Exploring Carvers Short Story, What We Talk About When We...

What is Love? Does anyone really know the meaning of the word? Does it have a different meaning to different people? These are the questions that Carver’s four characters ponder over heavily flowing gin and deep conversation in the short story, â€Å"What We Talk about When We Talk about Love.† Carver characters discuss and debate the meaning of love throughout the story. I will explain what the different characters feel about love. The author shows there are different types of love and different levels of each type. He also proves that someone’s emotions for a person can change from love to hate and then back to love. The characters search for the true meaning of love throughout the story, and in the end, neither figure it out. The story†¦show more content†¦This emphasizes Mel’s true feelings about love. He goes on to explain that he feels love is unconditional (Carver 727). Mel feels that if you can be abusive to someone and try to kill them, then you cannot possibly be in love with them. Through Mel, Carver is describing a true and unrestricted love. He is telling of a love above all that is not just physical, but powerful and deep, one where you not only feel passion for this person, but a profound emotional attachment. Terri counteracts his feelings about Ed. She believes he did really love her and that his abusiveness was just uncontrollable passion. Terri responds to Mel by saying, â€Å"†¦ Sure, sometimes he may have acted crazy. Okay. But he loved me. In his own way maybe, but he loved me. There was love there, Mel. Don’t say there wasn’t.† (Carver 726-727). This sums up Terri’s feelings of love. She feels that love can be on all different levels and can be felt differently by different people. Terri believes that a person can love another, even though they may be violent and cruel. After Terri left Ed, he tried committing suicide multiple times and finally died from the last attempt. She thinks this shows how strongly he truly felt for her, like her was saying there is no life without Terri (Carver 726-728). I think that the author, through Terri, is depicting a love that can be read in different ways. Terri feels that the passion that Ed felt for her was so strong that it turned easilyShow MoreRelatedAn Analysis Of Cathedral By Raymond Carver1441 Words   |  6 Pages Cathedral Research Paper The short story â€Å"Cathedral†, by Raymond Carver, is a thought provoking piece that focuses on the transition a man goes through to see the world with his soul. The story gives hope that people can change if given the chance to be better people. Over the course of the story, Carver uses both diction and description to explore themes in religion and morality. â€Å"Cathedral† depicts a husband and a wife as they prepare and entertain a friend of the wife. The husband, the narratorRead More Raymond Carvers Cathedral Essay6977 Words   |  28 Pages In quot;The Compartment,quot; one of Raymond Carvers bleakest stories, a man passes through the French countryside in a train, en route to a rendevous with a son he has not seen for many years. quot;Now and then,quot; the narrator says of the man, quot;Meyers saw a farmhouse and its outbuildings, everything surrounded by a wall. He thought this might be a good way to live-in an old house surrounded by a wallquot; (Cathedral 48). Due to a last minute change of heart, however, Meyers choosesRead MoreHbr When Your Core Business Is Dying74686 Words   |  299 PagesTOP-TEAM POLITICS†¦page 90 WHEN YOUR CORE BUSINESS IS DYING†¦page 66 Y GE SE PA IN DS CK R M WA A 53 www.hbr.org April 2007 58 What Your Leader Expects of You Larry Bossidy 66 Finding Your Next Core Business Chris Zook 78 Promise-Based Management: The Essence of Execution Donald N. Sull and Charles Spinosa 90 The Leadership Team: Complementary Strengths or Conï ¬â€šicting Agendas? Stephen A. Miles and Michael D. Watkins 100 Avoiding Integrity Land Mines BenRead MoreLogical Reasoning189930 Words   |  760 Pagesthat is sold to students). (3) No Derivative Works You may not alter, transform, or build upon this work. An earlier version of the book was published by Wadsworth Publishing Company, Belmont, California USA in 1993 with ISBN number 0-534-17688-7. When Wadsworth decided no longer to print the book, they returned their publishing rights to the original author, Bradley Dowden. The current version has been significantly revised. If you would like to suggest changes to the text, the author would appreciate

Visualizing Iran Through Satrapis Persepolis Essay

Visualizing Iran It is debatable that most people of western societies especially here in the U.S share a common perspective about the country of Iran having a reputation for terrorism and Islamic fundamentalism. In the media today, Iran is accused of having nuclear weapons and various politicians have made references to its contribution to the constant violence in Iraq. The information that we absorb everyday from news reports adds to our biases and enhances our negative opinions of Iran as a country. Through the help of the media, people of our culture stereotype the Iranians based on an ethnocentric viewpoint without developing a clear sense of understanding or the reasons behind their beliefs. In the graphic novel Persepolis, the†¦show more content†¦In other occasions, Satrapi uses several interactions between her family members to illustrate an environment similar ours. In a series of dialogues involving Marji’s uncle Anoosh, he tells her bedtime stories and speaks of his divorc e. Bedtime story telling from my perception is more of a westernized cultural norm and so is divorce. Satrapi chooses these scenarios involving Anoosh to present a fitting glance at her family’s acceptance to western culture. Among her family, she creates an atmosphere in relation to any that can easily be found in our society today. Not only does Satrapi create environments similar to that in which we might have found ourselves in, she aides us in visualizing these scenes through the imagery of the actual events. She uses this strategy to accurately project her desired viewpoint of the Iranian society to her audiences. Marji recounts, â€Å"Thousands of kids, promised a better life, exploded on the minefields with their keys around their necks† (102). In the picture that follows, a clear picture is painted into the reader’s mind of the scenario as the children can be seen with their keys still around their necks as they are killed. Many of our society’s youth today are being sent overseas to do battle in war fronts in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Similar to the keys handed to the Iranian youths, our young soldiers are

Marco Polo Is One Of The Most Well

Marco Polo Is One Of The Most Well-known Heroic Travelers And Traders Essay aroundthe world. In my paper I will discuss with you Marco Polo’s life, his travels, and his visitto China to see the great Khan. Marco Polo was born in c.1254 in Venice. He was a Venetian explorer andmerchant whose account of his travels in Asia was the primary source for the Europeanimage of the Far East until the late 19th century. Marcos father, Niccol?, and his uncleMaffeo had traveled to China (1260-69) as merchants. When they left (1271) Venice toreturn to China, they were accompanied by 17-year-old Marco and two priests. Early LifeDespite his enduring fame, very little was known about the personal life of MarcoPolo. It is known that he was born into a leading Venetian family of merchants. He alsolived during a propitious time in world history, when the height of Venice’s influence as acity-state coincided with the greatest extent of Mongol conquest of Asia(Li Man Kin 9). Ruled by Kublai Khan, the Mongol Empire stretched all the way from China to Russia andthe Levant. The Mongol hordes also threatened other parts of Europe, particularly Polandand Hungary, inspiring fear everywhere by their bloodthirsty advances. Yet the ruthlessmethods brought a measure of stability to the lands they controlled, opening up traderoutes such as the famous Silk Road. Eventually ,the Mongols discovered that it wasmore profitable to collect tribute from people than to kill them outright, and this policytoo stimulated trade (Hull 23). Into this favorable atmosphere a number of European traders ventured, includingthe family of Marco Polo. The Polos had long-established ties in the Levant and aroundthe Black Sea: for example, they owned property in Constantinople, and Marco’s uncle,for whom he was named, had a home in Sudak in the Crimea(Rugoff 8). From Sudak,around 1260, another uncle, Maffeo, and Marco’s father, Niccol?, made a trading visitinto Mongol territory, the land of the Golden Horde(Russia), ruled by Berke Khan. Whilethey were there, a war broke out between Berke and the Cowan of Levant , blocking theirreturn home. Thus Niccol? and Maffeo traveled deeper into mongol territory, movingsoutheast to Bukhara, which was ruled by a third Cowan. While waiting there, they metan emissary traveling farther eastward who invited them to accompany him to the court ofthe great Cowan, Kublai, in Cathay(modern China). In Cathay, Kublai Khan gave thePolos a friendly reception, appointed them his emissaries to the pope, and ensured theirsafe travel back to Europe(Steffof 10). They were to return to Cathay with one hundredlearned men who could instruct the Mongols in the Christian religion and the liberal arts. In 1269, Niccol? and Maffeo Polo arrived back in Venice, where Niccol? foundout his wife had died while he was gone(Rugoff 5). Their son, Marco, who was onlyabout fifteen years old, had been only six or younger when his father left home:thus;Marco was reared primarily by his mother and the extended Polo family-and the streets ofVenice. After his mother’s death, Marco had probably begun to think of himself assomething of a orphan(Rugoff 6). Then his father and uncle suddenly reappeared, as iffrom the dead, after nine years of traveling in far-off, romantic lands. These experienceswere the formative influences on young Marco, and one can see their effects mirrored inhis character: a combination of sensitivity and toughness, independence and loyalty,motivated by an eagerness for adventure, a love of stories, and a desire to please orimpress(Li Man Kin 10). Life’s WorkIn 1268, Pope Clement IV died, and a two- or three-year delay while another popewas being elected gave young Marco time to mature and to absorb the tales of his fatherand uncle. Marco was seventeen years old when he, his father and uncle finally set out forthe court of Kublai Khan(Stefoff 13). They were accompanied not by one hundred wisemen but by two Dominican friars, and the two good friars turned back at the first sign ofadversity, another local war in the Levant. Aside from the pope’s messages, the onlyspiritual gift Europe was able to furnish the great Kublai Khan was oil from the lampburning at Jesus Christ’s supposed tomb in Jerusalem. Yet, in a sense, young Marco, theonly new person in the Polos’ party, was himself a fitting representative of the spirit ofEuropean civilization on the eve of the Renaissance, and the lack of one hundred learnedEuropeans guaranteed that he would catch the eye of the Cowan, who was curious aboutâ€Å"Latin s (Hull 29). Tuberculosis Is The Infectious DiseaseHaving thought them dead, their relatives at first did not recognize them, then wereastounded, and then were disgusted by their shabby appearance. Yet, according toRamusio, the scorn changed to delight when the returned travelers invited everyone to ahomecoming banquet, ripped apart their old clothes, and let all the hidden jewels clatter tothe table(Great Lives from History 1676). The rest of the world might have learned little about the Polos’ travels if fate hadnot intervened in Marco’s life. In his early forties, Marco was not yet ready to settledown. Perhaps he was restless for further adventure, or perhaps he felt obliged to fulfillhis civic duties to his native city-state. In any event, he became involved in naval warfarebetween Venetians and their trading rivals, the Genoese, and was captured. In 1298, thegreat traveler across Asia, and emissary of the khan found himself rotting in a prison inGenoa-an experience that could have ended tragically but instead took a lucky turn. Inprison Marco met a man named Rustichello from Persia, who was a writer ofromances(Stefoff 21). To pass the time, Marco dictated his observations about Asia toRustichello, who, in writing them down, probably employed the Italianized Old Frenchthat was the language of medieval romances. Their book was soon circulating, since Marco remained in prison only a year or so,very likely gaining his freedom when the Venetians and Genoese made peace in1299(Rugoff 32). After his prison experience, Marco was content to lead a quiet life inVenice with the rest of his family and bask in his almost instant literary fame. He marriedDonata Badoer, a member of the Venetian aristocracy. eventually grew up to marrynobles. Thus Marco seems to have spent the last part of his life moving in Venetianaristocratic circles. After living what was then a long life, Marco died in 1324, onlyseventy years of age. In his will he left most of his modest wealth to his three daughters, alegacy that included goods which he had brought back from Asia. His will also set free aTartar slave, who had remained with him since his return from the court of the greatkhan(Li Man Kin 25). Works CitedGreat Lives from History. Ancient and Medieval Series. Pasadena,California: Salem Press, 1988. 2: 1675-1680. Hull, Mary. The Travels of Marco Polo. California: Lucent Books Inc.,1995. Li Man Kin. Marco Polo in China. Hong Kong: Kingsway InternationalPublications, 1981. Rugoff, Milton. Marco Polos Adventures In China. New York: AmericanHeritage Publishing Co., 1964. Stefoff, Rebecca. Marco Polo and the Medieval Explorers. Chelsea HousePublishers, 1992. Bibliography :Works CitedGreat Lives from History. Ancient and Medieval Series. Pasadena,California: Salem Press, 1988. 2: 1675-1680. Hull, Mary. The Travels of Marco Polo. California: Lucent Books Inc.,1995. Li Man Kin. Marco Polo in China. Hong Kong: Kingsway InternationalPublications, 1981. Rugoff, Milton. Marco Polos Adventures In China. New York: AmericanHeritage Publishing Co., 1964. Stefoff, Rebecca. Marco Polo and the Medieval Explorers. Chelsea HousePublishers, 1992.

