Homosexuality and Religion Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Homosexuality and Religion - Term Paper Example Human beings have inherent rights that States – and the Church – have the responsibility to protect. These rights are innate in them from the time they are born and no state can deprive them of such fundamental rights (Yecies 790). The question is: Is being gay or homosexual a fundamental and inherent right that States or the Church has to protect? This is a question for many theologians and scientists to debate. If being gay or homosexual is an inherent right then the Church must protect homosexuals and permit same-sex marriage. But as they say, it is open for debate. One thing is certain though – homosexuals are human beings and they have the right to be a part of the church as homosexuals. The UDHR espoused â€Å"a Kantian right to equality and moral autonomy for every human person into the circle of the family†, and according to this notion of human rights, there is equality in power and responsibility between the family’s adult members no matte r the sexual orientation. â€Å"In the human rights scheme, gender hierarchy is anathema† (Raday 211). ... Homosexual or heterosexual is not defined in the Bible as we are all members of humanity saved by the cross of Christ. In Christ, we become perfect and fully human but Christ’s work has yet to be completed. In other words, the term homosexual or heterosexual has a religious connotation. Homosexuals and heterosexuals do not defined themselves on the basis of their biological make up, or cultural orientation. To be homosexual or heterosexual is itself a conduct which is the result of factors beyond our control. A homosexual, that includes gay or lesbian, has sexual thoughts towards persons of the same sexual orientation (Bradshaw 120). Main Body Laws on homosexuality have traditionally been governed by promoting traditional morals. Gays have been considered â€Å"other† (Kershaw 559). This means gays are not considered the same with women, the disabled, or racial minority, or they are different. In the United States, even if federal laws prohibit discrimination on the bas is of race and gender, there is no law that explicitly protects homosexuals (qtd. in Kershaw 559). On the question of homosexual’s fundamental right, there are pros and cons to the argument that being gay is a fundamental right but sometimes it depends on what country you belong, i.e. according to the cultural orientation of that country. The UN encourages States to protect their citizens of fundamental rights. What is clear is that it cannot force a State to protect homosexuals of their â€Å"fundamental right†. What does the church, the Catholic Church in particular and other Protestant denominations, say about it? They can be divided about the issue. True, the Catholic Church and other monotheistic religions have condemned homosexuality,

In the play Capulet wants Juliet to have a good life Essay Example for Free

In the play Capulet wants Juliet to have a good life Essay Romeo and Juliet is a tragic 16th century Shakespearean love story set in the Italian city of Verona. The life of a father and daughter in our lifetime at the moment would vary considerably from the one Capulet and Juliet lead in the play. In the 16th century women were expected to do many things for men. Mens expectations for women in the 16th century were that they cleaned the house looked after the children and were treated as second class citizens. Men expected women to obey them and do anything they say if the women disobeyed the men they would subject to punishment in the version of getting hit in those days because there wasnt strict law and order in those days. So if a women married a man they would become the sole property of their husband. In the 16th century the father was the man of the household who would finalise everything. When theyre daughter was around 14 the father would chose who she would be married to, but as in the play some daughters didnt feel that their fathers choice was correct and if they turned down his offer they would also be subject to punishment. The rejection of their fathers choice would also make their fathers feel hurt because his daughter had rejected his offer of happiness, the father also feels that his daughter is not proud of her parents and doesnt thank them. In the play Capulet wants Juliet to have a good life and thinks hes chosen the right type of man for his daughter . He believes that Paris will give her a stable life. Increase the reputation of his family because Paris has class and is a well-known celebrity who when people know he is part of the Capulet clan and Capulets son in law they will like Capulet better. As well as that and the money that Paris earns he believes that Paris is a respectable man of society. That he will also take care of his daughter, e. g. if she is sad he will make her happy and comfort her if she is scared, he will make her feel safe and secure in her home and environment. So all in all he thinks that he has chosen a peach of a man who is respected in aspects of his criteria for his daughter. I believe that in the play Capulet wants his daughter to marry Paris because he feels out of love for his daughter that he has found the right person for his daughter who will take care of her and tend to her when she is sick. Plus love her like he does, but as well as this he also chose Paris who is a very wealthy and popular well-known business man, rather than that his family is at war with the Montague family and would like a celebrity backing to increase his chance of winning. Capulet feels it is tradition at the time for him to select supposedly the lucky man to marry his daughter and when he does this he also expects Juliet to be pleased that he has chosen her such an admirable husband. He hopes that Juliet will feel the same way he does and that it is someone who will care for her and make sure she is given the best love and affection around. In parts of Romeo and Juliet you see the examples of Capulet being a loving and caring father. One of these parts is in Act 1, Scene 2, line 7-11 when Capulet says My child is yet a stranger in the world, she has not seen the change of 14 years, let two more summers wither in her pride ere we may think her ripe to be a bride. This shows that he is loving because he is saying to Paris she is only young and just turned 14 give her two more years and you can marry her. Although he says this to Paris when his daughter disagrees with his choice he doesnt accept her reason or anything he just keeps having a go at her. Whatever reason Juliet gives her father will not accept her reason and keeps forcing her to chose Paris. In conclusion I believe that in the 16th century daughter, father relationships were very different from nowadays. Nowadays the daughter has the freedom to do as she pleases apart from in some certain religions where the marriage is organised between 2 people before they can walk. So in most of the world today women have a free right but in some areas they have stuck to the old fashion way of arrange marriages.

The Structure And Function Of Antibodies

The Structure And Function Of Antibodies There is a type of white blood cell called plasma cells which are produced in the bone marrow as B cells then mature into plasma cells, these produce antibodies. Antibodies are either attached to cell surface membranes or secreted as soluble glycoproteins. Antibodies are large Y-shaped proteins which the immune system uses to neutralise and lead to the elimination of foreign bodies. Antibodies are glycoproteins, due to carbohydrates binding to amino acid residues on the polypeptides; these are composed of four polypeptide chains, of which, two heavy chains and two light chains to form the complete antibody. There are small regions at the tip of the antibody called the antigen binding sites; this region is hugely diverse due to random genetic mutations leading to amino acid chain variations causing a hyper variable region that allows it to bind to many different antigens. Adaptive immunity is the immune response that involves antibodies. It is undeveloped at birth, and is the response of the lymphocytes to specific antigens. Antibodies are heavy globular plasma proteins that belong to the family of proteins, immunoglobins. They have sugar chains attached to some of their amino acids making them glycoproteins. Each of their heavy chains has two regions; the constant region (carboxyl-terminal end) for biological effector functions and the variable region (amino-terminal end) for antigen recognition. The light and heavy chains forming the antibody have inter and intra chain disulphide bridges which hold the chains together, the quantity of bonds varies between different antibody molecules. They have a hinge region where the arms of the antibody molecule form a Y-shape; it is named the hinge region due to segmental flexibility at this point. Antibodies have a massively variable antigen binding site due to the different heavy and light chain amino acid configurations. After birth the only antibodies present in the body are the ones passed over by passive immunization from the mother. Early active immune system antibodies develop in the first few years of life. The main function of each antibody is to specifically bind to one or few similar antigens (foreign molecules). The structure of antibodies relates to the three main functions; activity, versatility and specificity. Antibodies prevent pathogens from damaging or entering cells by binding to them. Antibodies stimulate macrophages to engage in the removal of pathogens and also stimulate other immune responses. They bind to various cells such as phagocytes, lymphocytes, platelets etc. this binding leads to the activation of these cells to perform immune functions such as antibody production and phagocytosis. Antibodies can also bind together when theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re bound to pathogens, linking them together and stopping the pathogens from moving or causing damage. The function of an antibody binding to an antigen is provided by the structure of the variable region which has the antigen-binding site (known as the Fragment antigen-binding fragment made from one constant and one variable region); the variable amino acid configuration allows a diverse possibility of specific antibodies to bind with antigens found on foreign bodies. The Fragment crystallisable region at the base of the antibody triggers the appropriate immune response for the situation, for example clumping together (where the Fab fragment joins with the Fc region of another antibody) or triggering the release of histamine in an allergic reaction. There are five different antibody isotypes in humans; IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, and IgE. IgG is the main antibody in the blood however it can move throughout the bodyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s tissue. It forms the majority of the active immune antibody response to pathogens. It is also able to cross the placenta during pregnancy, passing on passive immunisation from the mother to the developing foetus. IgA is present in bodily fluids in entrances to the body, such as tears, breast milk, and saliva and also in the respiratory tract, urogenital tract and digestive tract, and its function is to prevent colonisation from pathogens. IgM is either present on B cell surfaces or in a soluble secreted form (in which is the largest antibody due to its pentamer form) in the blood and it is involved in the early immune response and can kill pathogens. IgD is the antigen receptor on B cells not already exposed to antigens. IgE is involved in the allergic response to foreign bodies and releases histamine when bound to allergens. The B cell will produce these various isotypes at different stages of its development. Antibodies are secreted by a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell. Antibodies can occur in two physical forms, a soluble form that is secreted from the cell, and a membrane-bound form that is attached to the surface of a B cell and is referred to as the B cell receptor (BCR). The BCR is only found on the surface of B cells and facilitates the activation of these cells and their subsequent differentiation into either antibody factories called plasma cells, or memory B cells that will survive in the body and remember that same antigen so the B cells can respond faster upon future exposure.[4] In most cases, interaction of the B cell with a T helper cell is necessary to produce full activation of the B cell and, therefore, antibody generation following antigen binding.[5] Soluble antibodies are released into the blood and tissue fluids, as well as many secretions to continue to survey for invading microorganisms.

