Khmer New Year in Cambodia

Khmer New Year in Cambodia Khmer New Year, or ‘Bon Chol Chhnam Thmei’ in the Khmer language, is the greatest traditional festival and national holiday in Cambodia, and the celebration last for three days. Khmer New year starts on April the 13th, 14th or 15th depending on the ancient horoscope â€Å"Maha Sangkran†, 2012 it starts on the 13 of April. The majority of the Cambodians are still farmers and Khmer New Year marks the end of the harvest season when farmers enjoy the fruits of their labor and relax before the start of the rainy season.In the villages the people engage in traditional Khmer games, they play games such as the Bas Angkunh ‘seed throwing’, Chaol Chhoung ‘twisted-scarf throwing’, Leak Kanseng ‘twisted-scarf hide’ and dance to traditional Khmer songs. The first day of Khmer New Year is called â€Å"Maha Sangkran†, Sangkran means movement and refers to that the sun is moving into a new Zodiac sign and Ma ha means great. Some say that Maha Sangkran means welcome to the new spirits. In the morning the Cambodians will go to the temple and offer food to the monks and receive blessings.During this time the Cambodians clean and decorate their homes and prepare fruits and drinks on a table or in their spirit house to welcome the new spirits. Elderly people like to meditate or pray the Dharma because they believe that any spirit that comes to their home will stay with them throughout the whole year and take care of their family. The second day is called â€Å"Wanabot† and it is the day that they offer gifts to parents, grandparents and elders.In the evening of this day many Cambodians will go to the temple and build a mountain of sand to remember their ancestors who have passed away and have the monks give them blessings of happiness and peace. The third day is called â€Å"Leung Sakk† and this is the first day of the new year. In the morning the Cambodians go to the temple an d perform a ceremony where the mountain of sand gets blessed. The last ceremony is called â€Å"Pithi Srang Preah† and the purpose of this ceremony is to honor and to give a special cleansing to Buddha Statues, the monks, elders, grandparents and parents.During this ceremony the participators apologize for any mistakes they have made during the last year. The Khmer New Year is not only a great festival it is also an opportunity to pass on the Cambodian traditions to the next generation. The History of Khmer New Year Posted on April 10, 2009 by Chanroeun Pa| 4 Comments In ancient countries of Chompou Tvip (the central continent of the seven continents surrounding Mount Meru) the elder people adopted the Khmer New Year’s date in Khe Mikase (January), i. e. he early year. According to the lunar calendar, they formerly chose three seasons including Heman Radov or winter, Kimha Radov ir hot season and Vasan Radov or rainy season. Since Chol Sakarach (Lesser Era) they have formally adopted the solar calendar and held the Khmer New Year Festival in Khe Chet (fifth month) that is a free time from their farming. Four main seasons in the solar calendar contain winter, spring, summer and autumn. The Khmer people have adopted the fifth solar month, known as Khe Chet, to celebrate their New Year festival.Usually, according to the solar calendar, the Khmer New Year falls on the 13th of April although sometimes it falls on the 14th of April. The auspicious occasion of the Khmer New Year is detailed in the astrological almanac and extends over three days. The first day is known as Maha Sangkran or â€Å"Great Almanac Day†, the second day is called Veara Vanabath or â€Å"Worshipping Day†, and the third day is known as Veara Leung Sak or â€Å"Rank and Promotion Day†. Of the three days Veara Leung Sak is considered the most auspicious.The history of the Khmer New Year is closely connected to the seven signs of the zodiac for the week. The le gend of the New Year is detailed in the Almanac which says: In ancient, happier times, a young man by the name of Thoamabal, the son of a tycoon, had an extensive knowledge of three Vedas (ancient books on Hinduism) by the age of seven. Thoamabal’s father built a temple under the spread of a large Chrey tree (a fig tree) on the banks of a river that was home to many species of birds. He had an innate ability that enabled him to understand the languages of birds. Thoamabal’s attributes allowed him to become a layman in charge of religious ceremonies for all classes of people. Upon hearing this news another religious leader Kabel Maha Prohm, decided to challenge Thoamabal with tree riddles. He vowed that if Thaomabal could successfully answer the riddles he, Kabel Maha Prohm, would be beheaded; however if Thoamabal could not answer the riddles correctly then it would be Thoamabal who would be beheaded. Thoamabal insisted on having seven days to answer the puzzling enigma until Kabel Maha Prohm agreed.For six days Thoamabal could not solve the problems and knew that he faced the prospect of being killed by Kabel Maha Prohm the next morning. He therefore decided to hide himself and let his life fade away by natural causes. He hid himself beneath a pair of sugar palm trees in which a pair of eagles were nesting, that night Thoamabal overheard the eagles talking. The female asked, â€Å"What will we eat tomorrow morning? † The male eagle replied, â€Å"We will eat the flesh of Thoamalobal because tomorrow he is going to be beheaded by Kabie Maha Prohm due to his inability to solve the riddles†.The female then asked, â€Å"What are the riddles? † The male answered, â€Å"The first riddle is, where is luck to be found in the mornine? † Of course the answer is that luck is on the face because people always take water to wash their faces. The second riddle asked, where is luck located at noon? It is on the chest because people a lways take water to wash their chests. Finally, the third question asked, where is luck located in the evening? The answer is that luck is on the feet because people always wash their feet in the evening.Thoamabal overheard all of the conversation and so happily returned to his temple. In the morning Kabel Maha Prohm came to ask Thoamabal if he could answer the three riddles. Thoamabal successfully answered each of the riddles. Kabel Maha Prohm realixing he had failed, called his seven daughters, who were maids of Branma, to learn of his fate. Kabal Maha Prohm said, â€Å"Your father is foing to be beheaded in front of Thoamabal. If my head is set on the earth , if will set fire to Earth, if my head is thrown into the air, the rain will evaporate, if my head is thrown into the sea, the sea will dry up.Therefore I ask you, my seven daughters to get a holy metal tray on which to set your father’s head†. Having said this, he beheaded himself and his head was passed to Nea ng Toungsa, the eldest of his daughters. She placed her father’s head on the holy tray and then proceeded to walk around Mount Meru for one hour, respectfully keeping the tray on her right hand. She then took the tray to the temporary sanctuary of Phnom Kailas. At Phnom Kailas, Preah Visakam created a hall where seven holy glasses (Pheakabatei Saphea) were set. The glasses were for use by angels during ceremonies.Each year the seven angels took turns to invoke the head of Kabel Maha Prohm to and complete a holy procession around Mount Meru. Following the holy procession the angels returned to their heaven. The Seven Angels of the Almanac: If the annual procession talls on a Sunday then the day will be known as Toungsa, Monday is Kooreak, Tuesday is called Reaksa, Wednesday is   Kereney, Friday is known as Kemera and Saturday is Mahaotra. During the Khmer New Year Festival, youths gather to play popular traditional games such as Chaol Chhoung (throwing a ball) and Bas Angkun h (throwing brown seeds).The youths are normally divided into female and male teams to play these games. In some parts of Cambodia, e. g. Siem Reap and Battambang, they play a game known as the â€Å"Trot Dance†. Trot performers dance and ask for alms from house to house in their village. A man will ride on a long curved stick with a deer’s head on one side and with a cluster of grass on the other side like the deer’s tail. Two men pretend to be hunters and are armed with a crossbow. When they receive alms they will donate it for the benefit of the local pagoda.In villages along the Mekong Riverinthe province of Kandal women gather to rowboats in front of the pagodas. This action is believed to appease the crocodiles. This custom originated long ago when many crocodiles lived in the river. In some villages, people trample on effigies to appease the ghosts that live in the trees near the pagodas and ask for happiness in the coming year. The Khmer people will gath er together and visit pagodas and temples on the occasion of the Khmer New year. Each year many residents from other provinces visit Angkor Wat to worship to the powerful gods and trace their ancestors’ heritage.