The Technological Revolution Argumentative Essay Example For Students

The Technological Revolution Argumentative Essay Technological Changes of the Past and PresentThe technology which surrounds almost everyone in the modern society, affects both work and leisure activities. Technology contains information that many would rather it did not have. It influences minds in good and bad ways, and it allows people to share information which they would otherwise not be able to attain. Even if a person does not own a computer or have credit cards, there is information on a computer somewhere about everyone. The technology which is just now beginning to be manipulated and harnessed is affecting the minds of small children and adolescents in ways that could be harmful. It is affecting our immediate future. It also gives another form of communication and exchange of information which was not available before, information that is both good and bad. We will write a custom essay on The Technological Revolution Argumentative specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Technology is one of the principal driving forces of the future; it is transforming our lives and shaping our future at rates unprecedented in history, with profound implications which we cant even begin to see or understand. Many different elements affect how satisfied we are with our lives. The impact of technology on these elements can change how safe, healthy and happy people feel. Throughout history, people have looked for better ways to meet their needs and to satisfy their expectations. Technology has improved the way people feed, clothe and shelter themselves. Technology has also changed other aspects of everyday life, such as health care, education, job satisfaction, and leisure time activities. People have used technology since they first chipped stone blades to improve their hunting. Yet some people call the current age the Technological Age because of societys dependence on technology. For the first time in human history, almost all the goods and services people use depend on technology. The products of technology are available to almost everyone in society. The economy of a country influences how the people of the county live. Technology is often considered the key to a nations economic growth. Most economists would say that it is one of the factors in economic growth, but they would probably disagree about its importance. Many economists think that if technology sparks growth in one sector of the economy in the form of increased productivity, growth will also occur in other sectors of the economy. Jobs may be lost in one industry, such as agriculture but new jobs may emerge in other sectors of the economy. There may be more jobs or, in some case, completely new kinds of jobs. Technology may also be used to solve urgent problems. Our growing population is using up infinite supplies of natural resources. Innovations in technology can allow for more efficient use of limited or scarce resources. More products might be made from the same amount of raw material using new techniques. Technology can increase productivity to help countries compete with other countries in selling goods and services. Some say that without technological improvements, the economy would grow slowly or not at all. Society could remain the same for years, some what like the early Middle Ages in Europe, in which there was little economic change for hundreds of years. Ways to manufacture goods have changed continuously through history. Today, several important new advances in technology are transforming. These technologies create new products; most of them also change the way people in society interact. These technologies have a tremendous impact on our monetary resources. Some of the technologies which are having the greatest effect on the economy are: robotics, automation and computerization. Robotics: Artificial IntelligenceAlthough robotics have a well-established position in the Japanese industry, it has not, so far, turned out to be what many experts thought it would. Businesses in the United States and Europe have not embraced industrial robots at nearly the rate of the Japanese, and other more consumer oriented versions are very much in the development phase. Even so, industry sources believe that the use of robots to make clothes and other consumer goods will be common by the turn of the century. This general trend (the use of robotics) is likely to change, perhaps dramatically, in the next two decades. Robots are in one sense collections of other more basic technologies: sensors, controlling and analysis software, pattern recognition capabilities and so on. Most all of these other technologies will make significant strides in capability, size, power requirements, and other design characteristics and the integration of these other advances should accrue directly to robotics. .u38401cf6848a1e6e74b53572cc3a4de3 , .u38401cf6848a1e6e74b53572cc3a4de3 .postImageUrl , .u38401cf6848a1e6e74b53572cc3a4de3 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u38401cf6848a1e6e74b53572cc3a4de3 , .u38401cf6848a1e6e74b53572cc3a4de3:hover , .u38401cf6848a1e6e74b53572cc3a4de3:visited , .u38401cf6848a1e6e74b53572cc3a4de3:active { border:0!important; } .u38401cf6848a1e6e74b53572cc3a4de3 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u38401cf6848a1e6e74b53572cc3a4de3 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u38401cf6848a1e6e74b53572cc3a4de3:active , .u38401cf6848a1e6e74b53572cc3a4de3:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u38401cf6848a1e6e74b53572cc3a4de3 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u38401cf6848a1e6e74b53572cc3a4de3 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u38401cf6848a1e6e74b53572cc3a4de3 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u38401cf6848a1e6e74b53572cc3a4de3 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u38401cf6848a1e6e74b53572cc3a4de3:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u38401cf6848a1e6e74b53572cc3a4de3 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u38401cf6848a1e6e74b53572cc3a4de3 .u38401cf6848a1e6e74b53572cc3a4de3-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u38401cf6848a1e6e74b53572cc3a4de3:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Capitu's Letter to Bento    EssayRobots are machines which combine computer technology with industrial machines. The computers are programmed to operated the machines. Robots come in many shapes and sizes and can be programmed to perform a variety of tasks. Robots are gradually being introduced on assembly lines in some industries. In automated factories, the amount produced by each human worker increases tremendously, but robots are very expensive for industries to buy. Only large industries such as the auto industry currently develops, though, the cost of robots is dropping and improvements to robots are making them more flexible so more manufacturers will find them useful. The use of robotics effects our economy immensely. Robots are much more durable, faster, efficient, ,reliable and cheaper workers. The use of robots in industries will rise because employers will see the advantages that robots have over human employees. The utilization of robots in the workplace will have a massive effect to the unemployment rate. Automation: Moving in a New DirectionA small number of decisions we make play a major role in shaping many other areas of our lives. For example, when we decide what (and how) we will consume, a huge system of farms, distributors, stores, manufactures, restaurants etc these respond directly to those desires. One of the most important decisions we make concerns the way we move ourselves and our commodities. Our system of transportation greatly affects how we use energy, develop technology , affect the economy and environment, and shape our social relationships. When Henry Ford was starting out on his remarkable career in Detroit, a bustling town which gave full vent to the creative energies of some amazing innovators, the economy of was showing enormous cracks. But at the time, even the most prescient of fortune-tellers would have had trouble forecasting what was about to happen. Carriage and buggy-whip makers were still turning handsome profits in a growing market, and the few cars on the dusty, unpaved roads were little more than fanciful toys for the adventurous rich. Some of the communications technologies pioneered toward the end of the nineteenth century must have seemed just as esoteric to the leading financiers and industrialists of the day, who were doing fine bankrolling the traditional industries they knew so well. Yet, within a few short years, Ford and others would shape consumer products out of the new technologies that would set in motion an awesome economic transformation. Henry Ford didnt invent the automobile. Nor did he invent mass production or the assembly line. Ford is famous because he took these existing concepts and incorporated them into a n efficient, large-scale system of manufacturing inexpensive, reliable cars. Im going to democratize the automobile. Ford said, and when Im through, everybody will have one. (Chase, 1997, 47)Cars have made a big difference in the way communities have been designed. Street layout, the design of homes, and traffic laws have changed as methods of transportation has changed throughout history. Automobiles are responsible for more than half the airborne pollution in the western world. Many plans are being developed to control air pollution. Burning cleaner fuel and burning fuel more efficiently both help the environment. Pollution controls devices for cars have also been developed. For example, catalytic systems were installed in many car exhaust systems in the 1980s. These devices change dangerous gases into harmless carbon dioxide and water. They also burn up much of the exhaust with fresh air in a chamber near the exhaust pipe. The car of the future will need new designs which make even better use of the fuel which powers them. Cars influence the ways communities are developing. Since it is possible to drive great distances rapidly, many people choose to live far away from where they work. Many cities have a downtown core where people work and a suburban area where they live. People may spend a great deal of time commuting through rush hour traffic. In spite of many problems , it is hard to imagine a society without cars. Cars and trucks have become so important that most people would not want to do without them. They would prefer to see the design and construction of cars changed to accommodate safety and environment concerns. The car has helped created jobs, freedom, convenience and fun as well as pollution, traffic jams and urban sprawl. The challenge facing the auto industry is to keep pace with the changing values of society and to develop the technology to do so. .u638033c40cedcae05601c5167ab9d6eb , .u638033c40cedcae05601c5167ab9d6eb .postImageUrl , .u638033c40cedcae05601c5167ab9d6eb .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u638033c40cedcae05601c5167ab9d6eb , .u638033c40cedcae05601c5167ab9d6eb:hover , .u638033c40cedcae05601c5167ab9d6eb:visited , .u638033c40cedcae05601c5167ab9d6eb:active { border:0!important; } .u638033c40cedcae05601c5167ab9d6eb .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u638033c40cedcae05601c5167ab9d6eb { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u638033c40cedcae05601c5167ab9d6eb:active , .u638033c40cedcae05601c5167ab9d6eb:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u638033c40cedcae05601c5167ab9d6eb .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u638033c40cedcae05601c5167ab9d6eb .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u638033c40cedcae05601c5167ab9d6eb .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u638033c40cedcae05601c5167ab9d6eb .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u638033c40cedcae05601c5167ab9d6eb:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u638033c40cedcae05601c5167ab9d6eb .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u638033c40cedcae05601c5167ab9d6eb .u638033c40cedcae05601c5167ab9d6eb-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u638033c40cedcae05601c5167ab9d6eb:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Mental Illness EssayComputerization: Extraordinary TechnologyComputers are used in most manufacturing industries today. Computers are used to automate processes in much faster ways . These can be office procedures such as word processing or bookkeeping, or production processes such as cutting and assembling clothes. Computers are becoming an important part of industrial design. Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) are new terms which describe the important role computers have come to play in our industry. The wide use to computers has stimulated companies which manufacture the many parts needed to make and operate them. Some people, however feel that computer technology has gone too far. It may create problems such as machine errors in peoples records and banks and governments may gain access to private financial information. Computerization has made it easier for banks to keep track of individual baking transactions so charges for these have increased. Branch-bank employees worry that computers and automated tellers may replace people. While technological change has been a priority for banks over the last years, they also recognize the need to communicate in person with customers. Banks must manage money and data effectively but they must also maintain personal relations. Bank personnel may be assisted with computer and some services may work well when automated, but banks will probably never lose their staffs to machines. A new, information-technology-driven circle of growth has replaced the aging manufacturing ring and scarcely not many have noticed. The statistics that told us so much about the economys health during the 1920s to the 1980s are still treated with a reverence they no longer deserve. Thats why the experts have so much trouble explaining whats going on now. The prophets mumbled about the severity of the recession in industry; rising unemployment; a weakening currency. Now, statistics can be managed to produce all sorts of results. But no matter how you shake or stir them, the numbers show plainly that a New Economy, embodied and driven by technology, information and innovation, has emerged, with little fanfare, in the past decade. And though it would be impossible to tell from the general statistics, this New Economy is absolutely booming, with no peak in sight. Now with the new wave of the Internet minds of not only small children, but also adolescents and adults become influenced by this outside information. As the mind develops, things such as pornography is no longer the main concern. Now, because of the easy access to information, the fourteen years old who has just discovered that she failed ninth grade can find out how to make a bomb out of household detergents. As can the laid-off business man, the dumped boyfriend, and the deranged psycho. My general sentiment about technology, and the Internet are simple. In light of the history of mass communication, there is nothing we can do to protect any media from the sound byte or any other form of commercial poisoning. But, our countrys public opinion doesnt have to fall into a nose-dive of lies and corruption, because of it! Television doesnt have to be a weapon against us, used to sway our opinions or to conform to people who care about their own prosperity, not ours. With the power of a critical thinking education, we can stop being motivated by the sound byte and, instead we can laugh at it as a cheap attempt to persuade us and have a little fun with it. Technology is not all bad. The whole point of this is that people have to be sure that everyone is aware of all the good and bad aspects of technology. I feel that the advance of technology is a good trend for our society; however, it must be in conjunction with advances in education so that society is able to master and understand technology. In the future we may see many problems arising from this new wave of technology. Unemployment numbers will most probably rise, crime will increase, and We can be the masters of technology, and not let it be the masters of us.

