Monday, September 30, 2019

Gulliver’s Travels Essay

When Blackadder and Prince George are faced with dilemma of bribing an MP to vote in the princes favour they provide us with a description of a member of parliament called Sir Talbot Buxomly who is corrupt, cruel, ineffectual and open to bribes. According to Blackadder he is a perfect candidate to become a High Court Judge and even Prince George thinks he is â€Å"a little over qualified†. â€Å"Blackadder: Sir Talbot has the worst attendance record of any Member of Parliament†¦ but if we can get him to support us, we’re safe†¦ he’s a violent, bigoted, mindless old fool† The use of satire here suggests that the high court judge isn’t necessarily as honest as you would expect a person with that much power to be. A comparison with this is Swifts description of the Emperor in chapter two. He describes how he is expensively dressed. ‘He had on his head a light helmet of gold, adorned with jewels, and a plume on the crest’. Swift compares him to the pompons King George the first. He was king of England but was brought over from Germany and did not speak the language. When the Emperor speaks at Gulliver he cannot understand a word and this is his bribe at the king. Like Sir Talbot Buxomly, the Emperor is useless and incompetent. When it comes to the actual election, Blackadder confesses that they will cheat in order to win votes. He is not alone in this outlook as one of his opponents, Pitt the Even Younger confesses what he did in order to be a decent politician – bad mouthed the opposition. – Bribed the newspapers. – Threatened to torture the public if his party lost. Once again driving home the point that the politicians will do anything within their power to get a seat in parliament. You can tell that cheating is certainly not beneath them when Pitt the Even Younger told what was a decent politician is in his opinion. â€Å"I fail to see what more a decent politician could have done† Similar examples of satire, which criticise politics and the government are also found in â€Å"Gulliver’s Travels†. In Lilliput anybody who jumps over the highest rope gets a position in court and how candidates jump over and creep under a stick held at various heights win the silken threads which show the kings favourite. Just like in Blackadder getting a job in the court in lilliput is not to down how good you would be at the job but is down to how much you can creep, crawl and pander to the king. â€Å"Whoever performs his part with the most agility and hold out the largest in creeping and crawling, is rewarded†¦ â€Å"