Organizations and institutions Essay

Maintaining and preserving the environment has been one of the key issues that have been prevalent in the present time. Creating avenues for environmental sustainability has continuously been evident among states, organizations and institutions. The same applies for the marine ecology particularly the Giant Blue-Fin tuna. The continuous decline of its population has been alarming different sectors in the economy as well as different environmental NGOs. Thus, it created numerous efforts among different organizations and governments to protect the Giant Blue-Fin Tuna. By controlling the amount of Giant Blue-Fin Tuna captured daily, the population of such species can be saved and be prevented from extinction. The Giant Blue-Fin tuna is considered one of the most prized species in the marine kingdom. â€Å"Atlantic bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus (Linnaeus, 1758), aka bluefin tuna, horse mackerel, northern bluefin tuna is regarded as one of the most highly evolved fish species and one of the most prized fish in danger of over fishing. † (MarineBio. org, 2007, p. 1) A Giant Blue-Fin is characterized under the category of ‘tuna’ due to their unique composition. â€Å"Tuna, originating from the Greek word meaning â€Å"to rush,† usually swim at speeds of 1. 5-4 kts, can maintain 8 kts for some time, and can rarely break 20 kts for short periods. † (MarineBio. org, 2007, p. 1) The Blue-Fin tuna is classified under the Scombridae family and it is considered to be the largest specie under such classification. â€Å"It is one of the largest bony fishes and can reach lengths of up to 3 m, although they are more commonly found from . 5-2 m in length. Adult weights range from 136-680 kg, although the upper weight range is rare. † (MarineBio. org, 2007, p. 1) Its appearance can be described to be â€Å"dark blue to black near the dorsal surface and silvery near the ventral surface. † (MarineBio. org, 2007, p. 1) In addition, Giant Blue-Fin tuna lives from 15 – 30 years. Also, Giant Blue-Fin tunas are considered to be warm blooded fishes. â€Å"Atlantic bluefin are homeothermic (â€Å"warm-blooded†) and are therefore able to thermoregulate keeping their body temperatures higher than the surrounding water, which is why they are so well adapted to colder waters. † Locations The Giant Blue-Fin tuna are only located in certain places. â€Å"Bluefin are highly migratory and limited numbers of individuals may cross the Atlantic in as little as 60 days and are widely distributed throughout the Atlantic and can be found from Newfoundland all the way to the coast of Brazil. † (MarineBio. org, 2007, p. 1) In addition, â€Å"they range in the eastern Atlantic as far north as Norway and down to northern West Africa. Bluefin tagged in the Bahamas have been captured in Norway as well as off the coast of Brazil. Bluefin in the South Atlantic belong to a distinct southern population, with known spawning areas south of Java, Indonesia. † (MarineBio. org, 2007, p. 1) Current Problems In the course of time as development begins to step into the picture, certain negative and adverse have began to emanate from the process. The most affected sector in the development process is the environment. As humans continue to develop technologically the consequences of such improvements have been the environment and the ecosystem. With this, it can be argued that the marine ecosystem has also been suffering the same fate. Such occurrence does not spare the Giant Blue-Fin tuna as its population gradually and continuously declines over the years. It is widely known that the Giant Blue-fin tuna serves as an important source of food and income among the fishing industry. â€Å"Once, giant bluefin migrated by the millions throughout the Atlantic Basin and the Mediterranean Sea, their flesh so important to the people of the ancient world that they painted the tuna’s likeness on cave walls and minted its image on coins. † (Montaigne, 2007, p. 1) The Giant Blue-fin tuna are regarded by many to be a source of delicious food particularly in the making of sushi. â€Å"The giant, or Atlantic, bluefin possesses another extraordinary attribute, one that may prove to be its undoing: Its buttery belly meat, liberally layered with fat, is considered the finest sushi in the world. † (Montaigne, 2007, p. 1) Too much hunting With the huge demand for its meat, the Giant Blue-fin tuna has been a victim of excessive hunting by different fishermen and institutions. â€Å"Over the past decade, a high-tech armada, often guided by spotter planes, has pursued giant bluefin from one end of the Mediterranean to the other, annually netting tens of thousands of the fish, many of them illegally. † (Montaigne, 2007, p. 1) In addition, with the application of the technological advantages in fisheries, the decline of Giant Blue-fin tuna rose exaggeratedly. â€Å"The decimation of giant bluefin is emblematic of everything wrong with global fisheries today: the vastly increased killing power of new fishing technology, the shadowy network of international companies making huge profits from the trade, negligent fisheries management and enforcement, and consumers’ indifference to the fate of the fish they choose to buy. † (Montaigne, 2007, p. 1) Enforcement or Request There had been different efforts by states as well as international organizations in addressing these issues. Fishing of Giant Blue-fin can never be banned due to the relative demand of consumers for their meat. Thus, organizations and states arranged quotas for local and international fishermen on how much each should fish. However, these quotas are oftentimes neglected or not followed. â€Å"The group charged with managing bluefin tuna stocks, the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT), has acknowledged that the fleet has been violating quotas egregiously. † (Montaigne, 2007, p. 2) In addition, recognizing the constant decline of Giant Blue-Fin tuna in the ocean, ICCAT has requested different states and companies to reduce their quotas to allow these species to populate and multiply, however, these organizations and states declined. â€Å"But despite strong warnings from its own biologists, ICCAT—with 43 member states—refused to reduce quotas significantly last November, over the objections of delegations from the U. S. , Canada, and a handful of other nations. † (Montaigne, 2007, p. 2) It has been predicted that if this type of fishing continues, then such industry would collapse and the Giant Blue-fin can become extinct. â€Å". Scientists estimate that if fishing continues at current levels, stocks are bound to collapse. † (Montaigne, 2007, p. 2) What can be done There are different mechanisms that environmentalist and the government have tried to enforce to prevent the continuous over fishing of these species. However, little compliance can be seen in the process due to the high demand posed by the Giant Blue-Fin tuna especially in the world market. Thus, it is necessary for states and groups to enhance the level of monitoring and implementation of rules and legislation. In addition, stricter measures must be enforced to facilitate a better future for these creatures. Effective Management Effective management can be a solution to the long and impeding problem of over fishing in the ocean for Giant Blue-Fin tuna. â€Å"Experts agree that, first, the world’s oceans must be managed as ecosystems, not simply as larders from which the fishing industry can extract protein at will. †(Montaigne, 2007, p. 4) By creating effective and efficient management mechanisms can help enhance the efforts in improving the overall status of Giant Blue-Fin tuna. â€Å"Second, the management councils that oversee fisheries, such as ICCAT, long dominated by commercial fishing interests, must share power with scientists and conservationists. † (Montaigne, 2007, p. 4) Cutting Fishing Vessels The constant decline of Giant Blue-Fin tuna are due to numerous fishermen who catches them. One possible scenario that legislators and organizations can do is limiting the number of allowed fishermen and industries who will engage in such actions. By doing so, it can help the population of the Giant Blue-Fin tuna to increase. â€Å"Further, governments must cut back the world’s four million fishing vessels—nearly double what is needed to fish the ocean sustainably—and slash the estimated 25 billion dollars in government subsidies bestowed annually on the fishing industry. † (Montaigne, 2007, p. 4) Setting quotas and marine sanctuaries By creating quotas, Giant Blue-Fin tuna population can be maintained and can provide an avenue for an increase in population. â€Å"For giant bluefin in the Mediterranean, that may mean shutting down the fishery during the spawning season and substantially increasing the minimum catch weight. † (Montaigne, 2007, p. 4) But with this situation comes with effective and efficient inspection and enforcement among the state, agency and organization in-charge of the process. Also, by creating marine sanctuaries in the area, Giant Blue-Fin tuna can survive the excessive amount of fishing by fishermen in a certain area. Marine sanctuaries seek to protect the overall area where Giant Blue-Fin tuna are situated. This means that they cannot be caught. â€Å"Another crucial step, both in the Mediterranean and around the world, would be the creation of large marine protected areas. † (Montaigne, 2007, p. 4) Campaigning for change can also help in the process of conservation and sustainability. â€Å"Also important are campaigns by such groups as the Marine Stewardship Council, which is working with consumers as well as retail giants to promote trade in sustainably caught fish. † (Montaigne, 2007, p. 4) Conclusion The Giant Blue-Fin tuna is characterized to be an important part of the overall marine ecosystem. Taking them out in the overall system can create disparities and consequences in the marine ecosystem. Thus, the continuous decline of Giant Blue-Fin tuna must be addressed to sustain the continuous demand of people in the future. By creating efficient and effective monitoring mechanisms as well as legislation, the lives of Giant Blue-Fin tuna shall be sustained. It is our responsibility to continue addressing this for it shall be the future generations that will suffer if actions shall not be put into place and changes to occur in near time. References MarineBio. org (2007) Atlantic Bluefin Tuna. Retrieved November 28, 2007 from http://marinebio. org/species. asp? id=236 Montaigne, F. (2007) ‘Still Waters: The Global Fish Crisis’ in National Geographic: Interactive Edition. Retrieved November 28, 2007 from h http://www7. nationalgeographic. com/ngm/0704/feature1/index. html

A Hypothesis Is a Claim

, The average diameter of a manufactured bolt is not equal to 30mm ( H1: ? ? 30 ) Challenges the status quo Alternative never contains the â€Å"=†sign May or may not be proven Is generally the hypothesis that the researcher is trying to prove Is the opposite of the null hypothesis e. g. , The average diameter of a manufactured bolt is not equal to 30mm ( H1: ? ? 30 ) Challenges the status quo Alternative never contains the â€Å"=†sign May or may not be proven Is generally the hypothesis that the researcher is trying to prove Is the opposite of the null hypothesis e. g. , The average diameter of a manufactured bolt is not equal to 30mm ( H1: ? ? 30 ) Challenges the status quo Alternative never contains the â€Å"=†sign May or may not be proven Is generally the hypothesis that the researcher is trying to prove If the sample mean is close to the stated population mean, the null hypothesis is not rejected. If the sample mean is far from the stated population mean, the null hypothesis is rejected. How far is â€Å"far enough† to reject H0? The critical value of a test statistic creates a â€Å"line in the sand† for decision making — it answers the question of how far is far enough. Type I Error Reject a true null hypothesis Considered a serious type of error The probability of a Type I Error is ? Called level of significance of the test Set by researcher in advance Type II Error Failure to reject a false null hypothesis The probability of a Type II Error is ? Type I and Type II errors cannot happen at the same time A Type I error can only occur if H0 is true A Type II error can only occur if H0 is false Critical Value Approach to Testing For a two-tail test for the mean, ? known: Determine the critical Z values for a specified level of significance ? from a table or computer Decision Rule: If the test statistic falls in the rejection region, reject H0 ; otherwise do not reject H0 State the null hypothesis, H0 and the alternative hypothesis, H1 Determine the appropriate test statistic and sampling distribution Determine the critical values that divide the rejection and nonrejection regions Collect data and compute the value of the test statistic Make the statistical decision and state the managerial conclusion. If the test statistic falls into the nonrejection region, do not reject the null hypothesis H0. If the test statistic falls into the rejection region, reject the null hypothesis. Express the managerial conclusion in the context of the problem p-Value Approach to Testing -value: Probability of obtaining a test statistic equal to or more extreme than the observed sample value given H0 is true The p-value is also called the observed level of significance H0 can be rejected if the p-value is less than ? Hypothesis Testing: ? Unknown If the population standard deviation is unknown, you instead use the sample standard deviation S. Because of this change, you use the t distribution instead of the Z distribution to test the null hypothesis about the mean. When using the t distribution you must assume the population you are sampling from follows a normal distribution. All other steps, concepts, and conclusions are the same. One-Tail Tests In many cases, the alternative hypothesis focuses on a particular direction H0: ? ? 3 H1: ? 3 This is a lower-tail test since the alternative hypothesis is focused on the lower tail below the mean of 3 H0: ? ? 3 H1: ? 3 This is an upper-tail test since the alternative hypothesis is focused on the upper tail above the mean of 3 Proportions Sample proportion in the category of interest is denoted by p When both X and n – X are at least 5, p can be approximated by a normal distribution with mean and standard deviation Potential Pitfalls and Ethical Considerations Use randomly collected data to reduce selection biases Do not use human subjects without informed consent Choose the level of significance, ? , and the type of test (one-tail or two-tail) before data collection Do not employ â€Å"data snooping† to choose between one-tail and two-tail test, or to determine the level of significance Do not practice â€Å"data cleansing† to hide observations that do not support a stated hypothesis Report all pertinent findings including both statistical significance and practical importance A Hypothesis Is a Claim , The average diameter of a manufactured bolt is not equal to 30mm ( H1: ? ? 30 ) Challenges the status quo Alternative never contains the â€Å"=†sign May or may not be proven Is generally the hypothesis that the researcher is trying to prove Is the opposite of the null hypothesis e. g. , The average diameter of a manufactured bolt is not equal to 30mm ( H1: ? ? 30 ) Challenges the status quo Alternative never contains the â€Å"=†sign May or may not be proven Is generally the hypothesis that the researcher is trying to prove Is the opposite of the null hypothesis e. g. , The average diameter of a manufactured bolt is not equal to 30mm ( H1: ? ? 30 ) Challenges the status quo Alternative never contains the â€Å"=†sign May or may not be proven Is generally the hypothesis that the researcher is trying to prove If the sample mean is close to the stated population mean, the null hypothesis is not rejected. If the sample mean is far from the stated population mean, the null hypothesis is rejected. How far is â€Å"far enough† to reject H0? The critical value of a test statistic creates a â€Å"line in the sand† for decision making — it answers the question of how far is far enough. Type I Error Reject a true null hypothesis Considered a serious type of error The probability of a Type I Error is ? Called level of significance of the test Set by researcher in advance Type II Error Failure to reject a false null hypothesis The probability of a Type II Error is ? Type I and Type II errors cannot happen at the same time A Type I error can only occur if H0 is true A Type II error can only occur if H0 is false Critical Value Approach to Testing For a two-tail test for the mean, ? known: Determine the critical Z values for a specified level of significance ? from a table or computer Decision Rule: If the test statistic falls in the rejection region, reject H0 ; otherwise do not reject H0 State the null hypothesis, H0 and the alternative hypothesis, H1 Determine the appropriate test statistic and sampling distribution Determine the critical values that divide the rejection and nonrejection regions Collect data and compute the value of the test statistic Make the statistical decision and state the managerial conclusion. If the test statistic falls into the nonrejection region, do not reject the null hypothesis H0. If the test statistic falls into the rejection region, reject the null hypothesis. Express the managerial conclusion in the context of the problem p-Value Approach to Testing -value: Probability of obtaining a test statistic equal to or more extreme than the observed sample value given H0 is true The p-value is also called the observed level of significance H0 can be rejected if the p-value is less than ? Hypothesis Testing: ? Unknown If the population standard deviation is unknown, you instead use the sample standard deviation S. Because of this change, you use the t distribution instead of the Z distribution to test the null hypothesis about the mean. When using the t distribution you must assume the population you are sampling from follows a normal distribution. All other steps, concepts, and conclusions are the same. One-Tail Tests In many cases, the alternative hypothesis focuses on a particular direction H0: ? ? 3 H1: ? 3 This is a lower-tail test since the alternative hypothesis is focused on the lower tail below the mean of 3 H0: ? ? 3 H1: ? 3 This is an upper-tail test since the alternative hypothesis is focused on the upper tail above the mean of 3 Proportions Sample proportion in the category of interest is denoted by p When both X and n – X are at least 5, p can be approximated by a normal distribution with mean and standard deviation Potential Pitfalls and Ethical Considerations Use randomly collected data to reduce selection biases Do not use human subjects without informed consent Choose the level of significance, ? , and the type of test (one-tail or two-tail) before data collection Do not employ â€Å"data snooping† to choose between one-tail and two-tail test, or to determine the level of significance Do not practice â€Å"data cleansing† to hide observations that do not support a stated hypothesis Report all pertinent findings including both statistical significance and practical importance