South Koreas Infatuation With Computer Gaming Culture

South Korea's Infatuation With Computer Gaming Culture South Korea is a country infatuated with video games. It is a place where professional gamers earn six-figure contracts, date supermodels, and are treated as A-list celebrities. Cyber competitions are nationally televised and they fill-up stadiums. In this country, gaming is not just a hobby; it’s a way of life. Video Game Culture in South Korea Although the per capita access to broadband internet is high, most Koreans actually conduct their gaming activities outside of the home in local gaming rooms called â€Å"PC bangs.† A bang is simply a LAN (local area network) gaming center where patrons pay an hourly fee to play multiplayer games. Most bangs are cheap, ranging from $1.00 to $1.50 USD an hour. There are currently over 20,000 active PC bangs in South Korea and they have become an integral part of the country’s social fabric and cultural landscape. In Korea, going to a bang is equivalent to going to the movies or the bar in the West. They are especially prevalent in big cities like Seoul, where heightened population density and the lack of space offers residents few options for recreational and social interaction. The video game industry makes up a large share of South Korea’s GDP. According to the Ministry of Culture, in 2008 the online-gaming industry earned $1.1 billion dollars in exports. Nexon and NCSOFT, South Korea’s two largest game development companies reported a combined net income of over $370 million in 2012. The entire game market is estimated at approximately $5 billion dollars annually, or about $100 per resident, which is more than three times what Americans spend. Games like StarCraft have sold over 4.5 million copies in South Korea, out of a worldwide total of 11 million. Video games also stimulate the country’s informal economy, as millions of dollars are traded yearly through illegal gambling and betting on game matches. In South Korea, cyber competition is considered a national sport and numerous television channels broadcast video game matches regularly. The country even has two full-time video game television networks: Ongamenet and MBC Game. According to the Federal Game Institute, 10 million South Koreans regularly follow eSports, as they are known. Depending on the matches, some video game tournaments may garner more ratings than pro baseball, soccer, and basketball combined. There are currently 10 professional gaming leagues in the country and they are all sponsored by big corporations such as SK Telecom and Samsung. The monetary rewards for winning a league tournament are colossal. Some of South Korea’s most famous players like the StarCraft legend, Yo Hwan-lim could earn more than $400,000 a year just from league matches and sponsorships. The popularity eSports has even led to the creation of the World Cyber Games. Gaming Addiction in South Korea Over the past decade, the Korean government has spent millions of dollars on clinics, campaigns, and programs to minimize this problem. There are now publicly funded treatment centers for game addicts. Hospitals and clinics have installed programs that specialize in treating the disease. Some Korean game companies such as NCsoft also finances private counseling centers and hotlines. In late 2011, the government took a stern step further by imposing a â€Å"Cinderella Law† (also called the Shutdown Law), which prevents anyone under the age of 16 from playing online games on their PCs, handheld device, or at a PC bang from midnight until 6 a.m. Minors are required to register their national identification cards online so that they can be monitored and regulated. This law has been highly controversial and is contested by the majority of the general public, video game companies, and game associations. Many people argue that this law infringes on their liberty and would yield no positive results. Minors could just register using someone else’s identification or completely circumvent the ban by connecting to Western servers instead. Although by doing so, it certainly affirms one’s addiction.

