saturated and trans tats. Saturated tats are mostly in meats, dairy products and tropical oils. Saturated fat raises both bad cholesterol and good cholesterol, while trans-fat only raises bad cholesterol. This makes trans fats technically worse than saturated fats. The better fats would be monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. Monounsaturated will lower your cholesterol, and unlike polyunsaturated they do not lower your good cholesterol.Your best fats would be the omega-3s (fish oil). This fat has shown to protect people from sudden cardiac death (Schardt,2002). Before you can understand the difference between good and bad fats, you need to some information about them. There are four major types of fats: monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, saturated fats, and trans-fats. Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats are known as good fats because they are good for your heart, your cholesterol, and your overall health. These fats are found in o live, soybean, canola, and corn oils, avocados, fatty fish, and soymilk.Saturated fats and trans-fats are known as bad fats because they increase your risk of disease and elevate cholesterol. These bad fats can be found in high-fat cuts of meat, packaged snack foods, butter, cheese, vegetable shortening, fried foods, and candy bars. Foods containing trans-fats, or trans fatty acids, are harmful because they are known to increase the risk of heart disease, increase total cholesterol levels, and cause your healthy HDL (good) cholesterol levels to drop. They are also responsible for clogging arteries and causing obesity.Saturated fat is a fat that contains only saturated fatty acids, is solid at room temperature, and comes mainly from animal food products. Some examples of saturated fat are butter, lard, meat fat, solid shortening, palm oil, and coconut oil. Saturated fat tends to raise the level of cholesterol in the blood. Unsaturated fat is a fat that is liquid at room temperature a nd comes from a plant, such as olive, peanut, corn, cottonseed, sunflower, safflower, or soybean oil. Unsaturated fat does not to raise the level of LDL (‘bad') cholesterol in the blood.Trans-fatty acids are an unhealthy substance that is made through the chemical process of hydrogenation of oils. Hydrogenation solidifies liquid oils and increases the shelf life and the flavor stability of oils and foods that contain them. Trans-fatty are acids found in vegetable shortening and in some margarine, crackers, cookies, and snack foods. Trans-fatty acids are also found in many deep-fried foods. Trans-fatty acids raise the ‘bad' (LDL) cholesterol and lower the ‘good' (HDL) cholesterol levels in blood, increasing the risk of heart disease.Trans-fatty acids are also known as trans-fat. Hydrogenated fats are saturated-like fats made from plant oils and fats that have been heated and pressure-processed. Hydrogenated fats are created when oil that is largely unsaturated, such as corn oil, has hydrogen added to it, causing fat to become more solid at room temperature. Lipids include such compounds as fats, fatty acids and cholesterol. Their most prominent function is providing energy for the body. Fiber and lipids are two different kinds of carbohydrates that are very important parts ofa human's diet.Fiber is what carries fats and cholesterol out of the body. It also helps in having a healthy diet and will help in managing your weight. Fiber is considered to be in the soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber is a type of fiber in which the dissolves in the water to form a gel like material. This process can help lowering cholesterol and the levels of glucose in the human digestion. Soluble ?ber is tound in oats, peas, beans, apples, citrus, truits carrots, barley and psyllium. (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2010).Insoluble fiber cannot be bsorbed as well as dissolved in the water; in its original form, it will pass the digestive tract. Insoluble fiber has benefits in t he digestive system. Insoluble fiber offers many benefits to intestinal health, including a reduction in the risk and occurrence of colorectal cancer, hemorrhoids, and constipation (My Food Diary). Some good sources of insoluble fiber and they are whole wheat in bread, rice, nuts as well as some vegetables.

Market analysis wood pellets in Germany

To give a clear overview of the possibilities in the wood pellet market is a SWOT-Analysis used. This analysis presents the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of the wood pellet market in general (not for a specific company!).Confrontation-matrixIn this matrix are the benefits and the issues around the wood pellet market displayed against each other. This gives a clear overview and a good summery as well about the `Wood Pellets ´ market! Strengths1) Sustainable 2) Renewable 3) Worldwide available 4 ) New and higher employment 5 ) Accessibility. Germany is located in the center of Europe, which is a strength point and offers good possibilities for trading. Germany is very good accessible by water, via seas and channels due to the Netherlands as well.Weaknesses1) High competition against other energy resources. 2) The technology around the production of bioenergy needs more and new inputs to win more energy and make it more favorable and get higher outputs. 3) High inve stment costs in the beginning, to install a combustion furnace at home or in the industry.OpportunitiesA)Wood fuels provides opportunities for new companies to develop B) Producing and the using of wood fuels locally will minimize transport costs C) Wood fuels releases lower quantities of atmospheric pollutants D) It is possible to offset the carbon emissions from burning against the carbon uptake of the trees during the growth of the wood. E) According to the EU ´s policy and the Kyoto-protocol, wood fuels fits very well with the targets3,4,5 -> A The wood pellet industry offers a great opportunity to develop new companies,  and for new and more extensive employment. This counts for all places in the world because wood pellets can produce almost everywhere. For Europe(Germany) it is an great opportunity in special because of the current economic recession and a lack of jobs. 1,2 -> B,C,D,EThe sustainability and renewability of wood pellets fits well with all the European target s due to the Kyoto-protocol. Wood fuels releases lower quantities of atmospheric pollutants compared to fossil fuels. And wood resources are almost all over the world accessible.1,2 -> A,E New technologies are necessary to make wood pellets more profitable compared to other energy resources. But it is a challange for companies to develop in new technologies, which is good for the energy market, employment, and most important the environment!3 -> EBecause of the high investment costs in the beginning for installing a heating system, many people and/or companies choose for other (cheaper) opportunities. But according to the increasing environment issues, it is for the European Union an option to subsidy and promote wood pellet energy.ThreatsA) Extensive market with lots of competition, there are many different energy resources available. B) To create bioenergy/wood pellets, lots of energy is necessary for the production. 1,2 -> A, BSustainability and renewability are increasingly more important because of the global warming and environment issues. This offers a good opportunity for bioenergy. The use of wood pellets could be more and more interesting instead of fossil fuels.1,2,3 -> A,B According to the disadvantages of bioenergy, there are new technologies needed in energy market to make bioenergy more profitable compared to fossil fuels.