Globalization and Changing Market Trends Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Globalization and Changing Market Trends - Essay Example This may be assessed at present as already happening, in which the converging global market has created a conduit of goods and services available at almost the same prices for different countries. Stressing that the world is flat, as Levitt used it- figuratively, at least - opts to become competitive in a global market where regional, historical, and geographical divisions are increasingly becoming irrelevant. Globalization is suggested to have created a playing field in which the world is flattened, thereby allowing all participants to level off with one another and participate equally in the global market. Competitive playing fields are leveled between industrial and emerging markets, which is a product of a convergence of workflow software and of personal computer with fiber-optic micro cable, not known to human race twenty-five years ago. The surge of technology is likened to a jet plane that zooms upward, changing economic activities of domestic and global markets. Levitt indicates in his literature that the world is increasingly and inevitably becoming one, putting the multinational corporations into obsolete position, which were abounding at the time the literature was written. Levitt had a keen and clear foresight with his assumption that companies that do not adapt to the new global realities will become victims of those that do (p. 11). This has become a reality at present, in which products that do not cope with the demands of globalization and technological advancement will certainly find themselves in financial collapse. This is the reason why Kodak and Mitsubishi have to align their photo developing techniques with that of a digitalized method, since using the old film developing technique will surely assail the companies with lower income due to inability to keep track with new technology. Strategic management of firms should hence be congruent to the changing global markets. Currently, the world's needs and desires have been irrevocably homogenized as an outcome of globalization, a trend not existing in 1983, of which Levitt had been keen to make a foresight. In his views, he stated that this homogeneity makes the multinational corporation obsolete and the global corporation absolute (p. 3). This may have been true had the multinational corporations not kept up with the growing demands of a globalized market. However, due to their ability to keep up through market research, multinational corporations are still able to hold their positions strongly, updating their product lines and technology alongside current trends. Similarly, more and more European counties trail the path to offshore some or all of their operations with the advent of globalization. In this regard, foreign direct investment increases, which involve transfer of operating capacity for functions like production and transportation (Gampenrieder, 2006). Offshore strategies provide companies the capabilities to aim for distinctive, sustainable, and competitive advantages that require relocation of operating

Two sides on branding Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Two sides on branding - Essay Example Naomi Klein's book,as it title implies is a criticism to the proliferation of branding strategies launched by business organisations in order to capture customers.The selection lifted from her book outlined the evolution of branding-from its earliest beginning, downfall, recovery, and recent expansion.The concept of branding, according to Klein, began with the company's recognition that production is not the main core of their operations but marketing. The earliest proponents of marketing like Nike and Microsoft stated that manufacturing is only an "incidental" part of their operations and that they are not selling "products" but "images of their brands." This early beginnings started a new age of branding previously homogenous, mass-produced commodities replacing the old shopkeeper who traditionally scoops out generic products like sugar, flour, and cereal in barrels. The popularity of Dr. Brown, Aunt Jemima, Uncle Ben, and Old Grand Dad became synonymous with the ascent of branded generic commodities.However, the death of branding came one Marlboro Friday as Phillip Morris is threatened by the intense competition from lower priced unbranded competitors. With this happening, a dramatic shift in customers' buying behavior was illustrated-from prestige to price consciousness.The article concluded with the "rebirth" and expansion of branding. This phenomenon was lead by established companies like Body Shop and Starbucks which were able to safeguard and even expand their market share by investing in their brand images. These, together with other successful companies like Nike, began the more rapid proliferation of branded products which does not only market the attributes of the product by created a "concept" to establish an "emotional connection" with its clients. Naomi Klein concluded that with this age of branding, customers are easily manipulated by branding tactics as marketers can establish a good brand even with the lowliest products. She argued that instead of focusing on production and improving products, companies are embarking and spending time, effort, and money in creating a good brand for which they ask customers for a premium. The Economist-Who's Wearing the Trousers The article lifted from the Economist, hold an antagonistic position on Naomi Klein's book. Though it also recognizes the good arguments raced by Klein, the Economist offer a very different view on what the first author referred to as "brand bullies." Basically, the article presented in the Economist can be summed up into two points-the first one being the exaggeration of Naomi Klein's argument on the power of brands, and the second one on the manipulation of the customers by the branding strategies of the large corporations. The Economist recognizes the importance of brands in selling a company's products. However, it claims that Klien's article exaggerated the role of branding in the strategies of the large business organizations. The article proved this by citing the case of the companies who spent bulk of financial resources in creating a good brand only to fail. As the company treats a "brand" as one of its primary assets, a brand can also be regarded as liability as it makes a company highly responsible in the damages which it can give to customers. Customer loyalty is not only rooted on their perception on brand. This is evidenced by the recent research which shows that customers of all ages shift from brand to brand. This also strengthens the claim of the Economist claim that customers are not highly manipulated by company's branding tactics. It is also irrefutable that companies' are spending a lot of money to retain their customers and develop their products to safeguard their brand. Between the Two Articles Naomi Klein and the Economist hold two seemingly different arguments about branding, company's performance, and customers. The two articles summarized above show some same

European Politics in the 16th and 17th Centuries Essay

European Politics in the 16th and 17th Centuries - Essay Example From the Spanish point of view, any resistance that the natives demonstrated to the conversion was a work of none other than the Satan. The Spanish presented the natives with an ultimatum to both adopt Christianity and then swear allegiance to the Spanish crown of Castile. Those who would refuse to do that would then face military action. This occurred as one of the immediate and unfortunate effect of the reformation. The intolerance that developed expressed itself in religious wars and persecution. Albeit the main motive should have been to generate the true spirit of Christ or the fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man, the reformation made millions of people to suffer on the account of religion. The main subjects of the Italian, Spanish and Portuguese monarchs were deliberately forced to remain catholic. Those who refused to convert to catholic suffered death or imprisonment. The main aim behind ‘a Short account of the Destruction of the Indies’ was to inform the King of Spain regarding the gold hoarding and the murders that were occurring in the New World. The reason of the expeditions was chiefly to convert the natives to Christianity and as a result protect them from the eternal damnation. In contrast to this, the Spaniards that were sent did not follow the rules that were given to them. Instead they targeted and killed millions of natives for their gold. A minor percentage of the gold that was hoarded was allocated for the Spanish purse. At this time, Christian missionaries such as Las Casas tried their best in order to bring justice to the land.

All Processing Beneath Conscious Awareness is Carried out by Essay

All Processing Beneath Conscious Awareness is Carried out by Subcortical Structures - Essay Example The process of conscious awareness demands concentration since one maybe conscious but not aware of their conscious state. People possess a strong sense of own self and observe their feelings, thinking and how they go about their lives. Human posses a powerful sense of own self, and can observe their feelings, thinking and going about lives. Sub cortical structures refer to the structures that exist below the cerebral cortex surface. All the processing that is beneath a person’s conscious awareness is not necessarily executed by sub cortical structures. The fear response It explains that sub cortical structures facilitate all unconscious processing. When a person feels in danger, it is the information that reaches the amygdale through the sub cortical pathway that triggers flight or fight response. The sub cortical pathway involves the transfer of information from the sense organs to the thalamus and finally to the amygdale. For processing that is beneath conscious awareness, information travels through the sub cortical pathway which is usually shorter and carries less information concerning the stimulus (Open University Course Team, 2006). This transfers less information concerning the stimulus and thus triggers a fear response. For instance, a person jumps at a harmless shadow in response to the stimulus. The benefit of this transfer method is that it allows for quick response to various stimuli. On the other hand, the cortical structures may also facilitate processing that is beneath conscious processing. This occurs where the cortical pathway delivers information concerning various stimuli leading to various responses. This may happen is situations that do not require quick response to the situation since the cortical pathway is slow. In cases of death and life situations, the pathway may lead to death situations due to it slow characteristic. Despite this drawback, it can also lead to unconscious reaction to various stimuli (Open University Course T eam, 2006) Attention and consciousness As part of one’s normal activities, we perform many actions that do not require attention. For instance, a driver depresses the clutch pedal and hence changes gear automatically. This is a process that occurs in a smooth manner during the appropriate time while still concentrating on what is happening on the road. This indicates that sub cortical structures facilitate unconscious reactions to various responses. This takes place through the sub cortical pathway which delivers information unconsciously leading to a quick response to the stimuli. However, this is a process that one acquires through learning where the sensory-motor coordination will now tend to occur beneath conscious awareness. This process becomes automatic and effortless thus giving a person a chance to concentrate elsewhere (Open University Course Team, 2006). On the other hand, before we learn these activities, it is usually a conscious process. For instance, a research carried by Raichle discovered that there exists a whole suite in the process of brain activation between effortless and automatic phases that a person practices. They proved that attention is necessary for an unlearned activity while there is no demand for concentration during an automatic response. Blind sight This is a condition where the sufferer responds to visual stimuli without perceiving them consciously. For instance, a monkey with a blind sight named Helen

Why is the auto accident fatality rate so high for teenagers Essay

Why is the auto accident fatality rate so high for teenagers - Essay Example Analysts suggest 25 years as appropriate age for issuance of license. Certain countries are on the verge of passing law for licensing people at the age of 25. This will help in controlling ever increasing accidents in which teens are involved. However, various measures have helped in overcoming the teenage accidents. Teen age drivers are found involved in most of the traffic accidents in the world. Various factors contribute is increasing teenage car accidents. Important causes are night driving, use of alcohol, texting while driving, lack of driving skills, reckless driving, poor hazard detection and not wearing seat belts. National Highway Traffic Association released statistics in 2012 regarding teenage fatal and non-fatal accidents due to various causes (â€Å"Teenage Driver Crash Statistics†). According to statistics 16 years old cause 3.7 % more accidents than other age drivers. Crash rate for drivers between 16 to 19 years is 2.7 % more than any other age group. Accordingly citation is again 1.8% more in 16 years old drivers than other drivers. Alcohol used teenage drivers are causing 1.8% more accidents than other drivers in America. Teenagers are most dangerous when they are newly licensed. There are certain types of accidents where elders are mostly involved when compared to teenagers. Teenagers are inexperienced drivers after getting the license and this reason is major cause of accidents by them. Teenagers carrying teenager passengers are highly prone to accidents. Teenager passengers never try to correct driver on violations. Older drivers keep correcting teenage drivers while travelling in the same vehicle, which reduces the accident risk (â€Å"Teenage Driver Crash Statistics†). According to report published by pediatric, 5500 teenagers faced death due to automobile crashes in United States in year 2012. Few analysts do not agree but male teenagers’ cause 1% more accidents than females. Over speeding is a