Ophelia and Polonius Essay -- Shakespeare Hamlet

Ophelia and Polonius   Ã‚  Ã‚   In this essay I will attempt to compare and contrast the relationship of Ophelia and Polonius in Shakespeare's play Hamlet, with the relationship my father and I have. I will analyze the similarities and differences between their relationship and ours to show how even though the play takes place in a much different time period, we still have things in common. First, I will characterize the relationship I have with my father. Next, I plan to define the relationship Ophelia has with her father Polonius in the story of Hamlet. Finally, I will discuss how the two relationships relate to one another.    Since I was young my father and I have had a fairly close relationship. As I have grown up he has continuously instilled important values in my life and continues to nurture my environment and support a productive lifestyle. In my teenage years we have however somewhat grown apart. We still talk but it has become harder to see eye to eye on more and more issues. The way our relationship goes is as follows. There will be a disagreement, we...

Enterprise architecture

February 12, 2011 This article includes my thoughts about the business architecture, Cloud Computing, Business Process Management (BPML), and Business Rules. This article consists of a conversation between the CIO and Enterprise Architect. It is a product of my imagination. CIO: I don't want you to use the word â€Å"consolidation. † Instead, use the word â€Å"integration. † I am worried that someone will think that we are working on the consolidation of programs or organizations, rather than improving our architecture to serve the business.Again, I don't want you to get involved in discussions about hanging the organization structure of the agency. How do you see your roll vs.. The rolls of the other directors? Enterprise Architect: I would like to support them with the knowledge I have at my disposal, but they are not interested. One day they may realize how they can use the Enterprise Architecture. I think of Enterprise Architecture as the substructure, which suppor ts the business, the superstructure. The Director of Capital Planning and Investment Control should use the Enterprise Architecture migration plan to formulate future investments.A portion of the Enterprise Architecture has security concerns, including all 4 layers: cuisines, applications, data, and technology. We develop standards for all layers of the Enterprise Architecture, except business standards; although, we may be asked to coordinate some business standards. Both communications and security should use the models contained in the Enterprise Architecture Framework or propose changes to the models in the framework. CIO: What do you want me to do? Enterprise Architect: Get the cooperation of your direct reports. CIO: You will get it.Go over the business architecture, current architecture, and target architectures again. Enterprise Architect: The comparison between the business and current architecture is the foundation for the data, applications, and technology target architec tures. This comparison answers the question, â€Å"Are we satisfying our business requirements in the current architecture? † The business architecture or model includes the following: – Defines the mission and objectives, long-range strategies, tactical plans, performance measures, budgets, and business rules. Why) – Defines the information and data that is shared, monitored, and tracked. (What) – Defines the activities that are performed and a description of each. How) – Defines the organizations and actors performing the activities. (Who) – Defines where the activities are performed. (Where) – Defines the business cycles and when activities or processes are performed. (When) In the business architecture, we develop mappings between all 6 of the Coachman interrogatories, including who, what, when, where, why, and how.The business architecture is mapped to the current architecture, and then opportunities for improvement are documente d. Targets are developed for data, applications, and the technology layers of the architecture using the business architecture and other analyses. The business architecture constitutes our requirements at the agency level. CIO: This is the first time I have heard about opportunities for improvement. Are you going to produce a report with recommendations as a result of the comparison between the business architecture and the current architecture? Enterprise Architect: Yes. Here is the way it works: 1.Create the Business Architecture We produce a business architecture, which reflects the current way of doing business and contains all sorts of information and data associated with the 6 interrogatives in the Coachman Framework. We also develop mappings between the interrogatives. The business architecture describes the current business practices, including, data, processes, etc. 2. Map the Business Architecture to the Current Architecture and Identify Opportunities for Improvement We pr opose a draft listing of the conceptual projects and associated common applications/components and data objects and progressively refine it.We produce a current architecture, which tells us about the existing systems. We map the business architecture to the current architecture and we may find out, for example, that there are a large number of current systems associated with a single activity or no systems associated with other activities. All current projects are mapped to the conceptual projects. 3. Create the Data, Applications, and Technology Target Architectures based on the Business Architecture and Other Analyses We produce data, applications, and technology target architectures, which are partially based on the business architecture.Also, we use BPML, technology forecasts, judgments about the future uses and characteristics of information, opportunities to automate aspects of work, future business trends, new 2 goals/objectives and plans, etc. As the basis for coming up with the target architectures. 4. Compare the Current Architecture with the Target Architectures and Produce a Gap Analysis and a Migration Plan The business architecture helps us to evaluate the present and to propose the future. We use the business architecture as a resource wherever we can; for example, it might contribute to BPML and business rules and visa versa.We are concentrating on an application architecture now, and we will issue several versions. As more analyses are completed, we will refine the applications architecture. We will move to data and technology layers soon. CIO: How do I know what you are going to include in each version? Enterprise Architect: There is no overall version plan. We probably should include BPML in the second version of the applications architecture. We previously developed a longer plan to implement Enterprise Architecture. CIO: I think that there should be a version plan.Also, â€Å"soon† is not an adequate answer. I am beginning to be irr itated with the staggered development of the Enterprise Architecture. Enterprise Architect: We can come up with a version plan, and give you the long-term plan for the completion of the application, data, and technology target architectures. CIO: You are going to produce a report entitled: â€Å"Opportunities for Improvement† after you have completed the business architecture and have compared it with the current architecture. Maybe you should consider it a â€Å"rolling stone† and Just keep updating it.Enterprise Architect: The â€Å"Opportunities for Improvement Report† might include the following: – Whoso – Who is missing or not being informed? Who do existing systems address or not address? Can organizations and actors be given increased responsibility? – What's – Is the necessary information and data being shared, tracked, and monitored? Are all data models included in existing systems? – When – Are the scenarios, e vents, and business cycles reflected in existing systems? – Whereas – Do all identified locations have access to the existing systems? – Whys – Do existing systems reflect our goals and objectives, long-term strategic plans, tactical plans, performance measures, budgets, and business rules? – Wows – Have improved activities and processes been included in existing systems, and do they reflect end-to-end processing? CIO: I am interested in how you would increase responsibilities of organizations and actors. Can you talk to me about costs? I noticed you include budgets in the Why Column. Enterprise Architecture: Generally costs are in the Why column along with goals, objectives, long-term strategic plans, tactical plans, performance measures, and business rules.If a project is not budgeted, then it cantata be taken seriously. Costs can be sorted in various ways. CIO: Maybe you should sort costs by each target architecture, that is, applications , data, and technology. Enterprise Architect: Good idea. However, we can't do that until we have a migration plan, because focusing on costs now would be premature. CIO: What is Cloud Computing? Enterprise Architect: Cloud Computing is like running your PC off of Software as a Service (AAAS), and might include query engines, operating systems, program and business APS, etc.CIO: How does Cloud Computing know our requirements for our program and administrative APS? Is Cloud Computing our new target? Enterprise Architect: Cloud Computing may offer certain advantageous, which we may find attractive. If it doesn't satisfy our requirements, including our standards, then we may not be interested in Cloud Computing. Every day, we are getting a better Andre on our agency requirements and I think we can take a critical look at this new way of providing IT support. CIO: You know the most about our APS and standards; so, I expect that you will keep your eye on this issue.What are MOB and others saying about Cloud Computing? Enterprise Architect: There are several security concerns related to Cloud Computing that I have heard discussed at forums and seminars. First, our data will be stored in other places, and wherever our data is located, it needs to be protected; so, we need to clearly delineate our security requirements. Second, we also expect efficient revive without diminishing our security requirements. Third, more parties will be involved and we need to understand how they interact and their promises and guarantees. I think that MOB would like to see the IT federal footprint decrease, and Cloud Computing may be one meaner to do this. However, there is a trend toward the increase in the flow of data, and an increased emphasis on data ownership. I don't expect that Cloud Computing will eliminate the need for planning, but it is particularly important that it satisfy the agency in terms of efficiency and security. CIO: I don't want to be forced to â€Å"buy a pig in t he poke. There was a lot of pressure to move forward with an integrated Enterprise Architecture, which contains standards and approvals.I am wondering if MOB is changing our target? I am sure that Cloud Computing will require that we give up a certain degree of control. I am also worried about the costs and the loss of expertise. Enterprise Architect: As our Enterprise Architecture work progresses, we increasingly have a better understanding of our requirements. CIO: You have indicated that you are developing the applications architecture first. Why didn't you develop the applications and data architectures in parallel?I am being approached by BPML contractors as you know and I asked you to do some research on the subject. When will you give it to me? Enterprise Architect: We should have developed the applications and data architectures together, since they are closely related to one another. Here is a table that summarizes my BPML research. I think that BPML would offer tremendous value for further refining our target architecture, and I believe that the Coachman Framework contributes to the design of improved processes. A few things are worth noting from my BPML research. See: Enclosure (1)). 1) Both recesses and outcomes are important. Many citizens come into contact with the agency through processes. Of course, the government tends to focus on output rather than outcomes, because outputs are often more achievable than outcomes. 2) Integration and standardization reduces fragmentation and enables the processes to be more efficient and effective. 3) The data, processes, and business rules are important. Processes should be ended- end. Data models can be augmented with business rules, which limit and control processes. ) Forward engineering, BPML, business rules, and technology forecasts, among others, re valuable to develop the data, applications, and target architectures. As they say, it would be wise to make changes to processes up-front rather than making these changes down stream. We know the processes associated with the information exchanges, particularly our interchanges with the public. We can use that to focus on priority processes. Additionally, we produced value streams associated with the value chain and various scenarios, particularly related to threats.Finally, there are a number of 5 key data models that contain very important processes. All of this can be used to â€Å"kick start† BPML. BPML takes considerable time and effort to create improved processes, particularly if you are going to select a preferred alternative from a comparison of similar processes. A process may be undertaken in many ways by the bureaus, using different combinations of activities, data, people, time limitations, goals, objectives, and business rules. CIO: Following up on a comment you previously made, I want the citizen to have more responsibility.I think you are the logical person to do BPML. Enterprise Architect: In addition to the 40 value streams and other scenarios, we developed data models which include processes. In the data model â€Å"Customers place orders,† â€Å"place orders† is the process. We have tons of data models of this sort. I am willing to identify business rules associated with these data models. However, I think we need to depend on our BPML community to do BPML. CIO: There is no BPML community. I am afraid that you are it. I count on you to explore ways to improve how we can further serve the business. Talk to me about business rules.What do business rules have to do with BPML? Enterprise Architect: Business rules are important because you can change the behavior of the organization by changing the business rules. Both business rules and BPML focus on processes. According to Ron Ross, â€Å"A business rule sets limitations and controls on a process. † I have prepared an enclosure that explains business rules. (See: Enclosure (2)). You will note that both BPML and Enterpr ise Architecture use similar language. Additionally, I did not identify the business rules as part of business architecture and I think this was a mistake.John Coachman classifies business rules in his framework at a lower level. However, I no longer agree with this. I believe that the data model, processes, and business rules are closely interconnected and are critical to defining the business architecture. CIO: Maybe John Coachman wanted us to first develop the data models and later add the business rules to them. Just give me a plan for the versions that includes the ideas we have discussed. Also, when the time comes, I am not going to stop any of the existing projects. The new project managers can sort this out.Finally, I have assembled some Youth videos on Enterprise Architecture, BPML, and business rules. (See: Enclosure (3)) What I would like you to do is take a look at them, and come up with your own videos. If you want to hire experts to do the video that is fine. Maybe we should start with Enterprise Architecture. Enterprise Architect: Okay. George Brigandage received a B. A. From Wright State University and M. A. From the University of Cincinnati. He retired in June 2004, from the federal government and 6 lives in Ocean View, Delaware, and Alexandria, Virginia.He was an Enterprise Architect at the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Homeland Security. Before that, he Emceed the Architectures Program for several years at the General Services Administration (AS) and the Department of the Treasury. He may e reached at cell 703. 772. 7410 and at George. [email  protected] Com. His articles are on the web at http://enterprisearchitectureit. Info. 7 Enclosure (1) Business Process Management This table summarizes the key points from the following publications. The categories in this table are merely groupings of BPML actions that were mentioned in the publications: 1 .President Beam's book, The Audacity of Hope, published in 2006. 2. Custome r Service Excellence, Using Information Technologies to Improve Service Delivery in Government, Harvard University, 1994. 3. Citizen-Enabling Open Government (EEOC) Executive Summary for ideas. This report was produced by ACT-IAC Enterprise Architecture Shared Interest Group (SIGH), September 2010. ) 4. Federal Government Business Process Reengineering: Lessons Learned, February 1994, published by AS. Categories Share information and effectively manage programs. Responsive to citizens' needs.Treat all with dignity and What BPML Has Done or Might Do – Share information and data. – Increase integration and standardization to prevent fragmentation. – Provide one face to the citizens. – Develop data standards and business rules. – Provide suites of commonly shared services. – Use technology effectively . Develop a citizen service strategy that includes technology, human resources, skill development, and incentives. – Provide timely respon se to the citizen. – Develop performance measures, associated with ended-end processes and outcomes. Take ownership of the entire process. – Describe the business or make it explicit. (See: – Identify the needs of the citizens. – Use multiple vehicles to communicate with the public, including: web sites, videos (The success of Youth, which provides some degree of video training, is astounding. ), and video teleconferencing. – Use focus groups, surveys. Provide the public with access to the government's databases. – Provide education and training, including long distance 8 respect. Provide the same level of service to all. Gather needed information. Clearly explain things.Develop effective and efficient processes and use technology creatively. Do things better, faster, and cheaper. Protect the public from harm. Give citizen's their moneys worth. Education, so citizens can obtain the benefits they need and budget for innovative training. †“ Develop standards and consistently apply business rules (Business rules must be transparent, consistent, ND explicit to enable effective regulation. ) – Provide language services. – Use alternative locations and organizations like libraries and kiosks to obtain information and distribute benefits. Protect privacy 12

