Comparative negligence of a child Essay

So†¦what do you think about this defense? Do you think it’s viable? Are there other things to consider?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Unfortunately, it is a viable defense.   At least there are legal precedents and provisions for contributory negligence.   But i always that defense was mostly used in business to business contract disputes.   I thought it worked this way: if company A hires company B to do, say, a financial audit.   If company A doesn’t give B all of its records, and then sues them for giving the wrong audit position, then company contributed to the wrongdoing by NOT giving company B the records it needed. Also, considering that this is a 7 year old, the question becomes what 7 year old is beyond negligence.   As adults we have a higher responsibility than children.   I would say that only adults can truly be guilty of contributory negligence.   The main thing to consider is that the driver was drunk.   What could any 7 year old (or 17 or 70 year old) do to ward off a drunk driver.   If he lost control due to his drunkeness there was nothing that child could have done except stay in the house.   And that is unreasonable.   No jury should award in their favor or against the defendant. Pre-Judgment versus Post-Judgment Interest (Response Question) Make sense?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The interest makes sense.   What doesn’t make sense is that there is no precedent or clarification on how the interest is actually calculated.   That is where a good lawyer comes in.   He/she would have to specify how they want it done in the initial lawsuit.   I think that interest on awarded damages gives the recipient an opportunity to be compensated for the time it takes to complete the suit and transfer the money. After 4 years the interest really isn’t pocket money, it is just adjusting the award for inflation.   The other thing interest does is allow you to get more money than would normally be allowed in a particular type of lawsuit.   I think that courts should make uniform rules for the interest rate that can be awarded on specific cases, and set rules on how it will be calculated to prevent further bickering between the parties, and further appeals over the interest that has to be paid.

Environmental issues Essay

It was not yet realized by the public the seriousness of the environmental problems we face if not for the issue on global warming. Dozens of organizations, many of them with international memberships, are now working on everything from saving wildlife to developing new sources of energy. But pollution, energy consumption and economic growth are independent problems. Effective programs for dealing with one of them often aggravate the others. For example, devices that clean automobile exhaust and reduce air pollution also decreases fuel economy, thereby using up our limited reserves more rapidly. Similarly, banning the burning of household trash reduces air pollution but increases environmental pollution, as land, animals and scenery are sacrificed for strip mines and oil wells, and the wastes produced by the fuel are dumped into the environment. On the other hand, ignoring the need for more energy retards the economy, thereby increasing unemployment and possibly reducing food product ion. Nature is fighting back against the abuses we have inflicted upon it! Due to human carelessness that damaged the environment, many communities are now suffering from environmental crises. The air that you breathe contains gases such as oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide in certain amounts. But many people live in areas where the air contains pollutants that are harmful to their health. Air pollution is a common problem in congested and urban areas (The Washington Times 2006, p.26). Food, air and water needed for life’s processes which the environment provides unfortunately contain harmful substances called pollutants. The presence of air, water and soil in the environment is of waste materials or pollutants which the environment cannot handle, degrade, disperse or diffuse so that it becomes unclean and unhealthy is called pollution (Colla 2002, p.125). Â  There are four general types of pollution, namely: 1. Air Pollution – It is an undesirable change in the physical and chemical characteristics of air. Industrial plants, motor vehicles, indiscriminate throwing and burning of refuse everywhere make the air polluted. Cigarette smoking contributes to air pollution, most especially in enclosed places. Foul smell from waste and methane gas emitted through the combustion of refuse contributes to the problem of air pollution (Kemp1994, p.23). Prolonged exposure to air pollution may cause/aggravate respiratory and other diseases as well as irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. 2. Water Pollution – this results when water contains more harmful substances such as harmful bacteria and poisonous chemicals, than it can naturally get rid of. The dumping of domestic and industrial wastes into the rivers, canals, and other water bodies causes pollutants to be introduced into waterways. Frequent flooding which carry topsoil and sewage into the water supplies pollute the water, too. Sugar mills, distillers and mining firms without proper waste disposal systems are among the principal polluters of the nation’s waterways. Soap and water detergents produce enormous persistent layers of suds on the surface of receding waters. Substances such as harmful bacteria and poisonous chemicals are likely to cause gastro-intestinal diseases, cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery, infectious hepatitis, food poisoning and even death. Mercury in sea water is absorbed by tiny plants that provide food for small fish, which is eaten by a larger fish. When they are eaten by men, mercury is deposited in the kidneys and brain which may cause death when accumulated (Kemp 1994, p.23). 3. Land Pollution – This takes place when harmful substances are introduced into the soil making it unable to sustain plant life. Dumping areas are breeding places of disease carriers such as flies, rodents, mosquitoes and cockroaches. Uses of excessive amounts of fertilizer, pesticides and other toxic chemicals can destroy the ability of the soil to self-generate. They deplete the nutrients, harden the texture, and increase toxicity, making the soil less productive. Other causes of land pollution are atomic fallouts and mine tailings which poison agricultural lands. Toxic residues from the accumulation of chemicals in the land can cause cancer and other diseases (Kemp 1994, p.24). 4. Noise Pollution (Persistent noise) – This refers to the presence of too loud, too sudden or very unpleasant sound that becomes an assault to the body causing mental or physical harm. The roaring of motor vehicles, grating sound of jackhammer, squeaking of tires, screeching brakes, blaring television sets, radios and stereos and even loud shouting are some types of dangerous noises when one is continuously exposed to them. Noise pollution affects not only the ears but also directly or indirectly impairs the mind and the whole body. Directly, it can cause deafness; indirectly, it may lead to increased heart beat and high blood pressure that eventually cause cardiovascular disease (Kemp 1994, p.24). Most pollution is caused by man, pollutants will increase as population grows, and hence, minimizing the production of pollutants and managing its proper disposal must be the goal of every human being. But the air pollution must be given extra attention by the government, society and each individual to protect people from this environmental danger, not only for ourselves but for future generations. Air Pollution, Environmental Hazard There are five basic pollutants of air are carbon monoxide, sulfur oxide, hydrocarbons (organic compounds made up of hydrogen and carbon) and small particles that float in the air (Jordan 2005, p.12-20). Sources of Air Pollution 1. Automobile exhausts The poisonous carbon monoxide in the air comes from automobiles. Nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbons are also produced as by-products of engine combustion. The more vehicles there are on the road, the greater is the possibility of pollution. Unleaded gasoline and some anti-pollution automobile parts cut down the amount of pollutants in the air. But transportation vehicles are still a major cause of air pollution. 2. Industry Industries are responsible for the second largest amount of pollution in the air, next only to vehicles. Fuels that are used in some industries may give off large amounts of sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide and harmful particles of dust and ash. Sulfur oxide is made when fuels containing sulfur like coal are burned. Certain industrial processes may give off more of one pollutant than another. This depends on the kind of fuel used and the product that is being made. 3. Individuals People pollute the air in many ways. Each time a person smokes a cigar/cigarette, the air is being polluted when he burns trash, air pollution is increased. More pollution is added when he uses wood for cooking or to keep warm during the cold months or cool during the hot months. Effects of Air Pollution 1. Respiratory disorders If you have breathed polluted air, the eyes may water, the nose may run and a cough may develop. Serious illnesses are likely to happen to people long exposed to polluted air. Chronic bronchitis, emphysema and lung cancer are common in air polluted areas. Cigarette smoking is closely related to the development of long cancer. Heart diseases, especially heart attacks occur more in places where there is a high level of carbon monoxide in the air. 1. Accidents Vehicle accidents happen more often in places where air is polluted. These accidents may be caused by poor visibility in the polluted air. Or they may be caused by increased exposure to carbon monoxide. People with watery eyes, headaches and breathing problems often find it hard to drive in air polluted areas. 2. High economic cost The government may spend billions of pesos per year to control air pollution. However, little has been done by the government to control air pollution due to the struggling economy and the low economic growth. The United States spends around 4o billion dollars a year to control air pollution. The cost of air pollution is about 200 dollars per year for each person. Air pollution can also add to the rusting and corrosion of vehicles and machinery. Even farm crops may be harmed or stunted in growth by air pollution. There is a way out of this trap. In a word, it is sacrifice. The fact that there is no way both to clean up the environment and conserve natural resources without changing the life-style of people in the industrialized nations. The challenge is that of motivating people to make the necessary changes now, before a worldwide disaster forces much more difficult adjustments upon us. Preventing of Air Pollution Everyone needs to care more about the problem of air pollution. Car exhausts and air conditioning systems can be checked at regular times and kept in good working condition. Air conditioners, if not working properly, may give off harmful hydrocarbons. Vehicles should not be allowed to idle for more than a few minutes because idling lets carbon monoxide escape in the sir. Use of public transportation would also lower the number of vehicles on the road and in return would also lower air pollution. Strict laws on transportation and industry must be enforced. Instead of burning trash, it should be allowed to decompose in pits. The decomposed materials can be utilized as fertilizer for plants and at the same time minimizes smoke in the air. Stricter laws on cigarette smoking should also be enforced. The end result of this is lesser lung and heart ailments and cleaner atmosphere (Cline 1992, p.35-37). Political Action The real problem comes from the wealth the power of the opponents of environmental protection. On the local level, environmentalist face rich land developers who can make large campaign contributions to the politicians who decide what land may or may not be developed. At higher levels of government, environmentalists face even more powerful foes: multinational corporations that stand to make big profits from despoiling the environment. Included here are some of the most powerful corporations in the world, such as petroleum and mineral companies that want to sink wells and mines in fragile wilderness areas, the manufacturers that spew pollutants into the air and water, and the firms that sell products such as polluting automobiles and unsafe pesticides. Such corporations have spent hundreds of million dollars to persuade the government not to outlaw their destructive activities (Diehl, p.20-21). The environmentalists and the concerned public simply do not have that kind of money. If we are to preserve the natural environment for ourselves and the generations to come, two things must be done. First, a stronger educational campaign must be launched to make more people aware of environmental problems. Second, more ordinary citizens must join together and become involved in the political action necessary to strengthen anti-pollution laws, increase the enforcement effort, and protect our natural resources. Conserving Resources There is no doubt that our existing resources can be used far more efficiently. It is possible for a large-scale, multiple-stage recycling program to be introduced in imitation of natural ecosystems. To take a simple example, garbage could be used as fuel to run the mills to make recycled paper, the wastes from which could be burned as fuel. Similarly, it is possible that community water districts will some day become closed systems, meaning that the water would be used again and again, never being discharged into an ocean or river. Some factories already have such closed systems (Sarewitz 2000, p.55). It is possible to envision larger closed systems designed so that no industrial material would ever be discarded as either waste or pollution. Energy conservation can also stretch our natural resources. Insulating homes, driving smaller cars at slower speeds, riding trains and buses instead of driving cars, recycling the heat used in factories, and restricting the manufacture of energy-wasting gadgets are obvious ways of eliminating waste. The immediate task is not to develop technologies that are more energy sufficient; the challenge is to find ways or persuading people to use the conservation measures that are already available. Better Technology A growing number of scientists and concerned citizens are coming to see solar system as the best answer to the world’s energy problems. Solar power units use the endless supply of energy from the sun, are nonpolluting, and pose no threat of radiation or explosion. Other promising approaches use specially prepared ponds of water to trap solar energy or mirrors to concentrate it on a single location, where it can be used to generate electrical power (Tennesen 2004, p.85). Limiting Growth Technological solutions are attractive, but it is doubtful that they alone can resolve the environmental crisis. It is often argued that industrial growth is necessary to create new jobs for a growing population. The argument that economic growth is necessary to eliminate poverty and create a more egalitarian society is also misleading. Despite decades of rapid economic growth, the industrialized nations continue to show enormous inequalities of wealth and power (1991, p.12). Conclusion The environmental crisis does not mean everyone should return to hunting and gathering; the world’s current population is too large to even consider such an idea. Keeping a clean environment is the responsibility of the government, society and each individual. Today, air pollution must be given extra attention to protect people from this environmental danger. All of us must have aknowledge of this environmental menace. The young generations today, like us, crave for the total preservation of our natural resources, earnestly begging to put an end to wastage and preserve the natural wealth intended by our Mother Earth for the future. Yes, there is still gleaming hope to save our Mother Earth from total destruction. There is still a chance to regain the lost paradise we unscrupulously abused. We must do our part to make this world a safer place to live in, not just for ourselves and our neighbors but our future generations. The will to dynamic implementation to this urgent call lies in your strong and sustainable support, giving once more Mother Earth a chance to care for our lives now and in the future generations.

