Thursday, December 26, 2019

All About Speciation

Evolution is most usually defined as a change in a population of a species over time through the accumulation of adaptations that are acted upon by natural selection. That may be a mouth full and nearly impossible to truly understand if there is not a full grasp on what a species actually is or how one changes over time. Sure, things change, but what makes them change? How does that affect other species? How long does it all take? Here we will shed some light on these questions and others like them about how evolution and speciation works. Definition of Species Perhaps the most important thing to be understood before truly grasping the idea of speciation and evolution is correctly defining the word species. Most books and reference materials will define the word species as a group of individual organisms that can interbreed in nature and produce viable offspring. While this definition is a good starting place, lets examine why it may not be quite  as accurate as it should be. First of all, there are many species out there that are asexual. This means there is no real interbreeding happening within those species. Any unicellular organism would be asexual. Some other types of fungi also produce their own spores for asexual reproduction. Some plants can also self-pollinate meaning they also do not interbreed. Do these species undergo speciation and ultimately evolution? The short answer to this question is yes, they do. However, while evolution is usually driven by natural selection, natural selection cannot work on a gene pool that does not have any variation. Offspring of an asexual organism are essentially clones and have no traits that are different within the entire population. However, some changes at the microevolutionary level may occur. Spontaneous DNA mutations are one way new genes can enter the picture and natural selection then has diversity to work on within that species. Eventually, those mutations and adaptations add up if they are favorable and the species changes. Another problem with the basic definition of a species is the existence of what are known as hybrids. Hybrids are offspring of two different species, like how mating a horse with a donkey gives a mule. Some hybrids are sterile, which is sort of taken care of with the viable offspring part of the original species definition. However, many other hybrids are capable of producing their own offspring. This is especially true in plants. Biologists do not agree on a single definition of the term species. Depending on the context, the word species may be defined in more than a dozen different ways. Scientists often choose a definition that fits their needs or combines several to take care of that problem. For the majority of evolution biologists, the general definition above usually suits their purposes, although alternate definitions may be used to explain various parts of the Theory of Evolution. Definition of Speciation Now that a basic definition of species has been decided, it is possible to define the term speciation. Much like a family tree, the tree of life has several branches that show where species change and become new species. The point on the tree where a species change is called speciation. Using the definition of species above, it is when the new organisms can no longer interbreed with the original organisms in nature and produce viable offspring. At that point, they are now a new species and speciation has occurred. On a phylogenetic tree, speciation is the point on the tree where the branches diverge from one another. The farther back on the tree the branches diverge, the less closely they are related to one another. Points, where the branches are closer together, means those species recently diverged from each other. How Does Speciation Occur? Most of the time, speciation occurs through divergent evolution. Divergent evolution is when a species becomes less similar and changes into new species. The original species that branches off is then known as the most recent common ancestor of the new species. That is the process that causes speciation, but what triggers divergent evolution? Charles Darwin described the mechanism of evolution which he called natural selection. The basic idea behind natural selection is that species undergo changes and accumulate adaptations that are favorable for their environments. After enough adaptations have built up, the species is no longer the same as it was and speciation has occurred. Where do these changes come from? Microevolution is the changing of the species on a molecular level like with DNA mutations. If they are significant mutations, they will cause adaptations that may or may not be favorable for their environment. Natural selection will work on these individuals and the ones with the most favorable adaptations survive to create the new species. Changes in species can also happen on a larger scale. Macroevolution examines those changes. One of the most common causes of speciation is called geographic isolation. This is when a population of a species is separated from the original population and over time, the two populations accumulate different adaptations and undergo speciation. If they were brought back together after the speciation has happened, they will no longer be able to interbreed and are therefore not the same species anymore. Sometimes speciation happens because of reproductive isolation. Unlike geographic isolation, the population is still together in the same area, but something causes some of the individuals to no longer be able to mate and produce offspring with the original species. This could be something along the lines of a change in mating season or a different mating ritual. In some cases, males and females of the species have special colors or distinct markings. If these mating indicators were to change, the original species may no longer recognize the new individuals as potential mates. There are four types of speciation. Allopatric speciation and peripatric speciation are caused by geographic isolation. Parapatric speciation and sympatic speciation are the other two types and are generally due to reproductive isolation. How Speciation Affects Other Species Speciation of one species can affect the evolution of other species if they have a close relationship in an ecosystem. When populations of different species come together to form a community, they often depend on each other in some way for survival or to make life easier. This is especially apparent in food webs and food chains and in particular predator and prey relationships. If one of these species were to change, other species may also need to change. An example of this coevolution or cospeciation could be the speed of a prey species. The prey may accumulate adaptations that create larger leg muscles to help them run faster. If the predator does not adapt, it may starve. Therefore, only faster predators, or perhaps stealthier predators, will survive to pass down their favorable adaptations to their offspring. That means since the prey evolved or became a new species, the predator had to also evolve or change.

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

A Future Of Solar Energy - 3797 Words

A Future in Solar Energy The amount of energy used by the United States and the entirety of the world is predicted to drastically increase over the next few years. In 2001 the worldwide average energy consumption rate was approximately 13.5 TW (terawatt), but it is predicted that by 2100 that rate could triple to about 43 TW. In order to account for this greater need it becomes necessary to take action, as current production levels cannot meet the projected increase in energy consumption. There are many different approaches that could be taken so as to adjust for these forecasted levels. The following pages will consider the pros and cons to the following question: Should the United States Department of Energy promote a comprehensive†¦show more content†¦Therefore, solar energy has the capability to solve the energy shortage problems that could develop in the future. If solar energy is to become a cost effective primary energy source though, then batteries and fuels cells mu st become less expensive and more efficient. In order to obtain these goals research must be done to develop our current technologies. Until solar energy becomes more cost effective, cheaper means of obtaining energy will continue to be utilized even though resources may be depleting and the detrimental effects to our planet may be evident. Currently the capture and storage capabilities for solar energy are not efficient and cost effective enough to make solar energy a viable option to be a primary source of energy for the United States or the rest of the world. At right is a depiction of a fuel cell and an example of a solar fuel cell (Lewis and Nocera). As seen in the diagram, in a fuel cell hydrogen and oxygen are combined so as to create a flow of electrons and protons across the membrane. This produces electrical energy. On the other hand the solar fuel cell is driven by light and causes the electrons and protons to flow in the opposite direction. When coupling the electrons an d protons to the catalysts it becomes possible to break the bonds in water. As

