Small-Scale I.T. Infrastracture

This paper entitled I.T. Infrastracture for Andrea Stevens Cosmetics is a pre-formal draft for the proposed network design for the Stevens Cosmetics Information Technology system.This paper discusses the fundamental technical specifications needed to develop and implement the procedures needed to upgrade the hardware, software and procedures currently used by the company in the manufacturing and sales of the company's merchandise.This paper is limited as a draft and not intended as a complete project specification and technical reference for the project. Further verification and research is advised.In order to guarantee continuous usability of computer terminals and adaptability to emerging technologies for at least five (5) years in the future, it is advised that all terminals be upgraded to the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors with at least 1 Gigabyte of memory. Video, sound and network cards are not mandatory. A wireless network adapter or two (2) USB 2 ports, however, are requi red in order to accommodate the network requirements to be discussed on the next points.Instead of individually shared printers, multi-functional network printers with the feature to set its own IP address is recommended. This will eliminate the dependency of the printers in having a host computer to necessitate its operation.

Conformity

One of society popular issues – conformity, is the act of one individual likely to change his or her thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes in order to fit in a group or to follow social norms. Norms are understood as unspoken, invisible rules appeared by a group of people then spread out to the whole community. Conformity occurs in various environment and situations, which fashion trends, plastic surgery, and tattooed people are some typical examples (depends on the case). Furthermore, when talking about the place where conformity rules over, is which we are most familiar with: the school.First of all, we can possibly see that school managers, staffs and teachers are the ones who directly apply conformity on students. Rules and punishments which are thought to organize and unite everyone but the reality is reverse. These excessive and unreasonable ones constrain student from freedom, that later on make them afraid Of schools, studying, and conform hopelessly although their brain are opposing. Plus, the approach of rigid and severe educating nowadays leads to reducing curiosity and creativity in students.This problem happens in not one but many different countries, hence takes art in declining the developing education. Besides, there is still a minority of teachers who are stubborn enough to reject any students' new innovative resolutions so as to protect their ego. Yet another outcome of the conformity doctrine is standardized examinations. â€Å"Future of the humanity' should be tested on their personalized and specific abilities to prepare for life, not just narrow and impractical plain papers to figuratively test our memory – which then disappears like it never happens!It may be exaggerated but somehow, schools have made us involved in either a batch or flow production, waiting or an acceptable diploma to apply for ordinary jobs with and expectation of getting average income†¦ In another aspect, students ourselves are conformist as well. Fro m observation, there are mainly three considerable reasons why students conform, and one of them is lacking of knowledge. In a group work or class period, those who are not as clever as others usually listen to everything discussed or lecture assuming they are all correct.They make themselves lower than their friends, follow orders when doing a project, or obey the rules unconditionally. The second type are whom we can sibyl call â€Å"trend followers†. These individuals are the one who would buy a pair of shoes that has similar brand to other majorities in school; put on sweaters in a boiling temperature of 35 ‘C because fashion icons in Russia wear them; or even mimic the same tattoo as their idols'.Their needs of affection and admiration from others resulting in conformity that they want to mimic everything from the loved ones! Finally, the third and also why students conform is that they are yearning to be protected: they would avoid any action leads to disagreement or making them an outcast. Anything that mess harmful is always on their black-list including arguments, bullying, criticism therefore they ignore their individuality to make themselves be like the majority.We can find these kind of students everywhere: agree on every decision made despite of having different opinion; suddenly draw back their arms after seeing no one raises theirs up; or more unintelligible like one claiming he or she has not finish the assignment – which is supposed to be done already, just because there are few people have completed the task. Overall, how conformity affects education – beneficially or contrary, is still beatable. To consider in a positive way, the fact that conformity provides cooperation and acceptance is undeniable.It keeps students from engaging in anti-social acts for fear of isolation plus ensures security. Conformity is metaphorically like an established path for us to follow without deliberation and therefore make a great ass istance since we are not capable of everything. Moreover, besides self-completing, it also maintains social norms, discipline, and easily operates school via ‘obedient kids'. However, many argue that conformity brings up more draw backs than its advantages. Taking as an example: the school bell.When it rings, the whole school jointly moves to another location to start another activity as now it is controlled by an audio signal. Clearly, there are logistical issues to consider if we are to safely and effectively manage a volatile school population of over SHOO young people, but are there any less militaristic ways to operate? When will we see schools acting less like prisons or military bases, and more like places where learning can actually be enjoyed? It is clear that schools should be founded on diversity not on conformity.Yet to achieve this involves not only a strong consideration of the development of individuals and their specific abilities, but also on the need for each school to create its own distinct identity within its community. It is not only the school's duty to apply conformity properly but also our accurate perception that does. Do you want to become one of a mass chain of approximate dolls that people always see you as one tiny part of a group, or a distinct star shining in the dark sky? Whether good or not, remember that being yourself is the best! Conformity Compare how authors deal with the subject of conformity in two texts you have studied. In the short stories The Lottery by Shelley Jackson and Harrison Burgeon by Vantage Jar both share the common subject of conformity. This Is shown through the theme of expression of individuality that defies society rules can result In visitation and death which still exists in all societies. Shelley and Vantage portray the main theme through the use of characters, symbols and Context (Irony) both sharing similarities and differences between texts. In The Lottery and HarrisonBurgeon the characters are used to portray the theme of expression of Individuality that defies society's rules can result In violations and death which still exists In all societies. This Is shown through the two mall characters from each text, Testis and Harrison Burgeon. In The Lottery the mall character Testis Is shown to defy society's In multiple ways. She turns up late and forgets to arrive on time, she protests that she â€Å"wins† The Lottery and she also tries to get the decision changed. After Testis defying society's rules it results In death and violations.In these scenes, the hem is shown through the main character Testis because she as a individual defies society's rules, in this case Testis refuses and doesn't accept that she has â€Å"won† and defies her victory, she doesn't which then results in her death and visitation. In Harrison Burgeon, the main character Harrison also defies society rules and regulations. Everyone is required to wear handicaps which reduce their advantages and make everyone the same. This is shown in the scenes where he breaks out of prison and takes off his handicaps in front of everyone.When Harrison defies these ales it results in his death and visitation. Harrison expresses his individuality by taking his handicaps and dancing which symbolizes freedom, the