Has the Euro Been a Failure Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Has the Euro Been a Failure - Essay Example Conversely, those states that have bandwagon together in the hopes that joining the European Union will provide the prosperity that the fabricators have promised have found out that the benefits are oftentimes outweighed by the risks. For instance, in the beginning, phases of European Union integration, there was a subset of requirements that each of the member states must ensure that they ascribed to as a determining factor of being eligible to participate in and share the â€Å"benefits† of European Union membership. However, as time has progressed and the economic situation across the continent has substantially deteriorated, many of these determining factors have weighed heavily on some of the weakest member states. The article refers to these as â€Å"PIIGS† (Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece, and Spain). Although these economies are suffering from the pains of continental integration, their central banks, and economic institutions are beholden to upholding the demands that European Union membership has placed upon them. In this way, the needs of the nation are subjected to the demands of EU membership. The authors discuss the most prominent reason/factor which caused the European Union to integrate so hastily was the fact that European leaders, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, were in a rush to ensure that the torturous pains that Europe had experienced within the past 60 years would never again be repeated. Although the author states that this oversight was one that was born primarily out of a desire to ensure the peace and prosperity of the European block for future generations, this estimation is one that looks at the formation of the European integration through rose tinted glasses (Bergsten 18).

Popular Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Popular Culture - Essay Example The novel Twilight, with its central romance between a vampire and an ordinary teenage girl, also brings these emotions and feelings to the fore, as the lovers feel desperation, torture, the burn of forbidden love, as well as the pain of immortality and the loss of reason. Through it all, the vampires in vampire lore, and Edward in Twilight reflect societal consciousness, while assisting society in accepting that sometimes that which might seem evil is not really. Discussion The French Revolution was a period of despair, tortured beings, and forbidden loves. The desperation was felt by the peasants on the eve of the French Revolution, in 1789, as the peasants in the French countryside was increasingly subjected to undue taxation and social polarisation became a rising problem. At some point, the French peasants were faced with the choices of moving off their land or rebelling, due to a tax system that had lost all semblance of rhyme and reason.1 Meanwhile, they suffered a harvest def icit, and some farmers saw their livelihood wiped out during the harsh winters. The food deficit, the long winter, the social polarisation and increased taxation of the peasants led to an increase in vagrancy and vagabondage, as â€Å"desperate hordes besieged monastic storehouses.†2 Moreover, this sense of desperation was not limited to the peasants, as the laborers and managers also felt the financial pinch, â€Å"having to juggle their resources in order to make ends meet.†3 Meanwhile, the tortured beings were represented most effectively in the French Revolution by the prisoners in the Bastille, the storming of which was one of the cataclysms for the Revolution. Of these is the infamous â€Å"man in the iron mask,† who lived in the Bastille from 1698 to 1703. Also, there was the case of Denyse Regne, who â€Å"was spared nothing, from endless interrogations and torments of hunger to injuries inflicted by doctors to torturous treatment at the hands of a nun lodged with her and her enchainment in an underground dungeon.†4 The cells of the Bastille were places where toad, newts and rats and spiders resided with the unfortunate prisoner, and the prisoner lay on straw for their bed in six by eight foot cages.5 During the French Revolution, as during all times, there was also forbidden love. Such as example is Honore Gabriel Riqueti, comte de Mirabeau, who was a moderate French Revolutionary. He won the heart of a lady who was the consort of a colonel, which caused him to be imprisoned. Released from prison, he went to Corsica, where he engaged in yet another scandalous love affair.6 While this was one individual who engaged in forbidden love affairs during the time of the French Revolution, there undoubtedly were many more. Therefore, the French Revolution was a time of desperation, torture and forbidden love. The vampire is emblematic of all of these feelings, as well as being a symbol of destructive power and abstract horror, that invades our imaginations and sensibilities. As a symbol of desperation, however, the vampire perhaps has more in common with the desperate French nobility during the time of the French Revolution, such as the Princesse de Monaco, a noblewoman of the house of Choiseul-Stainville who died at the guillotine in 1794.7 This is because the vampire is often the

Poetry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 6

Poetry - Essay Example Comparatively, the changes may be drastic but the impact of his poems remain the same and it is for this reason that he remained an influential poet throughout his lifetime and beyond. â€Å"A Map of the City† is that characteristic early work of Gunn which encapsulates why he had become a prominent name in The Movement in the 1950s. The style, incorporating the obvious rhythm and rhyme in each line, makes it in that great British tradition of classic poetry. The first stanza, in all its four lines ends with the same syllable with much stress on the ‘e’ sound. This recurs throughout the poem together with other syllabic sounds that are used regularly throughout. Also, the poem was traditionally constructed as a quatrain with four lines in each of its five stanzas. Then, with â€Å"On The Move ‘Man, You Gotta Go.’† there has been a slight deviation from the traditional meter with the use of varying rhymes but certain sounds recur such as the ‘o’ and ‘e’ sounds. There is also still that inclination to adhere to traditional form as each of the five stanzas is composed of an octave. However, though the ‘e’ and ‘th’ sounds are also repeated in â€Å"In Time of Plague,† they do not appear to be placed consciously as Gunn moves toward the free verse approach. The stanzas do not have uniformity in terms of rhyme and meter as the first stanza has 13 lines, the second has 15, the third has four, and the last has six. This shows an unrestricted adoption of poetic verse where Gunn has transformed his poetry away from the identity of The Movement toward a nonconformist standpoint. It would be amiss to talk about or even understand how the poetry of Gunn has progressed without taking into consideration the major changes he had effected in his life. In his earlier years, Gunn had already established himself as a major poet alongside Larkin

Bridge of Madison County Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Bridge of Madison County - Essay Example The man in the pickup is Robert Kincaid, a photographer for National Geographic (Clint Eastwood), who has come to finish an article on the local bridges. He, however, is having some difficulty finding the Rosamunde Bridge. Francesca has problems describing how to get there so she goes along to show him. They seem to become friends quickly. Francesca, during the conversation invites Kincaid back to the farmhouse for dinner. Household meals are normally quiet and this one has lively conversation and interest. They seem to have a quick connection as they discuss their dreams. Francesco realizes though that she is attracted to this man and she has been very loyal to her husband is conflicted about the thoughts of betraying him. Francesca is in emotional turmoil as she falls in love with Kincaid but cannot betray her family or the man she is married to. While she is with Kincaid, she is a whole different person and of course as many people’s lives are sometimes changed by others, she cannot remain that way. Kincaid is also in love with Francesca and he tries to tell her that this kind of lover only comes along once in a lifetime and please do not throw it away. The favorite scene happens when Francesco has come to town with her husband. She goes out to get in the truck. As she sits there in the rain, a pickup truck pulls up. Kincaid is in the truck. He gets out, standing in the rain looking at Francesca and Francesca looking at him. She wants to go to him but doesn’t. When her husband comes out of the store, he gets in his truck. He pulls out and her husband pulls in behind him. He reaches in the glove compartment and pulls out her necklace and hangs it on the rearview mirror. She almost gets out of the truck to go with him but doesn’t. You are on the edge of the seat the whole time. You also know it is wrong for her to go but you want her to anyway. She doesn’t. In reality the movie tells the story of what happens when life