Symbolism in Hawthorne’s “Young Goodman Brown Essays

Symbolism in Hawthorne’s â€Å"Young Goodman Brown Essays Symbolism in Hawthorne’s â€Å"Young Goodman Brown Paper Symbolism in Hawthorne’s â€Å"Young Goodman Brown Paper Symbolism plays a major role in the message that Nathaniel Hawthorne aims to convey in his story â€Å"Young Goodman Brown†. Hawthorne made use of symbolic situations which represents a corrupt and masked society that is still applicable in the present time. In this story, Hawthorne narrates a seemingly dreamlike experience of Goodman Brown in the midst of an evil ritual in the woods where he and his wife attempted to participate in. Brief Summary of Young Goodman Brown Young Goodman Brown is a recently married man who goes out for the night after bidding goodbye to his dear wife, Faith. He tries hard to push away his guilt of pursuing an evil plan while he leaves her that evening by promising to make it up to her someday. As he goes through the dark forest wondering if the devil is just around, he becomes hesitant in furthering his plan on joining some mysterious people in an evil ritual somewhere deep in the forest. Upon explaining why he was late to a decently dressed man because his wife kept him back, they are accompanied by another traveler whose age he reckon to be about fifty. He notices the remarkable serpent-like staff of the first man who addressed him. Upon meeting the other people who would join them, he is surprised to find out that most of the upright and holy people in his neighborhood are present; the woman who taught him catechism, the minister, Deacon Gookin, and the most surprising of all- his wife! He finds out that Faith is the reason why the ritual is initiated. He realizes that he had lost his Faith so he resolves in pursuing his original plan and be converted to evil like the rest of them. However, as Goodman Brown and Faith approach the altar to be anointed by the evil blood, Goodman Brown orders Faith to look up to heaven and resist the evil. As soon as the words leaves his mouth, he finds himself alone in the woods wondering if he had just dreamt the ritual. He comes back to his neighborhood a changed man. He becomes distrustful and doubtful of his wife and neighbors even to the day he died. Symbolisms The story itself is the entire representation of a hypocritical society. It is already a symbolism that further emphasizes the hypocrisy of Puritanism. It is clear that Hawthorne aims to criticize puritan society most especially the time of the Salem Witch Trials where almost twenty alleged witches were hanged with spectral evidence as the only proof. Like Goodman Brown, Hawthorne is believed to have also doubted the nature of sin in the society. Most probably, it is his way to push away the guilt when he found out that he is a descendant of one of the major persecutors in the witch trials. The story also contains some biographical elements where the devil reminds him, â€Å"I helped your grandfather, the constable, when he lashed the Quaker woman so smartly through the streets of Salem† (Hawthorne 113). The story seems to be a full representation of the author’s view about a strict puritan society. Moreover, the setting of the story is also quite symbolic as the initial part of the story describes Goodman Brown entering a dark forest where the witches gather at Sabbath. Hawthorne’s description of the dark and gloomy forest indicates that a dark critical turning point in his life is about to happen. â€Å"The darkness is not only physical, it is satanic† (Crowley 68). The story also symbolizes man’s struggle to avoid temptation by the devil. By the use of spectral evidence, Hawthorne is able to covey the idea that the devil could be lurking in the shadows even of the finest men (Reis 200). When Goodman Brown finds out that the most religious people in his neighborhood are actually members of the ritual in the forest, he realizes how evil can come in many deceptive forms. This realization leads him to his misery because of his inability to identify if his experience is merely a dream or a frightful reality. Goodman Brown can be considered a real good man before the encounter in the woods. He is considered to be good to his wife and he loves her dearly. He even refers to her as, â€Å"My love and my Faith† (Hawthorne 111) and hesitates to go on further with the meeting, â€Å"What a wretch am I to leave her on such an errand! She talks of dreams, too. Methought as she spoke there was trouble in her face, as if a dream had warned her what work is to be done tonight. . . † (Hawthorne 111). However, the goodness and naivete within him is altered when he discovers respectable and supposedly holy people are part of the evil ritual. This shows Hawthorne’s attitude towards highly religious people such as the early Puritans. It means that not all religious people are holy, and sometimes, they are just posing hypocrisy to redeem themselves. Even the name of his wife, Faith, symbolizes the things that he had lost upon full realization of evil in his neighborhood. He loses his wife, Faith, when he sees her in the woods and he also loses his spiritual faith towards goodness. â€Å"The story is not about the evil of other people but about Browns doubt, his recovery of the possibility of universal evil† (Levin 121). Conclusion Young Goodman Brown might probably just pass as a short ordinary story that involves supernatural encounters. While it is true that is merely fictional and not to be taken seriously in reality, it consists of symbolisms which are important to take into account. It consists of political and religious symbolisms which are indirectly told by the author to allow the readers to shape their own interpretation by themselves. Obviously, the story include more significant and in-depth matters in life than what is initially conveyed to be unrealistic and superficial. Crowley, Joseph Donald. Nathaniel Hawthorne. London: Taylor Francis, 1971. Hawthorne, Nathaniel. â€Å"Young Goodman Brown. † Young Goodman Brown and Other Tales. Ed. Brian Harding. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999. 111–123. Levin, David. â€Å"Shadows of Doubt: Specter Evidence in Hawthornes ‘Young Goodman Brown’. † On Hawthorne: The Best from American Literature. Eds. Edwin Harrison Cady and Louis J. Budd. United States of America: Duke University Press, 1990. 114-122. Reis, Elizabeth. Damned Women: Sinners and Witches in Puritan New England. New York: Cornell University Press, 1997.

Living Independently Essays - Adolescence, Educational Psychology

Living Independently Essays - Adolescence, Educational Psychology Living Independently In European countries children after they are 18 are supposed to live on their own. ESSAY: | - Nowadays there are a lot of people who claim that young adults must live apart from their family. But it causes lots of controversies. And whether teens must leave their home or not is a crucial question. In my way of thinking, teenagers should live on their own and parents must teach their children from this age to live independently. First of all , if we do not do it do not move out from parents home, we cannot solve problems in adults' life. Moreover, living by oneself means freedom of the chose. For example, you can do whatever you want and whenever you want. However, there are people who consider that it has a lot of disadvantages . They think that living apart from family can have a negative influence on teenagers' behavior. They can start drinking, smoking and so on. It is true to a certain degree, but what the opponents fail to mention is that usually young adults just have not enough money to do it. To conclude, I strongly believe it will be better if teens are up to think and prepare for adult's life, because as an old saying goes: as you make your bad, so you lie on it.