Biological Evolution and Genetic Variation

Biological Evolution and Genetic Variation Biological evolution is defined as any genetic change in a population that is inherited over several generations. These changes may be small or large, noticeable or not so noticeable.  In order for an event to be considered an instance of evolution, changes have to occur on the genetic level of a population and be passed on from one generation to the next.  This means that the genes, or more specifically, the alleles in the population change and are passed on. These changes are noticed in the phenotypes (expressed physical traits that can be seen) of the population. A change on the genetic level of a population is defined as a small-scale change and is called microevolution.  Biological evolution also includes the idea that all of life is connected and can be traced back to one common ancestor. This is called macroevolution. What Evolution Is Not Biological evolution is not defined as simply change over time.  Many organisms experience changes over time, such as weight loss or gain. These changes are not considered instances of evolution because they are not genetic changes that can be passed on to the next generation. Is Evolution a Theory? Evolution is a scientific theory that was proposed by Charles Darwin. A scientific theory gives explanations and predictions for naturally occurring phenomena based on observations and experimentations. This type of theory attempts to explain how events seen in the natural world work. The definition of a scientific theory differs from the common meaning of theory, which is defined as a guess or a supposition about a particular process. In contrast, a good scientific theory must be testable, falsifiable, and substantiated by factual evidence. When it comes to a scientific theory, there is no absolute proof. Its more a case of confirming the reasonability of accepting a theory as a viable explanation for a particular event. What Is Natural Selection? Natural selection is the process by which biological evolutionary changes take place. Natural selection acts on populations and not individuals. It is based on the following concepts: Individuals in a population have different traits which can be inherited.These individuals produce more young than the environment can support.The individuals in a population that are best suited to their environment will leave more offspring, resulting in a change in the genetic makeup of a population. The genetic variations that arise in a population happen by chance, but the process of natural selection does not. Natural selection is the result of the interactions between genetic variations in a population and the environment. The environment determines which variations are more favorable. Individuals that possess traits that are better suited to their environment will survive to produce more offspring than other individuals. More favorable traits are thereby passed on to the population as a whole. Examples of genetic variation in a population include the modified leaves of carnivorous plants, cheetahs with stripes, snakes that fly, animals that play dead, and animals that resemble leaves. How Does Genetic Variation Occur in a Population? Genetic variation occurs  mainly through DNA mutation, gene flow (movement of genes from one population to another) and sexual reproduction. Due to the fact that environments are unstable, populations that are genetically variable will be able to adapt to changing situations better than those that do not contain genetic variations. Sexual reproduction allows for genetic variations to occur through genetic recombination. Recombination occurs during meiosis and provides a way for producing new combinations of alleles on a single chromosome. Independent assortment during meiosis allows for an indefinite number of combinations of genes. Sexual reproduction makes it possible to assemble favorable gene combinations in a population or to remove unfavorable gene combinations from a population. Populations with more favorable genetic combinations will survive in their environment and reproduce more offspring than those with less favorable genetic combinations. Biological Evolution Versus Creation The theory of evolution has caused controversy from the time of its introduction until today. The controversy stems from the perception that biological evolution is at odds with religion concerning the need for a divine creator. Evolutionists contend that evolution does not address the issue of whether or not God exists, but attempts to explain how natural processes work. In doing so, however, there is no escaping the fact that evolution contradicts certain aspects of some religious beliefs. For example, the evolutionary account for the existence of life and the biblical account of creation are quite different. Evolution suggests that all life is connected and can be traced back to one common ancestor. A literal interpretation of biblical creation suggests that life was created by an all-powerful, supernatural being (God). Still, others have tried to merge these two concepts by contending that evolution does not exclude the possibility of the existence of God, but merely explains the process by which God created life. This view, however, still contradicts a literal interpretation of creation as presented in the bible. In paring down the issue, a major bone of contention between the two views is the concept of macroevolution. For the most part, evolutionists and creationists agree that microevolution does occur and is visible in nature. Macroevolution, however, refers to the process of evolution that takes place on the level of species, in which one species evolves from another species. This is in stark contrast to the biblical view that God was personally involved in the formation and creation of living organisms. For now, the evolution/creation debate continues on and it appears that the differences between these two views are not likely to be settled anytime soon.

Literature & Gender Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Literature & Gender - Essay Example Moreover, Abbandonato quarrel that The Color Purple rewrites canonical male texts, but she does not talk about Walker's redrafting of the story of Philomela. Likewise, though critics such as Trudier Harris, Keith Byerman, Wendy Wall, Mae Henderson, and King-Kok Cheung have talk about Celie's attainment of private and public languages, none of these opponents has scrutinized Walker's reconfiguration of linguistic elements of the legend of Philomela. Unlike the original mythic text, as well as the novels of Morrison and Naylor, Walker's text gives Philomela a voice that productively resists the aggressive patriarchal dedication of male will onto a silent female body. Yet Walker does more than just allow Philomela to speak inside the confines of patriarchal dialogue. Furthermore, Walker's novel revises the myth of Philomela by creating a heroine's text that reconfigures the metaphorical state of affairs of sender-receiver-message and articulates Celie's progress away from a survival as a victim in a patriarchal plot toward a linguistic and narratological occurrence as the novelist/subject of her own story. Walker's novel also rewrites the myth during its formation of an option discourse that allows for the appearance of both mannish and female subjectivity --a language of the sewn that remove from the violence of patriarchal power, of patriarchal conversation. No doubt, Celie's skills as a seamstress together get back and refigure the myth of Philomela, for different Philomela's tapestry/text, Celie's sewing functions as an option line of attack of language that moves her away from aggression and persecution and into self-empowerment and prejudice. The novel also intentionally conflates the pen and the needle, thereby deconstructing the binary oppositions among the masculine and the womanly, the spoken and the silenced, the lexical along with the graphic. Moreover, Walker's reconfiguration of the legend of Philomela thus turns over the master dialogue and the master description of patriarchal society. In Walker's hands Philomela's speech turn out to be the gadget for a radical change of the individual as well as a dissident deconstruction of the power structures that undergird together patriarchal language and the patriarchal globe itself. If we analyze then we come to know that the Color Purple is about Celie's life. In the opening of the novel, we find out that Celie was raped by her father. We also learn that Celie's mother is ill and is incapable to take care of the family. Celie is forced to cook and spotless for her family. Celie imagine two children since of her father's incessant raping. She never sees her children and considers that her father killed them. After interpretation this novel, I understand that black women in the late 1800's and early 1900's had a extremely hard life. I had always typecast black woman throughout that time to be similar to Aunt Jemina. I have learned that black woman throughout the 1800's had to be strong and brave just to make it during the day. To stay alive a lifetime they had to look inside themselves to gather the

The Great Depression Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Great Depression - Research Paper Example The crash of the Stock Market, unemployment and bankruptcy, the Smoot-Hawley Tariff led political changes, emigration and new reforms such as The New Deal took the United States in a sweeping landslide (Sauert 129). The dawn of the Great Depression is usually narrowed down to the crash of the Stock Market which occurred on Tuesday, 29th October, 1929 when the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell to a very low rate, almost as low as 23 percent and the market suffered a gigantic loss which ranged from $ 8 billion to $ 9 billion. However, this was just one of the many losses in a period when severe market volatility was rampant and it exposed the people who had bought stocks on loans (Taylor). This crash of the Wall Street Stock Market completely changed the direction of the events. It marked the arena where the United States was thrown into political chaos and economic instability. The crash of the Stock Market was one of the major reasons that led to the Great Depression. However, it mer ely dealt out a card and there were many more reasons to come. For two months after the crash there was a loss of more than $ 40 billion dollars (Ross 32). Stock holders could not pay back their loans and there was a marked reduction in transactions. People stopped purchasing items which led to a lesser number produced and hence lack of work force. More and more people lost their jobs which simultaneously led to their properties being repossessed. Soon unemployment was rampant in the region (Hembree). The crash of the Wall Street of the Stock Market was thoroughly disastrous for the United States for it completely negated the concept of the American Dream as propagated by President Hoover and his predecessors. For the... The consequences of the Great Depression were staggering for it left thousands and thousands of unemployed people roaming the streets by night and day and trying to find work. The tide of the Depression had calamitous consequences. Not only billions of people lost their homes in one sweeping wave but they also had to migrate to places which were not fit for living. Shanty towns had cropped up in various parts of the United States and they were built out of tents and other sorts of garbage like items such as hulks of old cars. They were known as ‘Hoovervilles’ which was a mocking reference to President Hoover as he had fallen into disgrace for many blamed him for their turmoil and the turn of events. There were also other derogatory terms used in reference to him such as ‘Hoover Blank’ which was an old newspaper used as a blanket, ‘Hoover wagon’ which was an vehicle drawn by a horse since the owner could not afford gas. Unable to do anything, the general public vented out their pent-up misery by using such offensive references for Hoover. The coining of these terms depicted the nationwide view of Hoover in the minds of the public. Women took up men’s work so as to support their families along with their men but the availability of jobs was scarce.

Persuasive Letter Essay Example for Free

Persuasive Letter Essay The question of uniforms at school is becoming more pertinent to our society. Wearing a school uniform is a breach of children’s individuality and self expression. Everyone is unique and so making people wear a school uniform takes away their personality. May this be the reason which discourages them from performing to their full potentials? People believe that if students wore their own clothes they would get judged on how they look. However no matter, what you dress in, they will always find a way to pass judgement upon their peers. If it’s not based on the style of clothes you wear, there are many other superficial ways to judge people and form cliques. Uniforms don’t always ensure equality among students. They can actually encourage racism and rivalry between different schools. I tell you that for a fact that not wearing a school uniform actually decreases the number of detentions you get. You may think this sounds stupid, but it is true! Have you ever had one of those bad days where everything seems to go wrong? When something bad happens unexpectedly? Well I’m talking about my friend. The other day she got in trouble because her skirt was too high. Seriously if school uniform was abolished, it wouldn’t lead to this. Detention for such a pointless reason! No way. I surrender That friend was me! We all know that school uniforms are expensive. Uniforms make parent spend money unnecessarily. They tend to be more expensive than the daily clothes we wear, outside of school. Uniforms can cost a lot, especially when more than one child is attending school. Overall, I personally think that school uniforms should be abolished. Uniforms don’t let us express who we really are. They are expensive and often waste a lot of money, when children grow out of them. Please consider taking action on this vital issue. I would truly appreciate it if you would put some time and thought on this case and put my points into consideration.

Feminist Art Movement Essays -- Cindy Sherman 2014

In the late 1960 to 1980s when the woman artists’ work hardly could be published, unlike the men, the feminists artists were rejected by the museums, galleries and many women. The issue was that nobody could see how woman had so much valued art works to show. Only the male artists were allow to be published as artists, while the women suffered of discrimination. What the women wanted was that the world treat them as equals to men. The woman wanted something different than the men. This world has focused on only the male artists and their work. The women were shrouded in silence. Linda Nochlin who is an art critic asks, "Why have there been no great women artist?† (Nochlin 2) Since women's art were degraded and rejected by the public, women's artwork was hardly published. However, with the hardships and the endurance of women trying to earn their rights as artists, the visibility of their art is brought out by the exhibitions they produce. Therefore, during the 1970s thro ugh 1980s, the feminist art movement was the turning point for feminist art to become more visible to the public. The notion of the feminist art was that in the social life, males were dominant over females and men had more power than women. Lilith eZine (online magazine) argues, "Feminist theory must take into account the circumstances of most women's lives as mothers, household workers, and caregivers, in addition to the pervasive misconception that women are genetically inferior to men." (Lilith 7) Since "women are inferior to men", women's art was ignored by the museums and galleries. In the 1970s, women artists started a protest against gallery owners for not exhibiting women’s art thus this became the start of a movement called Feminist Art Mo... ...g inferior to men† during the 1960s to 1980s, women’s artwork was degraded, ignored and rejected. However, the continuous of women gathering to have their rights that should already have been accepted, through the Feminist Art Movement, female artists gained visibility. This movement was a big turning point and now we know who they are. Works Cited Douma, Michael. "Cindy Sherman's Untitled Film Stills." N.p., Online Posting to Color Vision & Art. Web. 28 Nov. 2014. . Woodman, Donald. "Judy Chicago." N.p., Online Posting to Through the Flower. Web. 28 Nov. 2014. . Wright, Coroline. â€Å"Why have there been no great women artists? An art historical question from a neurobiological perspective† N.P. Web. 28 Nov. 2014.