Monday, December 9, 2019

Corporate Culture Responsibility and Profit Orientation

Question: Discuss about the Corporate Culture Responsibility and Profit Orientation. Answer: Introduction The aim of the following report is to make fruitful evaluation of certain factors of Nike Inc. such as the organizations mission, its core purpose and its profit and non-profit orientation, impact of two individual factors from the general and specific environment of Nike and its corporate social responsibility. Moreover, the present assignment, which is going to be constructed as a profound report has intended to elaborate and evaluate the results obtained from the quiz of personal insight. Henceforth, it is to say that the purpose of the present report is to acquire a coherent understanding about the considered organization and thereafter to see whether personal competencies are potential and supportive enough in befitting into the organizational culture or not. Prior to evaluate certain factors about Nike, it is essential to state that the considered organization Nike is one of the leading multinational organizations for designing, developing, manufacturing and marketing apparel, equipment and footwear in an international level. Moreover, the organization is known to be a profit-oriented organization whose net revenue of the year 2015 has been US$3.273 billion (Blok 2014). On the other hand, according to the financial report of Nike of 2015, it has been found that the organization has 62,600 employees in terms of organizational size. Mission, status and location of Nike It has been identified that the core mission or purpose of the organization Nike is to inspire every athlete of the world for innovation. Moreover, it has been found that the organizations statement for purpose has evolved over the years for appropriately representing the business situation of Nike (Hollensbe et al. 2014). Most significantly, Nikes mission statement acts as the guide for formulating the strategic policies as it includes inspiration, innovation and every athlete of the world. This particular mission of the organization is accompanied well by the organizations prime object to make profit for the shareholders. Most importantly, in 2016, Nike has considered to stick to their age-old mission to bring both innovation and inspiration to the entire athlete in the world (MoranSendra et al. 2015). On the other hand, it has been understood that the organization is predominantly profit-oriented as per the fact that the organization aims to inspire athletes through their products. As per their financial report of 2015, the organization has received 13% growth in their fourth quarter excluding the currency changes and it seems that their quarterly profit has jumped nearly 20%. Most significantly, the organizations profit orientation is related with Nike Golf, Nike Pro, Nike Blazers, Nike Dunk and Nike Skateboarding instead of its own brand. On the other hand, it is important to mention in this respect that with its growing profit orientation, the organization replaced Alcoa and became the member of Dow Jones Industrial Average in the year 2013 (Chung et al. 20130). However, in terms of location, it has been found that the organization is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon of the Portland metropolitan territory. Nevertheless, Nike is located within more than 45 countries outside th e US. Some of Nikes locations outside the US include China, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Pakistan (Blok 2014). Impact of economy on Nike Prior to examine one of the potential factors from Nikes general environment, it is required to mention that in the last quarter, the organization has earned near about 5.7 billion dollars in terms of revenue and for their per share, they acquired one dollar. In the year 2016, it has been identified that the economic factor would have potentially influenced its operations. The economic factor is a strongly influential factor as in terms of opportunity, economic stability and rapid growth of the market work as opportunity for Nike, whereas recent slowdown in the Chinese economy would work as a threat for Nike in the year 2016 (Golden et al. 2015). However, it is unfortunate to note that in terms of international trade, recent incident of Brexit and the slowdown of world trade would affect negatively upon the business operations of Nike. Therefore, in the year 2016, the economic recession would prove adverse for the company. Considering all these adversity, it can be said that Nike could deal with this situation by increasing its brand image. The company believes that their brand has already earned an impressive amount of trust and according to the organizations financial report the economic recession of China has not till now affected the sales growth (Jovanovic 2015). Therefore, it can be said that the organization could improve its marketing strategies and increase its promotion. For instance, it can be said that the company has the capacity to reach to an extensive amount of customers by its target segmentation strategy (Robbins et al. 2013). Therefore, it can be said that Nike can utilize this quality to combat with the current concern. Impact of the buying behavior of the customer of Nike In terms of Nikes specific environment, the buying behavior of the customers or the bargaining power of the customers in 2016 could be prioritized. It has been found that like other potential organizations, the customers of Nike hugely influence its operations. In this respect, it is to say that three particular aspects in terms of the buying behavior of Nike should be considered (Robbins et al. 2013). The first one is the low switching costs, which works as strong force whereas the second one is the availability of the moderate substitutes that works as the moderate force and the small size of the individual customers that works as the weak force. It has been found that in the year 2016, the buying behavior of the Chinese customers would not probably work in favor for the organization as per the Chinese recession. On the other hand, due to Brexit and the weakness of Euro, the buying behavior of the European customers would also fluctuate (Schiffman et al. 2013). Keeping in mind about the current circumstances, along with anticipating their possible consequences it can be said that Nike may revise its brand prices for their customers in the Asian and European zone mainly. However, it is still a fortunate sign that the organization has achieved 30% increase in sales in the year 2015 in the market of China (Chung et al. 2013). Therefore, it can be anticipated that the behavior of Chinese customers would not probably change to a huge extent. Impressive amount of discount as well as product development and modification would help them in this adverse situation. Loyalty card, free coupons or festive sale in terms of discount and improvement of the existing products based on current customer feedback would help the organization to retain their existing customers as well as will attract new ones instead of the adverse circumstances (Szyma?ska and Walecka 2016). Nikes corporate social responsibility and ethical concerns It is significant to state in this context that the Nikes sustainable innovation in terms of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is one of the organizations potential assets. The present vision of Nikes corporate social responsibility is to bring individuals, community, planet and the profit in a balanced alignment for sustaining its success for a long time. In this respect, it is to mention that in the year 2010, the organization has ranked 23rd in the index of 100 best corporate citizens 2010 (Hayhurst and Szto, 2016). Some of the organizations prime contribution under the name of CSR includes 41.9 million dollar distribution for promoting education as well as sports, huge investments for averting risks for the adolescent girls in most of the impoverished countries (Lu et al. 2016). On the other hand, in terms of ethical concerns, the organization has raised salaries in accordance with individual country laws and has gradually started to pay back those labors that belonged to the closed factories. Most importantly, considering both corporate social accountability and ethical concerns, Nike has impressed the world by recycling its old shoes into Grind a material that is capable of being utilized into multiple ways (Lund-Thomsen and Coe 2013). Most importantly, the organization enthusiastically participates in RED, through which Nike donates an impressive amount of money to South America for combating aids and HIV. On the other side, Nike has also donated more than 100 million dollars to the Cancer Institute of Oregon in terms of their corporate social responsibility. It is significant to mention that in Australia, Nike began to charge 10% extra for each bag and donated the entire proceeds to the local charity houses for sports. Furthermore, it has been identifie d that more than $85 million has been spent by the organization for buying products from minority-owned business to support them (Blok 2014). However, it is still unfortunate that the organization in terms of their ethical activities has been criticized for failing to raise wages in most of the foreign countries and the organization has also been highly criticized for doing excessive amount of child labor (Verbos et al. 2007). Nevertheless, it is fortunate that considering the need of recycling for maintaining a healthy environment, in the last year Nike has collected and recycled more than 25 million pairs of shoes through their program called Reuse-A-Shoe. Personal insight As per the result of the quiz Whats the Right Organizational Culture for me? I have understood that I have the flexibility to work accordingly to a culture that is mechanistic, formal, rule-oriented and well structured. Furthermore, the result of the quiz has implied me that my ability can afford me to work in large organizations as well as in government agencies. In this respect, I should mention that the quiz has proved to be supportive for me as it has pointed out my strength as well as weakness. Prior to understand whether a person is eligible for an organization or not, it is required to review the strength and weakness of the person, which can be understood well by such assessment or personal insight quizzes (Corrin and de Barba 2014). Nevertheless, after having a coherent understanding about the considered organizations purpose, profit-orientation, working-culture and corporate social responsibility, I can understand that my abilities according to the insight quiz are seemed w ell-aligned with the organizational dimension of Nike. It is because I have understood that Nike is a well-structured and rule-oriented organization and my capability to befitted in a similar atmosphere, is indicative of the fact that there is an impressive amount of compatibility between my traits and Nikes corporate culture. However, in terms of organizational culture, it is to regard that, seven aspects should be prioritized attention to detail, stability, capability of taking risk and innovating, aggressiveness and team orientation. The insight quiz indicates that I have the potentiality to stay attentive towards the details of each task; it means I would be able to accomplish every tasks. On the other hand, in the ground of risk taking and stability, my score in the insight quiz has been indicative of the matter that I have a preference for structure. Alongside, it has been mentioned before that I am rule-oriented and attentive towards details; it gives hint that I am able to find risks and can innovate. Nonetheless, the quiz has pointed out that I am less aggressive; therefore considering Nikes culture to maintain rule-oriented chain of commands, I can say that I will be convenient enough to be fitted with the culture. Most importantly, I am fortunate in the premise of team orientation also as the q uiz has implied that my personality can work with teams and can also work for the benefits of a team. Henceforth, I believe it would not be hard for me to get acquainted easily with Nikes work-culture. Conclusion From the above report, it can be deduced that Nikes purpose for 2016 is influenced by their fundamental mission to innovate and inspire every athlete of world. On the other hand, it has been identified throughout the report that Nikes present business culture is hugely subjected toward the economic environment and the buying behavior of the customers. The report has also illustrated that both the economic factor and the buying behavior in the year 2016 would be highly influenced by the recession of the China market and the event of Brexit in Europe. Therefore, to avoid the adverse effect, Nike can increase the rate of discounts and can undertake product modification. However, the other side of the report has analyzed the result of the insight quiz and has stated that most of the characteristic traits of the concerned individual will help to get befitted in the corporate culture of the considered organization. References Blok, J., 2014. The priestess of Athena Nike. Chung, K.Y., Derdenger, T.P. and Srinivasan, K., 2013. Economic value of celebrity endorsements: Tiger Woods' impact on sales of Nike golf balls.Marketing Science,32(2), pp.271-293. Corrin, L. and de Barba, P., 2014. Exploring students interpretation of feedback delivered through learning analytics dashboards. InProceedings of the ascilite 2014 conference. Ferguson, J., Sales de Aguiar, T.R. and Fearfull, A., 2016. Corporate response to climate change: language, power and symbolic construction.Accounting, Auditing Accountability Journal,29(2), pp.278-304. Fernandez-Feijoo, B., Romero, S. and Ruiz, S., 2014. Effect of stakeholders pressure on transparency of sustainability reports within the GRI framework.Journal of Business Ethics,122(1), pp.53-63. Golden, J.S., Handfield, R.B., Daystar, J. and McConnell, T.E., 2015. An economic impact analysis of the US biobased products industry: A report to the congress of the United States of America.Industrial Biotechnology,11(4), pp.201-209. Hayhurst, L.M. and Szto, C., 2016. Corporatizating Activism Through Sport-Focused Social Justice? Investigating Nikes Corporate Responsibility Initiatives in Sport for Development and Peace.Journal of Sport and Social Issues,40(6), pp.522-544. Hollensbe, E., Wookey, C., Hickey, L., George, G. and Nichols, C.V., 2014. Organizations with purpose.Academy of Management Journal,57(5), pp.1227-1234. Jovanovic, Z., 2015. Management and changes in business environment.Ekonomika,61(2), p.143. Lu, X., Liu, H.W. and Rahman, M., 2016. The impact of corporate social responsibility on customer loyalty: a case of Nike and Adidas in China.Strategic Change. Lund-Thomsen, P. and Coe, N.M., 2013. Corporate social responsibility and labour agency: the case of Nike in Pakistan.Journal of Economic Geography, p.lbt041. MoranSendra, M., Nilmeier, T., Liem, T. and Perkowski, T., 2015. Nike Inc. Robbins, S., De Cenzo, D., Coulter, M. and Woods, M., 2013.Management: the essentials. Pearson Higher Education AU. Schiffman, L., O'Cass, A., Paladino, A. and Carlson, J., 2013.Consumer behaviour. Pearson Higher Education AU. Szyma?ska, K. and Walecka, A., 2016. CulturE opEnnEss as an ElEmEnt of positivE potEntial of EntErprisEs in a Criris situation.Journal of Positive Management,6(4), pp.53-65. Verbos, A.K., Gerard, J.A., Forshey, P.R., Harding, C.S. and Miller, J.S., 2007. The positive ethical organization: Enacting a living code of ethics and ethical organizational identity.Journal of Business Ethics,76(1), pp.17-33.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Lesotho Case free essay sample