American Expansionism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

American Expansionism - Essay Example However, the expansionism was not good for the American population and other people across the world. The most important reason why United States wanted to expand was for economic benefits. During the time of Confederation, the United States continued to extend its territory westwards. For instance, between 1960 and 1890, United States created nine new states after purchasing Alaska from Russia. After the end of the American Civil War, the interests of expanding the country’s territory rejuvenated. There was renewed investment in land, railway construction, and exploitation of natural resources in the west part of the country. The American traders started looking for land for investment in the western part of Canada. This raised the interests of the country towards this part. This is because majority of these investors opted to settle in these areas. Americans believed that acquiring more territory will make it easy for them to produce products at decreased costs. The second aspect that led to expansion is the spirit of nationalism. With the European nations expanding their t erritories, Americans also wanted to take pride in expanding its boundaries further. This was fueled by the increased scramble for territory by other major economies. United States expanded its role and influence through military influence. For instance, the country treated its colonies as military bases. The country established military bases in these areas in order to take control of their economic, political, and social activities. Secondly, the US used its cultural influence to expand its role. The country expanded its cultural ideologies to other areas. This was achieved through the spirit of nationalism and propaganda. Thirdly, the US used economic influence to expand its boundaries. This is through funding major investments in the

Enzyme Catalysis Essay Example for Free

Enzyme Catalysis Essay Enzymes catalyze nearly all biochemical reactions in living cells (Hein, Best, Pattison, and Arena, 2005). As a catalyst, they regulate the chemical reactions by lowering the needed activation energy (Sackheim and Lehman, 1998). Catalysts facilitate chemical reaction but are not consumed, thus, can be used all over again. This function of enzymes is directly dependent on their three-dimensional structures and on the variables that affect their stereochemistry. It was believed that all enzymes are protein in nature but several findings showed that certain ribonucleic acids (RNAs) have enzymatic function (Hein et. al. , 2005). A typical organism has a thousand of biological simple or conjugated enzymes. A simple enzyme is made up of amino acid units while a conjugated one has both protein and non-protein parts that are called apoenzyme and coenzyme respectively (Hein et. al. , 2005). The substrate or substance by which the enzyme will act upon binds at the enzyme’s active site. This active site is about 1-5% of the total surface area of the enzyme (Hein et. al. , 2005). Catalysis follows that is usually describe as formation of enzyme (E) and substrate (S) complex, then, E-S complex decomposes to yield the product and the enzyme. Enzyme-catalyzed reactions are affected by several factors. This may be due to the variables effect on the stereochemistry of the enzyme and kinetics consideration. For instance, temperature affects the rate of all chemical reactions. The higher the temperature, the faster the chemical reaction takes place. However, enzymes coagulate in higher temperatures while lower temperatures results to low reaction rate. Thus, a particular enzyme best functions at its optimum temperature (Sacheim and Lehman, 1998). Concentration on the other hand, favors faster rate of chemical reaction. An increase in substrate concentration, hence, leads to a faster reaction until to the point wherein the enzyme is saturated by substrate. Moreover, every enzyme has an optimum pH range where it can function best (Sackheim and Lehman, 1998). Slight pH changes affect the polarity of the amino acid backbone of the enzyme resulting to changes in its catalytic function. In this simulation experiment, the catalytic capability of a hypothetical enzyme at different environmental conditions was investigated. The effect of temperature, pH, and substrate concentration on its optimal catalytic function were taken into consideration. In addition, the optimal temperature and optimal pH of the hypothetical enzyme were also determined. Moreover, the relationship between the enzyme concentration and the reaction rate was also explored. Procedure The spectrophotometer equipment was used in the simulation experiment in order to measure the amount of the product formed by the enzymatic reaction. The spectrophotometer is equipped with wavelength of light adjustment within 300-700 nanometre range, and percent transmittance (T) or absorption (A) of light by the sample. In addition, six different substrates labeled from A to F and six different enzymes also labeled from A to F were provided. The wavelength setting for each substrate was indicated on the vial and the clock above the substrate vials were used in setting the wavelength selector and in taking the time of the reaction respectively. Temperature, pH scale, a pipette, and a cleaning button were also made available. The substrate A and the enzyme A were used all throughout the simulation experiment. Optimal PH Five milliliter of enzyme A was added to 25 mL of substrate A and the spectrophotometer was set at 430 nanometer wavelength. This was done for every sample for 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 pH values. The absorption for each sample was measured within one minute and 25Â ° temperature. Then, the graphical representation of data was made by plotting pH values against absorption values. Optimal Temperature Five millilitre of enzyme A was added to 25 mL of substrate A. This was done for 10Â °, 20Â °, 30Â °, 40Â °, 50Â °, 60Â °, 70Â °, and 80Â ° temperature values. The spectrophotometer was set at 430 nanometre wavelength and each sample was maintained with pH 8 value. Also, one minute absorption reading was allotted for every sample. Then, the temperature values were plotted against absorption values. Reaction Rate At this part of the simulation experiment, two mixtures of substrate A were prepared. The first sample was prepared by adding 5 mL of enzyme A into 25 mL of substrate A while the other sample was made by adding 25 mL of subtrate A with 15 mL of enzyme A. The spectrophotometer was set at 430 nanometre wavelength and the absorption reading for each sample was done for every 10 seconds within 2 minutes. The pH of each sample was maintained at pH 8 value. Finally, the graphical representation of time and absorption was made for each sample.