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Emergency management Essay

The safety of child will always be my number one priority. I will always try my best to protect children in my care from hurting themselves, however, accidents do happen. My premises have been checked and they meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage in England. I also regularly review, update and practise my safety routines, including fire drills. As a registered childminder, I am legally required to have a valid first-aid certificate. I can administer basic first-aid treatment, and my first-aid box is clearly labelled and easily accessible. It is stored in my utility room. Parent contact numbers are with the first-aid box. †¢ I hold written permission from parents in Childs Record Folder to seek emergency treatment for their child if it is needed. †¢ All accidents will be recorded in an accident book. †¢ As a registered provider I must notify Ofsted of any serious accidents, illnesses or injuries or the death of any child whilst in my care and any action I may have taken within 14 days of an incident occurring. If I am in need of support or advice regarding a serious illness or incident involving a child in my care I may contact National Childminding Association who will log information regarding the incident with regard to their safeguarding policy. A NCMA designated officer will be assigned to my case and all the information given to them will be kept confidentially unless their appears to be a child protection issue which will be reported accordingly. If an accident or incident involving a child in my care may result in an insurance claim I will contact my public liability insurance provider to discuss my case and be allocated a claim number. This may involve discussing details of the child in my care with a third party. I also have an arrangement with another registered childminder to provide emergency back-up cover if necessary. In the event of an accident whilst child in my care: †¢ First, I will reassure the injured child while making sure that the other children in my care are safe. This may mean strapping a baby in a buggy or sitting an older child somewhere where I can see them. †¢ Then, if possible, I will deal with the accident. If not, I will ring 999 for help. †¢ If I have to accompany or take a child to hospital, I will either take the other children with me, or call my emergency back-up cover. This will be another registered childminder or known responsible adult. These people will be known to you (please see below) If there is an accident or emergency, my emergency back-up cover may contact you and you will be expected to collect your child straight away. If I manage to deal with the accident myself, then I will tell the affected child’s parents immediately. If I accompany or take a child to hospital, I will contact their parents and ask them to meet me at the hospital. If I have an accident, I will get the nearest responsible adult to help, while my emergency back-up people are being contacted. After every accident, however minor I will: †¢ Record in my accident book †¢ Ask you to sign the report and then provide you with a copy If the incident requires any medical treatment: †¢ Inform Ofsted within 14 days of an incident occurring †¢ Inform my Insurance †¢ Contact the NCMA for advice/support In the event of an accident in the Childs home: †¢ Parents must inform me on child arrival of any accident at home and record it in the back of the accident book. †¢ If I will see an evidence of injury on a child which has not occurred whilst in my care and has not been reported to me, parents will be asked for information on the incident and instructed to write in the accident book I will do my best at all times to make sure the children in my care are safe, reassured and kept calm. Emergency back-up cover |Back-up registered childminder |Known responsible adult I have read and understand the Accident and emergency policy. I give my permission for the named emergency back-up people to have my contact details for use in an emergency. I give permission for my child ________________________ to be taken to hospital and be given emergency treatment providing every effort has been made to contact me. |Childminder’s name | | |Childminder’s signature | | |Date | | |Parent(s)’ name | | |Parent(s)’ signature | | |Date | | | | | |Date policy was written | 27/07/2011 | |Date policy due for review | 27/07/2012 | Illness and emergencies policy I appreciate that as a working parent you need to be able to go to work, however if your child is unwell then they will be bettered cared for in their own home. It is my policy to keep children safe when they are in my care, promote good health and take necessary steps to prevent the spread of infection within my childcare setting: †¢ I will promote hand-washing in warm soapy water before eating or handling food and after using the toilet †¢ Each child will also have access to kitchen towel, which I will provide for each child under my care †¢ I will promote the use of tissues for children with coughs and minor colds †¢ All children in my setting who are excluded due to having an illness or an infectious disease such as a severe cold or stomach upset will not be allowed to return until they have been free from illness for 48 hours. This is in order to minimise the risk of the transmission of an infection to other children, myself or members of my family †¢ If a child arrives at my setting with a disease or illness I believe to be infectious or that poses a risk to the other children in the setting or myself I will expect the child not to attend my setting until they have been well for the recommended period of time (In accordance with the contract agreed with parents I expect to be paid for the child’s place even if they are excluded from my setting due to an illness or infectious disease) Children and babies can often become unwell with very little warning, if this happened whilst child in my care: †¢ I will contact you and expect you to pick up your child immediately and not return to the setting until your child well again †¢ If you cannot then an emergency contact will be called instead †¢ All parents are expected to provide emergency contact numbers other than their own in case they are unavailable to come and collect their child themselves I will inform the parents of the other children in my setting if there a child I care for has a diagnosed infectious disease If I, or one of the members of my family have a confirmed infectious disease, I will inform you as soon as I am able. (As I will not be able to offer my childminding service I will not charge you for the time the service is unavailable, as agreed with you in our contract) I am happy to care for a child with common coughs and colds providing they can join in with a normal day and do not need medication I will not accept a child with a high temperature as this is usually the first sign of illness and a very high temperature can sometimes lead to convulsions (Please do not bring your child if they are obviously ill as I will refuse care. Remember that I will not be able to give your child the extra atten tion that they need whilst care for other children.) I will ensure Ofsted is notified of any serious accident, illness or injury to any child whilst in my care, and the action taken in respect of it. Notification must be made as soon as is reasonably practicable, but in any event within fourteen days of the incident occurring. If you knowingly bring your child when ill this is a breach of contract and trust and in serious cases could result in termination of our contract By signing this policy you are agree that you have read and adhere to Illness and emergencies policy. |Childminder’s name | | |Childminder’s signature | | |Date | | |Parent(s)’ name | | |Parent(s)’ signature | | |Date | | | | | |Date policy was written | 27/07/2011 | |Date policy due for renewal | 27/07/2012 | Behaviour policy Behaviour policy statement: I aim to offer a quality childcare service for children and parents. I recognise the need to set out reasonable and appropriate limits to help manage the behaviour of children in my care. †¢ By providing a happy, safe environment, the children in my care will be encouraged to develop social skills to help them be accepted and welcome in society as they grow up. †¢ I do not, and will not, administer physical or any other form of punishment with the intention of causing pain or discomfort, nor any kind of humiliating or hurtful treatment to any child in my care. †¢ I endorse positive discipline as a more effective way of setting boundaries for children. Behaviour Procedure: †¢ I keep up to date with behaviour management issues and relevant legislation by taking regular training from NCMA and Early Years Service and by reading relevant publications, such as Who Minds? †¢ I agree methods to manage children’s behaviour with parents before the placement starts. These are discussed with parents during initial visits before the contract is signed to ensure appropriate care can be provided. A copy of the house rules will be given to the parent to encourage positive behaviour. †¢ Wherever possible I try to meet parents’ requests for the care of their children according to their values and practices. Records of these requirements are agreed and kept attached to the child record forms. These records are revisited and updated during regular reviews with parents. †¢ I expect parents to inform me of any changes in the child’s home circumstances, care arrangements or any other change which may affect the child’s behaviour such as a new baby, parents’ separation, divorce, new partner or any bereavement. All information shared will be kept confidential unless there appears to be a child protection issue. †¢ I offer regular review meetings with parents to discuss their child’s care and any issues or concerns, preferably when the child is not present. If I do not share the same first language as the child’s parent, I will find a way of communicating effectively with them. This may include seeking guidance from the local early years team. †¢ I work together with parents to make sure there is consistency in the way the children are cared for. A consistent approach benefits the child’s welfare and helps ensure that the child is not confused. †¢ I will only physically intervene, and possibly restrain, a child to prevent an accident, such as a child running into the road, or to prevent an injury or damage. †¢ All significant incidents are recorded in an incident book and will be shared and discussed with the parents of the child concerned so that together we can work to resolve any behavioural issues. †¢ From time to time children will have difficulty learning to deal with their emotions and feelings and this is a normal part of child development. I will acknowledge these feelings and try to help children to find constructive solutions in liaison with their parents. †¢ Distracting and re-directing children’s activities are used as a way of discouraging unwanted behaviour. †¢ I encourage responsibility by talking to children about choices and their possible consequences. †¢ I aim to be firm and consistent so that children know and feel secure within the boundaries I set. †¢ I will respond positively to children who constantly seek att ention or are disruptive. †¢ I will help children maintain their self-esteem by showing I disapprove of their bad behaviour not the child themselves. I encourage appropriate behaviour by: †¢ Setting a good example, I aim to be a positive role model as children copy what they see. Children learn values and behaviour from adults. †¢ I readily praise, approve and reward wanted behaviour, such as sharing, to encourage it to be repeated. Using praise helps to show that I value the child and it helps to build their self esteem. †¢ I praise children to their parents and other people when they have behaved as expected. †¢ I try to be consistent when saying â€Å"no† and explain reasons why it is not appropriate and considered unwanted behaviour. †¢ My expectations are flexible and realistic and are adjusted to the age, level of understanding, maturity and stage of development of the child. †¢ I try to involving children in setting and agreeing house rules. Children are guided away from doing things which: †¢ Are dangerous or hurtful or offensive to someone else †¢ Are dangerous to the child †¢ Will make the child unwelcome or unacceptable to other people †¢ Damage other people’s property. By signing this policy you are agree that you have read and agree with my behaviour policy. |Childminder’s name | | |Childminder’s signature | | |Date | | |Parent(s)’ name | | |Parent(s)’ signature | | |Date | | | | | |Date policy was written | 27/07/2011 | |Date policy due for renewal | 27/07/2012 | Safeguarding policy Safeguarding policy statement: My first responsibility and priority is towards the children in my care. If I have any cause for concern I will report it, following the local Safeguarding Children Board procedures in England. I understand that child abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, neglect or a mixture of these. I must notify Ofsted in England of any allegations of abuse, which are alleged to have taken place while the child is in my care. Procedure: †¢ I keep up to date with child protection issues and relevant legislation by taking regular training courses and by reading relevant publications. This helps me be aware of the signs of abuse or neglect and what to do if I have a concern. †¢ I have copies of, and am familiar with, the local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. Every six months I check that I have the latest version of the relevant procedures. †¢ I have a copy of the relevant booklets and guidance; I have read them and understand them. If I am concerned about a child’s welfare, I may contact the local authority, the NSPCC, the National Childminding Association (NCMA), or other relevant support services for advice, providing this does not affect confidentiality. Child protection concerns that could identify a particular child are kept confidential and only shared with people who need to know this information. Parents must notify me of any concerns they have about their child and any accidents, incidents or injuries affecting the child, which will be recorded. I work together with parents to make sure the care of their child is consistent. If I notice: †¢ significant changes in behaviour †¢ unexpected bruising or marks †¢ any comments made which give me cause for concern †¢ deterioration in general wellbeing which causes concern I will implement the local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures in England, without delay to minimise any risk to the child. I will call the local social services’ duty desk and follow it up with a letter within 48 hours. I will keep a factual record of the concern and will ask the parents for an explanation, providing it would not put the child at risk. The national standards for registered childminders in England and Wales require me to let Ofsted know of any concerns that I have reported without delay. If a child tells me that they or another child is being abused, I will: †¢ Show that I have heard what they are saying, and that I take their allegations seriously †¢ Encourage the child to talk, but I will not prompt them or ask them leading questions. I will not interrupt when a child is recalling significant events and will not make a child repeat their account †¢ Explain what actions I must take, in a way that is appropriate to the age and understanding of the child †¢ Write down what I have been told using exact words where possible †¢ Make a note of the date, time, place and people who were present at the discussion †¢ Then report my concerns immediately to the duty social worker who has the experience and responsibility to make an assessment of the situation. If an allegation is made against me, I will report it to Ofsted and social services following the Safeguarding Children Board procedures in England. I will also contact NCMA’s safeguarding children service on for advice and support. In all instances I will record: †¢ Child’s full name and address †¢ Date and time of the record †¢ Factual details of the concern, for example bruising, what the child said, who was present †¢ Details of any previous concerns †¢ Details of any explanations from the parents †¢ Any action taken such as speaking to parents. It is not my responsibility to attempt to investigate the situation myself. By signing this policy you are agree that you have read and agree with my Safeguarding Policy |Childminder’s name | | |Childminder’s signature | | |Date | | |Parent(s)’ name | | |Parent(s)’ signature | | |Date | | | | | |Date policy was written | 27/07/2011 | |Date policy due for renewal | 27/07/2012 | Useful telephone numbers NCMA allegations and complaints service for anyone concerned about the welfare of a child 0845 880 0044 NCMA Safeguarding Children Service 0845 880 0044 NSPCC child protection helpline – 24-hour helpline for people worried about a child 0808 800 5000 Equal Opportunities Policy Equal opportunities statement: I always aim to offer a quality childcare. I give all children in my care the opportunity to reach their full potential. Sometimes this means adapting an activity to the child’s ability and stage of development, providing additional resources or giving one child more attention and support than others during a particular activity or routine. I value and respect the different racial origins, religions, cultures and languages in a multi-ethnic society valuing all children equally, and treating each with equal concern and without discrimination. All children in my care are given the opportunity to play with all the toys (subject to health and safety with children under 3 years of age). No toys are just for girls or just for boys. I try to ensure my toys reflect positive images of children and people from different cultures and with different abilities. I have toys and resources that challenge stereotypical ideas on what careers are open to men and women. Equal Opportunities procedure: No child in my care will be discriminated against in anyway, whether for their skin colour, culture, gender, ability or religion. I will challenge any remarks that I feel are inappropriate. I will make sure that I actively promote equality of opportunity and anti discriminatory practices for all children: †¢ I encourage the children in my care to learn more about their own culture and to find out about the culture and religions of other children. We do in this in a fun way through sharing books, colouring sheets, cooking and eating food from around the world and celebrating special festivals. I provide resources such as woks and chopsticks, dressing up clothes, crayons and pencils. †¢ I encourage the children to develop a healthy respect of each other’s differences and to value everyone as an individual. †¢ I encourage Parents to share with us any festivals, special occasions or artefacts, which may enhance the children’s learning and understanding. By signing this policy you are agree that you have read and agree with my Equal Opportunities Policy |Childminder’s name | | |Childminder’s signature | | |Date | | |Parent(s)’ name | | |Parent(s)’ signature | | |Date | | | | | |Date policy was written | 27/07/2011 | |Date policy due for renewal | 27/07/2012 | Emergency Evacuation Procedure In order to keep the children and myself safe I have developed the following procedure to evacuate my home in the event of an emergency. This may be as a result of a fire, flooding, gas leak etc. The children will regularly practice the evacuation procedure with me so they will not be alarmed in the event of the situation being real. Practices will be carried out on different days of the week to ensure all children practice and the details recorded in the evacuation log. †¢ Sound the alarm (this is a whistle) †¢ Evacuate the children using the safest and nearest exit available (Babies and toddlers will be carried to safety) †¢ Take: o Attendance Record for the day o Contact numbers o Mobile phone †¢ Assemble across the road from the house (at the end of the garden if leaving via the rear of the house) †¢ Contact the emergency services †¢ Comfort and reassure the children †¢ Arrange safe place for the children to stay until parents can collect them †¢ Follow the instructions of the Emergency Services †¢ Do not return to the building until the Emergency Services have declared it safe to do so Unexpected Closure of Childminding Service I will do my best to provide a service for the hours and times that I have been contracted to work however very occasionally it may be necessary to close my childminding service. This may be as a result of me being unwell and therefore unable to work. If I have a cough or a cold I will continue to work, however if my illness is contagious then I will not be able to work, until I know I can not pass on the infection to the children or their parents. I will try to provide as much notice as possible if I am unable to work. There may be other occasions when I am unable to provide a service, for example: †¢ Following emergency evacuation of my premises (see evacuation policy) †¢ Loss of power to my home †¢ Mains water turned off †¢ Heating broken †¢ Flooding †¢ Medical emergency for myself or a member of my immediate family †¢ Death within the family I will advise parents as soon as I can if I am unable to provide a service. I will work with parents where possible to find temporary emergency childcare from amongst local childminders. I will not charge you if I am unable to provide a service. Childminding Safety On Outings Policy When taking Children on Outings it is essential that proper planning is done to ensure the safety of all children involved. I obtain written parental permission for all routine and special outings. I inform parents of any planned special trips for example to the coast or a local farm. I ensure that I take with me everything I may need, emergency Contact cards for the children, First Aid Kit, Nappies and changing bag (if required) spare clothes, mobile phone, drinks and a healthy snack. I have developed plans on what to do in the event of an emergency. I carry a contact card for each child. I have also a card on me that explains that I am a registered Childminder. I will make sure to organise outings to fit in with the needs of the children, and ensure that I have the necessary equipment and resources to keep them safe. Olly’s house rules My workplace is also my family home and I would expect all adults and children that I welcome in my home to treat me, my family and my belongings with respect. I have a few house rules that all children will be taught and expected to follow whilst in my home. This is for the safety and well being of everyone. †¢ We keep our coats, shoes and belongings tidied away †¢ Adults/Children leave dirty or muddy shoes at the door †¢ We wash hands after going to the toilet/touching the animals/before and after eating †¢ We like eating our meals at the table †¢ We walk in the house (Running, jumping, throwing, fighting or wrestling we enjoy when we play outdoor) †¢ Older children not allowed pick up babies or toddlers †¢ We say please, thank you and sorry when needed †¢ We will be kind to each other and look after each other †¢ We play nicely with the toys †¢ Sharing is a good thing to do and good manners should be used at all times †¢ We all walking together hading hands when out and about †¢ And we remember to have fun!!! (

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Wal-mart, Inc Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Wal-mart, Inc - Essay Example lton, the founder of Walmart had created a unique culture at Walmart by involving all the employees of Walmart, including those belonging to the managerial as well as non managerial positions. Mr. Sam Walton once said that individuals do not win, but teams do. Therefore if someone is working for Walmart then Sam Walton is a partner not the boss. Mr. Walton used the unique organizational culture to gain long term competitive advantage. The whole idea or concept behind the incorporation of such an organizational culture is to do things the Walmart way. Probably that is the reason people working at Walmart calls it a ‘cult-like’ atmosphere. One of the key ingredients to do business the Walmart way is to treat employees as business partners. Mr. Walmart believes in the value of creating employee partnership. It was believed that an employee has the ability to be business leader if provided the right platform. The best way to do so is to let the employees take major decisions (Wilton, 2010, p.292). The employees at Walmart are not ‘employees’; rather they are ‘associates’ encourages acting as entrepreneurs. In order to take employee empowerment process Mr. Walton even introduced the concept of profit sharing. In Walmart there are no HR division, there exists people division as Mr. Walton understood the importance of employee and manager interaction. Another key aspect of Walmart employee empowerment is controlling expenses. According to Mr. Walton, employees should manage company expenses just like the personal expenses. Therefore by sharing the profit and loss, the employees truly understand the strong relation between profitability of the company and the potential to receive some percentage of profit sharing. That is not all. Add to the innovative concept of profit sharing Mr. Walton wanted to add something extra to motivate the employees. It was once said by him that money and ownership may not be enough to motivate people. It was believed that the