Wal-Mart Case

Wall-Mart Stores During the time of this case, there are multiple organizational capabilities that took place within the continuous growing Wall-Mart stores during 2003 as well as the years that led up to the time of this case. From the beginning of the store and the vision of Sam Walton, he used all of the different criteria for the BRIO framework. Near the beginning of the creation of Wall-Mart, Sam Walton, the founder of Wall- Mart, had many visions and a clear sense of direction he was working with.Some examples of organization he had that put him above the rest was his sense of worth for the employees by calling them associates, and allowing all employees to be able to reach him on his home phone number. This created a sense of a strong company culture within the Wall-Mart community due to the founder's efforts at communication. He worked on making connections with his employees. This shows a sense of multiple things within the BRIO framework including Value because it portrays a charisma and a personality to the customers by how the company is run and how it treats its employers.A huge part in making the firm valuable in the eyes of consumers includes their slogan, â€Å"everyday low prices†. This is attractive to all consumers because it is the lowest price but yet, comparable to some of Its competitors. Wall-Mart has guaranteed that it is the lowest price because weekly It checks out Its competitors as well such as Smart and Target. This is one of the biggest factors when it comes to Wall-Mart because people shop when it is not only super cheap, but super convenient as well.Being able to have a department store with everything you could need while eater on adding a grocery market section to Wall-Mart raised prices and the number of shoppers there alone. It is convenient because you can go Into one store for almost all of your needs at the lowest price. A resource that is rare that Wall-Mart has Is the way It started up with the distribution which included buying more merchandise directly from the manufacturers. Initially, the scale of operations was a bit modest. After Wall-Mart grew into Superstructures, this was an initial resource and capability that was rare to what other competitors had as well.It grew sales dramatically from what it had initially as mentioned above because of the high convenience and ability to buy all of your needs out In one store. Militantly the form and Idea of buying high-volume at a low merchandising cost, and buying in bulk was so rare in the market and one of its first of its kind. Compared to Smart and Target though, Smart almost failed when trying to keep its prices as low as Wall-Mart. This in fact, leads right up to the point of how costly to imitate Wall-Mart can be when looking at the BRIO framework.To be costly to imitate Wall-Mart used a bit of the other things competitors and others were doing, and Integrated these things Into what Wall-Mart was already it was discussed how Walton wou ld head to other competitors to investigate different options. He would do this for details as even as minuet as how many cars competitors parking lots could fill. There was also room to create the Superstructure as well as ‘Neighborhood Markets' which are smaller division stores around the suburban areas to create a smaller more relative size to the community.These are to seen with any of the competitors and thus must be harder to imitate since they don't have the resources. Another source that Wall-Mart has taken the advantage, due to being costly for competitors to imitate over with in the past years around this case, is the ability to extend their hours of operation to some 24 hour Wall-Marts. There are no other department, supermarket, or neighborhood stores that do this because of the cost of keeping the store open. This along with the expansion not only around the U. S. , but also the expansion globally has put Wall-Mart ahead of the rest.Organized to capture value is d isplayed in multiple different areas when it comes to Wall-Mart. One of them that continued to grow from when the company first started was its investments in information technology. Compared to when it would take months to compare the inventory-taking lags decreased from months, to weeks, to very close to actual time due to the IT transformation. It automatically linked the distribution centers to computers in the stores and suppliers. This helped utilized the firms' resources and capabilities by being able to maintain a better log of inventory.Other specifics that Wall-Mart does to maintain an organized way to capture value is to put to practice the SOOT analysis. This helps put into perspective what the company has, and perhaps things it could improve on, on a regular basis. One last thing that stuck out to me for this subject was a Balanced Scorecard which is huge within the managing community. For example, this is used often in management to balance financial results, set objec ts, measures, targets, and initiatives in terms of learning and growth, business process, and lastly, the customers.The last thing that Wall-Mart has done to have more availability to organize the capture value is by making goals, setting plans and executing these plans. Making goals, planning and organizing are all essential in a productive and efficient business as big as Wall-Mart in these days today. Through all of these different steps, Wall-Mart has been and will continue to improve in ways which every growing company should. However, BRIO is definitely something that will help keep the absolute and competitive advantage above all the other competitors and it has since its beginning around the sass's.

Act One Scene One of Measure for Measure

Act One Scene One of ‘Measure for Measure’ is a scene surrounded in ambiguity and complex character motives. In this scene the Duke of Vienna meets with his aged advisor Esacalus to discuss his immediate and unexplained departure from Vienna and his plans to appoint Angelo to rule in his stead. The play simply starts with the Duke saying â€Å"Esacalus†[1]. Using the noun in an almost imperative form is an indication of how much power the Duke really has and how much power the Duke will be handing over to someone as inexperienced as Angelo. This instantly begs the question why is he not leaving Escalus in charge? One opinion, which I support, is that the Duke is a Machiavellian Character who is hoping that Angelo fails so that when he returns the people will love him. Due to this manipulative attitude he cannot select Escalus as he may believe that Escalus may actually do a better job than him, something he cannot risk. This concept of deceit and manipulation is backed up by the fact that throughout the initial speech by the Duke he seems to actively aim to make Escalus feel of less value than he is worth. An example of this is â€Å"But that, to your sufficiency, as your worth is able†[2]. The use of words such as â€Å"sufficiency† appear to be designed to make Escalus feel like he is only just good enough and nothing more than that. That way the Duke does not disenchant him completely with the world of politics but instead keeps him in his place. This theory is backed up once more by Escalus’s response to the dukes rhetorical questioning in which he says â€Å"If any in Vienna be of worth [†¦] It is Lord Angelo†[3]. This line, I believe, would be read in an almost sarcastic way as if he is mocking Angelo and the Duke. Once Angelo arrives; the Dukes tone, while no less powerful and demanding, becomes more focussed on flattering Angelo than it does demoralising Escalus. The Dukes attempts at flattery such as, â€Å"Thyself and thy belongings are not thine own so proper as to waste†[4], promote the idea that the Duke really wants Angelo to take the position; perhaps he fears that if Angelo won’t then he will have to promote Escalus to the position instead. This section of the scene also introduces the idea and theme of Actions versus Words. This is primarily shown when Angelo says â€Å"Let there be some more test made of my metal†[5] implying that, while he is simply employing fake modesty, he is saying he should be tested further before he is given this position. The way the Duke says â€Å"We have with leavened and preparà ¨d choice proceeded to you†[6], I believe, is his way of saying we have talked enough on the matter brings the play back to Actions versus Words. Some people are of the opinion that the Duke is simply a bad leader who is fleeing when times turn bad. â€Å"Our haste from hence is of so quick condition that it [†¦] leaves unquestioned matters of needful value†[7] is one such occasion where this point is made as the Duke is leaving them and it appears he has not even come up with a valid reason to tell even his closet advisors and Lords. I believe that, while one cannot escape the fact that he is displaying all the qualities of a terrible ruler, this is not the primary reason for him leaving. On balance I believe that the Duke’s departure in this scene is due to the manipulative nature of his character and is driven by his desire to be loved by the people. The Duke does however claim that he does â€Å"not like to stage [himself] to their eyes†[8] but I believe this to be simple lies told by him to make himself look better and more modest in front of the other Lords, more people who he wants to love him. I believe this theory encompasses other plausible theories such as the idea that he is simply a bad leader and the theory that suggests he fears the people do not need a Duke anymore as through this theory the people would think him a great leader and they would realise that they did need a Duke. Due to this I believe it is the best theory to explain the Duke’s sudden departure.

Using the five key concepts, compare and contrast Erin Brockovich with The Insider Essays