Visitors Experience On Their Visit To Jantar Mantar Tourism Essay

Visitors Experience On Their Visit To Jantar Mantar Tourism Essay Aim: To understand how destinations are presented to visitors for them to be able to have an experience. This research paper seeks to find out about the experience build of visitors on their visit to a monument, in this case, Jantar Mantar. Jantar Mantar is a place of great historical, astronomical, and astrological value and is in existence since 1724. It is an Observatory built by Jaipurs Maharaja Jai Singh Sawai II on the order of the Mughal Emperor, Muhammad Shah to develop a medium to record and compile all the astronomical data and future predictions of time, related to study of the movements of sun, moon, and other planetary bodies. Four more observatories were built by the same Maharaja in other parts of India. The observatory in Delhi was the first observatory built by him. Aim of the Project is to explore number of related questions, including: 1. What are visitors reactions on their visit to Jantar Mantar? 2. How have other tourist places been developed for improving the experience of visitors? These questions were explored through literature review, contextual study, interviews and questionnaires and observations. The paper concludes by analyzing the findings from the data collected and coming up with recommendations for Jantar Mantar Authority (Archeological Survey of India) to consider some changes in the way they present themselves to their audience, i.e., to the visitors. 198 WORDS Research Questions and Data Collection Method Contextual study and literature study Introduction: Jantar Mantar also known as Yantra Mantra which means calculation instrument in Delhi is the place to observe the movements of the Sun, stars and other planetary bodies. Its an astronomical, astrological observatory, a sun dial. It is a monument which has great astronomical and astrological values attached to it. Build: In 1724 by Jaipurs Maharaja, Jai Singh Sawai II, on the order of Mughal King, Muhammad Shah. Later king build four other observatories in India, in Jaipur, Ujjain, Mathura and Varanasi. Location: It is situated in the Parliament Street near the Connaught Place. Admission fee: INR 5 for Indians and INR 100 for the Foreigners. Admission timing: Open from sunrise to sunset. How to reach: Rickshaws, taxis, bus, metro can help you reach this place in time. Nearest railway station: Delhi Railway Station. Nearest metro station: Connaught Metro Station. Reason for its building: To revise the astronomical tables. The monument was built as the significance of a Sun Dial, and to record the astronomical data and future predictions of time, the purpose was to study of the movements of sun, moon, and other planetary bodies. What is an Observatory? A room or building housing an astronomical telescope or other scientific equipment for the study of natural phenomena. Http://oxforddictionaries.com/view/entry/m_en_gb0571970#m_en_gb0571970 Oldest Observatories in the world: Chinese archaeologists claim that they have found the worlds oldest observatory, dating back to some 4,100 years ago, in North Chinas, Taosi, Shanxi Province. He Nu, a researcher from the Institute of Archaeology of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the observatory was not only used for observing astronomical phenomena but also for sacrificial rites. Other discovered sites that fall under the category of the worlds oldest astronomical observatory, includes one in Goseck, Germany, that was constructed around 7,000 years ago, it is called a sun temple and other is the German Stonehenge with construction beginning around 4,000 to 5,000 years ago. Standing Stones of Callanish in Scotland, are older than Stone henge, being constructed around 2900-2600 BC. In Egypt Nabta Playa, are around 6,000 to 8,000 years old. One of the oldest known sites in the world is Gobekli Tepe, Turkey which is around 11,000-year-old ruins at Gobekli Tepe. http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-10/31/content_488952.htm Some observatories build during 1700s:  · 1724: Indian observatory of Sawai Jai Singh at Delhi  · 1725: St. Petersburg observatory at Royal Academy  · 1732: Indian observatories at Varanasi, Ujjain, Mathura.  · 1734: Indian observatory of Sawai Jai Singh at Jaipur  · 1758: John Dollond reinvents the achromatic lens  · 1780: Florence Specola observatory Instruments which comprises of Jantar Mantar: The Samrat Yantra : As the name says Samrat which means Supreme. The name completely justifies the instrument because it is in the shape of a giant triangle which represents a sun-dial. Measuring 70 feet in height, 114 feet in length and 10 feet thick which depicts the hours, the minutes and seconds of the day. Its hypotenuse is parallel to the axis of the Earth. It is used to depict Delhis local time. The Jai Prakash Yantra: The shape of an instrument is a hollow hemisphere of concave surface with markings on them. One is treated as Northern hemisphere and other as Southern hemisphere and this one is used by Astrologers to make humans horoscopes. The Ram Yantra: The shape of the instrument is very interesting in itself, it has windows and the edge of windows have marking inscribed on them, and with the help of those marking the observers can find position of sun and moon. The role of this instrument was to track the eclipse and full moon There are two Ram Yantras one to track the moon and other to track the Sun. The Mishra Yantra: Since the name is Mishra, which means combination, this instrument is used to depict the time of noon of various cities across the globe and Delhis local time. It is the only instrument which was not constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh Sawai II. Ancient Indias contributions in the field of astronomy: The earliest references to astronomy are found in the Rig Veda, which are dated 2000 BC. Astronomical principles were used to explain matters which are related to astrology, like making of a horoscope. Besides from linking astronomy with astrology in ancient India, astronomy continued to develop independently, and resulted into original findings, like:  · The calculation of eclipse occurrence.  · Earths circumference.  · Theory of gravitation.  · Proving that sun is a star.  · Finding number of planets under our solar system. Experience Design: No mans knowledge can go beyond his experience. John Locke Great experiences dont happen by accident. They are the result of deep thought and deliberation. Bill Buxton Experience design is the practice of designing services, events, and environments with a focus placed on the quality of the user experience by providing a relevant solutions. Experience design draws from many other disciplines psychology, linguistics, architecture, environmental design, hazard analysis, product design, theater, information design, ethnography, brand strategy, interaction design, service design, storytelling, and design thinking. Touch points are created between people and the place on the basis of ideas, emotions, and memories. Ronald Jones, describes the practice as working with disciplines, which is an integration between concepts, methods, and theories. According to Jones, the mission of Experience Design is to persuade, stimulate, inform, envision, entertain, and forecast events, influencing meaning and modifying human behavior. Experience designers create experiences that brings change in behavior amongst clients, users, visitors, audiences. Study of how other tourist places have been developed for improving the visitors experience: Eiffel tower, Taj Mahal, Pyramid of Egypt, Great Wall of China provides incredibly powerful image for their respective destinations. These destination works to build an experience for the visitors. Lubbe Berendien,page 154, part5 Tourism management in Southern Africa EIFFEL TOWER Introduction:The Eiffel Tower is located on the bank of the Seine River which is northwestern of the Champ de Mars, Paris. It was build to celebrate 100th anniversary of French revolution. It was built as an entrance arch for an international exposition held in Paris in 1889. After the exposition closed everything was dismantled, the tower remained, to help recover the costs of its construction. It was supposed to be dismantled after 20 years, in 1909, but by then it being useful as a radio transmission tower was discovered by the military. Http://www.chowhill.co.nz/library-studentawards02.html Build by: The engineering firm of Alexander Gustave Eiffel. Height: Till May 28, 1930, Eiffel Tower was the tallest structure till Chrysler building in New York City, United States. Http://www.atkielski.com/main/EiffelTowerFAQ.html Reaction of people in 1800s for Eiffel Tower: It was treated as an eye sore. Parisian novelist Guy de Maupassant used to dine very frequently in Eiffels restaurant because thats the only place where he could not see the tower. He wasnt alone in not liking the structure. If it hadnt proven so useful for radio communications it would have been dismantled in 1909, at the end of the lease period. Present scenario: Paris tops ranking in global city image study. GfK roper public affairs media and simon anholt Roper (worlds fourth largest market research company) release 2009 City Brands Index, which captures consumer perception of the image and reputation of 50 major cities worldwide. The Eiffel Tower is the most visited paid monument in the world and it is one of the most recognized structures on earth. In 2009, Paris topped the GfK anholt city brands index and the Eiffel tower is visually a big part of that brand. http://www.gfkamerica.com/newsroom/press_releases/single_sites/004195/index.en.html Eiffel Tower from inside: The structure has three platforms, to reach to different elevations either stairs or elevators can be taken, in which stairs are only allowed till 2nd elevation, to go to the summit elevator is a compulsion. Counting from the ground, there are 347 steps to the first level, 674 steps tothe second level, and 1710 steps to the third level. While climbing up one can read the small boards explaining about the history of Eiffel tower. Http://www.tour-eiffel.fr/teiffel/uk/pratique/acces/page/tarifs.html Facilities for visitors: Level 1: This is the largest platform, with room for a cafe, post office with special Eiffel Tower stamp and small museum called Cineiffel showing a short film about the history of the Eiffel Tower and, Souvenir shop. Other attractions on this level include the grand historical staircase, the one Gustave himself used to climb to his office on the top. http://www.suite101.com/content/eiffel-tower-a-visitors-guide-a114907 http://www.french-at-a-touch.com/Newsletters_and_Articles/facts_about_the_eiffel_tower_vi.htm Level 2: One can experience viewing Paris with telescope, souvenir shops, animated displays on the operation of the elevators, restaurant. Http://www.discoverfrance.net/France/Paris/Monuments-Paris/Eiffel.shtml Level 3: Office of Gustave Eiffel. Scale model presenting the history of the platform. It is here one will be able to see that the tower is of communication and transmission importance as it has dozens of antennas of radio and television. There is a table while indicates the Parisian landmarks and distance of Eiffel tower from other places in the world. http://www.hotelsorbonne.com/fiche/eiffeltower.html http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Travel/Tours/Paris/EiffelTower.htm Engraved names: The names of 72 French scientists, engineers and famous individuals were graved by Gustave Eiffel, under the first balcony, with 18 names on each side. This has been done to pay tribute. Commemorate the French presidency: In mid-2008, the tower was lit from the outside in blue. Visitors Comments, suggestions, tips and their experience Pariss Image:  · Place to fall in love with.  · For the ultimate romantic feeling, theres no need to travel across the globe. Words from Eiffel tower manager: Melissa Drumheller::  · At nighttime, its very romantic, and Eiffel Tower is a popular romantic destination.  · During the day, you get a view of all these mountains which is a phenomenal view. Suggestion by visitors: 1. Visit at Night: It is agreed that Eiffel Tower is magical at night, going up to different elevations ad observing streets of Paris is a visual delight, and makes you realize why Paris is called City of light. http://www.france4families.com/paris/RegionsParisAttractionsEiffelTower.htm 2. Tour to mechanical room: Visitors interested in mechanics can have a look of how Eiffel tower works. Original machineries are placed with current Eiffel tower control room, and the visitors can learn about the construction of the tower. Http://www.parisescapes.com/paris_eiffel_tower_tips.html Http://www.french-at-a-touch.com/Newsletters_and_Articles/facts_about_the_eiffel_tower_x.htm 3. Send a Postcard: On the First floor of the tower is a post office. Send postcard with Eiffel Tower postmark to make the trip memorable. Http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Travel/Tours/Paris/EiffelTower.htm 4. Souvenirs: Around Eiffel tower one can find many vendors selling the Eiffel tower souvenirs, interested people can buy. 5. Visit to the website: visit to the Eiffel tower websites news page, it lists current events taking place on the tower. Http://www.parisescapes.com/paris_eiffel_tower_tips_page2.html Http://192.5.73.104/attractions/on_the_strip/eiffeltower.html Experience of one of the visitors to Eiffel tower: Akash Bhasin My day started with the touring of the Eiffel tower. The tower has glass-walled elevators which get to the first, second and top platforms. There is a ticket to enter the tower which is around 12-14 euros. Nevertheless, I purchased the ticket and started my journey, the journey of eiffel. Everything about eiffel is special, starting from the entry gate, the glass-walled elevators which gives you a wide view of the lovely city. As there are three levels in the tower, I halted at each one of them as I wanted to have the feel from different altitudes. At last I reached the Top most platform of the eiffel tower. The moment I stepped outside the elevators I was flabbergasted with the view I saw. It was a lifetime view, the one I used to see in my dreams. As I was on a height of 300 meters, there was fear inside but I outstripped it and moved towards the corner. The view of the Paris city I saw from there cannot be defined. It was the most mind-blowing and fabulous scene I have ever in my life. From the top I could see the sienne river just below me, the high-rise just opposite the tower, a playground and traffic moving like ants. The humans from the top were barely visible. On the Top platform, there were arrangements for a pantry and other basic necessities. There was a room in which an effigy of Gustave Eiffel was placed. In another room, there was a list of countries and their distance from the Eiffel tower. I saw India distance that was about 6600 kms, I felt great to see that. I stayed for an hour on that platform and gazed at the view so that I can capture it through my eyes and store in my memory forever and ever. It was lovely, it was great. I actually felt that love in the air, felt like in serene nirvana. This is the moment of my life I actually lived. Statue of Liberty Introduction: The Statue of Liberty or known as Liberty Enlightening the World is a sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, it was designed by Frà ©dà ©ric Bartholdi on October 28, 1886. The statue was a gifted to the United States by the people of France. The female figure represents Liberates, the Roman goddess of freedom, she holds a torch and a tabula ansata i.e., a tablet which represents the law upon which is inscribed the date of the American Declaration of Independence. A broken chain is placed at her feet. The statue is an iconic symbol of freedom, liberty and of the United States. Idea and people behind its making: Bartholdi a sculpture was inspired by French law professor and politician Édouard Renà © de Laboulaye, he commented in 1865 that any monument raised to American independence would properly be a joint project of the French and American peoples. In June 1871,Bartholdi went to New York Harbor, he their fixed on Bedloes Island as a site for the statue, because vessels arrive in New York has to cross that island, which is owned by United States government. In 1875, Laboulaye offered that the French can finance the statue and the Americans canprovide the pedestal and the site for it. Bartholdi visited U.S President Ulysses S. Grant, where he was assured that is would not be difficult to get the site for the statue. The framework was by Euge-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc and Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel. Public appearance of the statue: Bartholdi completed the head and the arm holding torch, before the statue was completely designed; two pieces were exhibited for publicity at international expositions. The arm was displayed in New Yorks Madison Square Park between 1876 to 1882. Fund-raising: Efforts were made to raise funds for construction of pedestal in America, but till 1885 work on the pedestal was a big question due to lack of funds. Publisher Joseph Pulitzer started a drive for donations to complete the project. This campaign inspired over 1,20,000 contributors. Construction and Assembly: The statue was constructed in France and was shipped to United States and it was then assembled on the pedestal of what it was then named Bedloes Island. The statues completion was celebrated by New Yorks first ticker-tape parade and a ceremony by President Grover Cleveland. Encharge: The statue was under United States Lighthouse Board until 1901, then it was under Department of War till 1933; since then, it has been looked after by the National Park Service. Renovation: The statue was closed because of renovation in 1938. In the early 1980s, it was found that it had deteriorated to such an extent that a major renovation was required. For the same reason statue was closed from 1984 to 1986. The torch and a large part of the structure were then replaced. After the September 11, 2001 attacks, the statue was closed for safety reasons. It then reopened in 2004. Its again scheduled to close by late 2011. Meaning of the statue: The seven rays form a halo or an aureole. They mean the sun, the seven seas, and the seven continents, and the torch represents Liberty enlightens the world. Bartholdis models concept, a female figure in represents liberty, wearing a stole (which is a gown and cloak, and it is common in depictions of Roman goddesses). The face was modeled after sculptors mother Charlotte Beysser Bartholdi. He gave it bold classical look and applied simplified The erected statue is over a broken chain, it is half-hidden by her robes and it is difficult to see from the ground. He decided on to a tabula ansata, a keystone-shaped tablet which is used to realate to the concept of law, he chose to inscribe JULY IV MDCCLXXVI, indicating the date of the countrys Declaration of Independence. Usage of the statue as an Icon: 1971 US airmail stamp depicted the head of the Statue of Liberty. It appeared on coins which were issued to mark its centennial in 1986. An image of the statue was decided for the American eagle platinum bullion coins in 1997. It also appears on the back side of the currently issued series of Presidential Dollar which are currently circulating coins. Two images of the statues torch also appear on the current ten-dollar bill. In between 1986 and 2000, New York State had issued license plates on which statue was used. The Womens National Basketball Associations New York Liberty uses both the statues name and its image as their logo. The New York Rangers of the National Hockey League had the statues head on their third jersey which began in 1997. The National Collegiate Athletic Associations 1996 Mens Basketball Final Four, again had statue on their jersey and used it as their logo. Replica in circulation: A tiny version of the original statue, approx. one-fifth the height of the original, was gifted by the American community in Paris to France. For a patriotic tribute, the Boy Scouts of America, as part to encourage and strengthen the Arm of Liberty campaign in 1949 to 1952, donated about two hundred replicas of the statue to states and municipalities across the United States. Media: In the movies, the torch of the statue helped to set the climax of director Alfred Hitchcocks 1942film Saboteur. The statue was featured as the most famous cinematic appearances in the 1968 picture Planet of the Apes, in which it was shown half-buried in sand. It was destroyed in the science-fiction films Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow, and Clover field. In Jack Finneys time-travel novel Time and Again, the right arm of the statue, played a crucial role. On October 15, 1924 it was announced to be US National Monument, and in 1984 it was announced to be a UNESCO world heritage site. Presentation to Public: Inside the statue is a museum for visitors to get to know about the history, importance of the place and about the great minds behind its making, for this the picture gallery is set there, they have audio visual media and multimedia presentations for explaining it easy and convenient way. For kids special program has been installed to get to know the place better and understand it in fun and easy way. For this a program called Junior ranger has been set up in which children from age group of 7-12 can participate. Children are given assignment sheets in which they have to complete the assignment which asks questions about the Statue, answers to which could be found from visiting museum and asking questions from the ranger. In this way the children learn about the statue which will remain with them for time, and as a reward on the completion of the assignment they get certificate and a batch. The Wall of Honor The American Immigrants Wall of Honor at Ellis Island, which is outside the statue, is the largest Wall on which names are written in the world. Over 7,00,000 names are currently inscribed. People can have your family name inscribed at Ellis Island. Along with the inscription people receive a certificate and their names will be listed in Ellis islands website which is an online virtual wall, which can be viewed world wide over the Internet. Benefits of a Name on the Wall of Honor: It is a permanent inscription on The American Immigrant Wall of Honor, which featured exhibit at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. A listing is done of the honorees name and their country of origin, on the Virtual Wall where it can be viewed by the world. And, most importantly, people know that for ages to come their familys name will be on display at Ellis Island, which honors their familys unique contribution to Americas heritage. Visits to places (for primary data collection): Red Fort: It is known for magnificent history of India, where Kings stayed and gave their judgement. To explain the history of India to audience the light and sound medium is used as a tool. Human mind retains more when it hears or see, rather than what it reads, so they work on the same lines and presents history in a fun and interesting way. Gandhi Smriti: It is place where Gandhiji spend last few days of his life. It is an interactive museum, using electronic media. It try to explain about India and Gandhijis Life, they work on the lines of the more you do it yourself the more you gain. I observed the visitor themselves get so involved that it definitely creates an experience and the visit become worth and does not go waste. Finding and Analysis Now in 21st century due to time factor and pollution the marking of the Delhi observatory has become invisible, which means it does not work anymore. Now when visitors visit this place they do not understand how it used to work, because it was all visual game. Though the shadow falls, but the observer needs the marking to find out the time. Visitors to Jantar Mantar and Their activities: {VISUALS} What do visitors do in Jantar Mantar: 1. Get their pictures clicked. 2. Climb up the stairs. 3. Walk. 4. Relax. 5. Wait when some official work nearby has. 6. Some read the description on the boards. 7. College goers come to pass time when they bunk classes. 8. Couples find this place private. 9. Hang out with friends. There are two options available to describe the instruments at Jantar Mantar, guides, and these descriptive boards. Visitors visit and their feedback: One of the visitors to the observatory was a Physics professor from Bangalore, he was extremely keen to understand the instruments because of which he went through every descriptive boards. He was able to get a fair idea that different instruments are used for different purpose. But he was not able to understand how it used to work, what are the different components in an instrument about which is described in board. He was bit upset on his visit, so he gave suggestions to improve the place. 1. To have a scale model of all the instruments, so that the visitors can visually observe the time without imagining reading description about it. 2. As the place is closed in night, and it has a lot of meaning for night time i.e, stars are tracked by using instruments, so to make the visitors clear picture Gallery should be developed. 3. Descriptive boards can be more for one instrument as one board which has too much of text is bit unpleasant to read, it will increase the amount of information which the visitors get. 4. Mentioning of other near by places in Jantar Mantar. 5. The descriptions could be more in audio visual form which the will enable the visitor to retain the images in mind. 6. Package should be developed for educational trips to the place. From other visitors: Something should be done to bring out it functional value to the visitors as the main aim to visit the observatory is to observe time. Current image of Jantar Mantar from visitors point of view: So now Jantar Mantar has built an image for itself in the mind of visitors especially local people, which is that its a place 1. To have fun, 2. Where you can hang out, 3. It has apparently become the famous place for the couples because of which many youngsters go there for bird watching, 4. it is famous for all protest related activities in the city. Visitors see this place like this because what they want they do not get to see that there, i.e., The working observatory. Visitors from the entire globe come to view this ancient astronomical delight to fill their curious minds about the usage of the various tools and methods applied during those past centuries for calculations and predictions, but their curious minds remains unanswered. For now Jantar Mantar is not creating or have impact on visitors mind, it fails when it comes to leave an impact on visitors mind. Its not the fault of the place or the monument since it is an observatory and visitors visit it to see how in ancient time, these giant structures used to work, they come with curious minds which apparently remains curious because there answers do not get solved, as the observatory is a non working structure now as its marking has got erased over the period of time. A place builds its image at following step:- On the visit plays a major role as the visitors come to the place and experience it but if that experience is not memorable or something that person does not feel proud about his post visit activities would not be there, as in the visitor will not spread about it, will not post anything/less on internet, will not be encouraged to write articles. 1st visitors post visit become the prior to visit of the 2nd visitor, so its a circle/ chain which is followed. Example: when the 1st visitor visits to Eiffel tower, on the visit he is offered a package to experience so many things, and he takes back home a bag full of experience and memories so post visit he will be encouraged to spread about it amongst the friends, will upload pictures, write up on internet and will share the memories with people around, will have souvenir to share, and will be encouraged to write an article. :: this is what happens when people come after their tour to Eiffel. Now his post visit will be prior to visit for other potential visitors, who will be encouraged to plan a visit to the place. Conclusion Jantar Mantar being an astronomical and astrological observatory has all visual appeal and because of its non working instruments its main motive has disappeared. Visitors visit a place like observatory expecting to make observations using instruments, markings and shadow but on their arrival the scenario changes. In short, their experiences are not great in terms of gaining or understanding the purpose of the monument. While the other tourist places attract more tourists and have a better name because they let their purpose of existence come across the people and they make sure it does not wash off, which creates a space in memory of visitors. Synopsis Jantar Mantar, Delhi, is place which holds great astronomical and astrological value since 1700s when it was build my Jaipurs Maharaja Jai Singh Sawai II, to track the stars, sun and moon placement. The present day scenario is that everything sells because it try to creates a memory or emotional bond with the people. Jantar Mantar is one of the monuments which attracts large number of audiences one of the reason except for its values is that its in Connaught place. Observatory is not working now, the visitors except for large red structure dont get to see anything as the observatory is something in which you observe and not imagine, the same happens with every visitors. A lot of imaginations go in for those who are interested in knowing the working of observatory, which can be misleading. Now, its the age to sell place by providing a unique experience, the other tourists places are doing it by creating an whole package for the visitors, which they can take home as a nice experience. Travel has become a part of lifestyle and tourist plans there tour keeping in mind the place which suits there style. The tourist places follow it, although it make the place commercial and might hurt the sentiments of the stake holders, but for doing so related authorities should agree and then think about the changes, and improvements. Its the time when Jantar Mantar s