Lesotho Case Study BY byrne280 The Market and the Mountain Kingdom: Change in Lesothos Textile Industry Apartheid and the resulting sanctions against South Africa are what ultimately created the textile industry in Lesotho. Aside from the workers that have historically worked across the border in South African mines, the arrival of the textile industry gave Lesotho its first real participation in the global economy. Otherwise the Lesotho economy consists mostly of subsistence farming. The textile industry gives Lesotho an opportunity to participate in trade with the rest of the world and ideally benefit rom globalization. Geographically, Lesotho is uniquely landlocked and in a complete enclave of the country of South Africa. It is the abundance of affordable labor that has attracted clothing manufacturing firms, mostly from Asia that then bring the finished products to the world markets, primarily the United States and Europe. Lesotho has been an appealing location for textile manufacturing in part because of world trade agreements such as the Multi-Fiber Arrangement (MFA), the Lom © Convention and the African Growth and Opportunity act (AGOA). We will write a custom essay sample on Lesotho Case or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page All of these trade greements have expired or are set to expire in some capacity as of the writing of the subject case study, The Market and the Mountain Kingdom: Change in Lesothos Textile Industry written in November of 2006. I will be examining these trade agreements and other factors to determine the costs and benefits of each. Lesotho is at a crucial stage of economic development and the decisions that the government makes will affect the quality of life for the people of Lesotho for years to come. Through this examination of the past there are many lessons to be learned from these previous trade policies. In some ways, these policies benefit other countries more than Lesotho. Hopefully these lessons can be applied to a plan of action for the government of Lesotho. It is my recommendation that the government of Lesotho evaluate the causes and effects of these policies as well as the costs and benefits. Going forward Lesotho should do more to empower and educate its own people rather than rely on preferential trade policies. It is not my point that Lesotho should not take advantage of trade policies while they are in place but it has repeatedly set itself up for failure when trade policies expire. Analysis of Previous Policies Affecting the Lesotho Textile Industry The Lom © Convention: The Lom © Convention was the first experiment in development and co-operation between Europe and Africa after colonial rule. It was established in 1975 and during the 1980s greatly benefited Lesotho by providing a developmental spark to the textile industry. It also provided for a smoother separation from British colonization and was a good stepping stone for development. As result, Lesotho along with other former colonies benefited from preferential trade with Europe. However the agreement went through five major evisions as needs changed and finally expired completely in 2007. The Lom © convention can be credited for providing a short-cut to development for developing former colonies but the preferential treatment was not sustainable long term. It was changed to require that the raw materials originate from a former colony as well. Since Lesotho does not produce its own raw materials and imports most of raw materials from China rather than other former colonies, the policy was already outdated before it expired. This left a 17% tariff in place for Lesothos access to European markets. This virtually eliminated trade with Europe by 1998. The Multi- Fiber Arrangement (MFA) and, the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC) The MFA was a multi-nation agreement that created quotas from individual countries on imports to the Unites States. The MFA was active from 1974 to 1994 and was then replaced when the World Trade Organization (WTO) implemented a similar policy called the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC). The policy expired in 2005 and there are currently no country quotas on textiles. Much like the Lom © Convention, the ATC helped to start the Lesotho textile industry and carried it through 2005. The cost is that arguably quotas can hinder free trade in the world arket. It gives inefficient countries and unfair advantage over efficient countries. The aggregate world output of textiles is fundamentally lower with the quotas in place. The MFA and ATC provided a great way for Lesotho to participate in world trade but unless the policies are permanent, it is not a sustainable solution. Because quotas facilitate inefficient production of goods, they cannot be in place indefinitely. Eventually, truly fair trade must be allowed among all countries and Lesotho must be able to manufacture textiles as efficient as countries like China if it would like to have its textile industry survive.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

President George W. Bush Fast Facts

President George W. Bush Fast Facts George Walker Bush (1946-) served as the forty-third president of the United States from 2001 to 2009. Early in his first term on September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked the Pentagon and the World Trade Center using airplanes as weapons. The rest of both of his terms in office were spent dealing with the after-effects of this. America got involved in two wars: one in Afghanistan and one in Iraq.  Here is a quick list of fast facts for George W Bush. For more in-depth information, you can also read the George W Bush Biography. Birth: July 6, 1946Term of Office: January 20, 2001 – January 20, 2009Number of Terms Elected: 2 TermsFirst Lady: Laura Welch George W Bush Quote If our country does not lead the cause of freedom, it will not be led. If we do not turn the hearts of children toward knowledge and character, we will lose their gifts and undermine their idealism. If we permit our economy to drift and decline, the vulnerable will suffer most. Major Events While in Office Contested Election (2000)Terrorist Attack on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center in New York City (September 11, 2001)War in Afghanistan (2001)War in Iraq (2003)

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Definition and Examples of Broadening in English

Definition and Examples of Broadening in English Broadening is a type of semantic change by which the meaning of a word becomes broader or more inclusive than its earlier meaning. Also known as semantic broadening, generalization, expansion, or extension. The opposite process is called semantic narrowing, with a word taking on a more restricted meaning than it had before. As Victoria Fromkin points out, When the meaning of a word becomes broader, it means everything it used to mean and more (An Introduction to Language, 2013). Examples and Observations Broadening of meaning . . . occurs when a word with a specific or limited meaning is widened. The broadening process is technically called generalization. An example of generalization is the word business, which originally meant the state of being busy, careworn, or anxious, and was broadened to encompass all kinds of work or occupations.(Sol Steinmetz, Semantic Antics: How and Why Words Change Meaning. Random House, 2008)Cool: Sometimes the use of existing words can become broader. For example, the slang word cool was originally part of the professional jargon of jazz musicians and referred to a specific artistic style of jazz (a use that was itself an extension). With the passage of time, the word has come to be applied to almost anything conceivable, not just music; and it no longer refers just to a certain genre or style, but is a general term indicating approval of the thing in question.(Adrian Akmajian, Richard Demers, Ann Farmer, and Robert Harnish, Linguistics: An Introductio n to Language and Communication. The MIT Press, 2001) Dog and Bird: Quite a number of words have undergone semantic broadening in the history of English. The modern English word dog, for example, derives from the earlier form dogge, which was originally a particularly powerful breed of dog that originated in England. The word bird derives from the earlier word bridde, which originally referred only to young birds while still in the nest, but it has now been semantically broadened to refer to any birds at all.(Terry Crowley and Claire Bowern, An Introduction to Historical Linguistics, 4th ed. Oxford University Press, 2010)Thing, Companion, Broadcast, and Pudding: The word thing is a classic example of such broadening. In Old English and Old Norse, this word meant a public assembly. In present-day Icelandic, a language with similar Germanic roots to English, it still does. In Modern English, however, it has now been extended so much that it simply means an entity of any kind. The word companion provides another example. It used to mean so meone who eats bread with you (see Italian con  with plus pain  bread); now it means someone who is with you. The word broadcast, which only a couple of centuries ago meant to sow seeds, has now, in this technological age, been extended to include the spreading of information on television and radio. Pudding, which today is usually sweet and eaten for dessert, comes from the French word boudin, meaning a sausage made with animal intestines, a meaning retained in English black pudding.(Andrew Radford,  et al.,  Linguistics: An Introduction, 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press, 2009) You Guys and Sell-by Date: A recent generalization or  semantic broadening  has taken place in the phrase you guys in AmE, which is no  longer restricted to men and can refer to mixed company, or even women only. Sell-by date also shows an extended meaning (metaphor) in Kennedy kept Hoover on past his sell-by date.(Stephan Gramley and Kurt-Michael Ptzold,A Survey of Modern English, 2nd ed. Routledge, 2004)Religious Terms: - Extension or Generalization. A lexeme widens its meaning. Numerous examples of this process have occurred in the religious field, where office, doctrine, novice, and many other terms have taken on a more general, secular meaning.(David Crystal, The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language. Cambridge University Press, 2003)- An example of broadening of meaning is the change from holy day as a religious feast to the very general break from work called a holiday.(George Yule, The Study of Language, 3rd ed. Cambridge University Press, 2006)Semantic Shift a nd Semantic Broadening: Semantic shift represents an extension of a words meaning with the loss of its earlier meaning (e.g. pineapple no longer means fir cone in standard English).  Semantic broadening  is such extension without the loss of the original meaning. For example,  tea in most English Creoles  refers not only to the infusion made from various leaves, but also to any hot drink.(John Holm,  An Introduction to Pidgins and Creoles. Cambridge University Press, 2000) Bleaching and Grammaticalization: Thing used to refer to an assembly or council, but in time came to refer to anything. In modern English slang, the same development has been affecting the word shit, whose basic meaning feces has broadened to become synonymous with thing or stuff in some contexts (Dont touch my shit; Ive got a lot of shit to take care of this weekend). If a words meaning becomes so vague that one is hard-pressed to ascribe any specific meaning to it anymore, it is said to have undergone bleaching. Thing and shit above are both good examples. When a words meaning is broadened so that it loses its status as a full-content lexeme and becomes either a function word or an affix, it is said to undergo grammaticalization.(Benjamin W. Forston IV, An Approach to Semantic Change. The Handbook of Historical Linguistics, ed. by Brian D. Joseph and Richard D. Janda. Wiley-Blackwell, 2003)

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Book review on the book Consumer Guide to hypnotism Essay