Using the five key concepts, compare and contrast Erin Brockovich with The Insider Essays Using the five key concepts, compare and contrast Erin Brockovich with The Insider Essay Using the five key concepts, compare and contrast Erin Brockovich with The Insider Essay Essay Topic: Film Audience: Both texts are of a socialist realist genre. They both tell the tale of working class people attempting to blow the whistle on a much larger corporation which is intentionally poisoning or polluting a commodity which consumers are obliviously utilizing. In the case of Erin, its the water supply which is being contaminated with a carcinogenic known as chromium-6. It is found later that it causes miscarriage, growth disorders and spinal problems in many of the people of Hinckley. The Insider tells the story of a middle-aged family-man who is made redundant for no apparent or plausible reason before being persuaded to go on a show watched by millions, 60 Minutes to expose his employers as lacing cigarettes and making them even more hazardous to health. Both films portray the little mans struggle. They tell the David versus Goliath story with which the audience can empathise because they are on their level. The demographic majority of movie-goers would feel compassion for the protagonists because they face the great exertion that is daily life for say, a single-parent mother struggling to cope with her three children and lack of career; or the middle aged, stressed out ex-corporate employee with a family to support and a house to keep. Values Ideology: Since both films are attempting to capture a real life feeling, the language is colloquial, and often littered with swear words. However, behind their language lies the narrative the two respective directors wanted us to see: a person coping with immense stress. Crowes portrayal of a man under stress is exquisite, from the tone of the voice to the way he sits; he raises the intensity of the film to an almost unbearable level. Considering the difference between his character in Gladiator, Crowe does excellently in adjusting to the unheroic but determined family man he plays in Wigand. Julia Roberts sets out with nothing to lose, but ultimately gains everything she could ask for (including a six-month relationship with a man who adores her children). Its inspiring to watch, and gives the audience something to take away from the experience. Representation: Both directors use certain conventions to escalate the idea that we are watching true stories. From the way Erin smokes her cigarette after her failed interview, to the tense posture of Wigand in the hotel room as Bergman uncontrollably screams down the phone as he fears for his subjects sanity and perhaps his life. Contrasts are made throughout Erin which are used to prove the necessity of PG Es water monopoly to the people of Hinckley the scenery is barren, desolate. From the parched terrain of Hinckley to the courtroom saturated in red tape the respective corporations in each film are represented as overpowering, manipulative and even corrupt. Representation: The sheer financial power of PG E is shown in Erin Brockovich when they are quoted as being a $30 billion corporation, but their manipulative yet inconsiderate representative offers $250000 as a settlement which Erin comically discards. Institutions: Both films provide whats expected of characters with immense responsibilities whilst coping with enormous stress. Despite her professed aversion for lawyers (I hate lawyers! ), she incarnates many of the skills a lawyer needs to make a case go. As Erin tells us in the beginning of the film, she is good with people: a lawyerly skill just as important as legal research. Her ability to relate to the clients pain sets up the dynamic which allows the lawsuit against the giant utility to get off the ground. At the beginning of The Insider, Wigand becomes a rock under the pressure, and copes rather well before the corporate giants he faces at his dismissal. He is a family man, worrying about health benefits being lost after his redundancy because his daughter suffers from asthma. One of my favourite scenes in the film is when he comforts her: So whats whats happening to you now is cells called mast cells told your lungs dont breathe any more of that dust in. and the airways in your lungs are like branches. And when the branches close up, you get an asthmatic attack. And, we give you medicine, and you get better. Huh? Okay? Youre better already, arent you? By portraying both characters as loving and compassionate in their homes, yet determined, unwavering individuals against the outside world, the directors provided a perfect model for the real-life stories involved. Language: The scripts used for each protagonist involves a lot of swearing, which in my opinion is justified because it portrays the torment and anxiety they are facing. Erin is brash, upfront and is reluctant to authority. Wigand on the other hand is rather submissive to his past employers, but soon comes out of his shell when faced with the crisis affecting his family. The forceful speech in each text creates a sense of urgency and pressure, yet whilst in the home they are caring and benevolent, providing further contrasts to their character.

Research Paper Introduction about Smoking

Research Paper Introduction about Smoking Research Paper Introduction about Smoking Smoking tobacco has become a usual thing in our culture nowadays. A person with a cigarette is a usual thing: we can see them on the street, actors smoke in films, there are also book characters who smoke, we have relatives or friends who smoke. Starting as mainly as a part of a religious ritual a long time ago, it has become a routine thing for us. This research paper is aimed at answering the following questions: How has the practice of smoking changed throughout all its history? How smoking influences smokers health as well as passive smokers? Why do people smoke? Physiological and psychological perspectives. What are the ways of giving up smoking? Is it right to ban smoking? In what places should smoking be banned? First of all, we will look at the process of smoking tobacco from a historical perspective. It will be important to know how has the number of smokers changed throughout the centuries, and what historical processes affected it. On the other hand, we are also interested in geographical distribution of smokers and what factors all these numbers depend on. Special attention will be paid to Europe and the USA. The next issue we would like to dwell upon in the research paper is how smoking affects our health. This will be viewed from the perspective of a smoker, as well as from the perspective of passive smokers who are also influenced by smoking. It is important to find out what the most widespread diseases among smokers are and what the percentage of deaths from smoking is each year. This statistical data is important both for modern medicine to tackle those problems and for smokers themselves to be aware of what consequences smoking can lead to. It is important for us to find out the ways of helping people give up smoking. Having researched all the physical and mental factors of this addiction, it will be much easier to know how to deal with people who find it difficult to give up smoking. Another thing that is important to know to help people give up smoking is to find the right approach to them and to inform them about how their health will improve after they give up this habit. Another issue is smoking from the perspective of law. We have to analyze laws in various countries and see how smoking is banned in public places and whether people find such bans a positive action. On the other hand, it would be necessary also to consider further actions which have to be taken on smoking in public places and ways of tackling such a problem. We also have to include smokers point of view on this question in order to find a way out that would be acceptable for both sides. How to Write a Research Paper Introduction on a Social Problem: Writing a research paper introduction on such a topic you should approach the issue from a non-standard point of view, considering that social problems are discussed rather often. You can check out different forums and problem oriented websites to see what people have to say about it. That can help to develop a better thesis statement, since you may be able to view the issue from a different angle. Make sure that there are no specific requirements to writing an introduction made by your instructor. The introduction usually consists of two parts and before the thesis statement you should introduce the general topic. You should make sure it doesnt have to include anything else. At you can buy a research paper written from scratch by highly qualified academic writers. You will get a 100% original customized paper on Smoking topics.

Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 36

Strategic Management - Essay Example In this regard, the SWOT analysis combines two important factors that are external (Strengths and Weaknesses) and two that are external (Opportunities and Threats). One of the strengths for apple is its technological innovation. Apple has been able to create its position in the industry as the leader in innovation. As a result, most of the customers who are interested in technological products look at the firm as their first choice when it comes to these products. As Ahuja (2010), while using the SWOT analysis, the important thing to consider is to look at the strengths of a business. This is used to look at the organizational environment from within the organization and identify what works out for the business. These are the things that a business can use in its survival in the market. A business will determine its strengths with regard to how it stacks against its competitors in the market. For apple, they know that their strong brand is one of the strengths they can rely on. The other important strength for apple is its ability to streamline production and reduce cost, thus transferring the cost advantage tot eh customers. Apple’s main weakness can only be identifies by comparing it with its main competitor. When compared to Samsung for instance, Samsung has advantage in that it is located in a low cost economy where production can happen at less costs. Although Apple can still access these low cost environment by outsourcing, they still have a disadvantage. As has been identified, all businesses will have some disadvantage as well as advantages. Identifying the weaknesses (disadvantages) of the business is actually important in that it helps the managers to know what they weakest points are and so deal with them. The theory behind identifying the weaknesses of the business is that when a problem is well defined, it is already half solved. Identifying the strengths without identifying the weaknesses of the business can be futile. In this regard,

Management Concepts - Case Study - Motivation Essay

Management Concepts - Case Study - Motivation - Essay Example Mill operators at Sandstorm believe that they do not have enough power in their hands to change anything in the organization. They believe that they can improve the products and the services of the company but their suggestions are continually ignored by the employees working in the labs. This combined with the ever increasing demands of the customers has been leading to frustration amongst the mill operators. This frustration is the root cause why mill operators are looking to quit the company. At the same time, the attitude of the lab employees of not incorporating suggestions from the mill operators is resulting in the loss of quality conscious customers. This in turn is affecting the cash flows of the company. Hence this problem needs to be addressed. N.R.F Maier (1955) defined job performance of an employee as the product of his ability and motivation. While the ability of the employee can be gauged by the academic history and the experience; motivation for a job is dependent on various factors both internal and external to the workplace. In order to be a successful business enterprise, it is necessary that a company management makes sure that the internal factors motivate employees to do their best. In order to motivate its employees, the company needs to understand the hierarchy of need (psychological, safety, social, esteem or self-actualization) (Maslow, 1943) at which the employees are working In order to improve the motivation levels of the mill operators it is necessary that they shall be encouraged to come up with new ideas of improving formulas on the basis of customer feedback. At the same time, a process shall be made in place to ensure that the formula suggested by the mill operators is tested by the employees at the laboratory. If a particular formula is found out to be good by lab tests and is accepted by the quality conscious customers, the mill operator shall be rewarded suitably. This will enable the fulfillment of the

Part 1- To what extent can laws adequately combat terrorism Part 2- Essay

Part 1- To what extent can laws adequately combat terrorism Part 2- With refernce to the case of A(FC) V The Secretary of state for the Home Department [2004] - Essay Example s: â€Å"the following offences†¦ which are intentionally committed by an individual or a group against one or more countries, their institutions or people with the aim of intimidating them and seriously altering or destroying the political, economic or social structures of those countries will be punishable as terrorist offences." http://www.una-uk.org/archive/terrorism/terrorismhr.html Terrorism is perhaps the greatest danger mankind is facing today and it has become an enemy of human rights. Refugees and asylum seekers somehow seem to be seething under a sense of ill use and some of the countries to which they belong are now considered to be the breeding grounds of terrorismi. Public protection, national security and individual rights are clashing in Acts made for facing terrorism. This might even result in detention or deportation of people who are rather remotely connected with terrorism, or their refugee status could be revoked on suspicion. But war against terrorism has attained an expansive nature and encompassed the entire universe. David Blunkett, previous Home Secretary of UK, with good reasons, wanted the anti terror measures to be linked with combating illegal immigration, traffickers and granting of asylum. Most of the Western Governments and some of the Eastern nations like India, Nepal, and Srilanka are preoccupied with tackling terrorist activities. Adequately combating terrorism is not perhaps a proper phrase to be used. Terrorism and terrorist activities can never be eradicated fully, whatever could be the laws or however strict could be the security arrangements. A clever criminal can always find a loophole or two in the strong fabricii. In United Kingdom, there are many laws in place that should be able to effectively discourage terrorism. EU laws too cover UK laws and these laws over impose each other, and they should be able to create sufficient barrier against terrorism. But as we can see from recent events like London bombings, even though