What will happen to traditional books and why Essay

What will happen to traditional books and why - Essay Example Contrarily, e-books can be saved in CDs and DVDs, and can be read on the internet. One does not have to carry them around all the time, if they are on the internet, and this makes them much more convenient than traditional books. â€Å"E-books are infinitely more portable than paper books when carried with you on a PDA† (Singh 247). I remember myself carrying loads of books in college, and I hated it. Catone (para.3) counter-argues that holding a book in hand can never be matched with viewing it through pixels on a screen. But, I believe that it is just a matter of habit, which can be changed. Traditional books also prove to be much more expensive than e-books, and so, not everyone is able to purchase them. Contrarily, digital forms are very cheap, since people can read them on the internet and their PCs. This makes e-books affordable. Publishers of e-books state that â€Å"they offer e-books to students and bookstores at prices lower than those of traditional textbooks† (Howle 44). I used to spend all my pocket money in buying fairy tales when I was young, the ones which young kids can read online today, in free. Breslin (2) counter-claims that since writers put a lot of effort in writing books, they must be paid fairly. But, I believe that the affordability of books by common people is more serious an issue than writer’s payments. Traditional books use a lot of paper resource, and thus, they do not play role in making the environment green. A lot of paper is used in compiling and publishing books. In contrast, e-books are much resourceful as they do not consume paper. â€Å"The useful functions of an e-book are the replacement of traditional paper, reducing tree cutting, and increasing environmental protection† (Hesselbach and Herrmann 67). I remember my favorite trees were cut down by a company, for paper manufacture. Mims (para.7) counter-argues that â€Å"after just 10 minutes of

THE ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF CHRISTIANITY Essay

THE ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF CHRISTIANITY - Essay Example According to Hauer and Young (1998), â€Å"On one point, devout Christians were obdurate in their resistance to Roman policy which encouraged the cult of the divine emperor. The cult of the emperor was more popular in the Roman provinces than in the Rome itself. It was also highly admired in the provinces than it was in the divine kingship of the eastern Mediterranean† (pp. 338). The Romans were initially threatened by Christianity because leaders who stood and believed in the status quo did not encourage any shift of power from one social group to another. In fact, a shift in power would amount to quite big problems. It all boiled down to money. Without enough people to make sacrifices at the temple cultus, people who worked in the temples and made money as moneychangers in the temples did not make money off to Christians, who refused to participate due to the new wave of thinking brought in by Christianity; Christians were viewed as overly exclusive and hence dangerous to the society in general and public order. Christians had no respect for other gods and they therefore refrained from public festivals that were meant to honor public deities. In fact, they never worshiped state gods and the imperial cult. They neither worshiped nor recognized the emperor as the leader of religion. This turned out to be unfortunate for the Romans, who wanted to stay powerful. Therefore, were treated with suspicion and regarded as stubborn and somewhat subversive to the State solidarity. Christianity and Graeco-Roman humanism share many common elements: For instance, they both focus upon fellowship and humane treatment of people and animals. However, Christianity is not as cultic as much as the Graeco-Roman humanistic religious perspective. Christianity is also much more religious in terms of being focused upon the deity of Jesus than the Graeco-Roman humanism was focused upon any particular deity, although several deities were

To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Example for Free

To Kill a Mockingbird Essay There are many destructive and brute forces that demonize and demolish our humanity, beat down our beliefs, and wreak havoc upon our morals. Among these are greed, ire, and ignorance. These are major situations in today’s society, but none is as powerful or as dangerous as racism. It’s a major issue in today’s society as well as the society in Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird. It was demonstrated in the novel by what befalls Tom and Helen Robinson and Bob Ewell. Racism has ruined the lives of countless men, women, and children by causing certain ethnicities to hide and cower in fear as the â€Å"superior ethnic group† inflicts misery upon them. It is an unnecessary evil that could never be solved because of society’s blindness to recognize it. By far the largest example of social inequality in the novel is the case of Tom Robinson. He is a black man falsely accused of violating Mayella Ewell. Tom is brought forth to trial upon a prejudiced, biased, and unjust white jury. He is being defended by Atticus Finch whom in the novel is the figure and backbone of social justice and morals. He takes on the case because he feels he would be hypocrite not to. To teach his kids, Jeremy and Jean Louise Finch, the importance of equality and for him not to value his own teachings is misguiding. â€Å"‘Nigger-lover is just one of those terms that dont mean anything like snot-nose. Its hard to explain ignorant, trashy people use it when they think somebodys favoring Negroes over and above themselves. Its slipped into usage with some people like ourselves, when they want a common, ugly term to label somebody. ’ ‘You arent really a nigger-lover, then, are you? I certainly am. I do my best to love everybody Im hard put, sometimes—baby, its never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name. It just shows you how poor that person is, it doesnt hurt you. ’ Atticus is aware of the man’s innocence and proves as much, but despite his best efforts the jury’s racist viewpoints cloud their morals and the trial is lost. â€Å"There’s something in our world that makes men lose their heads- they couldn’t be fair if they tried. In our courts, when it’s a white man’s word against a black man’s word, the white always wins. They’re ugly, but these are the facts of life. †(pg. 252) Tom being sentenced to death and even though that Atticus knows that the might have a chance at an appeal Tom refuses to acknowledge it. Tom believes that once again he will be judged because of the color of his skin rather than his innocence. He decided to break out from jail but in turn it was a failure. It resulted in him being shot a total of seventeen times. The only ones who were in woe or showed and remorse were the Finches along with Tom’s wife, Helen. I couldn’t in truth say that we had more than a good chance. I guess Tom was tired of taking the white men’s chances and preferred to take his own. † (pg. 237) Racism unfortunately can and will never go away. There will always be people in the world who feel they are superior just because of the color of their skin. At times they take their beliefs and allow it to cloud their logic and take brutal action to â€Å"prove how they are superior. In reality, we are all equal; no one is above another solely based on the color of their skin. Atticus saw this, and the world should too.

Costa Coffee Essay Example for Free

Costa Coffee Essay The remote environment comprises factors that originate beyond and usually irrespective and out of Costa Coffees control. Economic factors Since Costa Coffee is a multinational business, top-level managers must consider the economic situations on both the National (Egypt) and International levels. Currencies exchange rate (Forex) affects Costa Coffees final products prices as well as operation costs. Costa Coffee imports high quality coffee beans from rainforest farms where it pays for in local currency, and sells as coffee in another country with its local country. Hence, when the Egyptian Pound depreciates, the cost of beans relatively increases; therefore, causing a fall in profit margin and vice versa. If depreciation is too much, then Costa might increase its selling prices. Moreover, interest rate is vital for a business considering expansion as Costa Coffee. As interest rates increase, Costa Coffee’s ability and willingness to expand or open new branches decreases; due to the high cost of capital. Furthermore, the stock market plays a significant role in encouraging investors to invest in Costa Coffee due to the increasing profits and the good reputation. Finally, high economic growth rate of a country leads people to increase their consumption of Costa Coffees products; since they have more income. Social Factors Egyptians’ culture and lifestyle has dramatically changed in the last 10 years. People are more willing to go to cafes for lunch, dinner or simply a snack. Considering the Egyptian demographics of lifestyle and age groups, most of the Egyptian population falls in the youth age group. Hence, Costa Coffee plays music and offers an atmosphere that is convenient for all ages with special attention to youth. Costa Coffee respects the religion of each nation in which it operates. To clarify, Costa Coffee neither sells alcoholic drinks nor pork-containing food. In addition, Costa Coffees menu is written in both English and Arabic languages. English is the most widely spoken language, and Egypt is known as a touristic attraction. Plus, Egyptians like to come across a menu written in their own language for simplicity and showing cultural respect. Also, many people nowadays are concerned with their health; Costa Coffee is providing low-calorie food, a variety of fresh salads, sandwiches, and fresh fruit juice. Political Factors Governmental rules and regulations could affect the firms suppliers and the price of the raw materials. Imposed taxes or tariffs on the imported coffee beans add to raw materials cost. Rules regarding social insurance add to labor costs. Political instability and strikes do affect labor and consumers of Costa Coffee. Technological Factors Advanced machines affect the firms performance and efficiency through producing tasty coffee as quick as possible. High quality and speed of service affects customer satisfaction and loyalty. Costa Coffee uses highly advanced brewers and coffee makers for the best coffee cup. Besides, the use of the Internet to facilitate transactions between Costa and its suppliers lowers transaction costs and decreases lead time. As a result, stakeholders are more satisfied with increased profits and lower costs. Ecological Factors Costa Coffee uses recyclable paper bags and paper cups. And, it tries to reduce its energy consumption as steps towards a greener environment. It also ensures adherence to responsible farming practices, so that natural habitats are protected thereby reducing deforestation and carbon emissions. Furthermore, Costa is working to deliver green (LEED) certification for new stores beginning later this year and is working closely with its suppliers to develop more environmentally friendly packaging. Industry Environment Operating Environment A firm’s operating environment is related to environmental factors that directly affect the firm and its success in obtaining necessary resources. Yet, they are still factors beyond its area of control. 1. Competitors Costa coffee in Egypt faces high direct competition where around almost every corner in the cities, a coffee shop exists. Therefore, product differentiation is a must, and persistent high-quality is the way to keeping customers. Whichever Costa Coffee shop you enter, you are greeted the same, indulge in the same taste and pay what you see in the menu. Menu prices are tax inclusive which is different than most of other coffee shops. Competitors include, but are not limited to, Starbucks Coffee, Cilantro and Beano’s cafe. Creditors Costa’s past payment records and working capital position are the main attributes affecting creditors decisions. Considering the Egyptian markets, banks are not rare to find. Costa might be dealing with several banks, and may be granted loans from several areas. Hence, creditors have little leverage; since interest rates are controlled by central bank of Egypt as well. Customers Costa coffee is a service firm. Therefore, its utmost goal is customer satisfaction and loyalty to yield profits. Constantly monitoring Egypt’s demographics is essential in keeping a convenient atmosphere. For instance, Costa must always recognise what the youth are listening to these days to be able to play the optimum collection of songs in its branches while abiding by the brand’s image. Accessibility of location and parking spaces are of the main issues regarded by people when deciding on their hang-outs. And, the customer buyer behaviour of whether they prefer more salads and sandwiches rather than desserts; affects how much of each should be available at Costa’s branches. Labor Costa’s reputation and image is kept through its workers. Costa has to respect labor rights especially now that people are more aware of the rights than ever before. Also, Costa has to be selective in its waiters and baristas to keep the brand’s image and reputation. As a result of Costa’s reputation, highly-qualified workers apply for jobs at Costa Coffee. Suppliers Supplier relationships are as important as customer relationships. A good supplier relationships decreases yield time and enhances firm’s productivity. In Costa’s case, supplier power is not high as Costa has multiple suppliers, with low switching costs. However, supplier relationships are well-attended to at Costa Coffee; as part of its social responsibility towards coffee-growing countries.