one thing that the Handicapper general doesn't agree with, hence Harridan's visitation. In b oth texts both characters defy society's rules by expressing individuality which then results in visitation. Symbolism is used in both texts to portray the theme of expression of individuality that defies society's rules can result in visitation and death which still exists in all societies.In The lottery, an important symbol is the black box intonating all the names, this gives the effect that everyone is trapped inside this box and trapped inside their society's traditions and rules, this also symbolizes the towns loss of freedom because everyone is trapped. This also explains how non-reactive they are to the actual horrible events that occur In front of them (stoning the girl) this may suggest that they are so trapped Inside their traditions that they have Just given up and decided to accept what will happen Instead of trying to escape the traditions and the black box.In hindsight, the black box Is a symbol of entrapment towards the unspoiled. In Harrison Burgeon the chains that everyone Is forced to wear to reduce their advantages and talents so everyone Is equal Is used to symbolism the people's entrapment and loss of freedom. Generally chains symbolism entrapment and Imprisonment, this relates In the text because everyone has to wear chains, so they have become trapped and lost their freedom. This also may explain how oblivious and acceptable they act towards their handicaps (people In the theatre), they have become so trapped by the handicapper general that they have acceptedHarrison Burgeon because the black box and the chains resemble entrapment and imprisonment. The black box and chains are portrayed to minimize and stops the expression of individuality that may go against society rules resulting in death. Context and language features plays a huge factor in The Lottery and Harrison Burgeon to portray the theme of expression of individuality that defies society's rules can result in visitation and death which still exists in all societies.In The Lott ery irony is used when Mr. and Mrs. Adams tell Warner that some villages have given up he Lottery and he replies with â€Å"Next thing you know, they'll be wanting to go back to living in caves† this is ironic because while other villages have moved on this village is still doing this blind tradition, this ironic quote also alludes to the cavemen and how they would do something so barbaric and stone people to death, but they are Just as bad if not worse.This suggests how blind and arrogant people become when individuality is not expressed and everyone agrees with societies rules. The setting is also described as â€Å"clear and sunny' â€Å"fresh warmth of a full summer-day', this is ironic because regardless of the weather being described as beautiful and happy the result of an innocent person's people is dark and sinister, not happy at all.In Harrison Burgeon irony is shown through how generally in most societies people who are intelligent, strong and good looking general ly have easy and more valued life's, but In Harrison Burgeon these people are made to live a harder life, and less attractive, weaker and less intelligent live easier lives due to the smaller amounts of handicaps. Harrison is portrayed as being the perfect specimen of what the overspent are trying to reduce, the irony is that giving Harrison harder and more handicaps only made him stronger than weaker, this is shown when he breaks free and expresses freedom towards the audience.The irony in both The Lottery and Harrison Burgeon In conclusion, The Lottery by Shelley Jackson and Harrison Burgeon by Vantage Jar both share a common theme of expression of individuality that defies society's rules can result in visitation and death which still exists in all societies. This is shown through the use of characters, Testis and Harrison both share a common aspect of expressing individuality and they both defies society's rule, which both results in visitation and death.Symbols, the chains and black box both resemble entrapment and imprisonment. Context, irony is used in both texts to express the theme of conformity because it shows how blind and arrogant people become when they follow blind traditions and rules. This theme is important because it shows the consequences of not expressing individuality and only following rules. Also it allows the reader to understand what can happen to people when they conform. Conformity Compare how authors deal with the subject of conformity in two texts you have studied. In the short stories The Lottery by Shelley Jackson and Harrison Burgeon by Vantage Jar both share the common subject of conformity. This Is shown through the theme of expression of individuality that defies society rules can result In visitation and death which still exists in all societies. Shelley and Vantage portray the main theme through the use of characters, symbols and Context (Irony) both sharing similarities and differences between texts. In The Lottery and HarrisonBurgeon the characters are used to portray the theme of expression of Individuality that defies society's rules can result In violations and death which still exists In all societies. This Is shown through the two mall characters from each text, Testis and Harrison Burgeon. In The Lottery the mall character Testis Is shown to defy society's In multiple ways. She turns up late and forgets to arrive on time, she protests that she â€Å"wins† The Lottery and she also tries to get the decision changed. After Testis defying society's rules it results In death and violations.In these scenes, the hem is shown through the main character Testis because she as a individual defies society's rules, in this case Testis refuses and doesn't accept that she has â€Å"won† and defies her victory, she doesn't which then results in her death and visitation. In Harrison Burgeon, the main character Harrison also defies society rules and regulations. Everyone is required to wear handicaps which reduce their advantages and make everyone the same. This is shown in the scenes where he breaks out of prison and takes off his handicaps in front of everyone.When Harrison defies these ales it results in his death and visitation. Harrison expresses his individuality by taking his handicaps and dancing which symbolizes freedom, the one thing that the Handicapper general doesn't agree with, hence Harridan's visitation. In b oth texts both characters defy society's rules by expressing individuality which then results in visitation. Symbolism is used in both texts to portray the theme of expression of individuality that defies society's rules can result in visitation and death which still exists in all societies.In The lottery, an important symbol is the black box intonating all the names, this gives the effect that everyone is trapped inside this box and trapped inside their society's traditions and rules, this also symbolizes the towns loss of freedom because everyone is trapped. This also explains how non-reactive they are to the actual horrible events that occur In front of them (stoning the girl) this may suggest that they are so trapped Inside their traditions that they have Just given up and decided to accept what will happen Instead of trying to escape the traditions and the black box.In hindsight, the black box Is a symbol of entrapment towards the unspoiled. In Harrison Burgeon the chains that everyone Is forced to wear to reduce their advantages and talents so everyone Is equal Is used to symbolism the people's entrapment and loss of freedom. Generally chains symbolism entrapment and Imprisonment, this relates In the text because everyone has to wear chains, so they have become trapped and lost their freedom. This also may explain how oblivious and acceptable they act towards their handicaps (people In the theatre), they have become so trapped by the handicapper general that they have acceptedHarrison Burgeon because the black box and the chains resemble entrapment and imprisonment. The black box and chains are portrayed to minimize and stops the expression of individuality that may go against society rules resulting in death. Context and language features plays a huge factor in The Lottery and Harrison Burgeon to portray the theme of expression of individuality that defies society's rules can result in visitation and death which still exists in all societies.In The Lott ery irony is used when Mr. and Mrs. Adams tell Warner that some villages have given up he Lottery and he replies with â€Å"Next thing you know, they'll be