Vocabulary Words To Know in The Pearl

Vocabulary Words To Know in The Pearl Although short, The Pearl  by John Steinbeck can be a challenging read. A great way to expand your vocabulary is to read a book with words that you dont know yet. In that way, reading The Pearl can be a helpful exercise. Heres a vocabulary list from John Steinbeck by chapter.   Chapter 1 avarice - greedbougainvillea - a type of tropical flowerconsolation - to comfortdetachment - lack of concern or attachmentindigent - poor; impoverishedlymphatic - tissue where white blood cells are producedscandal - shamefululcers - open sores Chapter 2 bulwark - defensive wallestuary - river meets sea tidegloating - prideful; braggingincandescence - giving off lightlateen - sail (triangle)poultice - an herbal application for the purpose of healing or remedytelescopically - slide within one another; like a telescope Chapter 3 almsgiving - giving money to the poorammonia - colorless gas with a characteristic pungent odourconsecrated - sacredcozened - trickery; misleadingdisparagement - insultdissembling - misleadingfurtive - secretivejudicious - to exercise good judgment; sound thinkinglucent - softly bright; radiantprecipitated - hurled; cause to move suddenlysubjugation - forced submission; conquertransfigured - idealize; metamorphosis Chapter 4 appraiser - one who estimates worth or valuecontemptuous - scorn or disdaincountenanced - toleratedcrafty - cleverfreshet - freshwater stream (flowing into the sea)legerdemain - magiclethargy - tired; weaktules - weaving material Chapter 5 edifice - building or structureexhilaration - glad; joyfulleprosy - chronic granulomatous communicable diseaseskirled - a shrill callstifling - smothering; suffocating; to take away breath or restrict Chapter 6 apprehensively - fearfulcleft - splitescarpment - a long, steep slope or cliff; declivityintercession - intervention; protection; mediationmalignant - dangerous; harmful; tumorous; deadlymonolithic - huge; imposingmonotonously - boring; without variationoutcroppings - layers of rockthreshed - beat; whipped

Managing Financial Resources and Decisions Essay - 3

Managing Financial Resources and Decisions - Essay Example These sources can be broadly classified into short term and long term sources of finance. Long term sources of finance, as the name indicates, are required over longer periods of time (any duration that is above 1 year) whereas short term source of finance that are required within a period of one year. There are three main long term sources of finance for JS and co, namely, share capital, debentures and long term loans. An equity share represents a share of the company’s assets and a share of earnings after the claims are met. Equity shareholders are the owners of the business and have a right in the company for the percentage of shares owned by them (Samuels et al, 2000). Also, the risk is borne by the shareholders who invest in the company. JS and co can issue new shares in order to raise some surplus finance. Debentures are bonds issued to the investors in exchange for finance lent to the company. JS and co can borrow money in the form of debentures from the public, by agreeing to repay the sum by some future date. Also, Js and co has to pay an interest to the creditors (debenture bond holders) before paying out dividends to the shareholders. Hence, in this case, debentures have a little risk attached to them compared to the shareholders, from the company’s perspective (Samuels et al, 2000). Long term loans from banks and other sources are the easiest ways to raise a large amount of capital. Obtaining higher amounts of long term loans will be easier for JS and co, as the business is well established and is making profits. However, the interest payable might be high (as it is spread over a long period of time). Hence a high interest cover should be available for the company, in order to ensure interest payments in times of a financial crisis. Increasing the long term liabilities will increase the gearing ratio (Burke and Wilks, 2007). This coupled with sustaining a high interest cover

Crimes against the elderly Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Crimes against the elderly - Research Paper Example The vulnerability of its members sets this section of the population apart from other age groups that are also concerned about crime. Going out at night alone; walking alone; living alone; traveling unfamiliar routes alone; doing their banking; inside or outside at automated teller machines; going to and from parking lots to do their shopping. Even doing something as simple as answering their telephones (Montague, 2009). Scores of the crimes committed against the elderly are signs of what is happening to the population in general. While many kinds of crime could involve any age group, a few categories, frauds and scams, pick pocketing, purse snatching, theft of checks from the mail and crimes in long-term care settings are committed more to the older than younger victims, AARP studies have indicated in a recent survey. Reports of brutal crimes multiply fast through the mature community and affect that section of the population dramatically. Although statistics show that brutal crime against the elderly is uncommon as compared to other age groups, many older people pose great fear of physical harm. The crimes committed against the elderly are discussed below. The first type of crime is property crime. This involves invasion of an elderly person’s living house and destroying his/her possessions, which may lead to economical and emotional destruction. Sometimes the loss of possessions may not be as destructive as the feeling of insecurity in those living houses after the incident (U.S. Department of Justice, 2008). The other type of crime is frauds and swindles against the elderly. Loss of money can be serious for anyone with limited financial possessions, but for many older individuals, it can be more devastating. Some of the elderly people are even at higher risks to fraudulent schemes than the younger groups. While it is not easy to draw general conclusions, various combinations of factors contribute to victimization,

Monologue of Winston Smith from the novel Nineteen Eighty-Four by Essay

Monologue of Winston Smith from the novel Nineteen Eighty-Four by author George Orwell - Essay Example Is it the hour of doom for Oceania? Perhaps not, as Oceania troops are ready for their retreat soon†¦ (p.157) Why have I taken such a distasteful clove-saccharine, which always turns me pale and disgusting? Why the unbidden waiter has placed chessboard, along with refilling my empty glass? Perhaps they are familiar with my financial position these days..... Yes, I possess money in plenty, more than enough to carry out my needs...! Here I’m, playing chess alone; but I’m not alone altogether, as the great Big Brother is my associate every time, and does not leave me alone. However, why it so happens that white always win over the black, by leaving black at sorry state of affairs subsequently.....; is it the same struggle between evil and good, where the latter turns out to be triumphant without taking the time period of the game into any consideration? (p.158) Why I feel so worried and perturbed for the eventual defeat and trouncing of the Oceanic forces at the hands of Eurasia? Should I get absorbed into the struggle to two big powers, which could bring death, destruction and defoliation in the wake of the division of the world and the Part as well? Should I feel gloomy at the ultimate defeat of the Big Brother?..... Alas, contrary to Julia’s big claims, the Party has intruded into me by penetrating into my heart eventually.....! (p.158) How did it happen, where the Party has taken the place of my beloved, and declining our interest in each other? Why was the passion not igniting during our March meeting as it used to be before our arrest in the flourishing month of April, as our enthusiasm has abated in the same manner as the downtrodden individuals belonging to the Outer Party and the Proles lead their life in a state of deprivation and senselessness!!! The cruel totalitarian system has captured our minds, along with all the thoughts prevailing in them... the hearts have

Animal Testing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Animal Testing - Essay Example Animal testing has also contributed to understanding how to treat malaria, Leukemia, and other major diseases that eliminated a very high number of human populations in the past. The animal is the best research subjects because they share similar characteristics with human beings. For instance, Chimpanzees has 99% DNA similarity with humans (Hayhurst, 2000). In addition, mice are almost genetically similar to human beings. Due to these similarities, they are susceptible to the same diseases that affect human beings. There are very many ethical considerations that might be observed when using human subjects. This is mainly when testing medicines that are of high toxin levels. In such cases, the lives of human beings should not be put in any form of danger (Watson, 2009). Therefore, the test of human beings should be preceded by that of human beings.Animals have also benefited immensely in the testing. Many deadly diseases such as rabies, tetanus, anthrax, etc could not have been contr olled if animal testing was not conducted. Moreover, more animals could have been swept off by the diseases and become extinct. As a result, the testing has major benefits on animal species (Watson, 2009). Animals used for testing have a shorter lifespan than human beings. For instance, a mouse has a lifespan of two to three years (Hayhurst, 2000). Therefore, while testing a medicine that affects a whole lifespan of a human being, it’s easier to get quick results when using animals rather than human beings.

Models of Integration and Architecture Research Paper

Models of Integration and Architecture - Research Paper Example Models Viability Enterprise modeling is one of the architectural modeling that is very important in an organization. It has the character of having the basic knowledge about the enterprise and previous models about the same type of enterprises together with new ideas. This helps the organization to have a high propelling factor and gives the management team the ability to understand their duties in order to run the enterprise effectively. This model is endowed with the knowledge of giving any organization the way through by ensuring there are enough of resources, information, goals and activities to perform in order to ensure continuity (Bubenko, 2009). This model can be mostly used in marketing an organization or can apply to organization which offers consultant services to other organization to ensure their success. The design of an enterprise is given by this important factor of enterprise modeling because it gives the explicit language that defines the enterprise. When the modeli ng design is introduced in an organization, it gives the organization the morale to perform its duty, because every one working in the organization will have a good understanding of his duties in the organization (Frank, 2009). It also helps the organization to gain a large market share and have a large profit margin. This improves the structural shape of the organization leading to its growth and expansion. Functional modeling is the other modeling design that will align the steps to be followed in product manufacture. This gives the guidelines on how raw materials are turned into finished goods. This is the backbone of every organization because it is the sector that generates goods sold to customers. This means that this part of production should be taken seriously so as to give quality products that will not be rejected by customers, because when they are rejected they bring a major loss to the organization. When such losses appear in an organization they might lead to the closu re of the organization. This is also the model that controls the finances of an organization. It is the body that is concerned with purchasing the raw materials, refining the raw materials to finished goods and marketing the goods to the customers. These organization departments are very important and if not well managed, they can cause a down fall of the organization. The departments arrange for the human resource and control every activity that is undertaken in the organization (Bubenko, 2009). The end of each department in an organization should ensure that he provides policies and procedures to govern daily operation. Barriers Leading to Lack of Adoption of the Models The major barriers in adopt such models in an organization include lack of finances, poor management strategies in an organization, lack of raw materials and lack of skilled personnel. Lack of finances is a major factor that can result to poor or failure to implement of these models in an organization, because they require a lot of cash to be fully implemented. Lack of management leads to poor utilization of organizational resources leading to lack of resources to run the organization, which can not only lead to lack of adoption of the models but also can lead to the closure of the organization like Cleveland clinic (Dietz, 2010). Resources that are required for production in an organization are very important for the growth of the organization (Frank, 2009). These are the raw materials which give the organization