StarTeam System Development

StarTeam System Development Delainah E. Borgonia StarTeam is a life cycle management tool that allows program managers and system developers the ability to collaborate on projects and track change management.   This system was developed by a company named   Starbase Corporation, which then was bought by Borland in January 2003.   StarTeam now belongs to MircoFocus which is known to build, operate and secure enterprise software.   In order for this system to work on your computer and operating system, you are required to have certain Hardware and Software requirements.   Even though StarTeam is the system of choice for the Air Force Life Cycle Operations Agency, StarTeam does have a competitive advantage to other systems that our currently on the market today.   StarTeam is a great life cycle management system that does the job, however I do believe if I was able to make a few system enhancement recommendations, it will be a robust and better system that will be beneficial to our workplace and users. Server-Side Hardware Requirements StarTeam system works only on two different server-side hardwares.   It currently uses a Windows Server with either a 32-bit or a 64-bit computer processor.   With a 32-bit computer processor it must have a minimum 32-bit dual-core system with at least four gigabytes of memory.   With a 64-bit computer processor it must of a minimum 64-bit quad-core sytem with at least four to eight gigabytes of memory. Server-Side Software Requirements The server-side software requirements for the StarTeam informations system are currently used on a multitude of operating systems.   StarTeam system currently works with the Mircosoft Windows Server, Red Hat Enertpirse Linux, and SUSE Linux operating systems.   The only Microsoft Windows Server versions StarTeam is compatible with is the 2012 and 2008 versions.   For the 2012 version, it only works on the 64-bit computer processor, and on the 2008 version, it works on either the 32-bit or 64-bit processor.   This information system also works on two Linux operating systems for those who uses a Linux Operating system platform.   Red Hat Enterprise Linux platform delivers a military grade-security with a 99.999% uptime, the only versions that is compatible with StarTeam are the 6.7 in either 32-bit or 64-bit operating system and/or the 5.5 version only in a 32-bit processor.   The other Linux plateform that is compatible with StarTeam is SUSE Linux 11.3 and 11.4 Enterprise Desktop in either the 32-bit or 64-bit system processor.   SUSE Linux is an affordable environment that currently is coexistent with Windows, Mac, Unix and other operating systems. Client-Side Hardware Requirements StarTeam is used and has been tested on both laptops and desktops computer hardware, that as at least a minumum 32-bit dual core operating system with a minimum of two gigabytes of memory. The hardware must have 200 migabytes to install the application with an adequate disk space required for all your files that you would work on a daily basis. Like with all other products the amount of disk space will differ depending on how much you use the product.   Currently at our workplace we currently use it on either a laptop or desktop computer hardware system. StarTeam is also compatible on some MAC computer models as well. It can be used on a MacBook with the early 2015 model, late 2008 aluminum, early 2009 or newer model.   It also works on the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.   The MacBook Pro must be the mid to late 2007 or newer model and the MacBook Air must be the late 2008 or newer model.   It also works on the Mac Mini, Imac and Mac Pro just to name a few a few others. Just fo r your information StartTeam support is only for the physical Apple Computers only, and the OS X Virtual Machines are not supported by StarTeam information system. Client-Side Software Requirements The StarTeam information system client-side software we currrently use at our workplace is the StarTeam Cross-Platform Client System.   The Star-Team Cross-Platform Client System uses Java and can be used on a Operating System that can support the Java Runtime Enviromment (JRE) 1.8.0_102 version.   This Cross-Platform Client has been used and tested on the certain softwares.   The Operating System the StarTeam Cross-Platform Client is compatible with is the Mircorsoft Windows 10, 8, 7, XP Professional SP3, and Windows Vista SP1 in either 32-bit or 64-bit processor.   StarTeam Cross-Platform Client System is also compatible with other operating systems like the Solaris Sparc 10, RedHat Enterprise Linux 6, Ubuntu 14.04, SUSE 11.3 and the El Capitan, Yosemite on the Mac OS.   The Client System also needs an Adobe Acrobat software in order to view any PDF manuals or files.   Also, if any online help is needed you must use an Internet Explorer 8 or later for Microsoft Windows only or Firefox 4 later browser.   In order for the StarTeam to work at its optimal performance it is recommended that the StarTeam Server be on a its on dedicated application server unless your workplace is using a supported version of Microsoft SQL Server Express as their database. Competitive Analysis of the System The StarTeam application lifecycle management software has a whole lot of competitors on the market today.   There are numerous lifecyle management application software that offers a whole lot of features compared to StarTeam.   In order for StarTeam to stay competitive against its other software rivals, MicroFocus has made an ideal application lifecycle management software that can be used and implemented easily by any type of development team or enterpise.   How StarTeam stays on top is MicroFocus has developed a feature that allows users to post system suggestions to request enhancements and imporovements to its system.   StarTeam is also an on-line tool that can be accessible from anywhere through any compatible device, which makes it easy for users to collaborate on projects and track change management at anytime. MicroFocus is also known for their security, high performance and stability.   They have created an application lifecycle management software application tha t can easlily be run.   It is also so lightweight that it can be integrated with a multitude of tools that you may be already be using.   StarTeam also stays competitive by always upgrading and doing server imporvements to its software. This is an important step when competing against rivals.   Knowing what the customers wants and needs can always make your system better than others that are comparable to StarTeam.   Another advantage StarTeam has from other systems and rivals, is their customer service team.   Having an excellent customer service team that knows their product and responses with little or no wait time can make or break a system and company. StarTeam is a system known for its stability, ease of use to the users, performance and its software pricing.   Like with any system out there StarTeam can use some system enhancements that I believe can imporve the users experience. Recommendations for Improving the System Informations systems can always be enhanced and made better, that stays true to StarTeam as well.   The one recommendation I have for StarTeam is the ability to notify you by email whenever there is a change in status with the requirement.   This will allow my team to keep track of our requirements on where it is in the system life cycle, instead of logging into the system to check. At this time StarTeam only sends email notification to the point of contact when a project is awaiting their coordination. I believe if the system was enhanced to allow an email notification to be sent anytime there was a change in status, it will allow the user to save time from not loggin into the system. The second recommendation I would like to improve to StarTeam is to have StarTeam   be a web-base system instead of connecting through a client server.   StarTeam currently uses a server which currently takes about 1-3 minutes to open one requirement.   I believe if StarTeam was a web-base sy stem, Im hoping it will decrease the wait time it takes to open a requirement. This is a a great deal when making changes to multiple projects at the same time. The last recommendation I would improve is the ability to link all change requirements that have dependencies with each other.   This will help the requirement manager to capture all the change requests that have to be developed together, instead of opening each one separately. Altough these changes may not be useful to the developer and analyst process, but I think these recommendations would be a huge benefit to the requirement manager users experience for tracking all requirements and doing their job as a whole. Conclusion StarTeam is a life cycle management tool that allows program managers and system developers the ability to collaborate on projects and track change management. Ive discussed what hardware and software requirements a user must have in order to use the StarTeam Application Life Cycle Management software.   StarTeam is a great system the Air Force Life Cycle Operations Agency uses for keeping track of the development and enhancement to an Air Force System, but I know that the enhancements Ive discussed, like it being a web-base system vs a client server, and having all requirement dependencies link together instead of it just stating the requirement number can be beneficial to my workplace as well its user. StarTeam does have a competitive advantage to other systems that our currently on the market today by Micro Focus outstanding customer service as well has developing a feature that allows users to recommend system enhancements and improvements to their system.   StarTeam is great but with every system out there , there is always room for improvement. References Home. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.microfocus.com/products/change-management/starteam/system-requirements/ Megherbi, M. (n.d.). StarTeam Reviews (1 Review) StarTeam Community Feedback Score: 4.00 Mar 2017. Retrieved from https://www.crowdreviews.com/starteam#reviews Borland StarTeam Installation Guide.(2013). Costa Mesa, CA: Micro Focus