wanting to go back to living in caves† this is ironic because while other villages have moved on this village is still doing this blind tradition, this ironic quote also alludes to the cavemen and how they would do something so barbaric and stone people to death, but they are Just as bad if not worse.This suggests how blind and arrogant people become when individuality is not expressed and everyone agrees with societies rules. The setting is also described as â€Å"clear and sunny' â€Å"fresh warmth of a full summer-day', this is ironic because regardless of the weather being described as beautiful and happy the result of an innocent person's people is dark and sinister, not happy at all.In Harrison Burgeon irony is shown through how generally in most societies people who are intelligent, strong and good looking general ly have easy and more valued life's, but In Harrison Burgeon these people are made to live a harder life, and less attractive, weaker and less intelligent live easier lives due to the smaller amounts of handicaps. Harrison is portrayed as being the perfect specimen of what the overspent are trying to reduce, the irony is that giving Harrison harder and more handicaps only made him stronger than weaker, this is shown when he breaks free and expresses freedom towards the audience.The irony in both The Lottery and Harrison Burgeon In conclusion, The Lottery by Shelley Jackson and Harrison Burgeon by Vantage Jar both share a common theme of expression of individuality that defies society's rules can result in visitation and death which still exists in all societies. This is shown through the use of characters, Testis and Harrison both share a common aspect of expressing individuality and they both defies society's rule, which both results in visitation and death.Symbols, the chains and black box both resemble entrapment and imprisonment. Context, irony is used in both texts to express the theme of conformity because it shows how blind and arrogant people become when they follow blind traditions and rules. This theme is important because it shows the consequences of not expressing individuality and only following rules. Also it allows the reader to understand what can happen to people when they conform. Conformity Compare how authors deal with the subject of conformity in two texts you have studied. In the short stories The Lottery by Shelley Jackson and Harrison Burgeon by Vantage Jar both share the common subject of conformity. This Is shown through the theme of expression of individuality that defies society rules can result In visitation and death which still exists in all societies. Shelley and Vantage portray the main theme through the use of characters, symbols and Context (Irony) both sharing similarities and differences between texts. In The Lottery and HarrisonBurgeon the characters are used to portray the theme of expression of Individuality that defies society's rules can result In violations and death which still exists In all societies. This Is shown through the two mall characters from each text, Testis and Harrison Burgeon. In The Lottery the mall character Testis Is shown to defy society's In multiple ways. She turns up late and forgets to arrive on time, she protests that she â€Å"wins† The Lottery and she also tries to get the decision changed. After Testis defying society's rules it results In death and violations.In these scenes, the hem is shown through the main character Testis because she as a individual defies society's rules, in this case Testis refuses and doesn't accept that she has â€Å"won† and defies her victory, she doesn't which then results in her death and visitation. In Harrison Burgeon, the main character Harrison also defies society rules and regulations. Everyone is required to wear handicaps which reduce their advantages and make everyone the same. This is shown in the scenes where he breaks out of prison and takes off his handicaps in front of everyone.When Harrison defies these ales it results in his death and visitation. Harrison expresses his individuality by taking his handicaps and dancing which symbolizes freedom, the one thing that the Handicapper general doesn't agree with, hence Harridan's visitation. In b oth texts both characters defy society's rules by expressing individuality which then results in visitation. Symbolism is used in both texts to portray the theme of expression of individuality that defies society's rules can result in visitation and death which still exists in all societies.In The lottery, an important symbol is the black box intonating all the names, this gives the effect that everyone is trapped inside this box and trapped inside their society's traditions and rules, this also symbolizes the towns loss of freedom because everyone is trapped. This also explains how non-reactive they are to the actual horrible events that occur In front of them (stoning the girl) this may suggest that they are so trapped Inside their traditions that they have Just given up and decided to accept what will happen Instead of trying to escape the traditions and the black box.In hindsight, the black box Is a symbol of entrapment towards the unspoiled. In Harrison Burgeon the chains that everyone Is forced to wear to reduce their advantages and talents so everyone Is equal Is used to symbolism the people's entrapment and loss of freedom. Generally chains symbolism entrapment and Imprisonment, this relates In the text because everyone has to wear chains, so they have become trapped and lost their freedom. This also may explain how oblivious and acceptable they act towards their handicaps (people In the theatre), they have become so trapped by the handicapper general that they have acceptedHarrison Burgeon because the black box and the chains resemble entrapment and imprisonment. The black box and chains are portrayed to minimize and stops the expression of individuality that may go against society rules resulting in death. Context and language features plays a huge factor in The Lottery and Harrison Burgeon to portray the theme of expression of individuality that defies society's rules can result in visitation and death which still exists in all societies.In The Lott ery irony is used when Mr. and Mrs. Adams tell Warner that some villages have given up he Lottery and he replies with â€Å"Next thing you know, they'll be wanting to go back to living in caves† this is ironic because while other villages have moved on this village is still doing this blind tradition, this ironic quote also alludes to the cavemen and how they would do something so barbaric and stone people to death, but they are Just as bad if not worse.This suggests how blind and arrogant people become when individuality is not expressed and everyone agrees with societies rules. The setting is also described as â€Å"clear and sunny' â€Å"fresh warmth of a full summer-day', this is ironic because regardless of the weather being described as beautiful and happy the result of an innocent person's people is dark and sinister, not happy at all.In Harrison Burgeon irony is shown through how generally in most societies people who are intelligent, strong and good looking general ly have easy and more valued life's, but In Harrison Burgeon these people are made to live a harder life, and less attractive, weaker and less intelligent live easier lives due to the smaller amounts of handicaps. Harrison is portrayed as being the perfect specimen of what the overspent are trying to reduce, the irony is that giving Harrison harder and more handicaps only made him stronger than weaker, this is shown when he breaks free and expresses freedom towards the audience.The irony in both The Lottery and Harrison Burgeon In conclusion, The Lottery by Shelley Jackson and Harrison Burgeon by Vantage Jar both share a common theme of expression of individuality that defies society's rules can result in visitation and death which still exists in all societies. This is shown through the use of characters, Testis and Harrison both share a common aspect of expressing individuality and they both defies society's rule, which both results in visitation and death.Symbols, the chains and black box both resemble entrapment and imprisonment. Context, irony is used in both texts to express the theme of conformity because it shows how blind and arrogant people become when they follow blind traditions and rules. This theme is important because it shows the consequences of not expressing individuality and only following rules. Also it allows the reader to understand what can happen to people when they conform.