Book review on the book Consumer Guide to hypnotism - Essay Example The book is not intended for experts, so the reader doesn’t have to worry about having a background in theory and can find a basic book that covers the basic definitions of hypnotism, its benefits, its history, and the various controversies which have surrounded it. After reading Damon’s guide, the reader won’t know all there is to know on the subject, but they will certainly be better informed than when they began, and will hopefully have many of their misconceptions cleared up. The book works as an effective introduction of different methodologies used to place individuals under a state of hypnosis, as well as different reasons that people seek hypnosis and hypnotherapy. For example, many people use hypnotism to quit smoking, and the guide has a definitive text on this. Still others use the process to lose weight, and duly this subject is also covered in one of Damon’s fifty guides, each written by an expert writer or professional in the field of hypnosis. More controversial aspects of hypnosis are included as well, which still have many skeptics wondering. Some of these aspects include the idea of channeling past lives or incarnations, fighting cancer, interpreting dreams, and other subjects that are less widely accepted . This guide runs the gamut from widely accepted notions of hypnotism, such as how the process is used in sports psychology, to more specialized aspects, such as age regression therapy. A holistic and comprehensive manual is provided by this editor. The fifty pieces in the book do not require a doctorate degree to understand, and are also accessible to someone who doesn’t even have any background in hypnosis. In this book, the authors provide a thoughtful, literate, and articulate reckoning of the various parts of hypnotism and hypnotherapy as well as discussion, as they are presented in the reviewed text by Damon, the editor. The authors blend

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Site Survey Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Site Survey - Essay Example However, a huge task lies ahead in identifying and locating suitable buildings where these training centers will be set up. A lot has to be considered in identifying this structure because they have to be already in existence and not newly constructed for this purpose (Parkinson, 2001). Therefore, one has to take into consideration the building’s location, volume; distance from major traffic routes and also the effect on the community regarding the structure development in usage (Fowler, 2002). Three potential sites were chosen for an adult education and community centre in this subject. The first site is The Hillingdon House. This building sits at the heart of the St. Andrew’s Park, London. It is a grade II listed three story building built in the 1717 and was used as a hunting lodge, a residence, a training centre for members of the RAF in the 1918 during the war among others, and now the building is currently vacant containing office accommodations used by previous o wners (ASLIB, 2002). The second site is The Stratford High Street Property. This potential space is available at 252 Stratford High Street, Stratford London. It is spacious and can accommodate a good number of people. It is at the heart of M25, at the junction with Rick Robert’s way (Dobson, 2002). ... Plus features and drawbacks for the potential sites Plus points for The Hillingdon House are centered mainly on its location and atmosphere. The atmosphere surrounding the building is serene which makes it a suitable place for a training center. The building is located among some residential area so people can walk there without the need of transportation. The building has a parking space, and there are other parking spaces within walking distance to the building which makes it even more perfect. The building is also located within walking distance from many transport links. The only disadvantage of the structure is that it is not located in a significant market centre; where it would have been accessible to people living in other towns as well other than Holborn town. The advantage of The Stratford High Street is; it is within walking distance for residents in the city. Transportation is excellent with several bus routes and Stratford High street (DLR line) station being located app roximately 300 meters form the premises. This makes it very easy to access it. The building’s position could also be a disadvantage because it is right in the middle of traffic; which means that there could be a lot of noise and other distractions which are not suitable for a training center. The plus point of the Dreams Curtains Designs is; it has the ability to hold a large number of individuals. This structure can be accessed on foot. There is a large parking space that can accommodate over 90 vehicles. The significant disadvantage of the site is; the presence of another adult learning center. Chosen potential site I will base my research on the third building, the Dreams Curtains Designs.

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Religious Believers Understand More Essay Example for Free

Religious Believers Understand More Essay To discuss this statement first we must look at the definition of understanding. Religious believers and scientists would probably differ in their definitions and therefore disagree from the beginning. A religious person would perhaps say that understanding the world means knowing how to be a good person, how to live a good life and fulfill Gods plan. A scientist would probably disagree, saying that understanding the world is having a wide knowledge and good comprehension of how the world works including theories like evolution and understanding why and how things occur. Another slight problem with this statement is its implication that one cannot be a religious believer and a scientist when in fact there are many religious scientists who seem to have science and religion existing harmoniously in their lives. If we are defining understanding as understanding how to live a good life, then I believe that the Bible and Religious Believers do understand more about the world than Scientists do. Religious Believers have a better understanding of how the universe and mans place in it was set up, but its hard for people to understand correctly because its not in scientific terms, its in myths and metaphors. You cant see it with our available scientific instruments, its something you experience. Religious Believers have direct guidance from their Holy texts, e.g. for the Jewish faith, the Torah on how to live their life. They are taught, by the Ten Commandments, that they are not to steal, not to commit adultery and not to murder. One criticism of scientists is that a number of assumption are made to give parameters to an experiment. Also perception can be fallible, as we expect to see things, so we see them. We don’t expect to see them, so we miss them out. In response to this, in the parable the invisible gardener; where the religious believer trusts that the gardener came but couldn’t be seen and the other (scientist) believing that there couldn’t be a gardener because there was no empirical evidence of this. This shows that even though there was no evidence of the gardener or God they still hold a belief, whereas the scientist had to be proven. Some claim that believers only want hope. Religious Believers hope for the return of their â€Å"invisible gardener†, while New Atheists (Richard Dawkins and his followers) have no expectations of a new life after death, thereforelive their lives without fear of an almighty God smiting them down. In this situation, one could argue that the Religious Believer is playing it safe, however they still understand the world better, in many cases they see it as an almighty being’s creation. In conclusion, I believe that, although Scientists have proof of the age of the earth, and that they have proven many facts of the Earth, They do not have as good guidance as Religious Believers do on understanding life.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

ACG 2021, Introduction to Financial Accounting, Fall 2000, Exam 2 Explanations :: UFL Florida Business Accounting

ACG 2021 Fall 2000 Exam 2 Answer Key Explanation Based on the Order of Version A 1) A defined contribution program is one with â€Å"Regular, defined contributions to the fund. The fund balance changes in value with the accumulation of contributions and earnings and is decreased by benefits paid. Benefits received depend on the fund balance available at retirement.† (9-21 in the notes on page 247) 2) This is an error because ordinary repairs (ones that do not increase the original useful life, efficiency or capacity of the asset) are to be treated as expenses and entirely reported on the income statement in the year they are incurred. This error overstated assets by adding the $3,000 to the asset account incorrectly and understated N.I. by failing to record the $3,000 as an expense. 3) If the bonds are selling at 98 ½ ($24,625,000) then they are selling at a discount. This means that the market rate is higher than the stated rate. When the bonds were issued the market rate was the same as the stated rate so the market rate must have increased. (10-20 in the notes on page 274) 4) Here we need to consider two issues. Interest is not capitalized when an asset is purchased but it is capitalized when the company constructs its own asset (only for the period of construction). These concepts are discussed in chapter 8. Inventory is not a capital asset and therefore does not include financing costs. (8-3 on page 193 and 8-7 on page 197). 5) Financial Leverage is Average Total Assets/ Average Stockholders’ Equity. It measures how many dollars of assets are employed for each dollar of stockholder investment. It can be increased by increased borrowing or repurchasing outstanding stock. In laymen’s terms it is the proper use of debt to bring a higher return to owners. (Page 266 of the book, letter C of the ROE Profit Driver Analysis) 6) – 8) Segments that are used to answer the three questions have boxes around them. Using the effective method (assumed unless stated otherwise): Interest Expense = Beginning Carrying Value x Market Rate (Carrying Value = Face Value – Discount) The Present Value of the note is: P.V. = 400,000 x factor (using single sum table where i=8 and n=3). 317,520 = 400,000 x 7.938 (the attached table has 7.9383 on it but this gives a number close enough to be able to pick 317,520) The following journal entries would be made throughout the life of the note: 1/1/00 Equipment 317,520 Discount 82,480 Notes Payable 400,000 12/31/00 Interest Expense 25,402* (Question (8)) Discount 25,402 *1/1/00 Carrying value of 317,520 (400,000 – 82,480) x .

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Compare and Contrast the Baroque Music and Jazz