God Promises to Abraham Essay -- Religion, Genesis, Child Sacrifices

After going through the pain of childbirth, naming their babies, seeing their children grow up, and dreaming of their futures, filicide is usually far from the minds of most parents. The emotional ties that parents share with their children are hard to sever, yet in Genesis the culture was accepting of child sacrifices. The fear of the gods was stronger in ancient times, when science was lacking appropriate explanations, and so gods were believed to cause natural events. If the God from Genesis, who was much more powerful than any man and exponentially more vengeful, told parents to sacrifice their child, for the sake of their family (and the rest of the population for that matter), then the pious parents would sacrifice that child—even if the intent was not to kill, but to test worshipers. Modern culture frowns upon the act of filicide, and parallels Greek society’s view that child sacrifice was not an option. Yet, even in that society, Medea commits filicide with hardly any involvement of a Greek god or a seer. Medea willfully chooses to execute her offspring with prideful malice in response to her unfaithful husband in a disapproving society, while Abraham in Genesis piously follows his God and the social norms of his time by offering up his beloved child—and is saved from his loss because of his great faith. The audience of Medea would be repulsed with her selfish motives while Abraham (whose wife was barren for many years) would be praised for his immovable trust in God’s promises. God promises Abraham that He will â€Å"make your [Abraham’s] offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore† (Genesis 22:17). Abraham is married to Sarah who â€Å"was barren; she had no children† (11: 30). Ch... ...r own children—that was written by Euripides. The chorus, who signifies the common people and the women of Corinth, pleads with Medea to reconsider her choice after they name her â€Å"most unholy woman† for considering this act. They have only heard of â€Å"just one other woman/who dared to attack, to hurt her own children† and so supports that child-killing was not the norm (1323-24). Medea’s hamartia would have been her intense hubris and stubbornness that caused her to kill her children. The audience would not have felt as much sympathy to Medea as they would have given Abraham, the pious follower. Medea’s power struggle was not something the average citizen would have to deal with and the culture would not have been supportive. Abraham, however, was justified in his culture and did what he believed to be right, and so was rewarded by the salvation of his first born.

michael powell :: essays research papers

(Michael Powell) Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Michael K. Powell announced last week that he is leaving the powerful independent agency . In his resignation letter to President Bush, Powell said he was stepping down with a "mixture of pride and regret." "Having completed a bold and aggressive agenda, it is time for me to pursue other opportunities and let someone else take the reins of the agency," Powell stated in the letter. "The seeds of our policies are taking firm root in the marketplace and are starting to blossom.(www.Britancica.com) He gave no indication of his future plans other than spending some time with his family. In addition to opportunities in the private sector, Powell has been mentioned as a possible Virginia gubernatorial candidate.Powell was appointed to a Republican seat on the FCC by President Clinton in 1997, only one year after Congress passed the landmark 1996 Telecommunications Act. President Bush selected him as chairman in 2001, replacing Democrat William Kennard. Powell was appointed to a Republican seat on the FCC by President Clinton in 1997, only one year after Congress passed the landmark 1996 Telecommunications Act. President Bush selected him as chairman in 2001, replacing Democrat William Kennard. Powell and the Republican majority that(www. Alwayson-network.com) gained control of the FCC following Bush's 2000 election brought a different and often controversial approach to telecommunications and the Internet. Powell aggressively supported moving voice, video and data transmissions away from the copper legacy networks of the Bells to a variety of minimally regulated broadband platforms. Often accused by consumer groups of serving the Bells' interests, Powell said competition, particularly in the then nascent broadband industry, was better served by multiple platforms providing bundled packages than the Kennard approach to mandating that the Bells provide open access at government-mandated prices to all competitors. The courts repeatedly sided with Powell. "For four years, Chairman Powell fought hard to promote competition and deregulation in key parts of the telecommunications arena," U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns, a member of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, said in his statement. "It was a difficult job that often made him a target for criticism, but I believe his leadership on many of these issues will serve the industry and Ameri can consumers very well in the years to come." When Michael Powell assumed the role of chairman on January 22, 2001, there were roughly 130 million wireless subscribers in America. michael powell :: essays research papers (Michael Powell) Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Michael K. Powell announced last week that he is leaving the powerful independent agency . In his resignation letter to President Bush, Powell said he was stepping down with a "mixture of pride and regret." "Having completed a bold and aggressive agenda, it is time for me to pursue other opportunities and let someone else take the reins of the agency," Powell stated in the letter. "The seeds of our policies are taking firm root in the marketplace and are starting to blossom.(www.Britancica.com) He gave no indication of his future plans other than spending some time with his family. In addition to opportunities in the private sector, Powell has been mentioned as a possible Virginia gubernatorial candidate.Powell was appointed to a Republican seat on the FCC by President Clinton in 1997, only one year after Congress passed the landmark 1996 Telecommunications Act. President Bush selected him as chairman in 2001, replacing Democrat William Kennard. Powell was appointed to a Republican seat on the FCC by President Clinton in 1997, only one year after Congress passed the landmark 1996 Telecommunications Act. President Bush selected him as chairman in 2001, replacing Democrat William Kennard. Powell and the Republican majority that(www. Alwayson-network.com) gained control of the FCC following Bush's 2000 election brought a different and often controversial approach to telecommunications and the Internet. Powell aggressively supported moving voice, video and data transmissions away from the copper legacy networks of the Bells to a variety of minimally regulated broadband platforms. Often accused by consumer groups of serving the Bells' interests, Powell said competition, particularly in the then nascent broadband industry, was better served by multiple platforms providing bundled packages than the Kennard approach to mandating that the Bells provide open access at government-mandated prices to all competitors. The courts repeatedly sided with Powell. "For four years, Chairman Powell fought hard to promote competition and deregulation in key parts of the telecommunications arena," U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns, a member of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, said in his statement. "It was a difficult job that often made him a target for criticism, but I believe his leadership on many of these issues will serve the industry and Ameri can consumers very well in the years to come." When Michael Powell assumed the role of chairman on January 22, 2001, there were roughly 130 million wireless subscribers in America.

Life Cycle Essay

In this paper I will be writing about the life cycle and the understanding of what impacts an individual. I will be explaining three major concepts such as how self-determination impacts an individual’s ability to successfully negotiate challenges in each life cycle. Also how autonomy impacts an individual’s ability to successfully negotiate challenges in each life cycle and how policies and legislation could impact the family during each life cycle. When it comes to the life cycle there are stages individuals will pass through in their entire life cycle. When it comes to self-determination it starts from birth to about 18months old. During these first 18 months the child is developing optimism, trust, confidence, and security by their mother and father if they are properly cared for by them. If by change there is no trust from the parents to the child they could grow into insecurity, unimportance, and most likely be wary of trust in themselves and in the world. Later i n life if the individuals were properly cared for he or she will be able to make things happen in their lives for themselves. This all comes with feeling confidence and being able to trust and make their own decision in their lives. Individuals learn how to be self-determination in early elementary by learning how to make their own choices, promote early problem solving skills by thinking aloud as they address simple problems. This stage is called autonomy vs. shame this is from 18 months to about 5years old. This is when individuals will have the chance to assemble self-esteem and autonomy as they learn new skills and right from wrong. If the individual is cared for the correct way they will learn how to carry them self with pride rather than shame and very sure of themselves. This is about the time individuals will start to wonder and explore the word why and start to experiment of what to believe to be an adult. Playing with Barbie’s and ken’s, also toys such has cars plays a role with wanting to know things and why. If you don’t have involvement with your child in this stage they ca n resolve problems such as struggles through social role identification. With this it can bring an individual frustrated over goals in life and also  may feel guilt. Industry vs. inferiority stage is during age 6 to 12 years old. This is when learning new skills and understanding with developing sense of industry. This is too a stage of social development that you learn plus need throughout the stage of everybody’s life cycle. If an individual experience unanswered thoughts of failure and weakness amongst their peers, they are known to have very serious troubles in conditions of capability and self-esteem during their entire life cycle. As individuals will expand their relationship with school and neighbors during this time of their life cycle parents are still important in their life. In the stage of 12 to 18 years old self-determination and autonomy plays a role in an individual’s life cycle. This is where development is found of what has been done with that person. At this point it has to do with the primarily upon what a person dose with their life. If this means an individual’s has to struggle to be able to discover and find out who they are when having to be deal with negotiating and struggling with social interaction this will bring in their sense of morality and right from wrong skills they have learned. From some reason or another there is a delay in adulthood this can cause a person to become very withdrawn from having responsibilities in life to more in the right direction. Policies and legislation has enter into people life cycle from stage one from learning right from wrong. It really kicks in about the time 18 to 65 years old with dealing with finding love in your life and some are ready before other to settle down and to start a family. If a person does not find them self in at least finding some companies with one another that individual could come to be isolated and that is not good for a person. During this time phrase people are also getting their career in order along with their family this is to be called taking control of all responsibilities in life. When it comes to the stage of 65 to death with an individual this is when it involves reflection. This could be feeling of integrity, contentment feeling you have led a meaningful life. If for some reason a person can not feel like they have lived a happy meaningful life they could be feeling the fear of death. When feeling this way they are struggling to find out what the purpose of their own live was about here in the world. Having the thoughts going through their mind of was everything worth it, what was the point of life this is when they will have start to feel failure and it be a stressful and happy time with individuals life  cycle. In this paper this explains the three major concepts in the family life cycle. Self-determination how it impacts the ability to successfully negotiates challenges in the life cycle. How autonomy impacts individuals ability to successfully negotiate in the life cycle and also the policies and legislation ability could impact an individual’s life cycle. The life cycle is something everyone has to go through and to know it starts from birth to death. Reference The Expanded Family Life Cycle: Individual, Family, and Social Perspectives, Fourth Edition. Chapter 2: Self in context: Human Development and Individual Life Cycle in Systemic Perspective. Monica McGoldrick, Betty Carter, Nydia Garcia Preto (2011).