Strategic Marketing Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Strategic Marketing Management - Assignment Example The market segment of OBC is undergraduate courses, post graduate courses, executive MBA programs and other career based courses. OBC can penetrate more into this segment by adding the number of seats for each of their courses. Through this, they will be able to increase the headcount of their students. Product Development: Product development is another option for OBC. This consists of introducing new products in the existing markets. OBC currently offers postgraduate courses in Strategic Management, Leadership, Business English Language and General Business Management. Additionally OBC can introduce Post Graduate course in Finance Specialization. Though finance is offered as a specialization option in the general management course, a specialized course like the strategic management and leadership will help OBC to attract new category of students. Market Development: The third option available for OBC is market development. In the market development stage, OBC has the option to sell its existing courses to the new markets. One way to do this is to attract students from overseas either through direct admissions or through overseas study centres. Diversification: Diversification is the next option for the company as per the Ansoff Matrix. This involves venturing entirely into a new product offering. As far as OBC is concerned, the primary offering is management education. Diversification does not seem to be a viable option for OBC as it is specialized only in educational sector. Based on the above analysis it can be said that the possible growth opportunity for OBC are market development and product development. These are the two strategies that can add value to the organization. The best option for market development for OBC is developing countries. Developing countries like India, China, Brazil, etc. are spending more for overseas education in the recent days. This is one opportunity that OBC can utilize. OBC

Influence of Ethics on Decision Making & Impact of Technology on Essay

Influence of Ethics on Decision Making & Impact of Technology on Work-Related Stress - Essay Example Technology is another factor that affects the workplace and forces managers to make decision regarding the integration of new technological business solution. This paper analyzes the effects of ethics in decision making and the impact of technology on work related stress. The actions and decisions that companies make can have a lasting impact in the reputation of an enterprise. The rising cost of doing business place managers in situations in which they have to make tough decisions about different business actions. Environmental regulation is one of these areas in which companies at times try to cheat the system. The environmental regulations oversees are much lower than in the United States. Companies know that certain industrial processes hurt the environment, but if the country allows them a firm may be persuaded to lower their standard to reduce cost despite knowing that this is morally wrong Twenty four years a ago there a tragic case of an immoral decision concerning safety protocols in Bhopal India that lead to a gas leak explosion. The accident at the Union Carbide pesticide plant caused the death of over 8,000 people and injured over 50,000 due to corporate negligence and irrefutable immoral behavior (Primeseeeds, 1999). The utilitarian view of ethics considers ethical behavior to be that which delivers the greatest good to the greatest number of people (Shermerhorn, et al.). Let’s consider the case of immigrant works in the agricultural field. Currently the United States laws forbid the employment of illegal immigrant workers. There is a shortage of supply of labor to work in the agricultural field and a need for the food production for the community. The illegal coming into America have the necessity to obtain they are willing to work hard for low wages. Based the facts many farming companies are willing hire illegal immigrants despite the risk of facing large fines if the government finds out. To the

Stages of Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Stages of Development - Essay Example Progesterone levels also shoot up during pregnancy and function to cause loosening of ligaments and joints throughout the body, cause internal organs such as ureters to enlarge and importantly transform the uterus to a size that can accommodate a full pregnancy. The hormones make exercise difficult because of the loosened ligaments. The woman’s posture changes, breast enlarge, abdomen transform into a convex shape increasing the curvature of her back (which may often result in changes in sense of balance). Weight gain during pregnancy slows down blood and fluid circulation. As a result, pregnant women retain fluids and experience swelling of legs, feet, hands and even face. Some women experience vision changes during pregnancy characterized by increased myopia and abnormal hair and nail growth rates. Apart from increased metabolic rates due to high demands for nutrients, women also experience taste and smell changes along with skin changes such as development of stretch marks (Fuchs, 1983). In the third week of pregnancy, gastrulation begins with the appearance of a primitive streak which establishes the long axis of the embryo. Gastrulation involves the transformation of the two-layered embryonic disc into a three layered embryo with three primary germ layers; the ectoderm (develops into the epithelial lining of the gut, respiratory and urogenital systems and associated glands), the mesoderm (develops into all tissues not formed by ectoderm or endoderm such as the muscle tissue) the endoderm (develops into structures of the nervous system and the epidermis) (Goodwin, 1994). Fertilization of the egg by the sperm results in the formation of a zygote which travels down the fallopian tube and divides into a ball of cells. The zygote continues to divide into an inner group of cells with an outer shell collectively called the blastocyst. Blastocyst moves to the uterus around day 5 and implants onto the uterine wall around day 6 for nourishment.