Child developmental Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Child developmental Psychology - Essay Example One glass was tall and skinny and the other was short and fat. I filled both glasses with chocolate milk, pouring more milk into the short fat glass. Then I gave the tall skinny glass to Christopher and placed the short fat glass in front of myself. Before allowing him to drink, I asked him, "Who has more milk, you or me" He eyed the glasses and then confidently said, "I do," referring to his tall skinny glass of milk, whose height of milk was taller than that seen in my short fat glass. I urged him to take a second look at the glasses of milk by asking, "Are you sure" He furrowed his brow and eyed the glasses once again. "Well," he said, "maybe there's more in your glass, since it's wider." I continued with the lesson by placing another short fat glass on the table and asked Christopher to pour his tall skinny glass of milk into the empty glass to find out who really does have more chocolate milk. He slowly poured his glass of milk into the empty short fat glass. Once he was done pouring, he bent down so he was at eye level with the milk levels of the glasses. His eyes widened and he said, "Your glass had more than mine!" Christopher showed classic signs of Piaget's pre-operational stage of cognitive development.

Animal Testing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Animal Testing - Essay Example Animal testing has also contributed to understanding how to treat malaria, Leukemia, and other major diseases that eliminated a very high number of human populations in the past. The animal is the best research subjects because they share similar characteristics with human beings. For instance, Chimpanzees has 99% DNA similarity with humans (Hayhurst, 2000). In addition, mice are almost genetically similar to human beings. Due to these similarities, they are susceptible to the same diseases that affect human beings. There are very many ethical considerations that might be observed when using human subjects. This is mainly when testing medicines that are of high toxin levels. In such cases, the lives of human beings should not be put in any form of danger (Watson, 2009). Therefore, the test of human beings should be preceded by that of human beings.Animals have also benefited immensely in the testing. Many deadly diseases such as rabies, tetanus, anthrax, etc could not have been contr olled if animal testing was not conducted. Moreover, more animals could have been swept off by the diseases and become extinct. As a result, the testing has major benefits on animal species (Watson, 2009). Animals used for testing have a shorter lifespan than human beings. For instance, a mouse has a lifespan of two to three years (Hayhurst, 2000). Therefore, while testing a medicine that affects a whole lifespan of a human being, it’s easier to get quick results when using animals rather than human beings.

Child developmental Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Child developmental Psychology - Essay Example One glass was tall and skinny and the other was short and fat. I filled both glasses with chocolate milk, pouring more milk into the short fat glass. Then I gave the tall skinny glass to Christopher and placed the short fat glass in front of myself. Before allowing him to drink, I asked him, "Who has more milk, you or me" He eyed the glasses and then confidently said, "I do," referring to his tall skinny glass of milk, whose height of milk was taller than that seen in my short fat glass. I urged him to take a second look at the glasses of milk by asking, "Are you sure" He furrowed his brow and eyed the glasses once again. "Well," he said, "maybe there's more in your glass, since it's wider." I continued with the lesson by placing another short fat glass on the table and asked Christopher to pour his tall skinny glass of milk into the empty glass to find out who really does have more chocolate milk. He slowly poured his glass of milk into the empty short fat glass. Once he was done pouring, he bent down so he was at eye level with the milk levels of the glasses. His eyes widened and he said, "Your glass had more than mine!" Christopher showed classic signs of Piaget's pre-operational stage of cognitive development.

Good Fellas Essay Example for Free

Good Fellas Essay During the years of adolescence, children tend to conjure up ideas of what life will be like as an adult. Some dream of becoming a firefighter, some a teacher, but young Henry Hill is not like most children. He dreams of becoming a mob member and spends his time fantasizing about the cars and women that will come with the title. In the film Good Fellas, Martin Scorsese uses repetitive violence and poor decisions to show Henry Hill that material possessions and status are not of importance when you are reprimanded by the law, and further, how people in society tend to become blind by fortune and do not think about the consequences they could face by their actions. Scorsese creates a strong sense of what life is like for an Italian American, who is involved in the Mafia. Between the mass amount of mob movies and the reality shows available on cable, the stereotypes of Italians are not too keen. Before meeting an Italian American, a person who is over interested in food, tan, loud, hot tempered and obnoxious comes to mind. In some cases even a visual of a mob member. In this movie, Scorsese focuses on the way the mob members dress and eat, which helps create a strong image for the viewer of what is important to these characters. Once Henry started to become involved in the mob’s activities, he started to dress like them, â€Å"You look like a gangster,† his mother was appalled by his appearance. This is the first time the stereotype of how a member of a mob dressed is acknowledged. Henry shows up on the door step of his parent’s house at a young age, wearing a pressed suit and sparkling black dress shoes. He had used his earnings from the restaurant to make what he thought was an everlasting impression and to show his growing status. Shortly after Henry marries Karen, she is invited to a mob wife’s hostess party. She shows up in a designer dress and notices that â€Å"these women appear to be wearing thrown together pants suits and wearing worn makeup,† to her disgust. Later as the movie progresses Karen herself begins to adapt to this look as well. This is scene when appearances become less important and survival according to the demands of the mob is more of a focus. The aspect that never changes is how important a good meal is no matter what is going on around them and focus on the present tense. Even when Henry and Tommy have a man in the trunk, they think nothing of parking the car in a residential driveway to have a hearty meal with Tommy’s mom. Whenever life takes a turn for the worse, all is lost and the men are in prison, they still manage to prepare a five coarse meal. It is the only thing that gives them a sense of home. The members of the mob lived on the code of respect; if this was forgotten then they were forfeiting the safety that comes with being part of the crew. They were to respect the Boss and listen to whatever advice that was given. If a member were to go against him, there were consequences, â€Å"murder was the only way to keep everyone in line, if you got out of line, you got wacked,† there was no room for mistakes. It was seldom that a second chance would be granted. Once a member of the mob worked their way to the top and proved that they were loyal, they were treated extremely well. Not only did people within the mob know their status but onlookers knew as well. Henry enjoyes the amount of respect he received, he was not at the top but still had the power. He â€Å"didn’t have to wait for [his] fresh bread at the bakery, neighbors didn’t park in their driveway anymore, and the kids in the neighborhood would carry [his] mother’s groceries home for her. † This was just the beginning because as Henry grew older, he received this kind of treatment everywhere he went. Life was good. The luxuries Henry had did not come from volunteering within the community or going to college to earn a degree. These men were well known but not for their good doings. Henry explains it as being as an easy job, â€Å"if we wanted something we just took it, if someone complained they got hit so bad they didn’t again,† violence and crime was the only way to go for them. The people within the community feared them and if the police came after them, they would just pay them off or murder them and dispose of the body so it could not be pinned back on any of them. In order to become completely untouchable from the outsiders as well as the members within the mob, although, they needed Pauly. These members would go to Pauly for help, when they could not go to the police. The only problems with this is Pauly is not cheap and they needed to play by his rules. If his help was needed, he was to be paid weekly and no excuse was good enough for not having his cut when it was due. Scorsese uses violence and crime to show there was more to life than the money and fun that came along with it. It takes a bit of dirty work to get high end items if the hard work isn’t done to allow for the high end job. The members of the mob and their wives see life a bit differently than the typical working American. Henry’s wife Karen addresses this by saying â€Å"Our husbands are not Brain Surgeons; they were blue collar guys who go out and cut a few corners. † She did not see anything wrong in what Henry does as long as he comes home and treats her with all the luxuries she has become accustomed to, nothing else mattered. Henry and his accomplices did not think anything was wrong with how they lived. They enjoyed themselves and were aware of the consequences, but did not fret about them, â€Å"no one goes to jail unless they want to,† Pauly offered protection and as long as the rules were followed there was nothing to worry about. In order to get by, Henry would do everything from boot leg cigarettes, steal cargo, deal drugs and would kill anyone who gets in the way. The two that must be followed were, do not kill a Made man, which is a boss, unless you have permission and make sure you pay Pauly. Henry was living a fabulous life until he started making some bad decisions, got careless and broke the rules. Now the consequences that have been threatened have caught up with him and are starting to give him a rude awakening of what life really can be like for the average person, who does not belong to a powerful family, such as his. Henry was living life day by day and getting by doing whatever he pleases. He had the respect, the power and the wealth that he dreamt of as a young boy. But in the end it didn’t add up, he was left with nothing. All due to a few bad decisions, the materialistic rubbish and money caused Henry to be blinded from what truly should be important in life, he had cut off relationships with all of his real family and now had no one to turn to. Pauly had warned him not to get involved in the scandal that his two close accomplices Tommy and Johnny were getting involved in, but after Henry gets put into prison, he runs out of resources and needs money fast. â€Å"When you go away you are on your own,† because Pauly did not help Karen, while Henry was in jail he decides that instead of asking Pauly for help when he gets out he would take care of this misfortune of his own. He doesn’t feel as if he owes Pauly anything because Pauly did not offer help when he needed him the most. Henry locates Tommy and Johnny and creates a multimillion dollar plan. The problem that surfaces is that it will be hard to keep everyone involved quiet and some of the help decided to spend their cut of the money right away which started to draw some unwanted attention. Tommy and Johnny cannot have this become an issue, so â€Å"months after the robbery, they were finding bodies left and right, â€Å"it was obvious that there was something going on and it was starting to catch up with Henry. Pauly eventually caught up with them and had his men kill Tommy. Henry began to notice he was being followed and he thought he had everything under control but he was wrong. The Federal Government caught up with him â€Å"and now it’s all over, I am and average nobody. † In order for Henry to stay out of prison he had to become a victim of the Witness Protection Program and confessed everything, from the beginning, involving everyone and every detail. He no longer had the power or money he once had. None of it mattered anymore and he now regrets the poor decisions he had made that lead him in this direction. If he would have just listened to Pauly, he may still be living the life he once had. The director uses this end result of regret as the main theme of the movie. It holds as a message, a man may be blessed with good fortune but one bad decision can turn it all around. This film was based on a true story. The main character relives the life of the real Henry Hill to show the general public that it is okay to live life day by day and enjoy what comes with it but make sure that the consequences are acknowledged and be prepared for the outcome of the actions taken. All can be lost by a few bad decisions and there is no going back.