Friday, September 27, 2019

Philosophy - knowledge Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Philosophy - knowledge - Essay Example The primary question is regarding the acquisition of knowledge: Is knowledge something that one acquires, or something that one merely recollects Socrates (Plato, "Meno" 365-372) lays down the argument that it is the latter. He does that by asking simple questions alone, which lead to a person's discovery of the solution completely by himself. The fact that Socrates does not inform the person about the correct answer to a question shows that knowledge is not acquired, but rather recollected. We can argue, however, that it is not the knowledge of things that is inherent in any human being, but the faculty of identification (in this case, deductive logic) which is inherent. This term, "faculty of identification" is nothing but the perceptive system used to analyze knowledge. One uses the sense organs to understand the knowledge of "taste", and one uses logic to understand the knowledge of a geometric proof. This is another key point in determining the limitations of knowledge. Let us t ake a simple example to illustrate. The knowledge of the presence of a tiger nearby, by observing its fresh footprints, is vital to a forest dweller. Here one can observe the knowledge acquisition process stepwise. Firstly, the sense perceptions are translated based on previous sensory experience and registered as the knowledge of the footprints. ... ledge of the tiger being near the person exist within the person before If it did exist within the person himself, it should not depend uniquely on his presence there. There must be a way possible for him to just reach down within himself, so to speak, and draw out the knowledge, while doing something totally unrelated. This is not possible with the faculties of identification which we have allowed him to have: sense perception and logic of the simplest correlative kind. This example of a physical event, when extended to the mental realm, holds just as true. Knowledge depends on the questions asked, explicitly or implicitly. The second crucial fact is the dependence of knowledge on the faculty of identification. If in the same example, our friend, the forest dweller had no capacity for inductive logic, though possessing sharp senses, or if he was blind in the first place, the knowledge of the tiger's presence does not come into existence. In other words, knowledge is not something that belongs inherently in the circumstance, but also on the individual experiencing the circumstance. This is brought out clearly in Socrates' allegory of the cave (Plato, "Republic" 370-375). In it, the individual who has seen the world outside the cave and then looks at the events occurring inside, obtains knowledge of a different kind than those who have always lived in that cave. The events are the same, but the faculties of identification are totally different. To put it in a nutshell, knowledge is created by the active application of a faculty of identification upon a passive circumstance. When we analyze the question of knowledge being true belief with this background, we can understand its limitations better. The idea that justified true belief is responsible for knowledge is

Thursday, September 26, 2019

MAGE genes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

MAGE genes - Essay Example Although no MAGE homologous sequences have been identified in Caenorhabditis elegans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Schizosaccharomyces pombe, MAGE sequences have been found in several vegetal species, including Arabidopsis thaliana. A database screening was performed to identify all of the recorded members of both classes of human MAGE genes. This report provided an overview of the MAGE family and proposed a general nomenclature for all of the MAGE genes identified thus far. The MAGE-D genes were particularly well conserved between man and mouse, suggesting that they exert important functions. In addition, the genomic structure of the MAGE-D genes indicates that one of them corresponds to the founder member of the family, and that all of the other MAGE genes are retrogenes derived from that common ancestral gene. MAGE-A1 belongs to a group of germline-specific genes that rely primarily on DNA methylation for repression in somatic tissues. In many types of tumors, the promoter of these genes becomes demethylated and transcription becomes activated. MAGE-A1 acts as a transcriptional repressor. MAGE -A1, the first characterized cancer-germline gene, belongs to a family of twelve genes located on the X chromosome in region q28 (5,6). Genes of the MAGE family have their entire coding sequences located in the last exon, which shows 64 to 85% identity with that of MAGE 1 (De Plaen et al., 1994). (An exception is MAGE D2, 300470). The coding sequences predict the main structural features of all MAGE proteins, in contrast, the promoters and first exons of the MAGE genes show considerable variability, possibly enabling the same function to be expressed under different transcriptional controls. In their annotation of the DNA sequence of the human X chromosome and the predicted proteome, Ross et al. (2005) noted that the MAGE domain was present in 32 genes. In comparison, only 4 other MAGE genes had been reported in the rest of the genome: MAGE F1 (609267) on chromosome 3, and MAGE L2 (605283), NDN (602117), and NDNL2 (608243) in the proximal portion of the long arm of chromosome 15. The MAGE gene products are members of the cancer-testis (CT) antigen group, which are characterized by their expression in a number of can cer types, while their expression in normal tissues is solely or predominantly in testis. This expression profile had led to the suggestion that the CT antigens are potential targets for tumor immunotherapy. Ross et al. (2005) stated that the X chromosome gene set they described contained 99 CT antigen genes, including novel members of the MAGE, GAGE, SSX, LAGE, CSAGE, and NXF families. Ross et al. (2005) predicted that approximately 10% of the genes on the X chromosome are of the CT antigen type. The remarkable enrichment for CT antigen genes on this chromosome relative to the rest of the genome may be indicative of a male advantage associated with these genes. Recessive alleles that are beneficial to males are expected to become fixed more rapidly on the X chromosome than on an autosome. If these alleles are detrimental to females, their expression could become restricted to male tissues as they rise to fixation. The CT antigen genes on the X chromosome are also notable for the ex pansion of various gene families by duplication. This degree of duplication is perhaps an indication of selection in males for increased copy number. In this

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Responding to Memo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Responding to Memo - Essay Example The consequence was that the company suffered a land attack which subsequently forced our networks into a "ping of death" (Liu, Yu, and Jing, 2005). This means that the network was forced into the continued and repetitive transmission of packages which exceeded the allowable size. As you may well recall, the DoS attack paralyzed our systems and cost us in excess of $150,000. Attacks which exploit security holes in hardware and software systems are quite common. Apart from the above described incident, the company was subjected to a second attack as a direct outcome of a security hole in its Cisco IOS router. This, the most popular corporate router, had a serious security flaw which the company only identified after the release of the router and even then did not inform users about (Zetter, 2006). Consequently, our company, just like countless others was attacked through this security hole. In the second place, our identity renders us the target of attacks. It is unlikely that any hacker would deliberately target your daughter's computer and infect it with a Trojan Horse but where we are concerned, the issue is quite different. As a profit-making organization, we represent potentially financially lucrative information (Rhodes-Ousley, Bragg, and Strassberg, 2003). We are targeted by professional hackers who seek out security flaws in our system for the explicit purpose of infecting us, either in order to access our data or to bring our networks to a halt (Rhodes-Ousley, Bragg, and Strassberg, 2003). The fact of the matter is that our department has protected our networks as much as is possible. The fact that we send out malware alerts or often engage in the cleaning up of the system is quite simply because we cannot afford any viruses on our networks. Malware could undermine the integrity of our data and, therefore, we often resort to the exercise of extreme precaution. Indeed, it is quite probable that your daughter's computer has some malware on it but that she is not able to identify it. We, on the other hand, identify and remove all malware. Lastly, Windows OS is ore vulnerable to malware than is Macintosh OS. This is because of security holes in the latter which are not present in the former and because hackers target Windows much more than they do Macintosh (Rhodes-Ousley, Bragg, and Strassberg, 2003). Migrating to Macintosh, however, is not an option both because it would be too costly and because it does not have the software range that we need. P2P Memo To: Salamanika Giorgiopolis, Corporate Counsel From: CISO Date: 05/18/2007 Re: Peer to Peer and Piracy Irrespective of the popularity of Peer to Peer Networks and regardless of the fact that everyone is doing it,' company employees are explicitly prohibited from running P2P programs on company computers or from using the company's network connection to download files through these programs. Apart from the aforementioned being explicitly forbidden under company policies and regulations, it comprises an immoral and illegal violation of copyright laws which the company is not going to abide by. Copyright laws are very precise, leaving little room for manoeuvring or interpretation. As Paradise (1999) clarifies, this body of legislature, determines the fortification of

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Target Marketing Strategies and Customer Relationship Management Assignment

Target Marketing Strategies and Customer Relationship Management - Assignment Example Pizza Hut is priced much higher due to its quality focus and satisfies this market over lower-income customers. Secondly, Pizza Hut is well-known for its family-focused in-house dining capabilities that appeal to large groups in the nuclear family structure (Huynh, 4). This is a unique characteristic of Pizza Hut over competition that appeals to families looking for quality meals for dine-in purposes. Pizza Hut is widely dispersed geographically across the world, therefore geographic segmentation or demographics are not very effective. The following is a positioning strategy for Pizza Hut using psychographic elements: Pizza Hut pizzas are positioned under price/quality dimensions. An appropriate slogan for the products might be Pizza Hut: Incredible ingredients for a more luxurious pizza experience for the discriminating client. Forget the other guys and tap into high quality at Pizza Hut.

Monday, September 23, 2019

The Israel-Palestine Conflict Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Israel-Palestine Conflict - Research Paper Example Generations upon generations of civilians have lived and died amidst this protracted war, victims of and witnesses to the seemingly limitless capacity of human beings for violence. The struggle for peace is indeed an aspiration that the whole world shares – and yet, history is rich with examples that tell us that peace without justice is an unsustainable project. The atrocities perpetrated in the context of the conflict must be accounted for, and there must be redress for the injustices wrought to the nameless and faceless victims. However, justice is not a one-size thing that fits all propositions. Efforts towards its introduction in a region as divided ethnically as Kosovo need to include clear-cut and streamlined efforts to address horizontal inequalities – defined by Stewart (137) as â€Å"inequalities among groups with shared identities – identities formed by religion, ethnic ties or racial affiliations, or other salient ways that bind groups of people toge ther†. Certainly, this includes looking at the broad and multiplex power dynamics that underlie these identities and become the basis for the conferral or denial of economic, political or social privilege. This is of course exacerbated when set against the backdrop of a conflict economy. Kamphuis (185) describes a conflict economy as one â€Å"that leads to the breakup of administrative and social institutions, the flight of human capital through migration, and the destruction of infrastructure for education and health care† – the clear contextual backdrop of the Israel-Palestine crisis. There are also political complexities that come into play. Writers like Danny Rubinstein write that Palestinian nationalism is on the wane and that â€Å"about twelve thousand Palestinians from East Jerusalem have received Israeli citizenship† (1). But almost on a daily basis, we are besieged by news report on intensified â€Å"terrorist† attacks by Palestinian figh ters. Indeed, it is hard to make a clinical assessment of the situation. I argue that investigating the extent to which horizontal inequalities were addressed may be done using the multiple dimensions of justice enumerated by Hellsten (79) as analytical tools or criteria – (1) justice as the establishment of public safety and individual security, securing the lives of civilians from acts of violence; (2) justice as reconciliation and redress for past grievances, embracing the concept of restorative justice; (3) distributive and social justice, which focuses on social and economic well-being on a more long term period, and (4) political justice, involving participation and inclusion is governance. This means that all these imperatives must be addressed and dealt with, rather than one criterion alone and sacrificing the rest, e.g. reconciliation at the expense of resource redistribution, economic growth at the expense of political participation, governance, without rectifying i ndividual criminal responsibility. In countries fraught with sharply-drawn ethnic lines where political and economic privileges are denied or granted on the basis of ethnicity, satisfaction of the requirements of these dimensions of justice cannot take place without addressing horizontal inequalities. In a similar vein, aspiring to address horizontal inequa

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Changes to womens lifes in inter-war Britain Essay