The Arguments For Compulsory Voting Politics Essay

The Arguments For Compulsory Voting Politics Essay Using the definition of democracy as tied to the concepts of liberty, equality, legitimacy, and active citizenship, this paper analyzes whether or not compulsory voting is consistent with the fundamental principles of democracy. The argument for liberty would suggest that compulsory voting is principally undemocratic because the freedom of choice must necessarily include the freedom not to choose (Lever 2009, 3). Because democracy highly values individual freedom, as de Tocqueville suggests, the act of forcing individuals to vote with corresponding sanction for non-compliance is clearly a violation of liberty. While the libertarian argument does not discount the benefits of compulsory voting per se, such as higher turnout rates (Lijphart, 1997, 10), these perceived advantages cannot justify government encroachment on individual liberties. A government that values democracy values individual freedom and cannot compel its citizens to vote when it is not in the latters best interest to do so. The concept of voluntariness and the emphasis on individual freedom is a staple of American democracy (de Tocqueville 2003). Because voting is a political right, it must be left to the individual to choose to exercise or n ot to exercise. It eventually boils down to providing that option for the individual to voluntarily choose, free from government interference. From the standpoint of civil liberties, the right not to vote is a form of speech that is protected under the First Amendment (Matsler 2003, 960). This has an accompanying right not to speak as well. Remaining silent when doing so is for your best interest is a statement by itself. Likewise, the choice not to vote is a form of political statement that is enshrined under the First Amendment and needs protection. Forcing an individual to vote would be likened to the state violating that individuals right to the First Amendment. Because the government is compelling the individual to be subject to an array of choices they face at the polling station, the government may be silencing the more informative political statement they intend to make by staying away from the polls and choosing not to participate (Evler 2009, 32). Compulsory voting then, not only violates a major civil liberty (the right to free speech and freedom of expression), the state also endangers its own representativeness because it fails to respect the rights of electors to choose not to participate. From the philosophical standpoint, the issue of whether or not voting should be compelled among individuals is contrary to the aims of liberty, which according to Mill (1999, 34) prioritizes self-interest first, and self-government, second. Political participation goes hand in hand with these principles. The first relates to the power of the individual in a democratic society to unseat bad leaders. The second relates to the power of the individual to use his or her capacities toward collective responsibilities and upholding the public good. These interests all point to the citizen as having a moral duty to go out and participate in the electoral exercise. Nonetheless, moral and ethical considerations also necessitate the view that respecting the decision to abstain from electoral exercise is in keeping with democratic rights. Drawing from Mill, individuals in a democratic society have the right to protect themselves from all things that demean, neglect, and intrude upon them. Because people cannot completely look after themselves, liberty entails the freedom of individuals to pursue self-protection in a democracy. They are also entitled to choose the extent of their political participation in forming, joining and leaving political parties, expressing their opinions on political issues, voicing out their sentiments against policies that are detrimental to their interest, and refusing to disclose their political identities or political beliefs. Democratic rights are founded upon the respect for peoples capacity to make reasoned judgment. This goes against forcing people to exercise their rights or maximize their opportunities and liberties as citizens. We cannot generalize that people who do not exercise the right to vote are as the accusation goes, lazy, apathetic, or disinterested; rather informed judgmen ts of people would make them conclude that voting will not lead to the pursuit of their self-interests. Intelligent people can argue that by not voting, they are pursuing their own self-interest by making a statement that none of the candidates deserve to be in elective position. Because persons are rational and work toward their individual self-interest, compulsory voting cannot be justified because if voting is in their self-interest, there would be no need to force them to go out and vote. They would decide that voting would be good for them and they would cast their ballot of their own volition. Compulsory voting does not necessarily uphold fairness or equality. The case for compulsory voting is also argued on the issue of fairness and equality. Like Platos disdain for apathetic citizens, proponents of compulsory voting stress that because all benefit from being citizens of a democratic society, every citizen has an obligation to participate in the electoral process. By equality, is meant that no one should become a free rider in a democracy free riders meaning those that benefit off society without participating in elections. Supporters of compulsory voting suggest that it is a moral and political duty to vote and that in the interest of fairness, all should vote because all experience the consequences of electoral outcomes. Other strong arguments for compulsory voting include the fact, that voting on election day is much easier than other positive obligations of citizens such as paying taxes, doing jury duty, or performing military service. However, this argument must paint two groups. On the one hand, there are voters who are selflessly giving their time and effort to cast their ballot and contribute to the public good while on the other hand, there are non-voters who are selfishly abandoning their political duties but directly benefit from societys benefits as the first group that cast their ballots. The point that Mill makes is that in a democracy, everyone, whether consciously or unconsciously, is acting in what they judge to be their own self-interest. Voters go out and vote because it is in their self-interest to vote for their preferred candidates and see them in office. Non-voters cannot be generalized to be selfish; it can only be fairly assumed that abstaining from the electoral process is judged by them to be in their best interest. Democratic principles value the individuals rational judgment and capacity to make choices; hence, forcing a person to contradict his or her own rational choice is undemocratic. The problem with asserting that it is unfair that citizens vote while others do not is that dilutes the dynamism in a democracy. Compulsory voting also does not guarantee equality in terms of encouraging equal participation from various gender or educational groups. While this is asserted by proponents of compulsory voting, there is no empirical evidence to back this up. Studies however suggest that while compulsory voting has been observed to stimulate high voter turnout in some countries, it has not been observed to promote equal participation in those countries. A study (Quintelier, Hooghe, and Marien 2008) indicates that specific categories of potential voters refrain from voting, leading to the electoral dominance of more privileged groups within the population. The authors studied 36 countries that participated in the 2004 International Social Survey Programme. They found that while compulsory voting is associated with higher turnout rates, it has not led to a significant growth in electoral participation among gender or educational groups. 3. Compulsory voting cannot guarantee political legitimacy. Perhaps the strongest argument for implementing compulsory voting in countries is that higher voter turnouts strengthen the political legitimacy of a government. Non-voting is seen to override legitimacy and make electoral outcomes vulnerable to coups or resistance. When you probe deeper into this argument, non-voting can be construed not as apathy but as contentment with all the running candidates so that whoever wins the electoral contest, is worthy of the non-voters support. When citizens do not vote, this does not necessarily mean that they view any political outcome as illegitimate. Still, supporters of compulsory voting are weary of low voter turnout because it undermines representativeness and political legitimacy. Lijphart said that A political system with the universal right to vote but with only a tiny fraction of citizens exercising this right should be regarded as a democracy in merely a hollow sense of the term (1997, 11).   Proper democratic representation is strongly associated with the notion of free elections. By proper is usually meant that the outcome of the electoral contest was based on the sentiments of a majority of the population. Those that support this argument automatically assume that just because the elections were participated by majority of the population, that governments can assume perpetual legitimacy. This is a misled notion. Legitimacy is conferred not only through elections, but by the subsequent acts, policies, and decisions made by the governments leaders that pursue the general welfare of its population. Essentially, the vote s cast in an election are only a first step toward a governments claim to legitimacy. The more substantial claim is to be derived from the manner in which it leads and represents the collective interests of its citizens. If legitimacy means that government was voted by a majority, then not all legitimate governments are democratic and not all democracies are legitimate. There are governments considered to be legitimate but have passed undemocratic policies, engaged in rampant corruption, or were simply incompetent. Democratic politics is not simply a numbers game. The more substantive view of democratic politics is that it is competitive and cooperative at the same time. Judging political legitimacy based on voter turnout makes a poor analogy. Moreover, on the claims of representativeness, data show that compulsory voting is not a policy to be universalized. Figures from IDEA Show that while there are some countries that have shown impressive turnouts as a result of compulsory voting, the overall picture of voter turnout debunks the claim that countries enforcing compulsion have the highest voter turnouts. Since 1945, besides Italy, only 4 countries with compulsory voting made it to the top 50 countries arranged in terms of voter turnout: Belgium (84.9 per cent), Netherlands (84.8), Australia (84.4) and Greece (80.3). Forty five out of the 50 countries demonstrating a high voter turnout used voluntary voting. Other countries with compulsory voting have the lowest voter turnout in the world such as Egypt which only has a 24.6 percent voter turnout, the second lowest in the world (IDEA 2010). Compulsory voting cannot be equated to active citizenship. Equating a high voter turnout to active citizenship is too simplistic. The Australian experience indicated that while voter turnout was high, the incidence of invalid ballots also increased (Australian Electoral Commission 2006, 4). The phenomenon of donkey voting is a natural consequences of compelling citizens to vote against their own volition. Compulsory voting formalizes the participation of underinformed or uninformed voters who participate in a politically significant process. Opponents of compulsory voting suggest that having uninformed voters cast their ballots is worse than having informed citizens abstain from the vote. The more substantive definition of citizenship is how much informed citizens are about their society and the ways they contribute into the democratic process. Their contribution should not be measured exclusively on voting alone. For instance, in the U.S., where voter turnout is relatively lower than in Australia, the strength of public opinion in the U.S. is higher and laws have been modified, passed, or rejected in deference to public opinion (Mastrel 2003, 960). It could be safe to say that political outcomes are worse if the citizenry is uninformed than if the citizenry does not wish to vote (Evler, 2009, 32). Conclusion There is no question that the electoral process is an important part of democratic society. There is also no question that voting is a moral duty of every citizen in a democracy. The question is whether or not a person can be compelled to vote against his own judgment in the interest of democracy. The discussion revealed the many advantages of compulsory voting as experienced in countries like Australia, Belgium, and Italy and how this has contributed to higher voter turnouts. Nonetheless, the reading of democracy must not be reduced to the level of electoral participation alone. Voting, however important it may be is only one form of political participation, and as experience shows, not a very conclusive one. Elected governments have been toppled down, leaders have been removed, or refused reelection despite claims to legitimacy because of democratic elections. Electoral participation is valuable because it enables citizens to choose from among candidates who are considered the best to lead the country. Democratic societies respect individual freedom, including the freedom not to vote. Voting is a rational choice that a citizen decides to exercise when it is in his or her best interest to do so. Compelling him or her to exercise such is undemocratic. The higher turnout rates in countries with compulsory voting may not be necessarily good. Experience has shown that countries with compulsory voting also have high invalid or protest votes. Democracy cannot be enhanced when citizens go out and vote just because they have to and in order to avoid sanctions. Only when citizens freely decide to participate in the electoral process can their votes be authentic and truly reflective of their preference. Democratic government is a complex system that values not only electoral participation but providing avenues for people to express their choice, equality, freedom, and reasoned judgment.