Competitive Analysis Of Porters Five Forces Model

Competitive Analysis Of Porters Five Forces Model 1. Competitive Analysis of Porters Five-Forces Model Porters Five Forces model is a widely used approach to determine the strength of the competitive forces that will influence a company. (Exhibit1) The competitive pressures that Robert Mondavi faces in the U.S. domestic wine industry based on Porters Five-Forces Model are described below: 1.1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers RMC has used backward integration strategy to increased control of grape suppliers. He has successfully convinced many of Krugs top grape suppliers to sign long term contract with RMC for approximately 75% of its purchases. (Professor Roberto, 2002) He also worked closely with each grower to improve grape quality and the contract has been structured where the compensation was tied to the grape quality crop yields. This will improve the stability of the price as most of the growers depend on RMC for sustenance, thus give them very little bargaining power over RMC. Mondavi also convinced Krugs top two suppliers to take financial stake in his new winery. (Silverman, Gilinsky, Guy Baack, 2001) Since now they are the stakeholders have long term contractual relationship with Mondavi, it has reduced the likelihood that suppliers will increase price. Furthermore, RMC has invested more than $50mil over the past 10 years to replant vineyards after the phylloxera epidemic. For long-term plan, Mondavi also acquired additional vineyards to increase its internal grape sourcing to 25% by 2005 so that his wineries wont rely heavily on independent growers. (Professor Roberto, 2002) As such, threat of supplier bargaining power is low for RMC as they attempt to control the suppliers operations right from production to distribution. 1.2. Bargaining Power of Customers Sales of wine in U.S. are mainly controlled by three-tier distribution system. RMC sells wines to their customers who are the wholesalers/distributors, who then provided wines to local retails businesses which accounted for 78% of total sales volume in U.S. Supermarkets alone have contributed 52% of retails wine sales. (Silverman, Gilinsky, Guy Baack, 2001) However major changes had taken place in wholesale and retail wine business. Number of alcoholic beverage distributors had decreased by 75% in early 1960s and substantial market share are now controlled by top 5 distributors. (Exhibit 2) As a result, large distributors are enjoying economies of scales and prefer to distribute only top selling wine brands since the product can be replenished quickly. Bargaining power of distributors had increased significantly since they have a lot of wine brands to choose from. Furthermore, five new world countries Australia, Canada, Chile, New Zealand and U.S. have signed trade agreement in 2001 to keep markets open and reduce trade barriers. (Castaldi, Cholette, Hussain, 2006) With the globalization of wine industry, a lot of international wine brands are eyeing for space on the store shelves of these few powerful supermarkets. As a result, RMC faced increasing competition as they relied heavily on top distributors retails chain for domestic sales, which accounted for two-third of its revenue. (Professor Roberto, 2002) As a result, bargaining power of customers is high for RMC 1.3. Potential Entry of New Competitors Consolidation is occurring among wineries worldwide through merges and acquisitions in wine industry. In 1970s, several food and beverage conglomerates, like Nestle and Coca-Cola have entered premium market by acquiring premium to ultra-premium wineries. In 1980s, global alcoholic beverage companies, like Canandaigua and The Wine Group have acquired wineries to complement their beer distilled spirits businesses. In 1990s, there were some 200 new wineries in the Napa Valley competed with RMC in premium market. (Silverman, Gilinsky, Guy Baack, 2001) A growing number of these wineries were nearly owned by multinational companies which have free-flow of cash and able to gain economic of scales in wine industry through merger or requisition strategy. Furthermore, they have substantial investment in working capital and funding to acquire new vineyards or even pay higher prices for grape supplies. Although RMCs skills expertise are difficult to imitate, but the knowledge and experience of these new competitors in alcoholic beverage industry with the support of their existing distribution assets will be an added advantage for them to compete in wine industry. As a result, the new competitors with huge capital have dwindled capital resources of RMC, which ended in public listing to obtain more capital to compete and take advantage of future opportunities (Silverman, Gilinsky, Guy Baack, 2001) As such, threat of new competitors is high for RMC especially when the big companies treat mergers and acquisitions as attractive ways to grow. 1.4. Rivalry among Competing Firms Rivalry among competing firms is often the strongest of the five competitive forces especially in U.S. wine industry, which was composed of approximately 1,500 wineries with the top 10 accounting for 70% of U.S. production. (Silverman, Gilinsky, Guy Baack, 2001) RMC has experienced intense rivalry from few dominant large volume producers like EJ Gallo Winery and Canandaigua Wine which have controlled 40-50% of market share (Exhibit 3). Furthermore, EJ Gallo also start to enter the premium wine segment aggressively to capitalize on changes in consumer demand toward premium wines. This will affect RMC which is primarily competing for premium wine market. Besides, large volume producer like EJ Gallo also gained economies of scale and have been viewed as sales powerhouse by many industry observers. They adopted strategy of substantial vertical integration by owning glass container manufacturer, bottle cork operation, lime quarry, a fleet of trucks and network of distribution centres throughout the country. (Professor Roberto, 2002) This enabled Gallo to enjoy a significant cost advantage. In this situation, rivalry is more likely. Furthermore, most of the rivalries have focused on channels promotions strategy to increase brand awareness and broaden its customer base in the premium market. They employed a direct sales force, organize wine competitions, wine tourism as well as wine testing and education activities at their vineyard to build the publics awareness. To sustain the competitiveness, RMC has gone far with the launched of its first radio television advertising campaign nationwide. As such, rivalry among competing firms is high for RMC in premium wine segment. 1.5. Potential Development of Substitute Products There are a lot of categories in alcoholic beverage industry such as beer and distilled spirits. When considering substitute for wine, many people will always think the wine substitute is beer. Actually all these are more of a compliment than substitute as each product has its own characteristic, can be differentiated and used to accompany different occasion. However the threat of substitute products is moderately high for RMC within the wine category. For example, an incident happened in 1999 where all the distributors began to substitute competing Chardonnay brand on retailers shelves after RMC experienced shortfall in supplying Woodbridge Chardonnay brand. (Silverman, Gilinsky, Guy Baack, 2001) Furthermore, there are a lot of wines with similar price, taste quality are readily available from local or multinational brands. The wide selection of wines has confused the customers during the buying process and always have trouble to remember which wines they bought and liked. (Castaldi, Cholette, Hussain, 2006) As a result, the brand loyalty of customers is low and switching to an alternative product is more likely during the purchase process. Although RMC has presence in all premium categories and hold a competitive advantage in economic of scales and price, but the threat of substitute products is still possible as most of the distributors only prefer to buy the wines which gained most awards and acclaim from wine enthusiasts. Finally based on Porters Five Forces, it can be concluded that only threat of suppliers are favorable to RMC. Due to the high competitive and continuous threats from new entrance such as alcoholic beverage companies, it is important for RMC to be more innovative in developing world-class wines in order to sustain the domestic economic profits. 2. Key Success Factors of the Wine Industry 2.1. World Renowned Growing Area U.S., a new world producing country in wine industry was composed of approximately 1,500 wineries. The most famous growing area is California, which are the top wine producer in U.S. and fourth leading wine producer in the world behind the countries like France, Italy and Spain. (Wine Institute.org, 2007) The uniqueness of California is the ideal climate, topography, and soil condition which enable RMC to produce premium wines that are able to compete with the premium European brands. Besides, California also attracted a lot of tourists throughout the year. Hence, it continuously provides a constant source of customers to RMC. 2.2. Modern Winemaking Facilities Technologies Wine industry is a capital intensive industry and requires great winemaking techniques facilities to produce high quality wines. Based on the study by Professor Roberto (2002), RMC operated six wineries in California and each of these wineries employed modern technology to insure the gentle handling of grape and the high quality of fermentation and aging processes. Besides, RMC also built a state-of-art winemaking facility and assembling a team of experts in the area of viticulture and winemaking. All these new techniques and development of experts have been an added advantage for RMC in the production of world-class premium wines. 2.3. Domestic Market Growth Potential U.S has a very strong domestic market for wine industry due to its status of fourth largest producer of wine and third largest consumer in 1999. (Exhibit 4 5) Based on the study by Castaldi, Cholette, Hussain (2006), the highest concentration of table wine consumers was aged between 35 to 55 and 31.4% of consumption contributed by the adults in families earning over $75,000 annually. Normally this group of people has a very high disposable income and willing to pay more for premium wine. As a result, RMC is able to leverage on this favorable demographic to enjoy both economies of scale in the growing premium market. Those adults who are not regular wine consumers consist of teetotalers and beer or spirit supporters. (Castaldi, Cholette and Hussain, 2006) There are a lot of potential to convert this group of beer purchasers to become wine consumers. It can be done via innovative marketing strategy, e.g. health benefits related to moderate wine consumption. In conclusion, many project that U.S. will become the worlds largest wine market by 2008 with the steady rise of per-capita consumption in recent years. (Exhibit 5) 2.4. Focus in building Portfolio of Premium Wine Segment RMCs strategy is to focus on the premium wine segment. With the introduction of Woodbridge brand wine in the popular premium super-premium categories, it has become the best seller wine and contributed more than half of the RMCs revenue in 1999. To further broaden its customer base, RMC has introduced few new brands via domestic diversifications and global partnerships to fill various price points in the premium wine segment. RMC also further divided the ultra-premium category into two categories, which has not been adopted by the industry to-date. (Silverman, Gilinsky, Guy Baack, 2001) This strategy enables RMC to consistently produce premium wines to reach different group of customers and further differentiates their products from competitors, which focus more on jug wines. As a result, RMC able to sustain the competitiveness in U.S. wine industry. 2.5. Globalization of Wine Industry In 2001, U.S. wine industry has gone into globalization with the signing of Mutual Acceptance Agreement (MAA) on Oenological (winemaking) Practices with four new world countries, Canada, Australia, Chile and New Zealand. The main purpose is to promote greater international wine commerce and eases trade barriers for U.S. wine. (Wine Institute.org, 2007) This enables RMC to sell their product outside the region with lower tariffs, logistic cost and trade barriers. As a result, RMC has increasingly look abroad to increase sales, earnings and take advantage of certain macro-economic factors such as exchange rates. It also gives an opportunity for RMC to showcase other wines to enhance its reputation in international markets. 3.1 Steps to ensure the Success of Strategy Implementation Robert Mondavi future business strategy is to form global join ventures as a way to develop world-class wine and transform RMC to become a truly global company that grow, produce and sell wines in all the best wine-growing regions in the world. (Silverman, Gilinsky, Guy Baack, 2001) To ensure the success of strategy implementation, RMC need to focus on below few areas: 3.1.1. Positive Cash Flow Successful strategy implementation always requires additional capital. Based on the RMC Financial Statement (FY1997-1999), although the revenue has increased from $300.80 millions to $370.60 millions, but the net profit margin has reduced significantly from 9.4% in FY1997 to 8.3% in FY1999 (Exhibit 6). Therefore, it is very important for the company to recover its financial position by further pay down its debt in order to generate more free cash flow. In addition, it will provide more financial resource for RMC to grow its portfolio by taking advantage of future opportunities. 3.1.2. Market Segmentation Product Positioning With the plan to venture globally, it is very important for RMC to determine the characteristic and needs of consumers as well as analyze consumer similarities and differences in every new market. As consumers are different in every country, RMC needs to produce different wines to meet different country preference. With market segmentation, it will enable RMC to position each of its wines appropriately to meet consumer needs and expectation. As a result, RMC will have better control on production, distribution and advertising for each of its wine. Finally, it will help RMC to improve operation efficiency and hence maximizing the profits. 3.1.3. Traditional Online Advertising Campaign To conquer the global market, it is extremely important for RMC to build its brand and broaden its customer base. Based on the study by Professor Roberto (2002), most of the premium wineries in U.S. do not spend much on consumer advertising. They tended to focus more on channel promotion. As such, it poses a large opportunity for RMC to strengthen its brand appearance in advertising medium. For example, RMC can focus on TV and radio advertising to build trust and emotional connection with consumers. RMC can also advertise in selected premium magazines to strengthen its premium market penetration. Furthermore, with the emerging of new online medium, it will also help RMC to reach those consumers who are difficult to reach via traditional media. In conclusion, advertising is an important tool for brand building. 3.1.4. Management Operations Control Strategy implementation will never success without the strong management and operations control. RMC needs to establish clear, reasonable, measurable and achievable annual objectives which are well communicated throughout an organization. With clear annual objectives, all the employees will have the same understanding and moving towards the same direction in implementing the strategy. It will also help in allocating resources more efficiently according to annual objectives and provide relevant training for each employee to further enhance their skills. Besides, performance-linked rewards must be well placed to motivate and improve the productivity of all employees. Lastly, adequate and timely evaluation is needed to ensure the performance conform to the strategy. 3.2. Potential Problems during the Strategy Implementation 3.2.1 Conflict between Employees Conflict might occur between two or more parties in RMC. Normally misunderstanding disagreement occur during the implementation process as each party has their own commitments and expectations to achieve. Conflict is unavoidable for all organizations especially for RMC which has a large workforce to manage. For example, in 1999 Michael Mondavi was caught between the 2 camps due to an argument for RMCs future strategy. (Silverman, Gilinsky, Guy Baack, 2001) As such, conflict need to be solved before negative consequences affect the organizational performance and strategy implementation. 3.2.2. Resistance to Change Resistance to change is another potential problem that RMC might face during the strategy implementation. People fear to change because any changes in structure and strategies will affect or disrupt the current working environment. However, continuously adapt to changes is necessary for RMC to compete in the fast growing and increasingly competitive wine industry. Normally those organization best adapt to the changes will gain significant competitive advantage and strategy implementation can be relatively easy. 3.2.3 Challenge of Financial Management Monetary Systems RMC might face a challenge to maintain its financial stability over the next few years as strong financial budgets capital are required to sustain the business worldwide. Furthermore, RMC will also deal with two or more exchange rates which can complicate its global operation. The global profitability will also affected by the direct impact from dollar when the economy slowdown.