Changes to womens lifes in inter-war Britain - Essay Example These changes contributed immensely to the attainment of equal rights with men. The purpose of this paper is to explore the changes in women’s lives during the interwar period in Britain. More specifically, the paper will examine the changes in women’s lives with regard to health, work, and politics. In the interwar period, women’s lives in Britain improved, especially in the realms of work, health, and politics. Women suffrage movements gained momentum, and their popularity gained widespread recognition throughout Britain. Consequently, women oppression declined considerably as women sought equal representation in the various aspects of their daily life (Laybourn 1999, p.114). One of the areas in which women made remarkable progress was in the field of employment. Unlike the years before the war, the interwar period saw women work issues addressed with numerous efforts being put in place to ensure that employment rights of women in Britain were looked into with a lot of keenness (Constantine 1983, p.33). From 1918 to 1939, the number of British working in industries rose significantly. In 1914, the number of women employed in British industries and other casual occupations was only 2000; by 1920, the number stood at 247, 000. The increase in the number of working women in Britain led to an increment in the real wages; this had an impact on household incomes, which increased considerably. Consequently, the status of women improved as they had the ability to provide for themselves and not necessarily depend on their husbands. The industrial position of women experienced some revolution as a result of the war. Women got an opportunity to work in the paid labour market, where they could be fairly remunerated for the work they did. British women gained profound freedom during the interwar period. They formed trade unions and lobby groups, which advocated for their rights at the workplace and their recognition as crucial players in economic deve lopment (Eichengreen 1988, p. 149). The formation of trade unions was mostly precipitated by the efforts of the League and Guild women. Some of the most influential trade unions formed during this period included the National Federation of Women Workers (NFWW), the Railway Women’s Guild (RWG) and Women’s Trade Union League (WTUL). The number of women working in the civil service also increased significantly. In 1911, the number of British women in the workplace used to be 33, 000, but this number had increased to 102, 000 in 1921. British women had an opportunity to advocate for their rights in the workplace through the introduction of "Sex Disqualification Removal Act, in 1919. This act gave women a chance to enter certain professions, which were previously preserved for men. In addition, about two million British women replaced men in employment positions. From July 1914 to December 1918, the total number of employed women in Britain increased from 24 percent to 37 p ercent. Working conditions of women in Britain also improved considerably during the interwar period (Constantine 1983, p.34). The enactment of the Industrial Courts Act of 1919 also heightened trade union activities during the interwar period (Eichengreen 1988, p.151). Between 1918 and 1930, Britain witnessed the passing of about 23 legislations, which aimed at according women equal rights with men. The influx of women in

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Declining Fish Stock Essay Example for Free

Declining Fish Stock Essay The Problem: Seeing the video on Declining Fish Stock VLR, expose the challenges between fishermen and environmental concerns. This video shows how fishing fleets have depleted the oceans of almost 90% of its big fish; therefore, claiming the ocean is not as resilient as it once was. The majority of the largest fish have already been pulled from the oceans, leaving only 10% of its remaining fish for Commercial fishermen to make a living. Most fishing fleets today are two to three times larger than they need to be to catch large fish and other seafood. Because of commercial fishing many fish are not able to reproduce fast enough to maintain their species. A manageable and sustainable plan will need to be implemented to avert these fish from completely disappearing from the oceans. The plan will need to be a partnership between fishermen, communities, governments, and environmentalists. Overfishing has considerably exhausted certain species in the ocean and they are now extinct. To think we can continue to hunt fish, with no major regulations or limits to feed billions of people is extreme. Since biodiversity do continue to decline, the aquatic surroundings will not be able to maintain our human consumption for seafood. This situation can still be reversible by working together with some basic ground rules. Because of the current conditions and the magnitude of the problem, replenishing the ocean may take a decade or perhaps even centuries to restore. In spite of everything there is a way we can have a healthy and productive oceans again. However, we do need to act now before the big fish are too far depleted to make a comeback. Action Plan: for environmentalists Forristall (2008) a study authored by scientists from the University of California at Santa Barbara and the University of Hawaii and published in the journal Science last month shows â€Å"catch share management systems† can reverse declining fish stocks. Catch share management systems allow fishermen to own quotas of the total allowable catch so they have a direct financial stake in the fishery. The shares can be sold and bought between fishermen, and as the fishery recovers, shares grow in value. Order of Action As a community it is imperative to stay informed. Knowledge is powerful and through education we learn that overfishing cannot continue. â€Å" Fish account for approximately one fifth of all animal protein in the human diet, and around one billion people rely on fish as their primary protein source†(2005). A global problem is a community problem, and it is important for people to realize as they consume these species and they are being depleted. There are several things that can be done to alert the public: Study journals, such as the Good Fish guides for more information; spread the word by speaking to friends and explain why eating certain fish is not a good idea; discuss the overfishing problem and suggest a quota for fishermen; do not hesitate to let elected officials know that there is a concern; and be motivated enough to write a letter to the editor of local newspapers in order to get a wide audience of concerned people. An illustration of another way to carry on the supply of fish for human enjoyment is Aquaculture or fish farms. These farms help in producing offspring’s for the depleted fish before they become extinct. Since the farming of ocean, freshwater plants, and animals for human consumption produces wastes that pollutes marine life and harm the ocean water the farms would to best away from the coastline. Aquaculture or fish farms permit the request for certain fish to be available while allowing the identical fish to replenish in the ocean. It would be good if we could change our thought pattern on fishing and compare fish farming with reduced sea fishing quotas and secluded aquatic life areas because most of our oceans are not protected. The reality is, through aquaculture we could replenish the oceans. Action Steps: Identify and research the results of overfishing. Check journals and different Web sites. Document all information on Aquaculture. In the next 1-3 months develop a presentation of why overfishing is so important and the program that will be needed to be in place. Within four months there will be a schedule for an appearance with one of the leaders in the community. Community awareness is essential to convince government why a program would be needed to replenish the fish. Overfishing is a subject that is documented by commercial fisherman, scientists, environmentalists, and governments. Worldwide we all want to sustain fish species at maintainable levels. Being able to come to an agreement with a manageable and sustainable plan is imperative to avoid further destruction to the ocean or its living creatures. This plan presents solutions that benefit the declining fish stock, commercial fisherman, the community, and environmentalist, and will not be a significant blow to the fishermen’s income, or government resource.

Friday, September 20, 2019

The Failure Of Business Process Reengineering Commerce Essay

The Failure Of Business Process Reengineering Commerce Essay Let us start with a little history. In 1990, Business Process re-engineering emerged as a concept for integrating information technology into business processes with a cross functional perspective (Childe, Maull Bennett, 1994, pp.22). Hammer and Champy(2001, p.35) on the other hand according to their famous book defined business process reengineering (BPR) as the fundamental rethinking and radical redesign of business processes to achieve dramatic improvements in critical contemporary measure of performance such as cost, quality, service and speed. BPR take in the methodologies, techniques from Information systems analysis, management, behaviour of the organisation and communication (Al-Hudhaif, 2009, pp.184). The pressure to meet expectations of customer is growing at a fast rate and Ronald tell us that the need for complete change is the way we work (as cited in Magutu, Nyamwange Kaptoge, 2010).The total quality management (TQM) is found to be used to manage system cost according to quality requirements and a discrete event simulation is used to perform process reengineering and process improvement (Borgianni, Cascini Rotini, 2008, 305-306). Hypothesis: For this essay, we have developed the below hypothesis Hypothesis 1: Resistant to change will is one of the top failure factors that lead to the failure of implementing of BPR since BPR is all about implementing dramatic changes. Business Process Reengineering Research: Various essay and studies estimated that about 70% failed to achieve the remarkable result that was intended (Hammer Champy, 2001, pp.221; Chamberlin, 2010, pp.14). It is due to the high failure rate that we need to investigate on it failure factors to identify why it failed. Elmuti and Kathawala (2000, pp.34) came out with the list of 10 failure factors that lead to BPR failure from a survey conducted. This survey was derived from the 24 organisations which were mentioned that they failed in BPR implementation out of the 146 questionnaires returned from the 500 questionaries sent out to organisations throughout the United States. The 10 failure factors are shown in figure 1. Figure 1: Failure factors that may contribute to business reengineering (Elmuti Kathawala, 2000). I would be discussing on the first 3 failure factors on the above figure 1 as Hammer and Champy(2001) on the other hand have another set of failure factors which in my opinions are more interesting to share. BPR failure factors: Inadequate understanding of business reengineering ( Elmuti Kathawala, 2000, pp.34) : You can understand something but you dont have to lead but you cant lead something you dont understand. Of the 24 organisations, 78 percentages of them saw business reengineering as a mass chaos where there were no clear directions or clear solutions to many of the organisation problems. Hammer and Champy(2001, pp.229) further supported that by stated that in order to succeed un BPR, only one who is capable of thinking about the entire value added chain from production to sales and service can take the lead in the reengineering attempt and not just any senior management who has no clue on what is BPR. Lack of an successful methodology to take on the reengineering plan( Elmuti Kathawala, 2000, pp.34) Having a detailed methodology allow the organisation to know how it is suppose to start implementing BPR (Elmuti Kathawala, 2000, pp.34). Carr and Johansson (1995, pp.86) stated that two third of the companies that surveyed used a structured framework or what they termed it as methodology. Carr and Johansson(1995, pp.86) informed that a methodoloy is 60 percent designed by a outside consultant, 20 percent developed in house and 20 percent a combination of consultant and in house. The advantage of an in house methodology is that it will present ideas that the employees are familiar with and easier to follow. An example of an methodology with regard to Aetna(Carr Johansson, 1995, pp.87) includes methods for below: Project Selection Project planning which needs requirements for: Defining a mission Defining critical success factors Internal and external scans Defining gaps today and predicting gaps to be filled in the future Objectives on what will be delivered , to whom and why Steps to be taken Team formation Project management done by a reengineering team A successful methodologies as stated by Carr and Johansson(1995, pp.87) is shown as below: A Successful BPR Framework Incorporates change management Provides for organisation communications Allow for radical change Prescribes clearly defined goal/ targets Provides a variety of tools to be used throughout processes as necessary Plans for customer/supplier input Integrates IT Is flexible enough to be tailored to the organisation needs. Lack of leadership support and low participation( Elmuti Kathawala, 2000, pp.34) Farina Group was one such organisation that has lack of higher management support that the business reengineering was abandoned (Newman Zhao, 2008, p.413). The top management from Farina apparently didnt want to change the business processes that are current existing when BPR is being implemented. Try to renovate a process instead of altering it (Hammer Champy, 2001, pp.222): Hammer and Champy(2001, pp.222) stated that the most conspicuous way to fail is to not reengineer at all but conducting process changes and called it reengineering. The IBM Credit Corporation is such example that used to do it this way and failed before they finally change for the better. They first tried to automate their existing process which enabled them to commit to computer software instead of the previous offline system. This did not balance the work load to minimise wait times which they intend to. After changing the whole process by using queuing theory and linear programming techniques, they finally were able to solve the whole problem. Dont focus on business processes(Hammer Champy, 2001, pp.223) BPR should look in on business processes and nothing else. This is due to organisations is only as efficient as it business processes (Hammer Champy, 2001, pp.223). An U.S subsidiary of major European company was one such example that failed in such a case by not defining the architecture of the work processes (Hammer Champy, 2001, pp.224). Cardarelli, Ritu Mohan(1998) also supported by saying that management must focus on the process and not event to make sure that the redesigned process affects the strategy positively now and into the future. Neglect peoples values and beliefs(Hammer Champy, 2001, pp.225) Hammer and Champy(2001, pp.225) stated that when radical changes occurs, there must be a form of rewarding mechanism that cultivate the employees to exhibit the right behaviours to changes. Ford and DRG are examples stated by Hammer and Champy to successfully adapt to such changes. Allow current corporate cultures and management attitudes to prevent reengineering from starting(Hammer Champy, 2001, pp.228) Hammer and Champy(2001, pp.228) stated that a company cultural characteristics can support or defeat a reengineering effort before it begin. They shared that companies that focus on short terms quarterly results may find it hard to be successful to reengineering longer horizons. Bias against conflict in organisation may feel uncomfortable challenging long established old rules. Make reengineering happen from bottom up: (Hammer Champy, 2001, pp.228) Hammer and Champy(2001, pp.228) stated that reengineering will never happen from bottom to top. Hammer and Champy(2001, pp.229) put it to two reasons on they are frontline employees and middle managers are unable to initiate and implement a successful reengineering effort. The first reason is that the push for reengineering must come from the top of an organisation as people near the front line lack the broad perspective that reengineering demands. Their expertise is largely bound to the individual functions and departments that they stay in. The second reason is that any business process will cross organisational boundaries and no midlevel managers will have the sufficient authority to insist on a process to be transformed. Furthermore, some of the affected middle managers will fear that major changes to existing processes might kill off their own power or authority. These managers have much invested in the existing ways of doing things and the future of the company may compromise t heir own career interests. They will fear changes and if radical changes threaten to bubble up, they may resist it. Only Strong leadership from above will induce people to accept the transformation changes. Bury reengineering in the middle of the corporate agenda(Hammer Champy, 2001, pp.230) Hammer and Champy(2001, pp.231) stated that if organisations do not put reengineering at the top of their agenda, they will never get it done. They mentioned that without constant managerial concern, the natural tendency of doing what people pretty much want will be reverted back. This will result BPR to fail altogether. Dissipate energy across a great many reengineering projects(Hammer Champy, 2001, pp.231) Hammer and Champy(2001, pp.231) stated that reengineering requires companies to concentrate their efforts on small number of processes at any given time. This is for example if customer service, research and development and sales processes all need radical redesign and nothing will really happen if all of them are done simultaneously. Attempt to reengineer when the CEO is two years from retirement(Hammer Champy, 2001, pp.231) Hammer and Champy(2001, pp.231) stated here that the CEO is the head of the business. If any organisation attempts to reengineer when the CEO is one or two years away from retiring may take a dim and unenthusiastic view to reengineering. They stated that this is because a retiree may not want to deal with such complex issues that will constraint a successor. Another problem raised by them is that when CEO is about to retire, contenders for that post will want to focus on impressing rather than doing reengineering which could hinder their advancement such as reengineering. Pull out when people start to resist to reengineering changes making(Hammer Champy, 2001, pp.233) Hammer and Champy(2001, pp.233) stated that people almost would resist to change. It is in a human trait to resist major changes. When managers are face to resistant and do not press on, it is almost likely that BPR will fail. Drag the effort out(Hammer Champy, 2001, pp.234) Hammer and Champy(2001, pp.234) stated that reengineering is known to be a stressful job for everyone. Stretching it over a long period will discomfort start to surface. Normally 1 year should be enough for a company to move from articulation of a case for action to the first release of a reengineered process. Taking longer and people may become frustrated and the reengineering will fall apart. Conclusion: Based on the research on the failure factors of BPR, we could conclude that our hypothesis is not fully correct. It is found in the survey by Elmuti Kathawala(2000) that non understanding of BPR as the top factors leading to failure. Resistant to changes has become ranked as number 5. Which allow me to come to a conclusion that although BPR is about dramatic changes, it is not necessary classified as the main factor for failure in the BPR implementation.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Medusa Essay -- History Historical Medusa Papers Goddess