Totalitarianism

Totalitarian is stated as a political authority widely used to describe the kind of state and society engineered by Joseph Stalin. Historians on Soviet politics recognize the two theories focused on the totalitarian model. Basically, there are two totalitarian models- â€Å"an operational one that tried to describe the existing Soviet society and a developmental one that focused on the origins of totalitarianism and on the responsibility of Marxism-Leninism for Stalinist. â€Å"l According to Marxist theory, only through a modern industrialized economy could a true proletariat class be plopped, as Marx makes no mention off peasant class.Marxist theory aside, the need to Industrialized was also a pragmatic matter of self-defense that was rooted on ideology; In a sense, It called for a totalitarian authority to successfully pull off the grandiose project. 2 This paper argues that while there is much discussion about the heavy industrialization and rapid acclimatization done during St alin's reign, there is evident indications that it was during this time that Soviet Union truly became a totalitarian state. In a totalitarian authority, there is an evident indication off nominate leader and a one-party state.There Is also the presence of brutal crushing of Internal opposition. â€Å"The state not only monopolized the Instrumentalities of coercion but also dominated the means of mass communication;†3 totalitarianism allows â€Å"no challenge to the single official ideology. â€Å"4 Those who actually publicly oppose the leader are then faced with brutal suppression. The period during Stalin's reign was perhaps the most transformation period of Soviet history. He consolidated his grip on power and used this to actively transform the culture and economic leslies of the time.It was during Industrialization that the Soviet union became truly totalitarian. Industrialization was the key element of Stalin's revolution Rejecting the prior Bolshevik conviction with the bourgeois institution, he sought to embrace â€Å"socialist realism,†5 denouncing anything that was remotely of â€Å"bourgeois intellect. â€Å"6 However, these cultural changes were minor in comparison to the vast changes of his economic policies. Joseph Stalin understood the inherent problem in starting a communist revolution In Russia: the nation failed capitalism, and It would need to aka a translation from socialism to communism.He understood that the translation would require heavy Industrialization on a massive scale in order to successfully compete with Western modernization. 7 Stalin saw the need to industrialized as a pragmatic matter of self-defense. â€Å"Do you want our socialist fatherland to be beaten and to lose its independence? â€Å"8 he asked in a famous February, 1931 speech. He continued on: â€Å"If you do not want this you must Putnam end to its backwardness in the shortest possible time and develop genuine Bolshevik tempo In building up the socialist system of the economy†¦We are fifty or a hundred years behind the advanced countries. We must make good this difference in ten years. Either we do it, or we shall be crushed. â€Å"9 Once Stalin ascended into power, the New Economic Policy introduced by Lenin was gradually destroyed. 10 In agriculture it was replaced by collective farms, while In Industry, It paved the way to a Five-Year Plan which assigned production targets to production figures for heavy industrialization quota at the beginning of the first five year plan in 1929.As Keen pointed out, the unrealistic optimism of these goals were to reached until 1960. 11 It seemed that there was no viable structure behind the planning as â€Å"planning' was reduced to naming target figures which had little more than propaganda significance†12. Abstruse commands were of a more practical importance than carefully elaborated planning; and â€Å"the commands were based on guesses, prejudices, and whims.  "13 The propaganda, however, was extremely successful in that it accomplished its goal which was to increase production.By 1934, there was a fifty percent increase in industrial output with an average annual growth ate of eighteen percent, while the population of industrial workers doubled. 14 The success was due to the effective manipulation of the public in Stalin's grandiose project; the workers' continuous belief that accepting lower standards of living was a small amount to pay for the future modernization of Soviet Union. Cashbook, a peasant, described how his family property was arbitrarily taken and his brother murdered, only to conclude: â€Å"But then, after all, look at what we're doing.In a few years now we'll be ahead of everybody industrially. We'll all have automobiles and here won't be any differentiation between kulaks and anybody else†1 5 The poor were blinded by an unrealistic optimism off utopian society Stalin has laid out. Stalin and his followers undert ook a series of actions that drastically reinforced totalitarianism in the Soviet order. The basic elements were maintained: the single-party state, the single official ideology, the manipulation of legality and the state's economic dominance.Service pointed out that other elements were greatly altered as he â€Å"crucified politics and hyper-centralized administrative institutions. â€Å"16 In 1927, the localization began with voluntary collective farms. However, very few volunteered. In 1928, only less than 1% of arable lands were collective and by 1929, the numbers increased to 7%, which were still not sufficient. 17 As Stalin continued to intimidate those who politically opposed him, the courage of people who wanted to stand up to his wild economic policies faltered. By the spring of 1930, the proportion of collective lands increased to 60%. 