The Zone Diet Essay -- Health Nutrition Weight Loss

It seems like everywhere you look there is some new diet plan making miraculous promises of weight loss through pills, plans, and formulas. The zone diet is no exception. The zone diet was developed by Dr. Barry Sears in his book," Enter the Zone" which was on the bestseller lists for weeks. The zone promises high energy, weight loss, and no hunger to those willing to follow the simple set of zone rules. It sounds great you say, but does it really work? What is the Zone? The "zone" was first referred to by athletes as a period of maximum performance and energy levels. When things are clicking and every part of our body is working at its best, we say we are "in the zone." When we fall short we experience a loss of performance, more illness, and feel moody and restless. The zone diet helps individuals to stay in the zone, not just trying to hit or miss. Instead of experiencing periodic energy highs and lows, it regulates levels throughout the day, putting the body in a metabolic state of peak efficiency. Much of this energy regulation is controlled by eicosanoids (http://www.coolrunning.com/sponsor/thezone/zone.htm#eicos). These are some of the most important chemical messengers in the body. However, since they perform their cell-to-cell communications very rapidly and in very small concentrations, they have often been overlooked by many researchers. Eicosanoids are completely derived from dietary fat. In addition, they have opposing physiological functions, which can be either good or bad. The good eicosanoids accelerate the use of stored body fat, whereas the bad do the opposite. These levels of eicosanoids can be controlled by what we eat at each meal. For example, high levels of carbohydrates decrease the produ... ...er 4. Gray, J., and Martinovic, A. (I 994). Eicosanoids and essential fatty acid modulation in chronic disease and the chronic fatigue syndrome, Medical Hypotheses, 43(l): 31-42. Harvey, J., Wing, R.,& Mullen, M. (I 993). Effects on food cravings of a very low calorie diet or a balanced, low calorie diet. Appetite, 21(2): 105-15. Kurilla, Michael G. (I 996). Protein Requirements in Humans. Intemet Librwy Shah, M., McGovern, P., French, S. & Baxter J. (1994). Comparison of a low-fat, ad libitum complex-carbohydrate diet with a low-energy diet in moderately obese women. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 59(5): 980-4. Suchner, U., and Senftleben, U. (1994). h=une modulation by polyunsaturated fatty acids during nutritional therapy: interactions with synthesis and effects of eicosanoids. Infusionstherapie und Transfusionsmedzin, 21(3): 167-82.

The Merchant of Venice :: Free Merchant of Venice Essays

"The Merchant of Venice" by WIlliam Shakespeare. "The Merchant of Venice" is a play about revenge, justice, deseption and friendship. The story is about, Shylock a wealth Jew, lending one of his enemies, Antonoi, three thousand ducats. Although Antonio is a rich merchant all his resources are in his ships, trading too distant countries, but because he wants to help out his friend, Bassanio, he has no choice but to ask Shylock for a loan , not to know it could lead to his death. In this play there is a big difference between the Christian charaters and Shylock, the main difference being Shylock seems to be more interested in his money and business rather than human relationships, which the Christian charaters seem to b e more interested in. However, in one part of the play Shylock seems to be hurt at the fact his daughter has sold a ring, which his deceases wife gave him, for a monkey. (Act 3 Scene 1 ) " It was my turquoise, I had it off Leah when i was a bachelor. I Would not have given it for a Wilderness of monkeys. " This shows a side to Shylock that we have never seen. It shows the love he had and still has for his deceased wife Leah. Shylock shows how hurt and betrayed he feels that his daughter has sold his ring by saying that he wouldn't had given it away for a " wilderness of monkeys ". Another theme in the play that Shylock brings out is predjudice. He judges people before he gives them a chance to show what they are really like. He has different veiws on different characters depanding on who they are. ( Act 1 Scene 3 ) "I hat him for he is a Christian" This shows how he feels against antonio , a Christian whom he has never met and it shows how prejudice he can be. In one part of the play Shylock shows a side to him we have never seen before. Instead if seeing him as the man who is greedy and

My World In 2050 Essay

The world in which I live in the year 2050 is only marginally different than the one we lived in fifty years ago. Communication technology at this point is really the only thing that has advanced in great leaps. see more:life in 2050 In 2050, there are no more wires used in communication. No phone lines, no cables. Everyone has a satellite transmitter in their homes that can be used to transmit live video/audio feeds to anywhere in the world in a matter of seconds. This also means that the Internet is no longer dependant on modems, as we knew them at the turn of the century. Video imagers that allow people to communicate while seeing who you are speeking to have replaced the phones of the twentieth century. All banking, shopping and personal business can now be done in the comfort and privacy of your own home. This is probably the single most amazing thing about this time. Companies like FedEx, and UPS have become shipping giants of this time, with millions of employees and tens of thousands of offices all over the world. These companies are what make living in 2050 so unique. With more people spending less time going out to shop, shipping companies like these are the only way millions of people can survive. Back in the early 1980’s, I remember watching a movie called Aliens. I remember this well because there was a scene in the movie when Ripley, the main character, used a card inserted into a videophone that allowed her to see who she was talking to. At the time I was amazed at the special effects in this movie. Now of course all we need do is to speak the name and city of the person we want to talk to so that the communication computer can hear it and we are connected instantly. We no longer have to worry about garbled communications, or language barriers with the latest translator technology. Sure, the translators sound kind of boxy and computerize, but in time I think that even these bugs will be worked out. All in all, 2050 is an exciting time, and new things will be discovered every day. There is word that communication mega giant AT&T is developing a chip that can be implanted in the skull that would make  videophones obsolete in a few years. They say that all you have to do is think about calling someone and, boom, you are connected. Well, I guess only time will tell. For sure, seventy years ago, these things were probably considered outlandish ideas, but amazingly, life seems to imitate Sci-Fi. I mean, look at what the old Star Trek series did for Cell Phones.