Medusa Medusa means "sovereign female wisdom." In Sanskrit it's Medha. Medusa was originally a Libyan Goddess, worshiped by The Amazons as their Serpent-Goddess. She was considered the destroyer aspect of the Great Triple Goddess also called Neith, Anath, Athene or Ath-enna in North Africa and Athana in 1400. BC Minoan Crete. She can also be connected to Africa where she had a hidden, dangerous face, and her hair was represented as resembling dread locks. Libyan Amazons believed that no one could possibly lift her veil, and that to look upon her face was to glimpse one's own death as she saw yours. She was imported into Greece as one of the Gorgons, daughters of Phorcys and his sister Ceto. She was the oldest and only mortal of three sisters; the other two being Stheno, and Euryale. They were symbols of terror, their faces were so terrifying that anyone who looked directly at them turned to stone. The Gorgons had another three sisters, the Graeae(Aged Ones) personification of old age; their hair was gray from birth; they had only one tooth, and one eye, which they were forced to share among themselves. They were the only ones who knew the way to the Gorgons. Various myths exist to explaining the terrifying aspect of Medusa. The most famous and widely know is the one related to Athena. "She had once been a maiden whose hair was her chief glory, but as she dared to vie in beauty with Minerva, the goddess deprived her of her charms and changed her ringlets into hissing serpents. She became a monster of so frightful an aspect that no living thing could behold her without being turned into stone"(Gayley 208). Jean Lang describes this transformation as follows: "Every lock of her golden hair had been chan... ... grows hard in contact with air, and what in the sea was flexible becomes stone out of the water"(Morford and Lenardon, 416). Medusa is mentioned and various ancient sources like Ovid Metamorphoses, also in the Homeric Hymns like The Theogony for example. Bibliography: Hesiod Homeric Hymns Epic Cycle Homerica. Trans. Hugh G. Evelyn-White. Massachusetts: Harvard UP, 1995. Ovid Metamorphoses. Trans. A.D. Melville. New York: Oxford UP, 1986. Rosenberg, Donna. World Mythology: An Anthology of the Great Myths and Epics. Illinois: NTC Publishing Group, 1995. Lang, Jean. A Book of Myths. London: T. C. & E. C. Jack, Ltd, 1914. Gayley, Charles Mills. The Classic Myths: In English Literature and in Art. Boston: The Athenzum Press, 1911. Morford, Mark P.O. and Robert J. Lenardon. Classical Mythology: Fifth Edition. Longman: Publishers USA, 1995.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Character Analysis of The Wife of Bath of Chaucers Canterbury Tales Es

Character Analysis of The Wife of Bath of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales The Canterbury Tales is Geoffrey Chaucer's greatest and most memorable work. In The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer uses "a fictitious pilgrimage [to Canterbury] as a framing device for a number of stories" (Norton 79). In "The General Prologue" of The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer describes in detail the pilgrims he meets in the inn on their way to Canterbury. Chaucer is the author, but also a character and the narrator, and acts like a reporter to provide a detailed description of the pilgrims. Through his description, the reader is able to paint a picture of each of the characters. In "The General Prologue," he describes each character by giving a detailed description of the character's appearance, clothing, social status, beliefs, and other relevant details. However, Chaucer never condemns his characters: "What uniquely distinguishes Chaucer's prologue from conventional estates of satire, however, is the suppression in all but a few instances of overt moral judgement. . . . It is up to the reader to draw up the moral indictment from the evidence presented with such artlessness even while falling in with the easygoing mood of 'felaweship' that pervades Chaucer's prologue to the pilgrimage" (Norton 80-81). Chaucer is thus able to create a tension between the ideal and the real. He builds up the reader's expectations and then shatters them. Although The Canterbury Tales was probably written in the late fourteenth century, many of the pilgrims of The Canterbury Tales seem real and true to life even today. One of the most memorable pilgrims of The Canterbury Tales, as well as one of the most memorable women in literature, is the Wife of Bath. The "lusty and domineering"... ...urteenth century, her ideas, beliefs, and behavior are more like a woman of the twentieth century or possibly even the twenty-first century. She is truly a woman ahead of her time. Works Cited Abrams, M. H. et al. The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Vol. 1. Sixth Edition. New York: W.W. Norton, & Co. 1993. 76-144. Benson. Chaucer: The Canterbury Tales. February 1997. October 24, 1998. Online. Internet. Available http: icg.harvard.edu/~eng115b/ Bobr, Janet. Welcome to Camelot. 1998. October 24, 1998. Online. Internet. Available http: www.csis.pace.edu/grendel/prjs3f/arthur1.htm Canterbury Tales. 1998. November 30, 1998. Online. Internet. Available http: userzweb.lightspeed.net/~cheezit/pilgrims/index.html Jokinen, Anniina. Geoffrey Chaucer (ca. 1343-1400). July 1996. October 24, 1998. Online. Internet. Available http: www.luminarium.org/medlit/chaucer.htm

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Walter Dean Meyers :: essays research papers

Walter Dean Myers expresses a lot of wisdom throughout his stories. In many of his stories he gives the wisdom of fighting for what you believe in. Two such stories are â€Å"The Glory Field† and â€Å"Ida Wells.† Both stories â€Å"warmed in my mind† to help me discover this wisdom.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"The Glory Field† stresses the wisdom of fighting for what you believe in. Throughout the story were examples of this wisdom and how each generation of Lewis overcame their obstacles. One example was how Joshua and Lem fought for their freedom. They didn’t give up after Lem was captured but instead Joshua rescued him and together they continue their journey to freedom. Another example of fighting for what you believe in was how Malcolm fought to get to the family reunion because he believed it was important to be there. Even though his plans were thrown off target after his cousin Shep spent the money for the plane tickets Malcolm fought hard to get to the reunion. They instead took a bus, and when left behind at a rest stop he fought to make it anyway, resorting to hitching a ride on a smelly truck. The characters in â€Å"The Glory Field† fought hard for what they believed in.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another Walter Dean Myers story that stresses the wisdom of fighting for what you believe in is â€Å"Ida Wells†. In the story Ida Wells overcame many obstacles to achieve her civil rights. One example of Ida Wells fighting for what she believed in was when she was asked to leave her seat on a train and move to the other car. Ida refused to move and fought against the train company by suing them, winning at first, but the verdict was reversed at Supreme Court. Another example of Ida Wells fighting for what she believed in was her movement against lynching. She strongly believed that lynching was an awful thing and needed to be stopped. Walter Dean Meyers :: essays research papers Walter Dean Myers expresses a lot of wisdom throughout his stories. In many of his stories he gives the wisdom of fighting for what you believe in. Two such stories are â€Å"The Glory Field† and â€Å"Ida Wells.† Both stories â€Å"warmed in my mind† to help me discover this wisdom.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"The Glory Field† stresses the wisdom of fighting for what you believe in. Throughout the story were examples of this wisdom and how each generation of Lewis overcame their obstacles. One example was how Joshua and Lem fought for their freedom. They didn’t give up after Lem was captured but instead Joshua rescued him and together they continue their journey to freedom. Another example of fighting for what you believe in was how Malcolm fought to get to the family reunion because he believed it was important to be there. Even though his plans were thrown off target after his cousin Shep spent the money for the plane tickets Malcolm fought hard to get to the reunion. They instead took a bus, and when left behind at a rest stop he fought to make it anyway, resorting to hitching a ride on a smelly truck. The characters in â€Å"The Glory Field† fought hard for what they believed in.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another Walter Dean Myers story that stresses the wisdom of fighting for what you believe in is â€Å"Ida Wells†. In the story Ida Wells overcame many obstacles to achieve her civil rights. One example of Ida Wells fighting for what she believed in was when she was asked to leave her seat on a train and move to the other car. Ida refused to move and fought against the train company by suing them, winning at first, but the verdict was reversed at Supreme Court. Another example of Ida Wells fighting for what she believed in was her movement against lynching. She strongly believed that lynching was an awful thing and needed to be stopped.