The Great Gatsby- Do s really love cars and money? :: essays research papers fc

The Great Gatsby- Do s really love cars and money?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, Gatsby attempts to be obtain his American dream with conspicuous consumption. Fitzgerald uses symbols of conspicuous consumption in money, cars and houses to show that the American dream of wealth and possessions doesn’t necessarily ensure happiness.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The concept of conspicuous consumption is greatly exemplified in The Great Gatsby, by all of the characters being in possession of excessive amounts of property and money. Money is the get-all give-all in Gatsby’s version of the American dream. If one can obtain lots of money to impress the women, then he must have it made; Realists disagree with this mindset. ‘â€Å"[Gatsby] wants her to see his house,† she explained. â€Å"And your [Nick’s] house is right next door (84).†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ Gatsby wants to display his wealth to Daisy, so she will be impressed with him. The different eggs represent the standings of people’s money. Gatsby in on the West, which is the people who don't have any real standing, even when they have lots of money. The West Egg represents the new money, or the money that was earned, not inherited. Daisy, the woman that Gatsby has always wanted, lives on East Egg. This is Gatsby displaying conspicuous consump tion towards Daisy. Not only Gatsby displays this trait, however. Referring to Mr. Wolfshiem’s cufflinks, which were â€Å"composed of oddly familiar pieces of ivory. ‘Finest specimens of human molars,’ he informed me (77).† This is a display of someone who has bought cufflinks merely for the reason of buying, using the excess money he has. This conspicuous consumption get a man nowhere but in awe of equally lost people. People who are stuck in spending money also display their level of social status with their car.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The automobile has always been a kind of status symbol in the United States. Expensive cars are associated with the possession of great wealth. Gatsby's car is described as the ‘epitome of wealth.’ Gatsby bought his car in order to convey his material success. This is the vehicle that kills Myrtle and indirectly leads to Gatsby's own . The automobile is stressed again and again throughout the story and is used in the end to prove that a dream based on materialism alone will in the end be destructive. Gatsby saw â€Å"...me [Nick] looking with admiration at his car. ‘It’s pretty, isn’t it, old sport?’ He jumped off to give me a better view.

A Comparison of Andrew Marvells To His Coy Mistress and John Donnes T

A Comparison of Andrew Marvell's To His Coy Mistress and John Donne's The Sunne Rising Both poems "To His Coy Mistress" and "The Sunne Rising" were written by metaphysical poets, this is one of many similarities in the poems. However, there are also a number of differences between them. In both poems, there is an obvious link to the theme of "Carpe Diem" which simply means "seize the day". The poems relate to time and that of how it's running out. They seem to be in a rush. The content of the poem is Marvell writing a poem to his love partner. They are truly in love with each other and their love is very passionate for one another. However, there is something missing in their relationship and that is the sexual side. They haven't had sexual intercourse and the poem is about Marvell trying to persuade his partner into making love to him. He feels that time is running out and that they should "seize the moment". The life expectancy was at a lower rate in the times of the poem, and he doesn't want to leave things too late. There were many types of diseases in those days, with health services very limited. Today, our life expectancy is on average 77, however, in those days anyone who reached the age of 40 was considered as an older-aged person. He obviously feels that his partner needs a slight push into making love; he shows this by calling her his "Coy Mistress", which means his shy or reluctant woman. The poem is split into three paragraphs, which is unusual for poems. These three paragraphs state the three stages of argument. The first part is trying o say that if they had all the time in the world, then he wouldn't need to wr... ... can make you feel happy, but love is more important in life. Money can be liked but never loved like true beauty. I believe it's imperative that we look at the poems from a different perspective. Both compliment the women mentioned but both have different messages. "To His Coy Mistress" is a persuasive poem which contains flattery to try and convince the woman to take their relationship to the next level. In "The Sunne Rising", the message is that love is more important than wealth. The main themes are time and love and both are conveyed very cleverly with both wit and deception. I enjoyed both poems as they both showed sound comparisons and true feelings. I preferred the poem by Andrew Marvell as it had a sense of urgency and it was rhythmic to which I found exciting as I never knew what to expect next in the poem.