Banana supply chain Australia Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Banana supply chain Australia - Term Paper Example This is supported by the fact that almost the whole population has a banana at least a day. This is represented by over 95% of the general population. To meet this demand, there is need for mass production and an efficient supply chain in order to reach the consumers on time. Statistics indicate that the small scale farmers are the main suppliers of the bananas within the Australian market. North Queensland is the religion that is said to be very productive (Peckham 2011). It is the core region from where most of the bananas come from. Ingham is said to be one of the most productive region supplying the highest percent to the market. It is therefore imperative to note that most of the bananas are grown from the northern part of the country and have to be transported to the southern part. This is owing to the fact that most of the towns and population is found in the southern parts. For that reason, it is imperative to have an elaborate transport network that will ensure timely supply of products to the market. Supply chain It is indicated that the banana supply chain in Australia varies from place to place depending on the preference of the farmers (Nossal, 2009). One of the major supply chains however, is where there is the presence of an agent, who supplies to the wholesalers. The latter sell to the retailers who later sell the bananas in low quantities to the customers. The other common ones are from the farmers who sell directly to large wholesales, who also sell to the retailers. Finally, certain large retailers are also able to purchase directly from the farmers and then later to the customers. The latter is preferred by most marketers since there is little damage that is incurred during the transportation of the bananas to the market. This is owing to the fact that banana is a very delicate product and also very perishable. Big losses are incurred in the process of transportation especially where they have to be transported to large distances. For that r eason, there is a plan within the local market to bring the number of middlemen as low as possible. The main type of transportation network is the highway roads which connect directly from the farmers to the large markets in the southern parts of the market. Large trucks are loaded with the bananas and have to transport them over long distances. For instance, one of the longest distances is said to be 2,600km in order to reach the consumers (Nellemann 2009). This therefore indicates that there is need to have a reliable transport network that will not affect the supply of bananas. The price of bananas has been on the rise hitting as high as 5 dollars per kilogram. There are various factors that are said to contribute to this high prices ranging from weakening of the dollar as well as low supply. The latter is caused by among other factors poor weather conditions and effects on the roads (Nossal, 2009). Farmers also face losses owing to the adverse weather conditions that affect the countries from time to time. Most of the farmers who rely entirely on the rains may not produce enough or quality bananas that can compete favorably in the market. It is also indicated that some of the agents take advantage of the farmers by purchasing the bananas at low prices. This kind of exploitation denies most of the farmers enough capital to increase productivity. Factors affecting the supply chain The

An Analysis of The McDonaldization of Society by George Ritzer Essay

An Analysis of The McDonaldization of Society by George Ritzer - Essay Example In today's' complicated and ever changing society, we often try to achieve a sense easier is by implementing a function now known as "McDonaldization", which Ritzer describes in various ways. For instance Ritzer states that the concept of McDonaldization is defined as "the process by which the principles of the fast food restaurant are coming to dominate more and more sectors of American society as well as the rest of the world." The success of McDonalds, and of McDonaldization as a whole, is due to four basic factors--efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control. carry their own food, and throw out the garbage. This is not as efficient for the consumer, but it saves time for the workers. Education, health care, and the work place are all becoming McDonaldalized in order to become more efficient. Efficiency in McDonaldization has streamlined many processes, simplified goods and services, and forces the consumer to do work as well. Ritzer continues these ideas in marshalling the abundance of evidence which makes this trend very compelling. Using many examples from such disparate social institutions as family life, higher education, the funeral business, health care, and entertainment, Ritzer illuminates the broader trends within the "taken for granted" daily routines of life. He does so with a keen sociological eye, but also with a very wry sense of irreverence that adds a sarcastic touch of humor to the expose.The fast-food model, according to Ritzer, has a manner of pushing us towards ever greater reliance on the fostering of quantity over quality, attainment of efficiency, creation of predictability, and reducing much of our life experience to a coldly calculated "value." As one reads further and takes in the diverse landscape of specific illustrations for these trends, one begins to see the "McDonaldized" influence everywhere. Then too, one will also grasp why so many of us are complaining about the demise of free time in our lives, and how we have become unwitting captives of mindless inertia of "I want it fast, I want it now, I want what's next" mentalities. Just another issue and dimension of