8 The reason was Stalin's decision to make acclimatization a mandatory process, which was also increasingly violent and brutal. The gover nment called for the rapid and complete acclimatization, which would eventually lead to the overall colonization of the countryside. Kulaks stood to lose the most from acclimatization; the process of rapid acclimatization was made possible through a governmental assault on the peasant group. Stalin's government proclaimed that the collective farms should be formed exclusively from the poor peasant households.Like Lenin before him, Stalin saw the kulaks, vaguely defined as wealthy peasants, as â€Å"unacceptably capitalist. â€Å"19 Stalin was forceful in denunciation f the kulaks, he said: â€Å"We have gone over from a policy of limiting the exploiting tendencies of the kulak to a policy of eliminating kulaks as a class†¦ Decentralization is now an essential element in forming and developing kolkhoz. Therefore, to keep on discussing decentralization is ridiculous and not serious. When the head is cut off, you do not weep about the hair. â€Å"20 Stalin successfully divided the peasants, which made it easier for them to oppose.The attacks on the kulaks also helped make the impression that it was only the kulaks that resisted acclimatization. They were used for such an impression that they were exploiting their neighbor peasants. The lower peasants felt no empathy towards the Kulaks, who always was a little better off than them. And since kulak was so loosely defined, anyone who resisted acclimatization could be quickly labeled a kulak. The Communists were often dismayed that even after vicious propaganda campaigns, most peasants sympathized more with kulaks than with the Communist Party.So those who sympathized with the pleas of the kulaks were quickly labeled a sub-kulak. 21 Many of these poorer peasants were ultimately reclassified as kulaks themselves s they strongly resisted Stalin's oppression. Most Joined the collective farms reluctantly. Many were executed for trying to sell off or slaughter their livestock rather than donating them to the coll ective farms. Stalin's Russia was a case of a totalitarian state. Stalin was an absolute dictator who used the most conniving means of coercion. The Kulaks who opposed acclimatization were dealt with absolute brutal treatment.Many were killed, sent to Siberia, or thrown in the gulags, forced labor camps. 22 And the one thing that remained consistent was their loss of properties. Local districts were even required to fill quotas of Kulaks to identified. Keen described the violence of this time as â€Å"collaboration's most significant precedent: Mass murder for vaguely defined political and economic goals became a possibility – this was the most important legacy of acclimatization†24 The ultimate results of acclimatization were not what the regime had hoped.Grain production declined ten percent between 1928 and 1932, and in addition delivery quotas were â€Å"two to three times higher than the quantities the peasants had previously marketed†. 5 Many people starve d to death between 1932 and 1933. The grain production was minimal and the statistics were miscalculated. As there was little amount of grains brought in the cities, almost none were left for the people in the countryside. The horrors of the famine were focused in Ukraine. It was estimated that five to seven million people starved to death. 6 Meanwhile, the Cheek, also known as the Main Political Administration, efficiently detected and suppressed any dissent in the city. Stalin and the Cheek chief Yoga scoured for any political opponents. Former Immensities and Socialist-Revolutionaries were hunted out penthouse their political parties had barely existed since the 1922 show-trials. 27 In 1931, newspapers were filled with stories of professional malefactors caught, accused, and sentenced. A witch-hunt atmosphere ascended as â€Å"workers were hallowed into denouncing any superiors who obstructed the implementation of the Five-Year Plan. 28 Stalin had tried to root out any possible opposition. When Bess Laminated and Sergei Sorts, who were supporters of Stalin , had publicly expressed their disgruntlement, the Cheek immediately arrested them and later were punished for factionalism. â€Å"29 Stalin ran a tight political control as he used the Cheek as a weapon to bring terror to all opposition to his economic policies. The rapid acclimatization and industrialization under Stalin's regime had costs millions of lives.The purges which victimized the peasants, workers, the intelligentsia, and the State party itself had been â€Å"previously unequaled in the long and brutal history of Russia. â€Å"30 As Stalin launched his revolution from above, the rapid industrialization and acclimatization of agriculture races of capitalism left by the New Economic Policy was reached. While many historians still argue whether Stalin intentionally starve the people to death or it was simply a matter of miscalculated production , the consistency remains on the fact that it was through acclimatization and industrialization that Soviet Union's totalitarian rule was sealed.Stalin's central planning was immediately heavily emphasized on rapid industrialization, which ultimately led to its collapse due to the high imbalance. Although the goals set out benefited the nation, the process of localization and industrialization bought in violent coercive methods that created a period of famine and left the legacy of broken morale.During Stalin's acclimatization, the difference between public and private spheres of life was utterly destroyed as everything was state-centered. The attempts to immobile the public in Stalin's grandiose projects to gain legitimacy of the act, the tight political and economic control run by violence and threats, as well as the utter destruction of public and private affairs are all substantial evidences of Soviet Union becoming an official totalitarian state.