Compare and Contrast the Baroque Music and Jazz BY outwitted The Baroque period spanned from 1600 to 1750. The baroque period can be divided into three parts: early (1600-1640), middle and late (1680-1750). Although today most people recognize the latest part as the baroque music, the earliest part was one of the most revolutionary phases in music history. The early baroque composers rejected the polyphony texture of the late Renaissance music and favored homophobic texture.They also focused on harmony rather than the complexity of melodic lines. The growth of figured bass and counterpoint represents the development of harmony. However, by the late baroque period, polyphonic texture returned to favor. Famous Baroque composers: – Johann Sebastian Bach Popular work: Air on a G String – George Frederic Handel Popular work: The Messiah – Antonio Vivaldi Popular work: The Four Seasons It is difficult to define Jazz music, as there are many different styles and movemen ts.A brief definition of Jazz would be: American music that originated in New Orleans around 1900 and characterized by propulsive syncopated rhythms, polyphonic ensemble playing, improvisatory, virtuosic solos, melodic freedom, and a harmonic idiom ranging from simple diatonic through chromatics to atonality. 1 But this does not tell everything about Jazz. Jazz developed from Ragtime around 1900 and about 20 different styles were born since then. 2 Examples are swing, bebop, boss nova, free Jazz and soul Jazz.Famous Jazz musicians: – Luis Armstrong – Chuck Imagine – Charles Minus – Jon Chlorate – Mary Lou Williams – Miles Davis – Nat King Cole The main characteristic of this piece is unity of melody. This piece begins with Joyful elodea, which contains arpeggio and arch shape melody. [epic] Its mood of Joyfulness remains throughout the piece. Base chords are mostly based on chords l, IV and V. At bar 9, a melody changes a little but t he mood doesn't change. The rhythmic patterns of the beginning of this piece are repeated throughout.There are frequent uses of imitation in the melody. For example, from bar 9 after the perfect cadence, imitation begins as descending 4th. [epic] Melodic sequence also often occurs in the piece. Bar 6 is one of example of sequences contained. Melodic phrases are repeated one tone higher pitches. Another main characteristic of this piece is polyphonic texture, as more than 3 independent melodic lines are sounded together consistently. From bar 14, there is imitation again. The harmony is based on a circle of fifths. Each motive figure is decorated with triplet.In the melody line, the first figure starts with F, the next one starts with B and the next one starts with E and so on. Similarly, the chords of bass line go through cycle of fifth. Therefore, both melody line (flute and violin) and base line (cambial) are in circle of fifth. This makes the melodic like sound dutiful and natura l. This movement is in Reiteration form: one short section keeping returning, often creating â€Å"tutu-solo-tutu-solo† pattern. This movement opens with the reiteration, which consists of 1/16th notes.After the reiteration, there is short solo section, where the flute and violin imitate each other. This piece is performed in 12-bar structure in 4/4 time. This piece begins with piano solo in E major. [epic] In the beginning of this piece, we can see the chords progression: I – I – I I – V – V – l. This chords progression is repeated throughout this piece with a constant Hitachi pulse. Call and response is frequently used in this piece. We can see the example of call and response between voice and other instruments at 0:46. There is also call and response between main vocal and female chorus in 2:29.Swing rhythm is also remarkable in this piece. After 12 bars of short piano solo, drum joins and plays swing rhythm. There are also frequent uses of syncopation in the rhythm. For example, in the first part where the vocal Joins, after he sings one phrase â€Å"Hey, ma-ma don't treat me wrong†, there is â€Å"space† in melody between the first phrase and the second phrase humiliation. The beginning of this piece is mainly homophobic in texture as there is always one independent melody. When vocal sings the main melody, other instruments such as drum and piano play the bass lines.However, as the song gets close to the end, its texture becomes more like polyphonic. Imitation, Call and response and counterpoint abound. After repeating the main melody six times, there is call and response between trumpets and vocal. The vocal asks, â€Å"Tell me what'd I say' and trumpets answer. The same idea is repeated several times with different lyrics. After the part, there is call and response between the main vocal and chorus again. Melody in baroque music creates a feeling of continuity. The opening melody will be repeate d throughout a baroque piece.Although the melody is often repeated in an altered form using variation technique, its idea remains in a piece. Also, baroque melodies often sound elaborate and ornamental in baroque pieces. Baroque music also tends to have one basic mood. If a piece begins with Joyful mood, it will remain throughout the piece. The baroque composers often created mood by using a descriptive musical language. They favored word painting, which music enhances the meaning and emotion of the text. For example, they used dark and slow music in lyrics about death.This made music more expressive and powerful. The rhythm in baroque music is often constant. The rhythmic patterns in the opening of baroque pieces are repeated throughout. This contributes to creating a unity of mood. For example, as we can see from Concerto V by Bach, there are 1/16th notes constantly throughout. Texture in baroque music is mostly polyphonic: two or more voices or melodic lines playing independently to express complexity. Baroque composers tried to expand the size, range, and complexity of instrumental performance. Imitation is very common in baroque music. All you have do is touch the right key at the right time and the instrument will play itself† This is a famous quote by Bach. Baroque musicians try to play what is written on the music score. There is mainly three common baroque forms; three-part from (A B A), two-part form (A B A), and continuous or undivided form. A lot of concerto movements including concerto V by Bach are in Reiteration form. The word, â€Å"Reiteration†, meaner â€Å"return† in Italian. After Tutu section, solo section begins and Tutu section come back again after the solo section.The Same rhythmic patterns are repeated in Jazz, yet often syncopated; unexpected accents. The rhythm patterns heard in the begging of Jazz pieces will be repeated throughout. Swing rhythm is also main characteristic of Jazz. Jazz originally developed from ragtime music, whose main characteristic is â€Å"ragged† or syncopated rhythm. Improvisation is an important aspect of Jazz music. Jazz musicians improvise in melody, rhythm and bass lines. A Jazz musician plays what he wants to play. Therefore, they have a great deal of freedom when performing and the audience also can feel it.Melody in Jazz is often improvised and more complex than other music. There are frequent uses of blue notes. Here is an example of a blues scale: This is one of the aspects that make Jazz very distinguishable from other music. Although style, period and musical culture are widely different, there are some similarities between Baroque music and Jazz. The first similarity between the two is continuity of rhythm. In both pieces, the same rhythmic pattern is repeated from the beginning to the end. Another obvious similarity is the frequent use of call and response. In both pieces, call and response is used many times.In concerto v, for example, there is call and response between flute and violin from 1:15. There are call and response between vocal and other instruments, and between the main vocal and female chorus in What'd I say. For example, we can see call and response between the main vocal and other instruments from 0:46 and between the main vocal and female chorus from 2:20. Both baroque music and Jazz use improvisation, although the style is different. In Baroque music, the composers write numbers above the bass part (figured bass) so that the keyboard player can improvise chords.This gives the performers a feeling of freedom while playing. In Jazz, improvisation is more important than in baroque music and is more abound. Not only the bass line, but also melody and rhythm can be improvised. Many baroque and Jazz composers repeat the same melodic or rhythmic idea in one piece. In Bach's concerto v, for example, there are 1/16th notes constantly throughout and the same melodic ideas are repeated. This is same for Jazz music. F or example, in a Jazz piece â€Å"What'd I say', there are frequent uses of swing rhythm and the same melodies are repeated throughout.Unity of mood describes both baroque music and Jazz. If a piece of music opens with dark and slow melody its darkness remains throughout the piece. The unity of mood is created by continuous rhythm and melody. The chords of a lot of baroque and Jazz songs are mostly based on I, IV and V. For example, the chords structure of the first 8 bars in Bach's concerto v is I – I – I V- I – l. The twelve notes progression, which many Jazz musicians use, is I – I-I-IV- IV I -l -V -V- I and is very similar to the one used in concerto. Difference in time and culture also makes difference in music.We can find several differences between baroque music and Jazz. First, we can see that their styles are very distinguishable. Jazz musicians have more feeling of freedom while performing as they can improvise in many ways while baroque musici ans can only improvise in bass lines and they mostly play what is written on the score sheet. There is also difference in musical form and structure. The baroque composers tend o follow the certain forms such as reiteration form while Jazz composers favor minimum forms that allow maximum flexibility.In addition, the main concept or purpose of Baroque music and Jazz are different. Jazz's primary purpose was to entertain the people in bars, while baroque composers primarily worked to provide music for dance and church services. Early baroque composers rejected the complex polyphony of the late Renaissance and favored homophobic texture that maximizes harmony. But Jazz composers favored the complexity of melody. Melody in Jazz is often complicated and usually official to sing or play while melody in early baroque music is less complicated and easy to remember.In addition, the uses of instruments in the two periods are different. Despite that baroque music is mostly based on string grou ps, Jazz music is based upon brass and woodwind instruments. Although style, time, and history are different, there are some similarities between baroque music and Jazz. There are similarities in rhythm, melody, and texture. Music from the two different periods sound different, however, when we look at the two closely we see that they share musical technical similarities.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Climate change and Solutions

Climate change is a concept that has generated much controversy in recent times, the many competing theories as to why climate change is occurring is no longer meaningful and we are now at a stage where unless serious measures are introduced to combat the causes of climate change human kind as a civilisation could be wiped out forever. As a UCT student and a South African citizen I firmly believe that climate change has mainly been induced by the developed world, however, despite this fact, the responsibilities of combating global change do not primarily lie in the hands of the developed world. Successfully overcoming such a huge problem such as climate change requires the cooperation and willingness of the entire world. There comes a time where we have to accept responsibility for our actions. That time is now. It is not too late to correct the mistake we have made, however we need less talk and more action. The policies of mitigation and adaption which traditionally have been the main two policies in combating climate change have proved to be limiting in their effectiveness (Parry, 2009:1-2). For example, achieving current mitigation targets will not prevent major environmental impacts, as in order for mitigation to have any effect in reducing global damage global emission cuts of 80 percent are necessary (Parry, 2009:1). According to Martin Parry the fundamental cause of climate change is unsustainable development, both in the past and the present (Parry, 2009:1). Sustainable development is therefore pivotal in forming the fundamental prerequisites for combating climate change. Parry further goes on to emphasize the necessity for the implementation of a sustainable development strategy that ‘combines mitigation and adaptation in a whole package of other development strategies, including high levels of efficiency and equity in resource use, investment, governance and income growth' in order to successfully and effectively confront climate change (Parry, 2009:8). In response to the article published in the Mail and Guardian on the 10th September 2009; combating climate change will not necessarily stagnate or reduce development. Low carbon economies are effective in creating employment opportunities and bringing about the fundamental prerequisites that are essential for enticing development whilst limiting environmental damage (Winkler and Marquard, 2009:62). Energy efficiency programmes are most effective in reducing emissions with little economic consequence which in a country such as South Africa is desperately needed in order to reduce carbon emissions with little effect on economic development (Winkler and Marquard, 2009:62). Other ways of reducing emissions as highlighted by Winkler and Marquard include the implementation of non-carbon and reduced carbon energy supplies in the form of hydroelectricity, natural gas and solar power (Winkler and Marquard, 2009:62). However, changing development paths is a very challenging and time consuming process which can be bought about in various ways including; the imposition of carbon taxes, selective beneficiation and incentive programmes for energy-intensive industries (Winkler and Marquard, 2009:62). Climate change is a global problem that can only be solved through global cooperation and teamwork. The injustices of the past must be forgotten and both the developed and developing world must work together to ensure the immediate and drastic reduction in emissions. Combating global climate change is a long term process that requires extreme dedication and ruthless legislation that will ensure the full cooperation from countries the world over. Economic growth is not the priority anymore; mankind could potentially be on the brink of extinction unless drastic measures to combat climate change are implemented. ‘When the last tree is cut down, the last river poisoned, the last fish caught, then, only man will discover, that he cannot eat money'.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Captain John Smiths Great Plea for Settlers essays