Missing White Woman Syndrome Essay

Missing white woman syndrome, also known as missing pretty girl syndrome, is a tongue-in-cheek term coined by some media critics to reference a form of media hype in which excessive news coverage is devoted to a specific missing or murdered white women and girls, while virtually ignoring missing men, non-white women, or other news stories. According to these critics, reporting of these stories often lasts for several days or weeks, sometimes even months, and displaces reporting on other current events that some people consider more newsworthy, such as economics and politics. This syndrome appears to be most prevalent in U. S. media, but famous examples can also be found elsewhere in the world, e. g. the United Kingdom. The essential features of a missing person said to give rise to Missing White Woman Syndrome are sex, her race, (relative) prettiness, and age. These features are said to provoke positive discrimination in the reporting as news of the disappearance of a young white woman, and so to increase public interest in her disappearance. Missing people claims that cases which generate greatest publicity are those where missing persons are white, middle-class, female and from stable two-parent families, and where is no indication that such a missing person ran away from home. A working-class boy or an older woman is less likely to receive news coverage. Even in cases where foul play is suspected, if the victim is male, is of Afro-Caribbean or Asian descent, is a prostitute, has drug problems, is a persistent runaway, or has been in foster care, reporters are said to decide that their readership is less likely to relate to or empathize with the victim, and they reduce their coverage accordingly. The typical profile that must be fit: blonde, attractive, if possible blue-eyed, young, petite, vivacious and of a middle class or higher economic background creates the cases of MPWW which involve every local or national news to provide regular daily coverage of any and all developments, accompanied by lengthy discussions about the meaning of such developments. Speculations about evidence, suspects, motives that caused the disappearance rise and family members are called in order to offer more information and to show pictures of the victim. As the story gains momentum and begins to pick up steam like a runaway locomotive more talk shows and news media search details and turn the event into a national issue. The typical case lasts for days, weeks, months, forever and ever resulting in some families creating a website about the case, or a reward is posted, flyers and leaflets are posted all over and cover all neighborhoods. However, if we take a look at the Doe Network, which is one of the resources that handles missing adult cases, we find out that: a) there are more missing black women in the US than women of all other races combined, b) there are more missing men than women, and c) there are far, far more missing long-term missing persons than most people even dream about. Moreover, from the news you would never know that most missing Americans are men, not women, that nearly a third of the missing are black, and that even ugliness will not save a woman from becoming missing and turning up dead. [pic] Missing People Chart. [pic]http://abagond. wordpress. com/2007/12/27/the-missing-white-woman-syndrome/ The Missing White Woman Syndrome should be taken into account and treated as a huge problem, but at times some cases are emphasize more than others and thus discrimination appears. What is more, â€Å"Missing White Woman Syndrome† seems to be interjecting racism into a situation that is much more complex than simple racism, as very often the disappearance of black women is neglected or if at the same time a white woman and a black one are reported missing it is only the white one that catches the media attention and soon becomes national news. Some critics say that pretty, white damsels in distress draw viewers, whereas missing women who are black, Latino, Asian, old, fat or ugly do not. For example, in May 2004, a young black woman was missing. It was not until 14 months later that they found her body. Her aunt worked in public relations but the press was not all that interested. Yet during all those months, when she went missing cable news went on and on about other missing women who were white. So, it could be the media’s fault for not covering every subject properly, and at times this does not resume just to Missing White Woman Syndrome, but to other news as well. It is a matter of interpretation of every situation and the media tends to draw the attention upon a certain area of a subject so that it should turn the whole thing into a business as it is often considered. For example, an automobile accident that kills five people is â€Å"newsworthy†, but five separate fatalities are not. A coal mine accident that kills a dozen is covered by every media outlet, but scores of miners who die from black lung every year are ignored. It is the shocking news that get the attention, as a means of manipulating the audience. Some claim that the media offers its viewers what they want, as it is like any other market driven much the same way that demand for certain automobiles drives production. It is said that is not just pretty white women, because people are drawn to stories about â€Å"pretty† people in general. Good looking actors get more face time than not so goof looking ones. Overweight people are now the majority in the U. S. , yet â€Å"full figured† models don’t turn up in Victoria Secret magazines. A plump homely missing child will likely not draw the attention that a good looking child would. Maybe people are drawn to â€Å"attractive†, because it is what we want to be. Then when bad things happen to attractive people we feel bad because something happened to the concept of what we’d like to see ourselves as – attractive. Attractive is pleasing to the eye and to the mind, and we are drawn to the things that please us†¦ Government intervention could be the only solution, if it subsidized the news media to insure the reporting of certain events even though they may not be in demand. However, there are opponents who claim that this is a social matter and not an economic one, mainly focused on racism and the way it is still perceived in America. Missing White Woman Syndrome is spread not only in the United States, but in other countries as well and it apparently attract millions of viewers. During the last year in Romania there ahs been a continuous debate on a similar case of a missing white woman, a lawyer, whose case has been analyzed from every angle and it is still discussed. Some even say that it became a brand, as there was a TV-show that kept up with all the details of the case. In the meanwhile many other teenagers or children have gone missing but the attention is still drawn to this never-ending case that some even consider not to be true. There is also the cult of true womanhood which teaches that white women are to be rescued, therefore they are helpless and in need of protection, while black women are assumed as being â€Å"in control† of the situation. It is a matter of perception upon the entire world, thus including prejudices and mentalities that grow into racism and into different forms of seeing others of a different race or sex or social status as capable of certain things. Here we could mention the view of people on a missing black woman who is later found dead, as either a drug addict or an easy woman. The questions â€Å"How do you save a black man from drowning? You take off your foot of his head. † and â€Å"What do you get if a white man falls of a skyscraper? Who cares. † best summon the idea that it is spread worldwide not just on the Missing White Woman Syndrome, but in other cases of discrimination and also national opinion upon a certain topic. The abagond. wordpress. com refers to the missing white woman syndrome as â€Å"missing pretty girls syndrome† or â€Å"damsel in distress syndrome† and it also makes references of TV episodes where the syndrome was clearly present. That is in â€Å"Without a Trace† episode â€Å"White Balance† in which the agents investigate two cases: that of a white teenage girl and that of a black teenage boy. They must cope with the white girl’s case getting constant attention and the black boy’s getting none. The episode concludes with a No Ending, as we are told that one lives and one dies, but not which is which. In one episode of â€Å"Law and Order Criminal Intent†, the disappearance of a white girl on a school trip becomes the subject of a media frenzy, and is eventually tied to the disappearance of a local black girl. The mother of the black girl accuses the authorities of coming to her only when her daughter’s disappearance was tied up with the white girl’s. The msnbc. msn. com refers to unconscious bias stating that â€Å"Quoting those FBI statistics – its like saying ‘99percent of the nations in the world are not at war, so why are focusing on the war? ’ But Iraq is an extraordinary event involving Americans† said Mark Effron, vice president of news at MSNBC TV. â€Å"What makes news is the unexpected. † Also, ironically the site gives another quote which refers to the Missing White Woman Syndrome, that is â€Å"If you are missing, it helps to be young, white, female. † Maybe this statement should raise a question mark that can make everyone see the real meaning of this â€Å"syndrome† that does not occur only among white women, but among black or Asian women as well, thus making all of them equal in front of the world and in the media articles. CNN has often been accused of not taking into account all missing cases and of observing and broadcasting only those of white pretty women, ignoring missing black women. The news media does not only entertain viewers, but also sells newspapers and you rarely, if ever, see in the news a woman â€Å"of color† who has gone missing. The Missing White Woman Syndrome is another embodiment of racism that makes you concentrate only on a small part of the problem and thus ignore the rest as if it never exists. There are thousands of people who go missing every day, but who, for not fitting the profile do not make it to the front page or the news. Those attractive women who are reported try to create that perfect image of the world where everyone seeks the beauty and the perfection and these cases of disappearances or deaths often ruin or at least shake the confidence in these stereotypes. But it is very clear that one does not have to be young, blonde and blue-eyed in order to be abducted and moreover breaking the news does not necessarily help bring back the missing person. Here is a matter of police involvement as well and the way in which authorities do everything in their power to find whoever has gone missing. Nevertheless, it is somehow ironical how statistics show that there are more males missing than women, and yet rarely are these cases reported. The percentage of missing white women is not higher than that of black women, but we only speak about a Missing White Woman Syndrome and not about a Missing Black Woman Syndrome. There are also a lot of children gone missing and most of them are not blond, blue-eyed and yet they are those who everyone talks about and even become icons of the â€Å"syndrome†. It is a creation of a fake world where we only focus on what we want to see and not on what there really is out there. Bibliography: www. msnbc. msn. com www. tvtropes. org www. abagond. wordpress. com Monica Radu, 1st year student of American Studies.