Assigments Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Assigments - Essay Example When the platelets come in close vicinity to the site of damage in the vessels, they start to change their shape and become swollen. At the same time, they contract to release essential substances which make them adhere to the damaged wall and in particular to the collagen in the walls of the damaged vessels. They also tend to release ADP. This substance further assists the platelets in their function and tend to stimulate the platelets which lie close to the damaged vessel by making them active. These platelets tend to cluster together and come and join the initial platelets that adhered to the vessel wall that was damaged. This results in the formation of a platelet plug which closes the damaged vessel. At the same time, there is further release of clotting factors. This mechanism indicates the positive feedback system of the human body where the activation of one platelet further stimulates the cascade and results in more stimulation and the formation of a platelet plug (Lauralee 2006 p322). Works Cited Top of Form Clark, Robert K.  Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the Human Body. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2005. Print. Bottom of Form Top of Form Sherwood, Lauralee.  Fundamentals of Physiology: A Human Perspective. Belmont, Calif: Thomson Learning distributor, 2006. Print.

Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 53

Marketing - Essay Example However, competition may kill the firm and ultimately lead to its winding up. The research carried out was aimed at discovering new selling ideas that were concurrent with the operations of the firm. Moreover, it looked into how the use of media may influence its growth. The principle objective of the report was to bring forth the findings of the research on selling ideas to be applied by the firm and see how the firm can be more vibrant on the media. Social media, for instance, was discovered to be a very useful tool that the enterprise. The report will also outline the problems the group of researchers faced in implementing their task of gathering and collecting data from the opinion leaders. It is due to the various changes in the market and the rapid growth of the firm that the research group was formed to provide a report on the use of opinion leaders in marketing. The report will, therefore, enable the management to make adjustments in the system enhancing efficiency in service delivery. There was no specific order of plan on how the project was to be conducted. The group formulated closed-ended questionnaire that covered critical aspects of the company. The questionnaires were of different categories. Some questionnaires were strictly for the donors and volunteers of the firm, others for the clients and affiliates of the firm while others were for the personnel in the firm who worked in the different departments. Questionnaires were delivered to the specific target groups. The team also gathered data from the books of the firm. The data collected from the field were sorted and classified and compiled. Analysis of the data obtained from the questionnaires, and the books of the company was conducted by experts. Experts’ results would be objective, professional and independent without any form of bias. Techniques of regression analysis and correlation were applied in

Aircraft Carrier Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Aircraft Carrier - Research Paper Example This essay stresses that the navy uses the aircraft carriers in the sea, and this allows military aircrafts to land and take off on the flat decks of the warships. The decks store aircrafts, which are brought up using elevators. Aircrafts land safely, with the use of arresting cables, which have a hook attached on the aircraft. Aircraft carriers are accompanied by vessels such as destroyers, and they carry weapons of war such as missiles. They provide cover to other warships and can perform operations in waters outside the borders of a country freely. This paper makes a conclusion that aircraft carriers have advanced self-close defense system, designed to detect any possible external threats and attacks on the ship. The carriers have automated sensors and weapons that can be used fro combat during an attack from enemies. The self-close defenses system coordinates and identifies potential threat and executes necessary procedures during times of attack. Thus, the aircraft may not become obsolete owing to the defense system that allows for the detection and prevention of threat. The strategic significance of aircraft carriers may make them not to become obsolete in times of war. Advancements in the warships have made it strategic during times of war, as modern navies use it to project their powers. Flights have become a vital asset and machine during the war. Based on this, ships powered by nuclear powers that carry fighter jets and planes have been widely used during times of war. ... Several reasons explain why the carrier may not be obsolete. They have advanced Self-close defense system Aircraft carriers have advanced self-close defense system, designed to detect any possible external threats and attacks on the ship. The carriers have automated sensors and weapons that can be used fro combat during an attack from enemies. The self-close defenses system coordinates and identifies potential threat and executes necessary procedures during times of attack. Thus, the aircraft may not become obsolete owing to the defense system that allows for the detection and prevention of threat (Ireland, 2008). They are still a major investment for many countries According to Fontenoy (2006), many countries still carry out investments in the aircraft carriers, with budgetary allocations including in them a component of the warship. Since the carriers have been used for many years, most nations all over the world have come to trust the carriers. Therefore, many countries still inve st in them, because they have proven useful during war. The investment in these warships serves as an indication that they may not necessarily become obsolete. Investments in the warship may take place for including the future. The strategic significance is obvious and irreplaceable The strategic significance of aircraft carriers may make them not to become obsolete in times of war. Advancements in the warships have made it strategic during times of war, as modern navies use it to project their powers (Fontenoy, 2006). Flights have become a vital asset and machine during the war. Based on this, ships powered by nuclear powers that carry fighter jets and planes have been widely used during times of war. The carriers have the capability to carry many aircrafts; therefore, they have been

Comparing John Milton's character Satan in Paradise Lost to Dante's Research Paper