Captain John Smith's Great Plea for Settlers essays Captain John Smith's 1616 treatise, "A Description of New England," calls all the youthful, adventurous, and even the timid souls of England to join Smith on the journey to the New World. There, argues, Captain Smith, awaits great fortune, gratification, and recognition for these brave entrepreneurs. In his plea for followers, he begins with the following question: "Who can desire more content, that hath shall means; or but only his merit to advance his fortune, than to tread, and plant that ground he hath purchased by the hazard of his life? If he have but the taste of virtue, and magnanimity, what to such a mind can be more pleasant, than planting and building a foundation for his posterity, got from the rude earth, by God's blessing and his own industry, without prejudice to any? (54)." Captain Smith uses his treatise to convey to prospective co-travelers how prosperous New England life will be for them. He believes that the new settlements will be an inspiration for God's people. He persuades by saying that though one may not be qualified for wealth and prosperity in England, the New World is plentiful and fruitful and holds promise even for those who, in England, have been looked upon as powerless and feeble. As his description of New England continues, Smith speaks about the ideal comrade he seeks for the new civilization. "What so truly suits with honor and honesty, as the discovering thing unknown? erecting townes, peopling countries, informing the ignorant, reforming things unjust, teaching virtue; and gain[ing] to our native mother country a kingdom to attend her; find[ing] employment for those that are idle, because they know not what to do: so far from wronging any, as to cause posterity to remember thee; and remembering thee, ever honor that remember with praise? (54)." Here Smith makes plain that he wishes for men and women of youth and faith to make the voyage and to settle 'New Engla...

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

The Bog Bodies of Europe - Archeological Finds

The Bog Bodies of Europe - Archeological Finds The term bog bodies (or bog people) is used to refer to human burials, some likely sacrificed, placed within peat bogs of Denmark, Germany, Holland, Britain, and Ireland and naturally mummified. The highly acidic peat acts as a remarkable preservative, leaving the clothing and skin intact, and creating poignant and memorable images of people of the past. The reason that bogs permit a high level of preservation is because they are both acidic and anaerobic (oxygen-poor). When a body is thrown into a bog, the cold water will hinder putrefaction and insect activity. Sphagnum mosses and the presence of tannin add to the preservation by having anti-bacterial properties. The total number of bodies pulled from European bogs is unknown, partly because they were were first rediscovered in the 17th century and records are shaky. Estimates range wildly between about 200 to 700. The oldest bog body is Koelbjerg Woman, recovered from a peat bog in Denmark. the most recent dates to about 1000 AD. Most of the bodies were placed in the bogs during the European Iron Age and Roman period, between about 800 BC and AD 200. Bog Bodies Denmark: Grauballe Man, Tollund Man, Huldre Fen Woman, Egtved Girl, Trundholm Sun Chariot (not a body, but from a Danish bog all the same) Germany: Kayhausen Boy UK: Lindow Man Ireland: Gallagh Man Dont forget to try your hand at the Bog Body Quiz Sources and Recommended Reading Coles, Byrony and Coles, John. 1989. People of the Wetlands: Bogs, Bodies and Lake-Dwellers. London, Thames and Hudson.Glob, Peter Vilhelm. 2004[1965]. The Bog People: Iron-Age Man Preserved. New York Review of Books, New York.Lynnerup, Niels 2007 Mummies. Yearbook of Physical Anthropology 50:162-190.Sanders, Karin. 2009. Bodies in the Bog and the Archaeological Imagination. University of Chicago Press: Chicago. ISBN 13:978-0-226-73404-0 (cloth). 233 pages, plus 82 pages of notes, bibliography and index; 63 black and white photographs.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Persuasive Letter or Career Paper on Geography Essay

Persuasive Letter or Career Paper on Geography - Essay Example We do not want to be part of the statistic. In 2005, the United Nations and government agencies said the tsunami in Indonesia result to a death toll of 169,752 and the number of missing people at 127,294. (CNN) In 2010, it was reported that more than 50,000 people died from the earthquake that hit Haiti while 3 million were in need of help. (The Associated Press) In 2013, Typhoon Haiyan left the Philippines and 4.4 million homeless people in its wake, not to mention the number of deaths and cost of damaged infrastructure. Do we really want to be in the news this way? We can avoid this. Natural disasters are uncontrollable. Still, we can make sure that when they strike, the damage is not as immense as it has been for the past years. For example, the number of casualties brought about by the tsunami in Indonesia could have been decreased if resort owners were considerate of their surroundings, instead of constructing building structures on almost each and every space available at the waterfront. Trees absorb water. Maybe there would have been less disastrous consequences had there been more trees and higher ground area where the tsunami struck. The wrath of Typhoon Haiyan was inevitable. But the degree of destruction from the ensuing flooding could have also been minimized if the local government had been more prudent, when developing infrastructure, of the island’s location in reference to the surrounding bodies of water. An aerial shot of Tacloban a place greatly affected by Haiyan showed structures positioned tightly beside each other along the coastline. The green spaces were way behind the developments. (Mirchandani) The officials failed to consider the effect of flooding or a strong typhoon. Indeed, natural disasters are beyond man’s control. Nevertheless, if man does his share in nurturing the environment, then he would not need to cope with such kinds of devastation in the aftermath of natural

Friday, November 1, 2019

The control of legionnaires disease in water handling systems Essay

The control of legionnaires disease in water handling systems - Essay Example More than 90 per cent of the exposed persons become ill, but pneumonia does not take place and full improvement can be expected. Legionella bacteria are obviously dispersed in ponds, streams, lakes, rivers, soil, mud and underground water. In 1976, a conference held at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel, more than 182 Legionnaires developed pneumonia and more than 29 people died from what was then an unidentified disease. Finally, the bacterium that was accountable for the disease was inaccessible and named Legionella pneumophila, and the disease related with it became known as Legionnaires disease. The cause of this particular bacterium was at last exposed to be the hotels ventilation and humidification system. Under favorable circumstances, Legionella bacteria may build up in cooling towers, evaporative condensers, hot water systems, spas and humidifiers. The quick expansion of Legionella pneumophila is supported by a wet, warm atmosphere, stagnation or low water return, high microbial attentiveness including algae, amoebae, slime and other bacteria, existence of biofilm, scale, sediment, sludge, corrosion products, existence of certain materials such as natural rubber fittings which may be a nutrient cause. Legionnaires’ disease is generally passed on when aerosol mists holding high attentiveness of Legionella bacteria are gulped into the lungs. Drinking water and washing in water having small numbers of Legionella is not acknowledged to result in infection. Person-to-person diffusion is also not acknowledged to occur. Sporadic and epidemic types of Legionnaires disease take place in Australia. Legionella infections are thought to account for 5-20% of community-acquired pneumonias. Occurrences in Australia are usually related with man-made water systems as well as water-cooling towers and spa baths. Home and institutional warm water systems are prospective causes of Legionella infectivity but are only infrequently implicated

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Term paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 3

Term paper - Essay Example Apparently, taxation policies as well as government spending have considerable effect on the economy and future prospects of the government as far as international relations are concerned. Taxation policy must take into account the fundamental rights of all workers in an economy (Mishkin 34). The government should particularly take into account the total population of its workforce during a given financial year even as it plans bring the fore the budgetary estimates. Since the budget of most countries is largely dependent on the local taxes as the main source of funding, the wage rate per worker will be a key factor. Taxation policy should not compromise the worker’s ability to meet their day-to-day needs to keep life moving (Mishkin 34). Hence, fiscal policy makers must take into account the wage rate, currency strength locally and internationally, and the cost of living. The government must therefore consider the current situation of its labor market before making any critic al additions regarding purchasing goods and services, distributing transfer payments, and collecting taxes. If the current trend were unfavorable to the economy and labor market, the government would then have to revisit its fiscal policy to save the situation (Mishkin 34). An increase in amount of taxes that employees pay to the government will adversely affect their disposable income. In most cases, the taxation policy that triggers increases in taxes paid to the government tends to lower the purchasing power of most households. Thus, a considerable number of people working in manufacturing and service industries among other forms of industries will have to relinquish certain commodities that were previously a necessity to them (Agell 25). The main area of concern for fiscal policy is looking into ways in which changes in the government budget affect the overall economy. The changes may not only compromise the capacity of the government to meet its policy needs but also providing essential services to the people. Heads of country’s finance or treasury department are on the verge of drafting fiscal policy that is realistic and achievable considering the strength and sustainability of the current economic state of the country (Agell 25). The flagship annual document of finance ministry essentially reviews the growth and developments of the economy. Of critical value is the capacity of the economy to withstand the constantly changing economic, social and political prospects. Fiscal policy further affects the quality of labor in the market. If the government spending surpasses its total revenues, one of the major options it employs to save the situation is raising the taxation rates. The increase shall take a toll on struggling employees, who in most cases hardly meet all their necessities. Hence, policy prospects should be workable and sustainable in the short term and long term despite the impending challenges to the economy during implementation of its programs. Under such circumstances, employees and business organizations will essentially react by initiating strategies of ensuring the government policy does not compromise their day-to-day lifestyle (Agell 25). In the wake of growing concerns about bad fiscal policy, most employees as well as prospective workers have resorted to look for employment opportunities in