Monday, September 16, 2019

The Kenya Flourspar

The fluorite (CaF2) deposits were discovered by prof. Al Amin in 1967 in the areas of Kimwarer, Choff and Kamnaon. He was searching for semi-precious stones, and initially mistook the purple fluorite for gemstone. He therefore collected the sample and took them for analysis in Mombasa. It was later found to be fluorite.A hand-mining operation was started and the fluorspar was supplied to the Bamburi Portland Cement Company in Mombasa. At its peak, the operation, which relied on donkeys to transport the fluorspar, produced around 400 tons per month of high grade fluorspar. In 1971 the Fluorspar Company of Kenya (FCK) was established, under the auspices of the Kenya government, to exploit the deposits on a larger scale. Crushing and jigging plants were later put up at mining site for large scale production of the metallurgical grade. Kenya fluorspar was a state parastatal upto 1996 when it was privatized.It is currently owned by local and foreign investors. The company has seven active mining sites available from which ore can be mined depending on the grade and quality required. In 2003 the company obtained made a major investment in earth-moving equipment and plant upgrading. The deposit has been commercially mined since 1971. Initially, metallurgical grade fluorspar was produced. In 1975 a 100,000 ton per annum acid grade fluorspar concentrator was commissioned and by 1979 metallurgical grade fluorspar was no longer produced as primary product, but can still be produced as secondary product for smaller consignments.The Kimwarer ore deposit has now been mined for over 35 years It is an EPZ (Export processing zone). LOCATION Kenya Fluorspar is a concern based in the Kerio Valley in the district of Eldoret and Iten. FORMATION OF FLOURITE (CaF2) The fluorite is an industrial mineral formed 150 to 200 million years ago. It is formed by replacement reaction known as mesomatism. The magma or hot water containing fluorine and other minerals was forced up from deep wit hin the Earth. When this brine reached the calcium rich, limestone bedrock (CaCO3), fluorite crystals formed along the walls of fractures and voids in the rock.Flat layers of fluorite also formed parallel to the limestone beds, replacing the host rock. The fluorine replaced the CO32- from the CaCO3 to form CaF2. The CO32- was dissipated as CO2 and water. This process is further elaborated in equation below: Ca2- + F22- CaF2 (fluorite) GEOLOGY AND OCURRENCE Fluorite (also called fluorspar) is a halide mineral composed of calcium fluoride, CaF2. It is an isometric mineral with a cubic habit, though octahedral and more complex isometric forms are not uncommon. Crystal twinning is common and adds complexity to the observed crystal.The fluorite deposits are believed to be of hydrothermal origin in the Post-Miocene era when lavas formed a protective cap over Precambrian rocks in the area. The main deposit of fluorite is located at Kimwarer and is exposed on a series of five hills, four of which have been mined. Two other minor deposits knows as Choff and Kamnaon are approximately 2 to 5 km north of the present mine site and have been partially mined in the past for the production of metallurgical-grade spar. The Kimwarer ore bodies contain by far the largest ore reserves. The ore body contacts are distinct due to the buff colour of the ore in contrast to he grey gneiss, white marbles or pegmatites. Typically the fluorite is finely crystalline and disseminated through a siliceous matrix. Zones of high grade ore are often purplish or creamy yellow in colour with cavities filled with distinct cubic crystals. The Choffs have two ore bodies running parallel to each other for more than 3 km. The Choffs are separated by ridges and dips. The ore body pinches and swells and its width varies between 4 metres and 26 metres. This ore is soft and friable hence easy liberation in the plant and provides a good yield. The phosphate in this vein is medium to high.The Kamnaon ore bod y has more than five partly parallel veins with varying dips of between 35-45 degrees. There are a number of other sites which are yet to be explored. The Fluorite at Kerio Valley occur as a vein deposit, especially associated with galena, sphalerite, barite, quartz, calcite and metallic minerals, where they often form part of the gangue (the surrounding â€Å"host-rock† in which valuable minerals occur). It is a common mineral in deposits of hydrothermal origin and has been noted as a primary mineral in granites and other igneous rocks and as a common minor constituent of dolostone and limestone.The deposit at Kerio Valley is steeply diping at 40o, with strike varying with mine: Mine| Strike| Percentage CaF2| No. of mines| mines operating| Cheberen| North-South| 37%| 1-6| 1and3| Kamnaum| North west-South east| 40%| 1-5| 1| Choff| East-West| 50%| 1-12| 6and9| The deposit is stratified from Kamnaum to Cheberen1. The fluorite is polychromous i. e occurs in different colours dep ending on the trace elements. The different colours include: * Colourless * Orange * Green * Purple * Base yellow. GRADES OF FLOURSPAR The fluorite can be processed into grades depending on the use: 1.Acid grade: This grade is used in the manufacture of Hydrofluoric acid (HF). 2. Metallurgical grade: This grade is used as flux in steel and cement industry. 3. Ceramic grade: This grade is used in the manufacture of ceramics. Only the acid grade is currently produced by Kenya Fluorspar. Metallurgical grade was also produced but stopped. MAJOR IMPURITIES AVAILABLE IN FLUORITE 1. Silica (silicon dioxide), SiO2 2. Calcite (calcium carbonate), CaCO3 3. Phosphorus pentaoxide , P2O5 4. Iron(III)oxide, Fe2O3 STAGES IN MINING AND PROCESSIG OF FLOURITE (CaF2) 1. Exploration 2. Overburden removal 3. Mining . Processing EXPLORATION This is normally done to obtain sufficient information about the deposit in order to enable a safe and economic design and to avoid difficulties during mining of the fluorite. The Kenya Fluorspar utilizes the diamond core drilling machine to obtain the drill cores. This machine can drill upto 140m-180m depth. The drill cores are then logged upto beyond the fluorite zones. The drill cores are then taken to laboratory for testing. The cores undergo through assessment, determination and classification. Diamond core drilling equipment. LAND CLEARING AND OVERBURDEN REMOVALLAND CLEARING This involves the removal of all the trees and stumps including the roots from the mining site. In Kenya Fluorspar, currently land clearing and overburden removal is done at choff 9. The main equipment used for land clearing at choff9 is a D355 Komatsu tractor-mounted dozer. The brush is disposed by dumping in gullies. D355 dozer. OVERBURDEN REMOVAL This involves the removal waste soil or rock that overlies the ore. At Kenya Fluorspar the overburden depth depends on the stripping ratio and dipping angle. Dozer is the main equipment used for stripping the overburden at choff 9.This equipment pushes the overburden over the high wall. After the overburden has been stripped by the dozer, it is loaded onto trucks by a hydraulic hoe excavator for dumping in gullies. The waste is then pushed into gullies by the D355 dozer. Overburden is removed at a ratio of 3:1 to 8:1 (waste to ore) depending on the ore body, with over 700,000 tons of waste being stripped per annum at current production levels. Overburden is normally trucked away using 25 ton trucks provided by contractors. Overburden stripping continues until the fluorite is exposed. ORE EXTRACTION (MINING) Mining is by open cast methods.The exposed ore is extracted by drilling and blasting. A total of approximately 360,000 tons of ore is mined annually. The geology has indicated that the ore body extends beneath the valley floor level and an open pit is being planned. Drilling and blasting The Kenya Fluorspar utilizes two types of drilling equipment (rig) to drill holes. These include: 1. Down the ho le hammer (DTH). This is mainly used in solid hard formations. The hammer is just behind the bit. 2. Top hammer drill rig (TH). This is mainly used in loose formations. The hammer is on top of the drill string (pipes).Crawler mounted DTHTop hammer drill rig The drill pattern to be applied depends on the: 1. Size of the drill bit to be used. 2. Geological condition of the area. All the bits are 102mm The drill pattern is square, 3m by 3m (burden by spacing) when there is a free face and staggered in absence of a free face. The depth of the drill holes differs, with most holes 10m and others 7m and 4m. Subdrilling is normally 3m. Both the DTH and TH are crawler mounted with TH complete with compressor mounted on it. Kenya Fluorspar has 3 operating crawler mounted drilling machines (2 DTH and 1 TH).BLASTING This operation involves the following stages: 1. Preparation of ANFO 2. Hole charging 3. Initiation of explosives PREPARATION OF ANFO This involves mixing the ammonium nitrate with fuel (diesel) in the ratio 0. 075ml of diesel for every 1kg of ammonium nitrate. This operation is done by an explosive mixer in Kenya Fluorspar. HOLE CHARGING This process involves placing booster/ primer at the bottom of the drilled hole. The boosters normally used include: cast booster, pentolite booster and gelignite. The Kenya fluorspar utilizes the pentolite booster for the priming purposes.Before placing the primer it is connected to a detonator. These detonators include: 1. Plain detonators 2. Instantaneous electric detonators. After placing the primer, ANFO is added depending on the hole depth as shown in the table below: Hole depth| Height of ANFO| Stemming| 10m| 7m| 3m| 7m| 5. 5m| 1. 5m| 4m| 3. 5m| 0. 5m| These holes charged are then connected by 25MS (millisecond) nonel shock tubes, short period detonating delay (SPDD) type. The rows are connected by 17MS surface trunk lines (also nonel shock tubes). The nonel shock tube has the following advantages: 1.Produces low noise and vibration 2. It has less fly rock. It is because of the above advantages that make it useful near factory where less vibration are required. The nonel shock tube is very expensive. INITIATION OF EXPLOSION Once charging is complete the explosion can be initiated depending on the detonator used. Initiation can be done using the following: 1. Safety fuse which burns at a rate of 2 minutes per metre. This is used incase of plain detonators 2. Blasting machine incase of electric detonators. Secondary blasting is also done incase large boulders are produced in the primary blasting.Large boulders can also be broken using the rock breakers. LOADING AND HAULAGE The blasted ore is loaded into trucks by an hydraulic excavator (Komatsu) hoe. The loaded ore is hauled a short distance of between 2 km and 7 km by contracted trucks to the crushing plant. These trucks range from 10tons to 20tons. The ore stock pilled separately depending on the source. PROCESSING OF FLOURITE (CaF2) The processi ng of fluorite at the processing plant involves the following stages: 1. Blending 2. Crushing 3. Grinding 4. Conditioning 5. Floatation 6. Thickening 7. filtration 8. Stock pillingBLENDING Blending in normally done at the primary crusher by a wheel loader before feeding into the crusher in ratio of: 2cheberen:1choff:1kamnaum This blending ratio ensures that the feed is 40% CaF2 CRUSHING Types of crushers 1. Primary crusher: Jaw crusher 2. Secondary crusher: cone crusher 3. Tertiary crusher: cone crusher PRIMARY CRUSHING The ore feed to the hopper through a 12in grizzly screen. It is then feed to the primary crusher through an apron feeder and belt conveyor. The ore is first crushed in a primary stage crushing plant from a feed of 350 mm to less than 30mm in size.The ore that is less than 60mm but more than 30mm is passed through the cone crusher where it is further reduced to less than 30mm. Any material that is more than 30mm is passed through the tertiary crusher. GRINDINGTypes mi lls used in Kenya Fluorspar 1. Rod mill 2. Ball mill 3. Re-grind mill. It is then conveyed to the grinding circuit where the material is added to a rod mill along with water to form slurry. The rod mill instantly grinds the ore after which it is sized using a hydrocyclone. Any oversized material is passed to the ball mill for a further grinding to the desired size of 80%.The ore is now ready for conditioning and flotation. CONDITIONINGThis process takes place in the conditioner. This where the depressants and collectors are added. 1. Depressants a) Sodium fluorite which depresses the P2O5 b) Sodium bifluorite which also depresses the P2O5 2. Collectors a) Betacol b) TapiocaThis process renders the fluorite hydrophobic by the addition of a surfactant or collector chemical. FLOATATIONFlotation is the process that concentrates the ore. This is done by agitating the ore slurry in cells with air bubbles.By adding a combination of fatty acid reagents, the fluorspar in the ore attaches its elf to the air bubble to float to the top of the cell. This product is skimmed off leaving the waste in the bottom of the cell. The process is conducted in a series of rougher, scavenger, and cleaner cells that successively concentrates the ore from 40% CaF2 in the feed material to a minimum of 97. 0% CaF2 in the final concentrate. The water in the final product is then removed in a thickener and a rotary drum filter. This produces a filter cake concentrate containing approximately 11. % moisture. The samples are analyzed in the company's assay and research laboratory. The waste product is pumped to the tailings dam and settled water is recycled to the plant for reuse. A FLOATATION CELLPERCENTAGE CaF2 CONCENTRATED PER SERIES OF FLOATATION CELL FLOATATION CELL| PERCENTAGE CaF2 CONCENTRATED| ROUGHER CELLS| 80%| SCAVANGER CELLS | 85%-87%| CLEANER CELLS| 97%| FLOATATION CIRCUITDEWATERINGThe water in the final product is then removed in a thickener and a rotary drum filter. This produces a filter cake concentrate containing approximately 11. % moistureTHICKENER ROTARY DRUM FILTEROperational Sequence * Cake Formation With the overflow weir set to a maximum the â€Å"apparent submergence† is normally 33-35% so the slurry levels between 0400 and 0800 hrs. Once a sector enters submergence vacuum is applied and a cake starts to form up to a point where the sector emerges from the slurry. The portion of the cycle available for formation is the â€Å"effective submergence† and its duration depends on the number of sectors, the slurry level in the tank and the bridge setting which controls the form to dry ratio. Cake Washing and Drying After emerging from submergence the drying portion of the cycle commences and for non-wash applications continues to about 0130 hrs where the vacuum is cut-off. If cake washing is required the wash manifolds will be located from about 1030 to 1130 hrs and the remaining time to vacuum cut-off at 0130 is the portion allocated to final cake drying. * Cake Discharge After vacuum for the entire sector is cut-off air blow commences at about 0200 hrs in order to facilitate cake discharge.The blow, depending on the position of the tip of the scraper blade, will cut-off at approximately 0300 hrs. Drum filters are normally operated with a low pressure blow but on certain applications a snap blow is applied and to avoid the snapping out of the caulking bars or ropes wire winding of the cloth is recommended . Blow is used on scraper and roll discharge mechanisms but on belt discharge filters vacuum cuts-off when the filter media leaves the drum. The final product has composition shown in the table below: PRODUCT| PERCENTAGE COMPOSITION| Fluorite, CaF2| More than 97%|Silica, SiO2| Less than 1%| Carbonate, CaCO3| Less than 1%| Iron III oxide, Fe2O3| Neglible| Phosphorus penta oxide, P2O5| Less than 0. 5%| TAILINGS DAMTailings, also called slimes, tails, leach residue, or slickens, are the materials left over after the process of separating the valuable fluorite from the uneconomic fraction (gangue) of the ore. These are the wastes from the floatation cells. Tailings are distinct from overburden or waste rock, which are the materials overlying an ore or mineral body that are displaced during mining without being processed.The tailing are pumped from the processing plant to the to tailings dam for disposal. The height is about 15m and dimensions are 150m by 30m. it is trapezoidal in shape. The dam also has drain pipes to remove the seepage water. Hydraulic cyclones are used to build the dam. The cyclones separate the tailings into fine and coarse material. The coarse materiel from the cyclone underflow is used to build the wall of the dam will the material and water is disposed into the dam. The water is recycled and pumped back for reuse into the factory. The will built until the dam touches the adjacent hill.LABORATORY QUALITY CONTROLL SECTIONThe company conducts two types of tests – chemi cal and metallurgical. The chemical section performs wet chemistry analysis (mainly titration) and operates 24 hrs a day throughout the year and each shift is headed by a qualified chemist. The metallurgical section mainly concentrates on research and development work. The sample (pellet) is subjected to an XRF machine which scans the sample imparting energy to it. The sample then radiates heat of various wavelengths. The wavelengths are analyzed by a computer program which displays the information instantly on the screen.Strict quality control of run-of-mine ore, exploration and final product analysis is maintained by sampling. KFC prides itself in the quality of its assays, which are always crosschecked with those of European laboratories, namely SGS (Netherlands), HOFF and BSI in the United States. Weight sampling and analysis:   All analyses are being performed by SGS Kenya Ltd (Swiss company) at the cost of the company. Apparatus in the laboratory: a) Two Jaw crushers (14in. and12in. ) b) Pulverizer c) Oven for drying d) Splitter e) XRF machine f) Analytical balance g)A pilot plantSample preparation i. Drying ii. Splitting iii. Crushing iv. Pulverizing. CARGO CONDITIONThe fluorite is Chemically inert, non-reactive, non-flammable, non-hazardous mineral sand. No hazard labelling required in accordance with IMO regulations. No special precautions for storage however, in order to maintain the purity of the material, it must not be allowed to be contaminated by any other material as it is used as the base product in sensitive chemical processes to produce other products and substances.TRANSPORT Once the acid spar is produced, the fluorspar is loaded into 10 ton trucks and hauled to the railway siding at Kaptagat, a distance of 37km. From here it is loaded into 36 ton rail wagons for the 860 km journey to the Mbaraki wharf at Mombasa. The wagons are offloaded at the wharf where the fluorspar is stockpiled and covered while awaiting shipment. The storage capac ity at Mbaraki is approximately 25,000 tons. The process of off-loading of wagons and trucks is labour intensive by means of manual labour.Loading of the vessels is conducted using an automatic Demag Ship Loader, owned and operated by Bamburi Portland Cement Company. An average rate of 2,500 tons per day can be loaded on a continuous basis even on public holidays. The quantity loaded and moisture analyses are conducted by an independent surveyor on a continuous basis to ensure a representative result of the product loaded. Since Mombasa is one of the main ports in East Africa, chartering of vessels to carry bulk cargoes to any destination in the world can be easily arranged. |