Politics and its affect on the olympics :: essays research papers

Politics is the art or science of government or governing, especially the governing of a political entity, such as a nation, and the administration and control of its internal and external affairs. The Olympic Games is an event held every 4 years, which includes a variety of sport activities in which different countries compete against one another. â€Å"Sport is frequently a tool of diplomacy. By sending delegations of athletes abroad, states can establish a first basis for diplomatic relations or can more effectively maintain such relations† (Espy 3). One might think that politics and the Olympics have nothing to do with each other, but in fact they do have a lot in common. How did politics affect the Olympic Games in 1936, 1968 and 1972?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1934, the death of President Hindenburg of Germany removed the last remaining obstacle for Adolf Hitler to assume power. Soon thereafter, he declared himself President and Fuehrer, which means â€Å"supreme leader†. That was just the beginning of what would almost 12 years of Jewish persecution in Germany, mainly because of Hitler’s hatred towards the Jews. It is difficult to doubt that Hitler genuinely feared and hated Jews. His whole existence was driven by an obsessive loathing of them (Hart-Davis 14). In 1935, the U.S. decided to attend the ‘36 Berlin games, even though the United States knew how Hitler was persecuting the Jews. By July 1933, at least 27,000 people had been placed in what Hitler liked to call â€Å"detention camps† (Hart-Davis 16). In early 1932 at an IOC meeting in Barcelona, the committee decided to grant Germany the right to the 1936 Olympic Games, which allowed Germany to restore their athletic reputation that they lost because of the outbreak of World War I. All over the world, there was an outcry to boycott or at least change the location of the ‘36 Olympics. The IOC’s first response was that they had granted Germany the Olympic site before the Nazis’ came to power. All over Germany before the Olympic Games were signs that read Juden Unerwunscht, or â€Å"Jews not wanted.† â€Å"The racial discrimination- so obvious and deliberate- was more than some foreign sports organizations could stomach. Apart from being offensi ve to normal human beings, the Nazi attitude was also diametrically opposed to the principle of free competition on which the Olympics were supposed to based† (Hart Davis 62). More than anywhere else, action against what was happening in Germany mounted more quickly in the United States, especially in New York, where there were almost 2 million Jews living (Hart Davis 62).

Customer behaviour Essay

What is Electronic Commerce? Commerce – The exchange of commodities, buying and selling, of products and services requiring transportation, from location to location is known as commerce. E-Commerce – From a communications perspective, e-commerce is the delivery of information, products/services or payments via telephone lines, Fax, computer networks or any other means. What is Electronic Commerce? From an online perspective, e-commerce provides the capability of buying and selling products and information on the internet and other online services. It refers to a wide range of online business activities for products and services. Any form of business transaction in which the parties interact electronically rather than by physical exchanges or direct physical contact. Difference between E-Commerce & E-Business Electronic commerce or â€Å"e-Commerce† E-commerce covers online processes that touch customers, suppliers and external partners, including sales, marketing, order taking, delivery, customer service, purchasing of raw materials and supplies for production. More sophisticated system such as flight and hotel reservation system. e-Commerce breaks into two components: Online Shopping – the scope of information and activities that provides the customer with the information they need to conduct business with you and make an informed buying decision. Online Purchasing – the technology infrastructure for the exchange of data and the purchase of a product over the Internet. Online purchasing is a metaphor used in business-to-business e-Commerce for providing customers with an online method of placing an order, submitting a purchase order, or requesting a quotation. E-Business is a super-set of E-Commerce. E-business includes e-commerce but also covers internal processes such as production, inventory management, product development, risk management, finance, and human resources. E-business includes electronic mechanism to distribute information not directly related to buying and selling of goods. Examples: Product specifications, customer testimonials, and product reviews. Purchasing activities on your site, e.g., order forms, shopping carts, and credit card processing. Customers can’t interact directly with the firm. (territory barrier) History of EC The term e-commerce was originally conceived to describe the process of conducting business transactions electronically using technology from the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). These technologies, which first appeared in the late 1970’s, allowed for the exchange of information and the execution of electronic transactions between businesses, typically in the form of electronic purchase orders and invoices. EDI and EFT were the enabling technologies that laid the groundwork for what we now know as e-commerce. The Boston Computer Exchange, a marketplace for used computer equipment started in 1982, was one of the first known examples of e-commerce. Throughout the 1980’s, the proliferation of credit cards, ATM machines and telephone banking was the next step in the evolution of electronic commerce. The birth of companies such as eBay and Amazon (launched in 1994) really began to lead the way in e-commerce. Both eBay and Amazon were among the first to establish prominent e-commerce brands. The most prominent e-commerce categories today are computers, books, office supplies, music, and a variety of electronics. Dell.com,1997 Types of Ecommerce B2B( Business to Business E-commerce) or Inter-Organizational E-commerce B2C(  Business to Consumer E-commerce) C2B( Consumer to Business E-commerce) C2C( Consumer to Consumer E-commerce) or Ecommerce Involving Intermediaries Intra-organizational E-commerce  m-commerce(Mobile E-commerce) Business to Government E-Commerce B2B (Business-to-Business) or inter-organizational Ecommerce Companies doing business with each other such as manufacturers selling to distributors and wholesalers selling to retailers. Pricing is based on quantity of order and is often negotiable. B2B is used to improve business relationship among orgz. (invoices, cheques, purchase orders, financial reports) are in electronic for. For Example: Logistic companies Benefits: Supplier Management (reduce no. of suppliers, processing coast, and cycle time) Inventory Management (list of items/product, eliminate out of stock items) Distribution Management (list of ship’s cargo, purchase orders etc) Channel Management (reduce labour, time saving) Payment Management (electronic payment reduce clerical errors, lower transaction fee and coast) B2C Business to Consumer In B2C seller is a business organization buyer is consumer. In this case costumer directly interacts with company, i.e. books and cd’s buy online and internet used as a medium for transaction. Newspapers reading and weather forecasting are used as a B2C E-commerce. This type of e-commerce improve the flow of information between firm and customers. Examples are ebay.com, and amazon.com. C2B Consumer to Business A consumer posts his project with a set budget online and within hours companies review the consumer’s requirements and bid on the project. The consumer reviews the bids and selects the company that will complete the  project. Elance empowers consumers around the world by providing the meeting ground and platform for such transactions. Freelancing C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer) or E-commerce Involving Intermediaries In this type both seller and buyers are consumers. There are many sites offering free classifieds, auctions and forums where individuals can buy and sell. PayPal where people can send and receive money online with ease. Olx.com auction service is a great example of where person-to-person transactions take place everyday. Intra-organizational E-C The purpose of Intra-organizational applications is to help a company maintain the relationships that are critical to delivering superior customer value by paying close attention to various functions in the organization. Benefits: Workgroup communications Electronic Publishing Sales force Productivity Business to Government E-C A platform for businesses to bid on government opportunities. It refers to the use of the Internet for public procurement, licensing procedures, and other government-related operations. It reduces the risk of irregularities. Income Tax Department, Excise and Taxation Department M-Commerce Mobile commerce is the buying and selling of goods and services through wireless technology – i.e., cellular telephones and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Including mobile banking (when customers use their handheld devices to access their accounts and pay their bills). Bill payment and account reviews can all be conducted from the same handheld device. Delivery of entertainment, financial news, sports figures and traffic updates to a single mobile device. Advantages of e-commerce for businesses? Reduction of costs in the business E-commerce serves as an â€Å"equalizer†. It enables start-up and small- and medium-sized enterprises to reach the global market. E-commerce makes â€Å"mass customization† possible. E-commerce applications in this area include easy-to-use ordering systems that allow customers to choose and order products according to their personal and unique specifications. E-commerce allows â€Å"network production.† This refers to the parcelling out of the production process to contractors who are geographically dispersed but who are connected to each other via computer networks. What forces are fuelling e-commerce? There are at least three major forces fuelling e-commerce: Economic forces. One of the most evident benefits of e-commerce is economic efficiency resulting from the reduction in communications costs, – low-cost technological infrastructure. – speedier and more economic electronic transactions with suppliers. – lower global information sharing and advertising costs. Market forces. Corporations are encouraged to use e-commerce in marketing and promotion to capture international markets, both big and small. The Internet is likewise used as a medium for enhanced customer service and support. Technology forces. The development of ICT is a key factor in the growth of ecommerce. What are the components of a successful e-commerce transaction loop? To maximize the benefits of e-commerce, a number of technical as well as enabling issues have to be considered. A typical e-commerce transaction loop involves the following major players and corresponding requisites: 1. The Seller should have the following components: A corporate Web site with e-commerce capabilities (e.g., a secure transaction server); A corporate intranet so that orders are processed in an efficient manner; and IT-literate employees to manage the information flows and maintain the e-commerce system. 2. Transaction partners include: Banking institutions that offer transaction clearing services (e.g., processing credit card payments and electronic fund transfers); National and international freight companies to enable the movement of physical goods within, around and out of the country. Authentication authority that serves as a trusted third party to ensure the integrity and security of transactions. 3. Consumers (in a business-to-consumer transaction) Form a critical mass of the population with access to the Internet and disposable income enabling widespread use of credit cards; and Possess a mindset for purchasing goods over the Internet rather than by physically inspecting items. 4. Firms/Businesses that together form a critical mass of companies (especially within supply chains) with Internet access and the capability to place and take orders over the Internet. 5. Government, to establish: A legal framework governing e-commerce transactions (including electronic documents, signatures, and the like); and Legal institutions that would enforce the legal framework (i.e., laws and regulations) and protect consumers and businesses from fraud, among others. 6. Internet, the successful use of which depends on the following: A robust and reliable Internet infrastructure; and A pricing structure that doesn’t penalize consumers for spending time on and buying goods over the Internet (e.g., a flat monthly charge for both ISP access and local phone calls).