Cloud computing and web 2.0 Essay

Cloud computing refers to technological computing that depend on sharing of computing resources as opposed to having organizational devices or local servers to take care of the applications in the organization. The word cloud is metaphoric to the internet. In a nutshell, the phrase cloud computing refers to computing based on the internet where dissimilar servers applications and storage are delivered to the computers and devices of the organization. How Organizations use Cloud Computing Today, businesses use cloud computing to access business information anywhere by use of compatible devices. Unlike storing information in the computer or having office servers, cloud computing enables data storage on the internet. Khan& Zaheer, (2012) asserts that the application works by availing the information from a central web based hub that enable anyone in possession of accurate credentials to access the information anywhere with internet connection. This allows mobile working which further reduces the cost of office space renting expenditures. Perhaps, most importantly, the technology is widely used in data back-up. This prevents loss of vital information in-case of system failure or any disaster. The cloud allows automatic update of the data while at work as well as creating copies of data off-site safe from any disaster. Cloud computing also allows data synchronization for all the devices connected to the cloud permitting constant update with real-time information. The orga nizations use the cloud to access all types of files, use the office information and further collaborate with staff members while working on a similar project in different locations which enable sharing of information.Businesses use cloud technology to plan for future growth of the business and Business owners always aim at reducing the cost of production and overall business costs without sacrificing their ability to compete and run business. For this reason, most businesses use the computing process to store functional programs which might include customer service tools, accounting services and remote desktop hosting. A recent study noticed that businesses that focus on cloud technology have higher competitive edge than their competitors who do not use the technology. They mentioned areas such as efficiency in customer service, digital information storage, marketing, quick information up-dates and proper employee management. Technology Required in Operating Cloud Computing The organization must poses business and financial, technological skill to effectively operate cloud computing. Innovations in return on investment making judgment on business metrics based on performance versus costs of subscribing the cloud. Secondly, the staff must have technical skill to build on the clouds. Knowledge based on internet applications such as java and NET, languages and open source tools are required. Architectural development and management skills also come forefront in the management of the cloud computing. This is essential for laying elaborate road map of IT services and speaking the language of the business. The organization must also marshal key stakeholders to agree on the timelines, goals and meet the project objectives. Furthermore, the company must invest in technological security measures to provide protection for confidential information. Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing Cloud technology offers wide advantages to the users. The technology is cost effective and easy to update and maintain. Traditional desktops are financially ineffective and increase business costs. The company can, therefore, maximize on returns by lowering the costs. Secondly, it offers unlimited storage for data hence no worry of storage space. The technology has recovery and backup for stored data that eliminates loss of data in case of any damages. Lastly, cloud computing offers easy access to information by the users anywhere they are, and the cloud integrates software automatically. However, the drawbacks of using cloud computing technology are double. Firstly, implementation of cloud computing in the organization requires personnel training. Additionally, it demands the establishment of elaborate and effective troubleshooting system during and after the launching of the cloud. Organizations are further charged with challenges of addressing hesitant employees who are unfamiliar with the cloud computing technology. Secondly, security risks are major concerns of cloud technology (Khan& Zaheer, 2012). The owners of the businesses and decision makers majorly worry vulnerability of sensitive data in the cloud to the unauthorized users. Although the users are provided with passwords and usernames, the verification of these details remains a top challenge. These threaten the safety of information in the cloud as the internet hackers can access confidential information. Web 2.0 Web 2.0 refers to the term used to describe the second generation of the World Wide Web aimed at the ability of the users to share information and collaborate online. It mentions the transition derived from static HTLM web pages to advanced and dynamic web based on serving applications of the web users in an organized manner. How Organizations use Web 2.0 Today, according to Richardson, Helen, & Hope, Beverley. (2003) businesses embrace web 2.0 technologies to build relationships with customers and to improve the employee welfare while reducing costs. Web 2.0 services such as YouTube slide share and twitter can add value to businesses. The technology is used to empower the organization’s employees through sharing of productive business innovative information which in turn leads to high sales, assists in strengthening the company brand, corporate identity and image. Furthermore, the organizations use the web 2.0 technologies to aid recruitment of employees and simultaneously improving their working environments and relationships. Research one by Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, (2013) shows that businesses create pages in facebook and invite the users and customers to become fans of the page. In the page, all the fans will receive notifications on news feeds. With time, the page develops into many fans of the business that creates room for spreading awareness of the corporate identity and the brand of the business. Therefore, social pages such as facebook offer excellent advertising services at a lower cost as opposed to media advertisement which is very expensive. The social sites offers good program for the target audience and location. Additionally, the social sites offer grounds for receiving feedback from the customers as a process of the tracking system of the business. Using the fans’ feedback, businesses can adjust to the needs of the customers in product services and eventually grow. Also, YouTube offers online videos allowing the site users to watch countless times. People register in YouTube for free and once they have registered, they can download the videos and share via email, or post on blogs. Advertisements can be done through YouTube and people will have a chance to rate the products by commenting on the videos. Advantages and Disadvantages of Web 2.0 Web 2.0 is user-centered that allows collaboration, interaction and sharing of information. Web 2.0 users enjoy the freedom of sharing thoughts, likes, philosophy’s views and dislikes. The technology assists in media marketing at a lower cost and use of optimum search engines for business development. Social networking increases the circles of friends who have the chance to post their comments and views regarding the business. Furthermore, it promotes online business for products and services and constant posting and update of information. Contrastingly, the technology has some drawbacks which include loading of information by many users who post their views. This creates confusion to the users and sometimes the content of information posted is unreliable. Additionally, the freedom of posting can create a chance for competitors to post negative comments about the business creating unfavorable business environment. Lastly, online hackers and forgeries can create crime by accessing confidential information (Richardson, Helen, & Hope, Beverley, 2003). Technology required in Operating Web 2.0 Web 2.0 covers wide range of technologies. Widely used are blogs, podcasts, prediction markets, wikis, and information tagging and social networks. New technologies should be adopted to run these applications as the world continues to evolve. The companies must understand the potential of the staff in the management of the project using technological means. Finally, the business must innovate in technological measures that can allow the company to offer optimum security measures. The use of web 2.0 often attracts criminals who can derail the business. Therefore, technology in security comes on forefront in the management of the web 2.0 technology. References Khan, Zaheer, Ludlow, David, McClatchey, Richard, & Anjum, Ashiq. (2012). An architecture for integrated intelligence in urban management using cloud computing. (BioMed Central Ltd.) BioMed Central Ltd.KI Voigt, & M Ernst. (2011). Use of Web 2.0 applications in product development: an empirical study of the potential for knowledge creation and exchange in research and development. (International Journal of Engineering, Science and Technology; Vol 2, No 9 (2010).) MultiCraft Limited. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (January 01, 2013). Ensuring the Global Participation in the Internet Economy for Development.Richardson, Helen, & Hope, Beverley. (2003). The Role of Information Systems and Technology in Case Management: a case study in health and welfare insurance. (Australasian Journal of Information Systems; Vol 10, No 2 (2003).) Australasian Association for Information Systems. Source document