Gay Marriage: Social Calamity or Long Overdue? Essay

Abstract There is growing attention to the issue of marriage equality for gay people in this country. As of the writing of this paper, 16 of the 50 states in the United States of America have legalized gay marriage, either by legislation or by popular vote (Wisniewski, 2013). The discourse regarding the issue becomes quite contentious largely because of non-secular ideology that has demonized the concept of homosexuality for many years. As a sociological issue, the conflict has become a divisive force for many, from political powers as far down to the family level. The constitution guarantees equal rights for all in this country; freedom of religion, speech, etc. yet appears to stall when equal rights for the gay community are involved. There has been significantly more popular support for the cause recently, but the stigma and prejudice continue to linger. Is this a moral debate or has an outdated ideology become so embraced by many that the battle has only just begun? Are Rights Really Equal? When asked if one believes in equal rights for all citizens, the typical, rote response is a resounding â€Å"Yes†. If the question becomes more specific as to include the right for homosexuals to marry, a hesitation follows. The concept of gay marriage is far deeper a societal problem for most because its roots lie in prejudicial perspectives that have permeated us for years. Before the fight for the right to marry, the gay community has long endured simply the right to exist openly without feeling pariah-like. The United States is not a theocracy, of this we are certain. However, there are many more religiously affiliated citizens than not. The First Amendment gives us freedom of religion, which should also include freedom from religion. The truth of the matter meets somewhere in between the two, especially when US currency bears â€Å"In God We Trust† boldly on its face. There are political leaders who continue to evoke the name of God in their speeches, even though  the fact is that our founding fathers were mostly non-theists and the motto on our money did not initiate until 1958 or so. But people continue to view homosexuality as a â€Å"sin†, therefore gay marriage is not an option. This issue has created a divide in this country, much like most other civil rights have. When slavery was abolished, it took years to establish anti-segregation laws. Civil change takes time, historically, and gay marriage is no different. Protests continue either in support of or against gay marriage, at times becoming violent. Families become divided when a member openly announces his or her orientation and disapproval prevails, sometimes resulting in families disowning or ostracizing that offender from the family. Government has been forced to become involved, due to an outcry for the various rights that are bestowed upon a married member of this society. Rights to inheritance and to personal medical information and decision making are two examples of spousal rights. Monogamous homosexual couples are denied these rights, since without marriage, the rights fall to their closest relative. Functional Sociology and Gay Marriage Society has long viewed traditional marriage a fundamental and necessary building block. Marriage is the institution by which our population is regenerated and offspring are socialized then integrated as functioning members. Functional theorists might argue that if the paradigm is changed to include same sex couples, social decay may follow, as the family unit is unable to function if not in the traditional way. Single parent households have been faulted with producing children that score lower in school than those from the traditional, two parent family, as well as have higher rates of unacceptable social behavior, such as drug abuse or teenage pregnancy. Functionalists believe children benefit from each gender parent in a different way, therefore require both to be whole. (Tischler, 2011) Conflict Theory and Gay Marriage Conflict theory maintains that society functions when a more powerful or accepted sector exerts its will and exceeds at the expense of less powerful or accepted portions. (Tischler, 2011). Since homosexuality has been regarded taboo by the majority for so long, heterosexuals have maintained their position of acceptance and normalcy in the US. Vocational positions,  especially powerful ones such as political leaders, have historically been heterosexual. We have a â€Å"President† and a â€Å"First Lady†; expected heterosexuality. For the stigma to be removed, traditionally expected and understood ways of life would drastically change. Would traditional, heterosexual marriage decay in the process? The Future of Marriage Regardless of sociological theory, religious belief, and cultural expectation, the movement towards acceptance of gay marriage is gaining momentum and losing the attached stigma. Gay marriage is legal in 16 states (Wisniewski, 2013), and gay couples right to adoption has increased. Heterosexual divorce rates remain hovering at a 50% mark, and have been for many years prior to homosexual marriage. Society is resilient, proving itself over years of change. The ideal aspiration would be for both homosexual and heterosexual married couples to simply co-exist; neither having any real influence over the others’ success or demise. References Tischler, H.L. (2011) â€Å"Introduction to Sociology†. Retrieved from https://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781285396835/pages/55834839 Wisniewski, M (2013) Update 1-Illinois Governor Signs Same-Sex Marriage Into Law. Retrieved from http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/20/usa-gaymarriage-illinois-idUSL2N0J524N20131120.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Jack Daniel’s Social Responsibility Essay