Who Killed Eddie Carbone and Why :: A View from the Bridge Arthur Miller

Who Killed Eddie Carbone and Why Introduction: In a poor Italian community of Brooklyn, the Carbone family consists of three members. Eddie Carbone, the man of the house. Beatrice Carbone, wife of Eddie Carbone and Catherine, their niece. But, they didn’t consider that their little world would be turning upside down with the arrival of Beatrice cousin’s Marco and Rodolpho. Reading and watching the story, I will base my ‘evidence’ on who killed Eddie Carbone and why. Eddie Carbone: Eddie Carbone was a 40 year old man, who was husky, slighty overweight longshoreman. He’s an ordinary man who lives in a poor Italian community of Brooklyn with his family. He is master of the house or the man of the house - both Beatrice and Catherine are obviously used to him laying down the rules. He sees this as a 'manly' thing to do and he expects all men to do the same - which is why he cannot accept Rodolpho's more gentle talents. He showed his generosity to his wife’s cousins, Marco and Rodolpho, by letting them stay around his house. Even living in Brooklyn most of his life, he still doesn’t have enough trust for people. His Honour and Pride meant a lot to him. He would do anything to protect his good name, especially in later stages. He was very protective of his niece, Catherine. He considered her his own little daughter. He paid for her typing lessons and had ambitions for her to rise to a different class. He is proud of her looks, yet concerned that she will attract the attention of men and is concerned about her new job. He finds it hard to admit that she has become a woman. "I guess I just never figured... that you would ever grow up." However, it soon becomes apparent that Eddie is in love with Catherine. He has not made love to his wife for three months. He quickly becomes jealous of Rodolpho because of the immediate impression Rodolpho makes on Catherine. The stage directions tell us, "He looks at (Catherine) like a lost boy" when she tells him she loves Rodolpho. He is unable to admit this shameful emotion to himself and is angry when Beatrice and Alfieri dare to mention it. His feelings for Catherine become more obsessive and he does everything in his power to prevent their marriage. He tries to prove that Rodolpho is more of a ‘sissy’ then a real ‘man’. He says that Rodolpho is more into ‘sewing’, ‘cooking’ and ‘singing’ then into any ‘manly stuff’.

Breaking the Mold: a Doll House Essay

Breaking the Mold The pressure to conform to an ideal image is a reoccurring theme throughout literature and even in our culture today. In the highly repressive social climate of the Victorian Era, women, much like children, were seen rather than heard. The ideal Victorian woman is hardly descriptive of Nora in Henrik Ibson’s A Doll House. Through careful observation and questioning, Nora recognizes the injustice of the male-dominated society in which she lives.Nora’s discomposure with as her begin treated as her husband Torvald’s subordinate, her realization of Torvald’s true character, and her desire to educate herself prompt her to become independent. The most important choice that Nora makes is to leave Torvald Helmer, because this choice is facilitates Nora’s personal growth. Nora’s choice to leave Torvald Helmer is influenced by her increasing discontent with his condescending, doll-like treatment of her. Torvald establishes his dominan ce by calling Nora his â€Å"little lark† among other pet names.Torvald’s authority over Nora requires her to â€Å"dress up† in a costume, becoming what Torvald expects her to be. As Torvald’s subordinate, Nora fluidly bends and twists to his needs, conforming to his desires. Although Nora would like to be treated as an equal to Torvald, she knows him well enough to realize that equality is impossible in their marriage. In order for the marriage to function, Nora has to appeal to Torvald’s ego by flattering him to ask for money and rendering herself helpless in accomplishing the simplest tasks such as choosing a dress.Small acts of disobedience on Nora’s part are the primary indicator of the growing weight of the facade that Torvald imposes on her. Eating macaroons and saying â€Å"to hell and be damned† are two ways in which Nora chips at the mold of behavior that Torvald sets for her. Nora’s outgrowing of the costume Torvald idealizes is marked by actions such as Nora’s remark that she would like to â€Å"rip it into a million tiny pieces†. Henrik Ibsen repeatedly illustrates Nora’s agitation over Torvald’s static doll-like control, an agitation tangible to the readers from the very beginning.Nora’s initial discomfort in fitting Torvald’s mold is later a significant influence on Nora’s final choice. Despite Torvald’s outward broadcast of a perfect home, several unresolved issues bubble below the surface. Nora recognizes the fundamental issues that loom in their marriage when she sees Torvald’s reaction to the letter from Krogstad, and her realization encourages her choice to leave. Torvald leads Nora to believe that he is a righteous man through lecturing of Nora on the value of honesty and through promising to be her lifeguard in times of crisis.Even right before opening the letter, Torvald remarks that he has often wished that Nora was in some terrible danger so that he could stake his life for her sake. Although Torvald tells her that he would take on â€Å"the whole weight† should Krogstad take action against the Helmers, Torvald’s reaction when the worst actually does occur is quite the opposite. Torvald is outraged when he discovers that Nora borrowed money from Krogstad, and he accuses her of wrecking his happiness. Nora, who originally borrowed the money to save Torval’s life, is shell-shocked by Torvald’s reaction.All of his actions prior to this event led her to believe that he would have taken the blame for her, affirming his love for her. In contrast with her expectations, however, Torvald’s immediate concern after reading the letter is saving â€Å"the bits, and pieces, the appearance. † His foremost fear of losing respect in the community is exhibited by his insistence that Nora remain in the household so that it appears nothing has changed. In the midst of Torva ld’s panic, a second letter arrives, returning Nora’s bank note.Just as quickly as Torvald exploded in anger, he rejoices in triumph that he is saved. Nora becomes aware of Torvald’s selfishness when she asks â€Å"What about me, am I saved too? † Her awakening to the Torvald’s priority of the appearance of happiness rather than actual happiness in the Helmer marriage fuels her decision to discover a better life. Torvald’s outburst ignited Nora’s inner flame. Nora’s attempts at small freedoms can be compared to wet matches, whereas her final decision to leave Torvald is similar to a brilliant spark of fire.Nora’s final motivation for her decision to leave the marriage comes from her realization that in addition to not knowing Torvald, she does not know herself. In leaving Torvald she seeks to educate herself determine if the teachings of religion, law, and society are true. In a sense, Torvald’s response to Noraâ €™s attempt to save him causes Nora to save herself. Upon her realization of Torvald’s true character, Nora tells Torvald that she is â€Å"getting out of her costume,† both literally and figuratively paralleling Nora’s exit of the marriage.Nora fell from the control of her father to the control of Torvald without ever being able to develop her own opinions. Nora breaks free from Torvald’s puppeteer strings with the certainty that she cannot be concerned about her duties to her husband and her children over her duty to herself as a human being. Nora expresses to Torvald that she must develop her own tastes out in the world. In conclusion, Nora’s exit can be attributed to her discontent in Torvald’s mold, her realization that Torvald was not the person she though he was, and her desire to become her own person.Minor rebellions indicate Nora tolerates Torvald’s parental treatment but is clearly not fulfilled living according to some one else’s rules. When Nora sees Torvald’s reaction to the letter from Krogstad, she realizes that Torvald only cares about the masquerade, or how things make him appear. The appearance is all Nora has ever known with Torvald, and her critical decision to leave is reinforced by her desire to cultivate a person behind the appearance. These powerful motivators enabled Nora to slam the door behind her, rejecting the preconceived notions of society and developing new voice all her own.

Old Buildings Essay

Many old buildings are protected by law because they are part of a nation’s history. However, some people think they should be knocked down to make way for new ones because people need houses and offices. How important is it to maintain old buildings? Should history stand in the way of progress? In the contemporary age, the contradiction between preserving history and progress becomes increasingly serious, which has disturbed and alarmed many people. In terms of the old buildings, many people assert that old buildings should be protected while others contend they should be knocked down for constructing the new ones. It is widely acknowledged that old buildings play the crucial role in our society. First of all, old buildings are the indispensable parts of the history, which could reveal the historical mysterious and witness the development of history. Meanwhile, many old buildings are the icons or landmarks of the nation. To illustrate, the Forbidden City symbolizes the Chinese time-honored history and becomes the important tourist spot. The existences of old buildings tend to maintain the distinct features of the cities as well as avoid those cosmopolitan cities are awash by the skyscrapers. More specifically, the old buildings reflect the national unique culture lasting hundred and thousand years. However, due to the widespread of demolishing the old buildings, the extinction of culture identity will ensue. Overall, in nowadays, there is unanimous consensus on maintaining old buildings which is the effective method to preserving history. There is no denying that the history gives us overall experience of the nation’s past. Comparing with history, we could draw a host of lessons, thereby avoiding mistakes for current progress. Nevertheless, people empower to pursue blindly the maximum profit for enhancing the level of our daily lives and progress of human society, from the long-term point of view, sacrificing the history to meet our current need would hinder the development. In my view, there is definite link between preserving history and progress but the fundamental contradiction. History is conductive to our progress and we should take it seriously forever.