Reparations: African Americans Justice Essay

The United States government should pay reparations to African Americans as a means of admitting their wrong-doing and making amends. The damages African Americans have sustained from White America’s policy of slavery have been agonizing and inhumane. Therefore, I am in favor of reparations for African Americans. The effect of slavery has been an enduring issue within the African American community. Many of us are cognizant of the harm racism brought to the African American race, conveyed through slavery, racial segregation and discrimination. African Americans suffered many atrocities, but the greatest damage done to them was the destruction of they’re original identity. African Americans no longer have a native language or any African customs to connect them to Africa. Today, African Americans are connected together because they all share a common foundation-the horrendous experience of slavery-and the great effort to conquer its lingering result. (www. AcedemicLibrary. com) Americans should realize the magnitude of slavery’s consequences on African Americans as a whole. Blacks were brainwashed and stripped of self-esteem and taught to be ashamed of dark color of their skin. Many African Americans have effortlessly tried to advocate â€Å"Black Pride†, trying to re-instill self-worth and being proud of our distinct facial and body features, and darker complexions. African Americans had zilch to begin with after the abolishment of slavery in 1865. Slaves were promised a â€Å"mule/ and 40 acres† and they didn’t live to receive it nor did generations to follow; because the American government has yet to live up to its word. The fruit of the slaves’ labor was stolen from the â€Å"land of the free†. The victims of the White people’s African slave trade never experienced such freedom. This race deserves compensation for the mistreatment Pongee Bryant it has suffered and continues to endure. Paying reparations to the descendants of African American slaves would bring about a tremendous improvement for the advancement of Black America. (Douglass, Fredrick, 1845, Narrative of the life of Fredrick Douglass). White Americans have profited from education, life experiences, riches that were handed down by their ancestors. As well, African Americans have been handed down the hardship of race-related issues, poverty, and the unknown history of their past. African Americans have constantly been inflicted with the social status of their low-income level in contrast with that of White Americans. America should be ashamed for their mistreatment of a race that did not ask or even desire to reside in this country. Yet, they still wear their ugly face of racism, and discrimination, and only seek to segregate African Americans, as if they were at fault. Americans may argue Blacks shouldn’t be complaining, whining, and to pull themselves up by their boot straps. Well, Martin Luther King once said â€Å"White America wants us to pull ourselves up from our boot straps, but we don’t have any boots†. (Shuttlesworth, Fred, 1999, A Fire You Can’t Put Out). The U. S. government has a moral responsibility to this race of people to compensate, African American’s because they were denied their heritage, religion, family, and culture. America alleges it is a religious-based country and their faith resides in God. The bible says: â€Å"If a man steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. † This country consistently contradicts itself in the way it wants to be perceived. If America has any belief in God, they should feel an obligation to compensate the African American descendants of slave ancestors. (Exodus 22, Bible). Pongee Bryant White Americans may argue that the country did enough when it passed the Civil Rights Act in 1960. They may also state America has enough resources and equal opportunity for each individual of every race to succeed. However, there is a huge wealth gap in social status among blacks and whites mostly because of oppression, discrimination and racism toward the modern day contemporary black. Whether anybody wants to admit it, there is still a glass ceiling (i. e. ,a status barrier) against African Americans. Reparations would bring African Americans justice and economic power in this country. There are numerous black reparation organizations which could receive the money and distribute it evenly among African Americans, to incorporate black-owned businesses, home ownership, and better education selective for young and old blacks. These reparation organizations could also invest money into smaller black-owned businesses, and other industries that would further the African American race, and ensure a rapid growth of African American middle-class and beyond. (Robert J. Brym/ John Lie, Sociology) The exploitation of African Americans in this country took on many forms through decades. The centuries of slavery in this country laid the foundation of our current relationship to America. From cotton fields to building America’s most significant buildings African Americans have helped build the wealth in this country. Yet, the African American race has endured the most terrorism from the Ku Klux Klan, lynchings, plantation jails, police torture and murder, and poverty. Slavery was a crime against humanity; and it still is in existence in many other ways and forms. America has created a system with, voter discrimination, drugs, and drug sentences to keep the African Pongee Bryant American man enslaved. The government should compensate the African American race and put an end to a never-ending oppression cycle. The government of the United States of America was instrumental in having pressured the German and Japanese governments into the payments of reparations to the people who suffered and survived the crimes and legacy of slavery endured during World War II. The government of the United States has also already paid reparations to the Japanese-Americans who were detained in concentration camps during World War II. America calls herself a fair nation: a civilized country which respects civil and human rights, encourages opportunity for and well-being of all her people, and can be trusted by other nations as a county whom honors her word. Well, America promised African Americans 40 acres and a mule and didn’t live up to her promise. America’s attitude and silence on reparations reeks of hypocrisy. (X, Malcolm, Biography of Malcolm X). America should also pay reparations to African Americans because they consistently want us to labor for their work and take all the credit. For instance America is at fault for African American dead and injured men who served and were drafted in the Vietnam War. America put young black men on the front-line of a war they had nothing to do with nor helped contribute to. America wanted a race that was not yet â€Å"capable† of voting but was competent enough to fight in a war. A race that did not have the option of drinking from any fountain, sitting anywhere on a bus, using any bathroom, however we were fit for fighting. The point is America constantly benefits from African Americans, but refuses to compensate African Americans for their contributions to this country. (www. AcedemicLibrary. com).

Newsweek

Sometimes, the more things change, the more they stay the same. This is true, at least to some degree, in the study of these articles. They deal with three issues: Politics, Race and Sports and Entertainment. People are still interested in politics, though Congress, with a 14% approval rating, more people are annoyed than interested. However, the importance has not diminished. Also, race is still an issue. The 1964 and 1968 articles on race deal with the upcoming elections and how African Americans are expected to vote. Also, the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr and the political undertones that they will carry is also heavy on the minds of the country. In sports, the Olympics and the Boston Marathon command small attention. What is seen as one of the biggest differences from the 1964 and 1968 Newsweek articles in comparison to the 2007 Newsweek, that that a larger percentage of the magazine in 2007, deals with Sports, Entertainment and popular culture. Even for such a respected magazine as Newsweek, the editors cannot escape the exponential increase in popular culture at the expense of real news, which the country seems to hunger for on an hourly basis. In the November 2, 1964 issue of Newsweek, the issue revolves around the Presidential election that is about to come later that week. The political tension is not as heavy as in past elections since everyone believes that the result will be a landslide. President Johnson is expected to beat Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater by a very large margin. Goldwater, a Republican, is hoping to court the morality vote and to point to Johnson as being soft on communism. President Johnson , in a speech in Belleville, IL talked about the dangers of nuclear war and that, like his predecessor before him, President Kennedy, believes that the next war will be one in which there are no survivors. â€Å"We would not gain total victory in the next war, but total destruction and the survivors would be the judges of the dead.† (Meyers, 1964 pg. 23) He is referencing the dangers of a nuclear war. The war in Vietnam is gaining strength and troop levels are rising. The article points to the promise that if elected, President Johnson would help to â€Å"avoid a war in South East Asia.† In reality, the exact opposite will come to fruition. Due to the fact that the election is near, the next issue of Newsweek, deals with the demographics of the voters and how they voted. Most findings will report that Johnson won most of the demographics since his margin of victory was 486 to 47 in electoral votes. It will remain as one of the most lopsided victories in American political history. What is interesting in this article entitled The Mood of an Avalanche, is the fact that African Americans, individuals who voted for the straight Republican ticket since Andrew Johnson, now voted overwhelmingly for President Johnson. It is reported that 96% of the African American voters voted for President Johnson. (Mulligan, 1964 pg. 24) This is due in part to the fact that Senator Goldwater courted the Segregationist vote in the South to such a degree that African Americans turned away from him in droves. In one Mississippi small town in which there counted only 257 voters, the article reports that all 257 voted for Johnson. This article is important in dealing with race and how it affects the voting demographics since African Americans will vote for the straight democratic ticket from now on. In Sports and Entertainment, the 1964 Olympics is proceeding. In a Newsweek article entitled The Gold Rush, the fact that the Americans are leading the medal total, is a story. However, one of the most famous stories revolved around the Native American runner Billy Mills. Movies would be made about this person. Born into poverty and enduring racism at every turn, Billy Mills would become a champion runner. His main event was the 10,000 meter run. During this event in the Olympics, Billy Mills was pushed by another runner onto the outside of the track. Usually, this serves as a great impediment to the runner. However, Mills, against the prevailing knowledge of track and field, once pushed, continues to run in the middle of the track on the middle lane. This forces Mills to run longer distances than his opponent. However, not only does Mills win, but he creates an Olympic record in the event in the process. It is the inspirational story for the18th Olympics. Fast forward to 1968 and the political scene still deals with President Johnson. However, things have not been going well for him. 1968 would be the year that saw more than 500,000 American troops in Vietnam. Clearly, President Johnson would not be the President to keep America out of the war. In a Newsweek article dated April 22, 1968, the fact that Robert Kennedy is running for President as well and has forced President Johnson to say that he will not run for the presidency that year. His tenure will end on January 20, 1969. The article talks about the influence that a number of different factors and how they will play into the election. The first is Robert Kennedy. The second is the Republican Candidate, Richard Nixon. â€Å"Nixon lost the 1960 election because the 1960 televised Presidential debate, left the country feeling as though Mr. Nixon was not as likable and trusting as John F. Kennedy.† (1968 pg. 32) The question now is, eight years later, how will television affect the election and how will Mr. Nixon respond. There is also a report in the article entitled Politics ‘68, what demographics will vote for which candidate. The demographics are divided into race, gender, religion, occupation and regions of the country. By the end of April, 1968, the country is still reeling from the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. He was killed on the balcony of a hotel on Memphis earlier that month. Riots in most of the country’s largest cities occurred and many people died. â€Å"The arithmetic of the week’s pillage was more than enough. Civil disorders raging from riots to random shop windows breaking, occurred in more than 130 cities and caused an estimated $5 million worth of damage. More than 20,000 arrests and endless injuries have been the result.† (Jules, 1968 pg. 47) 1968 was one of the hardest years for the American public to endure. The assassination of Martin Luther King was one of those reasons and added to the madness of the situation. Many wondered in the article where the Civil Rights movement would turn to next. What leader would take the reigns? To many, people are still asking the same question. In Sports, the 72nd Boston Marathon was reported as being under way in the April 29, 1968 issue of Newsweek. Out of a total of 890 runners, the winner boasted a winning time of 2 hours twenty two minutes and seventeen seconds. This was not a great time. However, it was run by an American, the first American to win the Boston Marathon since 1957. (Jones, 1968 pg. 38) His name was Ambrose Burfoot, aged 21. Burfoot beat all others by a sizable margin but not one which would endure posterity. However, the fact that Burfoot was an American, then as well as now, is an important note as it has been the running feats of foreigners which has dominated the winner’s circle at the Boston marathon. I In the January 8, 2007 edition of Newsweek, the main story is the death of Saddam Hussein. The once feared leader of Iraq who was found hiding in a spider hole in December of 2003, was finally put to death. The article entitled Death of a Tyrant, headlines the life and legend of the man and the reign of terror that he placed upon his people for so many decades. The article also speaks to the trouble which occurred from a secret video tape being smuggled out of the area where Saddam was killed. This was in direct opposition to the orders of both the American and Iraqi forces. Such images was believed to help incite riots among the enemy and was by a public relations point of view, counterproductive. Also, in politics, the death of President Ford was the news for the week as well. The article details the life of President Ford and how he was able to heal the country after the scandal of Watergate. The article finally gives credit to Ford by saying that pardoning President Nixon was the right thing to do as it helped the country to heal. In Race, the production of O.J. Simpson’s book If I Did It, produced such an outrage that production was stopped. A January 22, 2007 Newsweek article details this. This is a racial issue because the beliefs regarding his innocence or guilt for the 1994 death of his wife, Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend, Ron Goldman, was so split on racial lines that it still incites controversy. More than 80% of white Americans believe that OJ is guilty and over 80% of African Americans believe that he is not. (Brunell, 2007 pg. 48) That is why anything that deals with OJ Simpson and the murders, is dealt with on racial lines. The fact that he wrote a book that served as a sort of quasi confession, enraged many Americans and forced his supporters to wonder if he really was guilty of the murders for which he was charged. In Sports and Entertainment, a sad story was detailed in the January 15, 2007 issue of Newsweek. In a time of divisive issues which help to split the country up into racial and political lines, Steve Irwin the Crocodile Hunter was an individual who everyone seemed to have a positive opinion about. His popular show detailed frequent run ins with some of the world’s most dangerous animals. Over the past few years, he had become highly popular and when speaking of the name of Steve Irwin, most people had a positive opinion of the man. This ended when a sting ray pierces through his heart and killed him. This served as important news all over the country as well as for the rest of the world. What is interesting to note, through a study of these three separate dates, is that many things still stay the same. There are more colorized pictures in the 2007 Newsweek and there are more articles designed towards Sports and entertainment in the 2007 Newsweek, but race and politics are still important. The 1964 and 1968 editions of Newsweek death with both. The elections in 1964 and 1968 served as some of the more important elections in the country’s history. How would the Vietnam War continue? Would the Civil Rights movement continue with the help of the White House and members of Congress? And if not, how would African Americans vote and who did they believe gave the best chance at equality? These issues are much the same in 2007. The Vietnam War has been replaced with the war in Iraq, although not nearly to the same degree as the Vietnam War. African Americans still vote the straight Democratic ticket. In 2000 and 2004, African Americans voted for the Democratic presidential candidate at a rate of more than 9 to 1. The same can be seen in the attempted release of the OJ Simpson book. If I did It. The news of this released such anger from most of the public and incited an argument which brought back, although to a much less degree, the racial tension that was caused from the famous trial and acquittal. WORKS CITED Decklan, M Death of a Tyrant   Newsweek. January 8, 2007 Jones, L. The Gold Rush. Newsweek October 26, 1964 pg. 13 Jules, J. The Death of Martin Luther King Newsweek. April 22, 1968 pg. 45 Kilmer, F Final Hunt for Steve Irwin. Newsweek January 15, 2007 Meyers. J Down to the Wire. Newsweek Magazine November 2, 1964 pg. 23-27 Mulligan, L. The Making of an Avalanche November 9, 1964 pg. 28-21 Nieves, D. OJ’s Troubles Continue Newsweek January 22, 2007 Stevens, K. American Wins Boston Marathon. April 29, 1968 pg. 32 RFK vs. LBJ? Newsweek April 29, 1968 pg. 12