This essay presents some of the very key issues expressed over the time factor and global changes with implications on how society accepts the attitude of the corporation in term of its social responsibility to the demands and expectations. Each era has set new challenges to the Jack Daniel so as to act in accordance with its policy of being socially responsible to sell its products with publicizing of regional marketing trends by also keeping in line with the production and running costs. In this essay, the points that have been discussed are that how consumers are stimulated in buying Jack Daniel products from the social and moral values exemplified by the marketing campaigns in pure responsible way of letting people know their concern to appropriate drinking age and self-accountability. The market trends are shown in this essay to reflect the growth and market strategy exercised by Jack Daniel, a company of Brown-Forman Conglomerate. The essay covers the following areas: Outline 1. Introduction to Social Responsibility 2. Social Responsibility in Entity Form 3. Getting to know Jack Daniel 4. Historical Perspective in Social Responsibility 5. Historical Perspective in Social Responsibility 6. Society Expectations 7. Corporate Social Strategy 8. Closer Look on Jack Daniels’ Social Responsibility 9. Success in the Responsible Attitude 10. Conclusion Introduction to Social Responsibility Social Responsibility appears in the society with two different perspectives as interpreted by the people setting up the norms of that society. Firstly, we act in a positive sense about which we perceive is our social responsibility to do so. Secondly, we renounce from the kind of act that seems to affect negatively to the society that again shows our social responsibility by behaving in such a manner. The evaluation of our act whether in positive or negative is determined by what kind of society we live in and how it is based on some pre-defined values and common understanding among the habitants. So every person, being part of the society, determines how he or she would react to the cultural values of society in form of positive or negative social responsibility, if truly accepting the responsibility. Human psychology has developed in such a pure form of ethical grounds that every consumer of alcohol drink believes to have right of buying a whiskey that is sold on moral standards of a society. Social responsibility speaks itself in both the cases of consumer and the producer that it starts from the producer’s end of responsibility to the consumer’s end to survive in the society with respect and on good grounds. Social Responsibility in Entity Form However in practical aspect, different entities (in form of people or organizations) tend to set their responsibility area as whether the entity is responsible to act for a specific purpose in the society. We can take example of an entity that is socially responsible for child labour rights; or for minority rights protection, justifies its position in society in the form positive responsibility. This also involves some entities that are of corporate nature including organizations, which are responsible to provide better growth prospective and benefits in terms of ethical obligations. Apart from self responsibility captivation, entities socially entitle in concerns of the society having an impact on the welfare and incumbent environment. Here I will discuss the case of Jack Daniel fulfilling the social responsibility by surviving in the global drinking society. Jack Daniel is basically a whiskey distiller based in US, whose founder is known as Jasper Newton â€Å"Jack† Daniel, is an entity of Brown – Forman corporation. Getting to know Jack Daniel Firstly, the company of Jack Daniel earns money by selling alcohol that is legally bought by people who are all willing to pay prices of such intake with their sole responsibility. For that reason, it is beyond the scope of responsibility of Jack Daniel to justify against each individual’s self responsibility to act humane in the society. Secondly, from the existing scenario, the conflict also arises that this all income is dependent entirely on the detriment of the whole lot that happens as a consequence to its sole business operations. So the company takes in no moral, if not social, responsibility for the people to invest or utilize its services/products. What Jack Daniel has adopted now as a promotion campaign in lieu of its social responsibility characteristic and being the sponsor Richard Childress in NASCAR racing; is their slogan of: â€Å"Pace Yourself. Drink Responsibly† Historical Perspective in Social Responsibility By moving through a timeline, we can very easily distinguish as how Jack Daniel has coped with the growing responsibility of surviving in the global industry, and in markets full of social and moral values. In the early stages of organizational restructuring, the company greatly emphasized on enhancing its public picture with acquaints and precautions of use of alcohol as commonly understood meaning of having its whiskey consumable after effects. We can with mutual understanding call it the awareness campaign that taking whiskey while driving or presenting in the society they should be in a judicious competence. The awareness has now spread comprises definitely of the marketing gizmos that more importantly accentuated on having their product (whisky) is solely considered for adults, thereby understanding the fact that they completely agree to the post conditions of drinking, when not being moderate. Drinking dilemmas were discussed during this time to publicly broadcast the facts and figures in this regard. By looking the historical defences, Jack Daniel, as speaking in terms of its parent company Brown-Forman, bears a history of highly approving social responsibility. Society Expectations Now that the consumers around the world are getting more sophisticated on the dynamics influencing their life, Jack Daniel is looking for such corporate strategies that not only comply with the positive attitude to the social norms in their market region, but are also effective in long term basis. No matter how the consumer behaviour changes in terms of the revolutionary or cultural tends, companies tend to mould their attitude, both positive and negative, with the regional social norms in perspective. People now seek out the brands, talking in standpoint of alcohols now, that more naturally agree with the society’s welfare. Specific consumers to a brand, like Jack Daniel, have built expectations vis-a-vis to the manner of addressing social concerns very firmly connected to its products and mode of business rules and policies. The protection of environmental laws and public health awareness campaigns have made Jack Daniel consider on lines of establishing links with the major social outcomes from different regions and cultural civilizations. Corporate Social Strategy However, considering the drivers’ class, Jack Daniel is spreading its straight and particular message around the world to all the civilizations and societies is to drink responsibly enough to drive carefully, as also explained above in Getting to Know Jack Daniel. Both in terms of selling and promotional stratagem, the company responsibly brought out its products bearing a positive gratitude towards its consumers with distilled spirits products. Jack Daniel’s marketing approach is primarily based on the target audience thereby addressing only the adults and consumers of proper legal age to drink. From the current promotional campaigns, it looks obvious that the company is seriously concerned about presenting their image as a corporate that stands on social values of its very varied consumers. Growing amongst global trends in specialized market and branding, Jack Daniel has emerged as a guide to the other entities by selling its products in a very responsible manner. Closer Look on Jack Daniels’ Social Responsibility Taking a look in to the recognition of the company, it is also a founding member of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS). Clint Bowyer, a racing driver on its website, highlights the DISCUS convention in terms of its code of conduct that comprises of a very essential stipulation, which affirms its social responsible approach that â€Å"alcohol advertisements will only appear in media reaching an audience of at least 70 percent above the legal drinking age† (Clint Bowyer, 2006). Apart from the marketing strategies, another key point in brand recognition is to present a picture of the corporate with the most logical way of social awareness, that is to say, is by educating the public rather than only the consumers about the impacts of alcoholism. This approach can be seen in the market designed programs of its parent company Brown-Forman which emphasizes a lot on encouraging the adults and the youth to determine how to likely deal with the implications of drinking thereby surviving in the society with a respectful living. It has been observed that a large amount of investment in terms of funding programs to publicize the message of responsible drinking and consuming the products with their sole responsibility in selling and proper usage of products. Success in the Responsible Attitude As the latest financial statements by Howard Riell, Jack Daniel has clutched a top position as top whiskey brand in America with its national sales to almost another 6. 5% growth and precise selling of more than 45 million 9-liter cases (Howard). Consumers have shown very upbeat response to the brand in terms of speaking about its history of maintaining a tie with social values that are backed by the traditions followed in the forthcoming products and in retail market. Normally young age consumers are seen to be most happy about the distilled products from Jack Daniel, whose most prominent strategy is their employee age history as of ranging from 21-29 years. Also, the key success factor seems to be the relations the company keeps with its distributors and the concerned media in very rightful manner in promoting its products. There always seem to be something common about top most globally selling brands; also speaking of Jack Daniel, the regional popularity of the brand also shows the impinge on consumer buying behaviour. Socially acknowledged brand reveals a marketing niche on the consumers’ attitude to get a drink that is less hard than the competing brands and has successful reputation in the region where it may only be the single available brand. Also considering the media-speak-out to public, people feel that Jack Daniel products seem to be complying with the moral norms of broadcasting. Jack Daniel whiskey ads on the media network are seen as appropriate to be publicized based on the quality criteria of drinks and the company’s shift to liquor with quite handy to be sold on stores selling beer or wine. Conclusion From the evolution of human society in different parts of the world, people have tend to seek the quality in the products that have an impact as stimulating factors on their mind. Drinking of alcohol is prohibited in some cultures or religions in some parts of the world however where people have taken it as a vital element in their lives among earning, living, eating etc. So the competition of whisky (being an alcoholic drink) has emerged to classify whiskey manufacturers in order of their priorities for selling their products to the drinkers having a sense of affects of its usage. Jack Daniel has in these terms has quite successfully managed to enlighten its organizational strengths by recognizing the social responsibilities that entail around the corporate success factor. We can see this success originating from the main factors of social responsibility, as from the statement of â€Å"People recognize that global companies wield extraordinary influence, both positive and negative, on society’s well-being. † (Douglas, John, Earl 2004, p4). This social recognition in terms of its own corporate strategies of brand marketing and consumer attitude toward Jack Daniel products is a very high example of business taking care of human welfare with the condition of accepting the usage responsibility. Bibliography Douglas, John, & Earl, ‘How Global Brands Compete’, Harvard Business Review, p4, Harvard Business School Publishing (2004), Retrieved on November 22, 2006 Clint Bowyer. Official website (2001) Retrieved November 22, 2006, from http://www.clintbowyer.com/