Sunday, October 27, 2019

The Product In Service Marketing Mix

The Product In Service Marketing Mix The service marketing mix is also known as an extended marketing mix and is an integral part of a service . The service marketing mix consists of 7 Ps as compared to the 4 Ps of a product marketing mix. Simply said, the service marketing mix assumes the service as a product itself. However it adds 3 more Ps which are required for optimum service delivery. servicemarketingmix Service Marketing Mix The product marketing mix consists of the 4 Ps which are Product, Pricing, Promotions and Placement. These are discussed in my article on product marketing mix the 4 Ps. Product The product in service marketing mix is intangible in nature. The product element of the marketing mix includes the tangible good and all of the services that accompany that good to produce the final product. A product is a package, or bundle, of goods and services that comprise the total offering. For example, the purchase of a hotel room includes the guest room, fitness center, pool, restaurants, valet service, concierge, housekeeping service, etc. A restaurant meal consists of the actual food, host/hostess, and waiters, etc. Finally, a travel experience consists of a chain of products and services starting atthe time of purchase and ending upon returning from the trip. Everything in between, such as hotel service, restaurants, and transportation (including taxis and buses), affect the overall experience. Some of the variables that are part of the product decision include variety, quality, design, features/amenities, brand name, packaging, supporting services, and warranties. As stated earlier, the decision regarding the proper mix of goods and services is based on the wants and needs of consumers (the concept of marketing. Place The place element of the marketing mix includes the distribution and logistics of producing a product or service and making it available to the final consumer. The location of a manufacturing or wholesaling facility is determined by considering the costs of resources such as labor, raw materials, and real estate. In addition, it is necessary to have access to the preferred mode(s) of transportation for delivering the products to wholesalers and retailers. The location of a retail establishment is based mainly on accessibility to the final consumers. Services have relatively short channels of distribution and focus most of their efforts on finding retail locations that are convenient for consumers. For example, restaurants tend to choose high traffic areas close to shopping and other attractions. Similarly, hotels locate their facilities in areas such as airports, urban centers, industrial centers, and tourist attractions that are accessible to their respective target markets. Some of the variables that are part of the place decision include the type of channel, location, assortments, coverage area, inventory, and transportation. Many service providers overlook the importance of this variable in the strategic planning process. The channel of distribution tends to be shorter for the marketing of services than that for goods, and most service providers act as manufacturer and retailer. Many managers in service firms assume that once the initial location is determined this variable diminishes in importance. However, hotels and restaurants do switch their operations to a more favorable location on occasion. This is a major decision involving company time and resources, but it can result in long-term growth and increased profit if handled properly. Another good example of a place decision for a hotel is the Harborside Hyatt in Boston, Massachusetts.. Promotion The promotion element of the marketing mix includes all of the communications associated with marketing a product or service. The promotion mix consists of four elements: advertising, personal selling, publicity, and sales promotion. Advertising and publicity are forms of mass communication using a variety of mediums such as television, radio, newspaper, magazines, direct mail, and the Internet. Advertising is a paid form of mass communication with an identified sponsor, while publicity is a non-paid form of mass communication without a sponsor (i.e., it is free and objective). Personal selling is a form of interpersonal communication sponsored by the firm. Sales promotion is a short-term inducement to purchase a product or service. Some examples of sales promotions are contests, sweepstakes, premiums, and product bundles. Pricing Pricing in case of services is rather more difficult than in case of products. Price. Price is the value placed on a product or service. Other terms that can be used to refer to the price component of the marketing mix are: fee, rate, tuition, premium, and toll. There are non-monetary elements to price as well as the more obvious monetary elements. Some examples of non-monetary price are the time it takes to search and evaluate alternative products or services and the convenience of location. If a consumer drives to several locations to shop for a product or service, then there are costs associated with time, gas, and depreciation on the car. Also, there could be tolls for highways, bridges, or subways. In the end, it is the perceived price or the perceived value the consumer associates with a product or service that influences the purchase and the level of customers satisfaction. Value is the trade off between price and quality the benefits the consumer receives for the pr ice paid. Here on we start towards the extended service marketing mix. People : The role of the service employee becomes much more critical since to a very real extent the employee is the service, given the absence of any tangible artifact. They carry the responsibility of projecting the image of the service firm. Because of the inseparability of production and consumption of services, service delivery is characterized by interactions between customers and service employees. Service employees who experience positive human resource practices can devote their energies and resources to effectively serving their customers. The service firms human resource management practices can create an environment that elicit more positive, courteous and helpful behavior from the employees toward customers. In turn, the behavior that employees display will positively impact on service quality. Physical Evidence : Physical evidence of service includes all the tangible representations of service such as clear signage, good ventilation, adequate space, internet presence, equipment and facility. As services are intangible, customers are searching for any tangible cues to help them understand the nature of the service experience. For example, in the hotel industry, the design, furnishing, lighting, layout and decoration of the hotel as well as the appearance of its employees will influence customer perceptions of the service quality and experiences. For theme parks, restaurants, health clubs, hospitals or schools, the physical facility is critical in communicating the service and making the entire customer experience positive. Ambient conditions include background characteristics of the environment such as temperature, air quality, lighting, noise, music, and scent affect the five senses. Spatial layout of the equipment, and furnishings arranged, the size and shape of these items, and the spatial relationships among them are also crucial to influence customers perception. Process : Process is referred to as the procedures, mechanisms and flow of activities by which the service is delivered i.e. the service delivery and operating systems. Delivering customer expectations depends on how well various steps function together. Highly bureaucratized services frequently follow complicated and extensive series of actions, and the logic of the steps involved often confuse the customer. Customers may complain that service firms are slow in response and bureaucratic with the many steps involved. They want easy access to the service process, and they want things to be handled quickly, preferably by the first service employee. Customers describe frustrating experiences when they have to run from pillar to post to complete a simple transaction, experience long waiting time, rules and regulations, and personnel who decline to serve them with the excuse Im not allowed to do this or this is against our policy. Service LIC An Ordinance was issued on 19th January, 1956 nationalizing the Life Insurance sector and Life Insurance Corporation came into existence in the same year. The LIC absorbed 154 Indian, 16 non-Indian insurers as also 75 provident societies-245 Indian and foreign insurers in all. The LIC had monopoly till the late 90s when the Insurance sector was reopened to the private sector. History Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) was formed in Sep 1956 after the Parliament of India passed the Life Insurance Corporation Act in Jun 1956. The company was created with the objective of spreading life insurance more widely, especially to reach all the insurable people in the rural areas and provide them with adequate financial cover at a reasonable cost. Apart from its corporate office, LIC had five zonal offices, 33 divisional offices and 212 branch offices in 1956. The nature of life insurance contracts being long-term coupled with the need to provide a variety of services during the term of the policy, LIC re-organised itself by opening a number of new branch offices. After its re-organisation, servicing functions were transferred to branches which were converted to accounting units. Operations As on Mar 2008, LIC had 2,048 fully computerised branch offices, 109 divisional offices, eight zonal offices apart from its corporate office. LICs network connects all the branches through wide area network. The company also has tie-ups with certain banks and service providers to offer on-line premium collection facility in select cities. Besides, ECS and ATM premium payment facility to its customers, the company has also commissioned IVRS and information centres at Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, New Delhi, Pune, amongst other cities. LIC has also launched Satellite Sampark offices in order to provide easy access to its policy holders. The company had 340 such offices as on Mar 2008. LIC also provides housing finance through LICHFL. It has also formed an asset management company known as LICMF AMC. The corporation has also extended its operations to the international arena; through various JVs and subsidiaries it operates in as many as nine countries. Products Services LIC offers a wide array of insurance products to its customers such as insurance plans, pension plans, unit-linked plans, special plans and group scheme. During FY08, the company introduced certain new products such as Profit Plus, Fortune Plus, Jeevan Akshay, Jeevan Amrit Amulya Jeevan. As of Mar 2007, total number of agents of the company stood at 1.1 mn while the total number of policies issued was 38.2 mn. The premium earned by the company reported a growth of 41% in FY07 when compared to the previous year. During the year, the company insured 34.28 mn individuals for the first time 7 P`s of Services Marketing in LIC The marketing mix is the combination of marketing activities that an organization engages in so as to best meet the needs of its targeted market. The Insurance business deals in selling services and therefore due weight-age in the formation of marketing mix for the Insurance business is needed. The marketing mix includes sub-mixes of the 7 Ps of marketing i.e. the product, its price, place, promotion, people, process physical attraction. The above mentioned 7 Ps can be used for marketing of Insurance products, in the following manner: PRODUCT: A product means what we produce. If we produce goods, it means tangible product and when we produce or generate services, it means intangible service product. A product is both what a seller has to sell and a buyer has to buy. Thus, an Insurance company sells services and therefore services are their product. In India, the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is the leading companies offering insurance services to the users. Apart from offering life insurance policies, they also offer underwriting and consulting services. When a person or an organization buys an Insurance policy from the insurance company, he not only buys a policy, but along with it the assistance and advice of the agent, the prestige of the insurance company and the facilities of claims and compensation. . In short, the formulation of product-mix should be in the face of innovative product strategy. While initiating the innovative process it is necessary to take into consideration the strategies adopted by private and foreign insurance companies through various plans like Endowment plan, pension plan, ULIP. PRICING: In the insurance business the pricing decisions are concerned with: i) The premium charged against the policies, ii) Interest charged for defaulting the payment of premium and credit facility, and iii) Commission charged for underwriting and consultancy activities. . The pricing in insurance is in the form of premium rates. The premium rates are revised if there are any significant changes in any of the below factors. a) Mortality b) Expenses c) Interest PLACE: This component of the marketing mix is related to two important facets i) Managing the insurance personnel, and ii) Locating a branch. . While locating branches, the branch manager needs to consider a number of factors, such as smooth accessibility, availability of infrastructural facilities and the management of branch offices and premises. In addition it is also significant to provide safety measures and also factors like office furnishing, civic amenities and facilities, parking facilities and interior office decoration should be given proper attention. Thus the place management of insurance branch offices needs a new vision, distinct approach and an innovative style. This is essential to make the work place conducive, attractive and proactive for the generation of efficiency among employees. The branch managers need professional excellence to make place decisions productive. PROMOTION: Advertising and Publicity, organization of conferences and seminars, incentive to policyholders are impersonal communication. Arranging exhibitions, participation in fairs and festivals, rural wall paintings and publicity drive through the mobile publicity van units would be effective in creating the impulse buying and the rural prospects would be easily transformed into actual policyholders. PEOPLE: Understanding the customer better allows designing appropriate products. Being a service industry which involves a high level of people interaction, it is very important to use this resource efficiently in order to satisfy customers. Training, development and strong relationships with intermediaries are the key areas to be kept under consideration. Training the employees, use of IT for efficiency, both at the staff and agent level, is one of the important areas to look into. PROCESS: The process should be customer friendly in insurance industry. The speed and accuracy of payment is of great importance. IT Data Warehousing will smoothen the process flow. IT will help in servicing large no. of customers efficiently and bring down overheads. Technology can either complement or supplement the channels of distribution cost effectively. It can also help to improve customer service levels. The use of data warehousing management and mining will help to find out the profitability and potential of various customers product segments. PHYSICAL EVIDENCE: The physical evidence are includes such as policy document, statements, intimation letter, uniforms of personnel, vending machine of LIC enquiry option , LIC logo and their awards. AXIS BANK Axis Bank Limited was the first of the new private banks to have begun operations in 1994, after the Government of India allowed new private banks to be established. The Bank was promoted jointly by the Administrator of the specified undertaking of the Unit Trust of India (UTI I), Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC) and other four PSU insurance companies, i.e. National Insurance Company Ltd., The New India Assurance Company Ltd., The Oriental Insurance Company Ltd. and United India Insurance Company Ltd. The Bank today is capitalized to the extent of Rs. 358.56 crores with the public holding (other than promoters) at 57.60%. The Banks Registered Office is at Ahmedabad and its Central Office is located at Mumbai. Presently, the Bank has a very wide network of more than 701 Branch offices and Extension Counters. The Bank has a network of over 2854 ATMs providing 24 hrs a day banking convenience to its customers. This is one of the largest ATM networks in the country. The Bank has strengths in both retail and corporate banking and is committed to adopting the best industry practices internationally in order to achieve excellence. Axis Bank Limited has been promoted by the largest and the best Financial Institution of the country, UTI. The Bank was set up with a capital of Rs. 115 crore, with UTI contributing Rs. 100 crore, LIC Rs. 7.5 crore and GIC and its four subsidiaries contributing Rs. 1.5 crore each. THE SERVICE MARKETING MIX OF AXIS BANK PRODUCT The main products of AXIS Bank are Saving Account, Current Account and Demat Account. The other products are Home loan, personal loan, Insurance, Credit cards, etc. For better marketing of products, the products are categorized under Axis Bank and Axis Sales. Products under Axis Bank are Saving Account Current Account Forex Department Salary Accounts Products under Axis Sales are Home loan Personal loan, Demat Account PRICE The price of the product depends upon the services provided by the Bank on the respective product to the customers. Detailed pricing changes from time to time and the same can be found on the website of Axis bank. PLACE Place plays an important role in tangibilizing service offerings. Quality of service is perceived by many customers in the form of place of delivery- locational appeal, interiors, ambience, etc. If a bank is located in a crowded market the place or location will be a negative tangibilizes. Providing excellent tangibles in the form of place or location and interiors is particularly important for appealing to the customers segment. More recently, some of the private banks in India like AXIS Bank are providing very attractive tangibles in the form of their locations, exteriors and interiors. PROMOTION Promotion can tangibilize services in different forms: Visualization Association Physical representation Documentation. Visualization tangibilizes services through hoardings, TV and print campaigns or advertisements. Physical representation in services has a good promotional appeal to customers like use of colors to symbolize wealth and status. Service providers use documentation in their promotions in support of their claims for dependability, popularity and responsiveness PEOPLE People are a common factor in every service. And people tangibilize services. Good people (means good performance) make good or successful services. Bad performers deliver bad services. PROCESS Customer defined business process- Process innovations and continuous improve- ment through people involvement. Result oriented approach- Each process has been designed by first planning the desired results. Axis Bank is constantly taking initiatives to offer the best in class service that seek to enhance customer experience. PHYSICAL EVIDENCE Reduce paper usage- Due to technological innovations such as use of Finacle software for core banking solutions. It has positioned it self as a bank which gives higher standard of services through product innovation. Satisfies the diverse need of individual and corporate clients. It is customer centric, and service oriented . Now we will compare the strategies of both axis bank and adlabs, LIC provides life insurance policy, like Endowment plan, pension plan, ULIP. Axis bank also offers variety of products like Saving Account, Current Account and Demat Account. The other products are Home loan, personal loan, Insurance, Credit cards In LIC the pricing decisions are concerned with :i) The premium charged against the policies, ii) Interest charged for defaulting the payment of premium and credit facility, and iii) Commission charged for underwriting and consultancy activities. . The pricing in insurance is in the form of premium rates. The price of the product depends upon the services provided by the Bank on the respective product to the customers. LIC consider a number of factors, such as smooth accessibility, availability of infrastructural facilities and the management of branch offices and premises Quality of service is perceived by many customers in the form of place of delivery- locational appeal, interiors, ambience, etc. If a bank is located in a crowded market the place or location will be a negative tangibilizes. AXIS Bank are providing very attractive tangibles in the form of their locations, exteriors and interiors. Advertising and Publicity, organization of conferences and seminars, incentive to policyholders are impersonal communication. Arranging exhibitions, participation in fairs and festivals, rural wall paintings and publicity drive through the mobile publicity van. Visualization tangibilizes services through hoardings, TV and print campaigns or advertisements. Physical representation in services has a good promotional appeal to customers like use of colors to symbolize wealth and status. Service providers use documentation in their promotions in support of their claims for dependability, popularity and responsiveness .LIC being a service industry which involves a high level of people interaction, it is very important to use this resource efficiently in order to satisfy customers. Training, development and strong relationships with intermediaries are the key areas to be kept under consideration. In axis bank Good people (means good performance) make good or successful services. Bad performers deliver bad services. The process should be customer friendly in insurance industry. The speed and accuracy of payment is of great importance. IT Data Warehousing will smoothen the processflow. IT will help in servicing large no. of customers efficiently and bring down overheads Customer defined business process- Process innovations and continuous improve-ment through people involvement.Result oriented approach- Each process has been designed by first planning the desired results.Axis Bank is constantly taking initiatives to offer the best in class service that seek to enhance customer experienc The physical evidence are includes such as policy document, statements, intimation letter, uniforms of personnel, vending machine of LIC enquiry option , LIC logo and their awards In Axis bank physical evidenceReduce paper usage- Due to technological innovations such as use of Finacle software for core banking solutions.It has positioned it self as a bank which gives higher standard of services through product innovation. CONCLUSION There is littile bit similarity in the service marketing mix of LIC and axis bank but there is difference in the marketing strategy of the both companies