Comparing John Milton's character Satan in Paradise Lost to Dante's Lucifer, and how their portrayal of these characters differe - Research Paper Example This paper is a comparison of two characters: John Milton’s Satan and Dante Alighieri’s Lucifer. The thesis statement that carries this paper toward a direction is that: Milton’s Satan is an embodiment of power, heroism and leadership; while, Dante’s Lucifer is powerless, dull and uninteresting. Paradise Lost is one of the greatest masterpieces of John Milton’s, which has been studied, criticized, and evaluated in every period of time since it was written. The character of Satan has been evaluated in different regards, mainly claimed as being the most convoluted and dynamic character in literature. In Milton’s text, Satan is shown as possessing a sense of havoc, chaos, and wreck. The reader is never clear whom Milton is justifying as being innocent: Satan, or Adam and Eve. Flannagan (26) writes in his book that many romantic critics believe that Milton is unknowingly in the devil’s party, as he portrays Satan as the most powerful chara cter throughout the story, seducing us into following his leadership when, for example, he is shown arguing with Areopagitica, or when he chooses to speak truth for a moment. The reader ends up sympathizing with the Satan in the minutest of feeling, in addition to the greatness of Shakespearean acting in his character. Ruth and Milton (15) write, â€Å"Milton’s appealing delineation of Satan’s character, some commentators say, forces the reader to sympathize and identify with the fallen archangel just as Milton himself does.† Satan is shown on a hot lake of molten lava in Hell, and weeping at a point later, which are the sites the reader empathizes with him at. The energy that comes out of his character while he is in the Hell, and while he plans the whole story against Adam and Eve, makes his character so magnificent that no other character in the story can beat. God, in comparison, has been portrayed as an uninteresting character in Paradise Lost- something th at the Satan convinces the reader to believe in Book 3, while behaving like a naive victim all the way. At least this is the perception the reader conceives when he reads the Satan’s fervent dialogues and their contagious rhetoric throughout the storyline. His speeches are as weird as the disguise he adopts to entice Eve to eat the Forbidden Tree; that is, the serpent that is clever, sharp, quick, smart, and vengeful. Carrying angelic features and possessing potent weapons, Satan is shown as an embodiment of authority, power, control, and leadership. He is the leader of the fallen angels, sharing with them the plan to leave the Hell for a quest based on vengeance. Critics and reviewers have agreed upon the heroic aspect of Satan in Paradise Lost; for example, Brackett (313) writes that Milton has shown Satan as such a â€Å"clearly and dramatically drawn figure that many post-romanticism readers viewed him as a heroic figure, a Byronic hero of sorts†¦as Satan proudly de clares his preference for the position of ruler of hell to servant in heaven.† Hence, the heroic and leadership incarnation of Satan’s character in Paradise Lost shows Milton’s idea of sin that has been discussed many a times by critiques later on. It is also important to discuss how Milton has expressed Satan’s persona of heroism and leadership in his work. Satan is proud of his army that he thinks is so powerful that repulse can never be known.

The International Marketing Mix Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 4

The International Marketing Mix - Case Study Example In terms of product, PepsiCo utilizes a wide variety of different positioning strategies for each product brand. However, as each food and beverage product is being distributed to different multinational consumers and a high volume of competition exists in this market, PepsiCo must use its marketing focus to create a connection with consumers through various branding activities. For example, if the typical Aquafina (bottled water) drinker is the athletic and motivated consumer fitting the psychographic profile of social and recreational enthusiast, PepsiCo must position Aquafina as a brand which befits lifestyle and utilizes various marketing communications (as an integrated bundle of marketing messages) to appeal to this demographic. In some developing countries, Aquafina might be more of a staple drink in an environment where clean, city water systems are not common in foreign neighborhoods. This would provide PepsiCo with the opportunity to position Aquafina as a reliant brand suc h as emphasizing its quality or mineral content. For instance, PepsiCo, in an attempt to appeal to the international consumer with a dedication for environmental advocacy, created a partnered marketing strategy with Sam’s Club (a Wal-Mart company) entitled Return the Warmth to promote recycling and other environmental initiatives (Annual Report, 2007). This indicates how the company utilizes various social trends and a desire to make brands appeal to different demographic segments as a means to give PepsiCo brands competitive advantage and boost international profitability. Â   Â   Â   Â  The company also utilizes creative marketing practices, such as new logo design and product packaging visuals, to appeal to the diverse multinational consumer. With the recent decline in global demand for PepsiCo products, the company is attempting to reinvigorate the Pepsi brand by changing cans. In an attempt to appeal to the foreign, contemporary U.S. consumer, the Pepsi brand designed the cans to reflect various emotions which are used in countries where text messaging is popular (Birchall, 2008).

National Healthcare Insurance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

National Healthcare Insurance - Essay Example John Stuart Mill conception of liberty correlates liberty of discussion and thought, individuality as an element of well-being, and limits to societal authority over individuals. Mill develops harm theory by establishing a principle, which isolates an area within which individuals are free from interference in developing their individuality through experiments and free choices in their livelihoods. Mill emphasis the point that individual liberty is by right absolute with concern on matters regarded as harmless to other people and that individual enjoys absolute liberty of choice among purely self-regarding acts. Mill’s concept of liberty revolves around the idea that liberty is essential in ensuring subsequent progress of the society and the individual, especially in the case where the society is more important than the state. This scenario is only possible in circumstances where the rulers only represent the interests of the ruled, or a perfect representative democracy withou t any opposition between the ruler and the ruled (McKenna and Feingold 61). In such a surrounding, the liberty of an individual is attainable, but not guaranteed. Mill’s concept of liberty digs into moral theories, highlighting the happiness of the individual as the only important thing. Such happiness is only achievable in a civilized society where people freely engage in their own interests, with their skills and capabilities developed through a good education system. In this regard therefore, Mill advocates for the fundamental importance of individuality and personal development, both for the development of the society and the individual for progress in the future. Michael Walzer’s theory of distributive justice presents a pluralistic and particularistic approach to equality. He argues that the principles of a society should follow the historical and cultural setting of that society, that is, universal principles of justice does not exist, that distribution of diffe rent social goods should follow different principles, and that these different principles display different meanings of social goods that are products of cultural and historical particularistic approach. Walzer further argues that each social good constitutes its own distributive sphere, with every sphere being autonomous. This is to say that social goods from one sphere should not intrude another sphere. Walzer’s major concern on progression to complex equality emphasizes on dominance in a particular sphere of justice and not (principally) on the basis of the monopoly in that given sphere. Walzer’s arrangement of human affairs in establishing equality imposes the condition that the distribution of a social good in one sphere must not lead to conversion of that particular social good into another sphere. An example is the possession of power in the political sphere, which for the purpose of equality, should not enable the politician to convert the power to wealth, whic h is in a different sphere. As long as the conversion is impossible, equality is achievable despite the distribution of a social good in any one sphere (McKenna and Feingold 132). Walzer views the human society as a distributive community where the multiplicity of goods meets the multiplicity of distributive processes and procedures. Therefore, to create a just distributive procedure or principle requires complex equality rather than simple equality. This forms what he calls a complex egalitarian society. The reduction of dominance has preference over the breakdown of monopoly in his concept. His critique on