Bankruptcy Among Young People Because of Credit Card Essay

Consumer credit can be defined as a debt that someone incurs for the purpose of purchasing a good or service. Common forms of consumer credit include credit cards, store cards, motor (auto) finance, personal loans (installment loans), consumer lines of credit, retail loans (retail installment loans) and mortgages. The spread of credit card ownership and usage across developing Asia Pacific countries has been overwhelming. A review of literature on credit card reveals that most studies have been undertaken in developed country settings. Credit cards were first issued in the USA in the early twentieth century. Since then, they have become a major system for exchange of transactions (or payments) that stimulates household and personal spending even in many developing countries of the world (Watkins, 2000). In Malaysia, cards were first introduced in the mid-1970s. At the early stage, credit cards were only issued to professionals or those considered successful businesspersons by card issuing companies. By the end of 1970s, an estimated 20,000 cards were issued. During that time, owning a credit card was considered a symbol of prestige. However, with the passage of time, eligibility criteria for obtaining credit cards have been increasingly relaxed. As a result, the number of cardholders reached to about three million by the turn of the last century. One of the fastest ways to bankruptcy is the misuse of credit cards. One of the more common reasons that people end up filing for bankruptcy is due to too much credit card debt. Credit cards are so often too seductive because they offer the ability to buy what we want now. We can then pay it off later, using very small and affordable monthly payments. Credit cards offer a way for us to make attractive purchases that we might not be able to make otherwise. Suddenly, it seems as though we can afford anything we want. The low monthly payments seem reasonable and easy to fulfill. That is one of the biggest problems associated with credit cards. It is easy to forget about the high rate of interest that we are paying instead we consider the low minimum payments we make each month and count that our self is lucky. We can continue for years, making minimum payments each month and building up credit card debt. However, one day something may happen. We could have our hours cut at work, or maybe our minimum payment will be increased. We might have a costly hospital stay, or our home may be struck by a natural disaster not covered by our home insurance. Suddenly, our credit card payments do not seem as affordable as we once did. After looking at our situation, it dawns on us how much credit card debt that we have. The only way out of our financial mess may seem like bankruptcy. An article from New Straits Times Online dated 14 November 2011 has highlighted the issue of easy cash turns many into bankrupts. Easy cash here means credit card. Credit card is a familiar type of open-end credit. The term credit card is used to cover a variety of types of cards, some of which actually do not involve credit. In general, a credit card is a plastic card printed with an account number and identifying the holder as a person who has entered into revolving credit agreement with a lender. From the article it states that Malaysian youth are becoming increasingly reckless with spending, thanks in no small measure to the convenience offered by credit cards. An average of 41 Malaysians are declared bankrupt daily, with the majority failing to repay their car purchase loans. BANKRUPTCY STATISTICS BASED ON CREDIT CARD DEBTS IN MALAYSIA The Department of Insolvency Malaysia (MDL) had restructured 80,348 bankruptcy cases from 2005 to May 2010 categorized as following: 31,950 cases – Malay 26,805 cases – Chinese 7,661 cases – Indians 13,932 cases – Others Some of the cases involved in different type of loans that caused the bankruptcy: 19,380 cases for failing to settle hire purchase loans 9,464 cases for failing to settle personal loans 8,786 cases for failing to settle business loans 6,022 cases for failing to settle housing loans 4,417 cases for failing to settle credit card debts 4,291 cases for failing to settle corporate loans 3,726 stood as guarantors CAUSES OF BANKRUPTCY The proliferation of credit cardholders has brought an indiscriminate spending by users with many side effects. Many Malaysian consumers seem to display excessive buying behavior, commonly known as ‘‘compulsive buying.’’ Easy availability of credit and compulsive buying has led to many adverse consequences such as addiction to shopping and excessive debt. Another noteworthy feature of card users in Malaysia is that they use the card to grant loans for themselves. It is easier to obtain credit cards in Malaysia rather than applying for personal loans, which requires the applicant to comply with more formalities like providing guarantors or collaterals. It was reported that outstanding debts from credit card holders amounted to RM15.719 billion by the year March 2009 (RM or Ringgit Malaysia is the local currency, 3.40 RM was approximately equal to 1 USD at the time of study). By the year 2009 outstanding credit card debts accounted for 1.35 percent of the total loans outstanding or 11.41 percent of the total consumer credit (Bank Negara Malaysia, 2009). On a more serious note, 6.43 percent of the outstanding debts had to be converted to non-performing loans. An alarming increase in the number of credit card holders seeking bankruptcy proceedings over the years was also reported. Shopaholic is one of the causes of bankruptcy among young people because of credit card. On average, 41 are declared bankrupt every day, mostly due to credit card debts, while every weekend, about five million peoples throng the 300-odd shopping complexes in the country. These habits are among the shocking revelations on why Malaysian consumers cannot cope with the rising cost of living. Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) discovered that many of those declared bankrupt due to credit card debts were below 40 years old. Another cause of bankruptcy is poor financi al management skills. Article from New Straits Times states that 10 million of credit cards had been issued but only 30 per cent of card holders is able to meet the monthly repayments. From the article, Chief executive officer of FOMCA Datuk Paul Selvaraj said it is because of the convenience of credit cards that people seem to prefer using them rather than cash. He also said that credit card holders do not  feel the immediate pinch of emptying their wallets when they make a purchase. It was reported that those who used credit cards were more inclined to spend 17 per cent more compared with those who used cash. Besides that failing to repay credit card debts is also the cause of bankruptcy. This is because credit card interest rate for outstanding balance is very high. Banks require consumers to pay only the minimum which is 5% or RM50 (whichever higher) of total outstanding balance (debt). If they only make minimum payment, it takes about 2 years to clear all the outstanding balance providing that there is no new spending. On top of high interest rate, consumers are also subjected to finance charges if they do not make full payments every month. This means, if they make partial payment, minimum payment or do not make payment on or before the payment due date, finance charges will be imposed from the day the transaction is posted to the card account. The relationship between psychographic variables, attitude development and credit card usage by cardholders in Malaysia. HOW TO OVERCOME A total of 87,583 individuals were declared bankrupt up to October this year, with 4,651 or 5.1% of them due to unpaid credit card debts. In light of this, the government will be discussing with Bank Negara on finding a solution to the problem of high interest rates imposed on credit card users, resulting in many being unable to settle their outstanding balance. Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong said a solution was necessary as the number of credit card users declared bankrupt was worrying with the majority of them being young people (The Sun Daily, 15 December 2010). One way to overcome credit card debt is consumers have to have full payments prior to due date. They will enjoy interest-free period for retail transactions for 20 days on retail transactions. Cash advance, balance transfer and installment payment plan programs are excluded from interest-free period. Consumers also subjected to late payment charges minimum of RM5 or 1% of total outstanding balance, whichever is higher, up to RM50 if they fail to make payments before due date. If you have problem  to settle your credit card debt, the best solutions is to cut the card and stop using it. Second way to overcome credit card debt is pay more than the minimum payment. Always pay more than the minimum amount that you owe. If you can afford to do it, double or triple the minimum payment. This will help you get rid of credit card debt more quickly. If you have multiple credit cards, you might want to concentrate the bulk of the money you have available to paying one off at a time. The credit card you should focus on first is the one with the highest annual percentage rate. Pay this card off and then move on to the next highest one and so forth. This not only gets rid of the worst credit card debt (i.e. the one with the highest interest rate), but it gives you a sense of accomplishment and peace of mind, knowing that you have one less payment to worry about. Third way to overcome credit card debt is treat a credit card like a debit card. The biggest fallacy of credit cards is that they are ‘additional money’ to be spent each month. The typical household sees the monthly credit card bill as just another bill to spend money paying off. Worse, many people see ‘responsible’ credit card use as paying the minimum or slightly more each month. Using a checkbook to balance your finances or free financial software such as Mint.com or paid software such as Quicken can help you balance finances and ensure there will be enough money each month to pay off the credit card bills. Every time you make a purchase with a credit card, treat it like a debit card and deduct that money spent out of checking or savings accounts. Software can do that automatically when linked to the accounts, but a checkbook or simple pen and paper works the same way. Next, set alerts to avoid missed or late payments. A missed or late credit card payment can put even the most responsible credit card user over the edge and into debt. Interest rates get raised and high fees will tack on finance charges to the bill. Set up free e-mail or text message alerts from your credit card issuer’s online account management site. If your credit card issuer does not offer online account access, consider finding a new credit card company. Many late fees and missed payments are due to using regular postal mail to keep up with bills and make payments. Online payments are time stamped and come with an e-mail record of statements and payments. Another way to overcome credit card debt is do not spend money that we do not have. This tried and true financial tip holds true for credit cards as well. Credit cards can be an excellent financial  tool to establish and build credit. They can also allow responsible users to earn rewards such as cash back or points. Credit cards also act as interest free loans in a pinch with grace periods ranging from 20-30 days for users who can pay the balance off when the bill comes due. Spending on a credit card should adjust according to one’s financial situation. Responsible credit card use starts with spending less than one has in their bank account month to month. Besides that you must try not to rack up your credit card bill. If you can avoid it, do not use your credit card at all, as this will just put you deeper into debt. Try to pay cash for what you need and eliminate the things that you want (even if only temporarily). The horrible thing about credit card debt is that it is so easy for your debt to increase. Write down a list of expenses is also a way to overcome credit debt. It is very beneficial to know exactly where your money is going each month. Money seems to disappear before you even get your hands on it. Writing down a list of where your money goes will get you thinking about certain areas where you can save money. You can change your money habits by taking the time to understand where it is going. When you look at your list (and you should include what you are paying in credit card debt), you will probably be motivated to do what you can to try to hold on to more of your money. Lastly, pay down your credit card debt before you put money in a savings account. Your credit card interest rate is exponentially higher than what you gain from a savings account at a bank. Get rid of the credit card debt first, otherwise it will keep growing. CONCLUSION In conclusion, those who want to avoid bankruptcy do their best to avoid credit card debt to begin with. Bankruptcy can damage your credit score and cause other financial problems. On top of that, the financial strain can begin to take its toll on your relationships. Avoiding bankruptcy requires careful financial planning. We should create a budget and track our spending. Live within our means so that we are not acquiring debt. Each month, pay off our credit cards bill. We can use credit cards as part of our financial spending plan but we need to be careful to avoid carrying a balance. Besides that, we must set aside money for emergencies. That way, if  unexpected expenses come up, we won’t be as devastating. Being debt free and having some savings built up and can go a long way toward helping us to stay away from bankruptcy and providing us with some of the cash flow we need. With careful financial planning, credit cards can be a helpful tool, rather than a path to bankrupt cy. Do not let something so useful become our downfall. The problem with credit card debt is that it is very easy to get into but hard to get out. (Some people associate it with a bad marriage, and it is really similar to it). To get into a credit card debt is even easier than any other debt, because the plastic is just there in out wallet all the time, as an easy solution, and we tend to use it as a â€Å"quick fix. Credit card debt reduction is although a different story, to get out of credit card debt you needs discipline and planning to reduce your outgoings and change your attitude towards your spending. Getting to a stage when you realize that you must eliminate your credit card debt before it gets out of control is kind of scary experience. When you realize that you need to find a solution because there is no other way out, and you cannot carry on piling up interest on your debt. You can start reduce credit card debt with preventing it from increasing and paying off the capital or getting a lower interest credit scheme, therefore reducing your total credit card debt (credit plus monthly interest). Other than following the step by step instructions of your credit card debt consolidation plan, there are more methods to eliminate credit card debt. You can always seek assistance either at your own credit card company or an independent credit card debt specialist. Your credit card company wants their money back, so most of the times they are ready to compromise, give you a lower APR or freeze the interest if you agree a credit card debt consolidation plan. You must remember if you are not confident enough to negotiate a deal with your credit card company, there are many companies who are willing to support you and also offer free credit card debt consolidation consultation. REFERENCES Books: 1. Vickie L. Bajtelsmit with Linda Rastelli, (2008), Personal Finance, Wiley Pathways. 2. Sarah Young Fisher and Susan Shelly, (2009), Personal Finance in Your 20s &30s, Alpha Books. 3. Curtis E. Arnold, (2008), How You Can Profit From Credit Cards, FT Press. Journals: 1. A study of financial awareness among youths, Joyce K.H. Nga, Lisa H.L. Yong and Rathakrishnan D. Sellappan. 2. Malaysian consumers’ credit card usage behavior, Zafar U. Ahmed, Ishak Ismail, M. Sadiq Sohail, Ibrahim Tabsh and Hasbalaila Alias. 3. The influence of image consciousness, materialism and compulsive spending on credit card usage intentions among youthJoyce, K.H. Nga, Lisa H.L. Yong and Rathakrishnan Sellappan. Web: 1. http://www.nst.com.my/top-news/easy-cash-turns-many-into-bankrupts-1.5518 2. http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/11/23/nation/12361423&sec=nation 3. http://voices.yahoo.com/credit-card-debt-one-cause-bankruptcy-7101354.html?cat=3 ARTICLE