Friday, October 25, 2019

Essay --

Nuclear Weapons and Foreign Policy is a good example of the general mindset during the Cold War. Kissinger explains the nuclear dilemma and how much the nuclear age differs from past war problems. He also goes into depths about the problems with American foreign policy and offers several opinions on how it can be changed. At certain times, the book begins to read more as a Kissinger manual on how to fix foreign policy and becomes less of an analysis of nuclear weapons and foreign policy. This is most likely attributed to his positions as National Security Advisor and Secretary of State. His central thesis was that the threat of nuclear annihilation was nearly useless as an instrument of foreign policy because it lacked credibility. Instead, he offers that the United States focuses on improving its ability to fight limited wars, and accept that total victory in said wars were not crucial. He spends a great deal of time arguing the benefits of limited warfare, the problems nuclear weap ons bring into military operations, and the politics surrounding both. All said points were analyzed by Kissinger very well; however he fails to address the problem of arms control and the arms race in general. The main argument Kissinger addresses is that limited war was the only avenue of escape from nuclear stalemate with the Soviet Union. He argues that the United States tradition of absolute victory in war had led them into a dead end of massive retaliation and the threat of all out nuclear war was used to block every move by the Soviets. According to Kissinger, nuclear weapons coincided with the concept of total war. This leads to situations where the will to fight is crippled. He advocates a return to limited warfare similar to that of the Nap... ...ome above the military’s quickness to respond. During war militaries do not have the ability to define the difference between tactical victories and political goals. In a limited nuclear war, it is the political element which decides the length and breath of the military effort. Such was the nature of the task Henry Kissinger undertook during the heyday of the Cold War. Overall Henry Kissinger offered explanation to the problems foreign policy faced because of nuclear weapons during the Cold War. He believed that deterrence and limited warfare was the best solution to these problems. Today it would not seem like as big of deal, but at the time this was a very controversial viewpoint. I argue that Kissinger could have touched more on the arms race and other threatening regions, such as China. All in all, I enjoyed his viewpoint on a very conflicted time in history.