Aboriginal People in the Canadian Military

According to records, more than 4,000 Indians were enlisted during the First World War, and about 35% of Indian soldiers were in the same age. This number does not include people other than Indians, Metis, other local people such as Inuit. In addition, many indigenous inhabitants witnessed more than average admission. 47% of indigenous soldiers in Prince Edward Island State and 53% of New Brunswick's volunteers volunteered. Amazingly, 100% of adult men in the Miku Mak Reserve in Sydney Nova Scotia have volunteered. In most cases, indigenous peoples and non-Earth soldiers shared similar experiences during the war. Some indigenous people initially had difficulty moving to military life. The reason is that many people came from remote areas of the country and followed their own cultural traditions. They have little contact with Canadians outside the area, and they often speak English and French. Most people believe indigenous men quickly adapt to new lives as soldiers and often become p recious members of their company. Like most Canadians, many indigenous peoples serve Canadian Corps of Canadian Expedition (CEF). The military role of indigenous peoples is influenced by traditional hunting and military skills, plus racial stereotypes of recruitment staff and executives. Many indigenous peoples play the most dangerous role in sniper, reconnaissance soldiers, military. The First National Army encountered a double cultural barrier in military: racial prejudice marked the modern non - native world, and the army class was almost completely moved in English. Records and memoirs indicate that most units finally accepted indigenous soldiers and even provided a welcome or progressive environment than other areas of modern society. The first national army left an amazing record of the wartime achievement. Some were appointed to officers, and many served as intensive platoon leaders and battle instructors. At least 50 people are decorated for bravery on the battlefield. Many people have gained a position close to legends as scouts and sniper soldiers, using pre-war hunting techniques and wilderness experience. Ten years ago, the armed conflict between indigenous peoples and the Oka Quebec Oka police and military pushed the relationship between indigenous peoples and non-indigenous Canadians to the forefront. At that time, the committee announced a federal indigenous policy statement named New Commitments. This statement calls for cooperation in redesigning the relationship between Indigenous peoples and Canada and finding new ways to solve essential problems for our coexistence. Although progress has been seen in the past decade, it is now clear that progress was too late and too late.

Infection among Burn Patients Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Infection among Burn Patients - Research Paper Example In general 75% of the fatalities are usually seen at the scene of the incident itself, and for those reaching medical care, infection is the major cause of mortality and illness (Murray, 2011). Since majority of the skin is exposed to the elements and to the atmosphere, protecting it from infection and bacteria is a major challenge. For those with burn injuries, this challenge is even bigger. The type and quantity of microorganisms which colonize the burn wounds are also known to affect the patient’s future risk for would infection. The pathogens which infect the wound are mostly gram-positive bacteria which include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and gram-negative bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticus complex, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella species (Murray, 2011). These infective agents often increase the resistance of a person to various antimicrobials. Moreover, burns are usually infected with fungus infective agents, making the infection process on burn wounds even more difficult to prevent and manage. In recent years, the survival rates and the infection rates for infection among burn patients have improved with the introduction of modern medical practices. These medical practices now include advances in fluid resuscitation, nutritional support, pulmonary care, burn wound care, and infection control (Church, et.al., 2006). Despite these improvements, there are still improvements which can be made to the practice. (Murray, 2011).  

Sports industry offers a range of potential opportunities to Nike Essay

Sports industry offers a range of potential opportunities to Nike - Essay Example The company acquired annual revenue in excess of US$ 18.6 billion for the fiscal year 2008 despite the adverse impacts of the 2008 global financial crisis. Although Nike markets many of its products under its own brand, it also markets some additional brands including Nike Golf, Nike Pro, and Nike Skateboarding to effectively market its sports equipments across the globe. This paper will analyse micro as well as macro business environments of Nike, Inc. using appropriate analytical tools and a strategic fit analysis. TASK A - Market Environment Analysis In the section, different market analytical tools are used to evaluate the business environment of the Nike. Here, Porter’s five forces model is applied to analyse the sports equipment industry (micro environment) and PEST analysis is deployed to evaluate the market potentiality of the Nike, Inc. (macro environment). Porter’s five forces analysis Currently, the sports equipment industry constitutes a larger number of com panies dealing with production and distribution of numerous and different sporting and athletic equipments. The total market capitalisation has reached nearly $8 billion and it is still growing. Most of the players in the sports equipment industry are grand corporate structures such as Nike, Easton, and Wilson; they offer equipments to a variety of sports items. In contrast, other companies like Callaway and Schwinn own noticeable market share and prominence in their specific area of focus. Sports equipment manufacturing companies mainly make use of two means of distribution. Wholesalers and retailers constitute the most common avenue of distribution whereas the company-owned and contracted specialty shops shape the second mode of distribution. In order to popularise their products and dominate the market, most of the sports equipment companies tend to sponsor high profile or top-rated sportsmen and athletes. In addition, such companies are also willing to undertake the sponsorship of major sporting events like World Cup Football as part of promoting their products. Threat of substitute products and services In general, sports can be easily substituted with a variety of different other activities, and therefore the threat of substitutes is very high in sports industry. To illustrate, people may easily turn their interest from physically demanding athletic or other sports activities to video/computer games. However, higher prevalence rate of obesity in the United States influences people to turn to healthy and fitness activities (U. S. Department of Health and Human Services). This situation relieves the sports industry from the threat of substitutes to some extent. At the same time, the substitution threat exists even in the sports industry itself. For instance, people may choose to play basketball rather than golf. Intensity of rivalry among competitors The intensity of competitive rivalry is very high in the sports industry and many sports equipment companie s have been thrown out of the market due to this higher degree of competition. While analysing present trends in the sports industry, it is obvious that companies are striving for their market competency and searching for industry consolidation. It seems that most of the sports equipment companies adopt mergers and acquisitions strategy in order to broaden their product lines, to increase economies