Create an Excutive Summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Create an Excutive Summary - Essay Example After conducting a feasibility study of the costs savings by the company, it was found out that the company saves more by deciding to outsource than to insource these services. The benefits of outsourcing far outweigh those of insourcing, by up to $ 579, 523 in savings. These savings come from freeing up of municipality assets, savings from training the municipality’s own employees, improving core business functions due to reassignment of personnel and benefits from lease of excess space. There are various reasons as to why the municipality seeks to outsource for these services. Costs for upgrading maintenance of the new equipment and new technology are absorbed by the outsourced company, costs savings in paying the employees and utility and office space expenses, and improved customer services. However, the municipality is faced with a number of risks if it decides to outsource for these services. Confidentiality of the municipality’s customers might be breached, the quality of services offered could reduce, and the company contracted could close suddenly as well as the municipality losing its control over the collection of scheduled payments. The qualifying agency will take over the utility’s responsibility of processing payment data and convert it into billing statements that will be delivered the customers by the agency in a timely manner. The contracted agency will also be responsible for sending the billing statements to the customer by either electronic means by the use of emails, interactive website billing method, or by mailing hard copies of the bill statements to the customers. The agency will also track payments by the customers and reporting the customers who do not pay. Collection of payments from the customers will be done by the same agency, and will provide the municipality’s customer account database, also

Academic Papers Essay Example for Free

Academic Papers Essay Academic papers are evaluated by professors to determine if a student can demonstrate extensive knowledge on a particular subject matter. Most professors require and grade students’ papers based on correct spelling and punctuation. They also expect a paper to contain no grammatical errors. An academic paper also demands that a student follow a certain format when writing the essay. Thus, a paper that comprises many errors can result in a lower grade that an individual expects or even deserves despite the fact that the content and research are excellent. However, due to time constraints and numerous workloads that a student handles on a daily basis details such as spelling, punctuation, format and grammatical errors becomes less of a concern. But these are the criteria that a paper is graded on. Therefore, these matters should not be overlooked. Application Papers An application paper is one of the most crucial aspects of applying to a university or college. This is because it contains information that reveals the insights, beliefs, values, goals, background and even upbringing of an individual. See more: Experiment on polytropic process Essay Therefore, universities clearly take it into consideration. It is important to have an application paper that is flawless. This means that spelling, punctuation and grammatical mistakes are not evident in the paper. This is because a well-written paper does not contain any of this. As a prospective student vying for a spot in the freshman class of a particular university, an outstanding application paper will definitely set you apart from other applicants. Therefore, a person should ensure that his or her application paper is presented in the best manner possible. Manuscripts/Articles Manuscripts are any printed work that you want to be published. Examples of manuscripts include official correspondence, legal and financial papers, technical briefs, poetries, editorials, reviews and case reports. Information about an organization or an individual is also considered a manuscript. They are usually used as a primary source. Therefore, accuracy and error-free work is highly valued. On the other hand, articles are usually a page or two of detailed information about a certain subject. Articles are written for a newspaper, magazine or a web site. Our editors will systematically look over any manuscripts and articles that you want to be reviewed. Therefore, the utmost quality of your work can be definitely achieved. Fiction Writing fiction can be time-consuming and a writer will mostly focus on conveying the appropriate word choice and making sure that ideas are flowing properly. Thus, at times a writer may neglect and fail to notice errors while writing and editing the fictional work at hand. Other times, writers feel that they cannot deliver or put into writing all the thoughts that are inside their mind. Also, writer’s block is experienced even by the best writers. Therefore, it is comforting to know that there is a service available that can assist fictional writers with any writing needs and styles that they want. Websites Webcontent writing is not an easy task to do. For an inexperienced writer, it can be daunting, challenging and downright terrifying. When you are setting up your website, you want to make sure that you hire a professional writer or service that will meet and even go beyond your needs. An exceptional service will demonstrate this by translating the company’s mission, vision and goals in a clear and error-free manner. A phenomenal service can certainly deliver information that will sustain the interest of site viewers, which will result in people coming back for more and numerous visitors flocking the site on a daily basis. Thus, it is vital to avail of a webcontent writing service that will ensure that your website will present easy to read information in a professional, comprehensible, simple and error-free manner. Speeches/Presentations Presenting information to a crowd of people is usually a nerve-wracking experience. You want to give a speech or presentation that is memorable, informative and captivating. At the same time, you want to make sure that you convey it in the right way, meaning the delivery of your speech or presentation lacks any possible errors. However, great speakers may not necessarily be the best writers around. Thus, it will be wise to utilize a service that can generate an unforgettable speech. This kind of speech will communicate a very lasting message that is highly entertaining, thought-provoking and direct to the point. Business Personal Letters Business letters are important because it is one of the quickest ways to develop rapport and persuade a potential client to avail of your company’s product or service. Therefore, a business letter should be polite, concise, straight-forward and error-free. A well-written business letter will instantly impress a potential client and will definitely present your company in the best way possible. Hence, a service that can provide business letters that are eloquent, personal and professional will definitely boost your company’s image and sales. On the contrary, personal letters reveal information about an influential or affluent person. Correspondence like this is kept by some academic institutions to give insights on the person’s life, activities and achievements. Personal letters are also found in some autobiographies. It is crucial to leave matters like these to the experts. Thus, a professional service can provide assistance and equip you with qualified editors at your finger tips. Formatting Formatting is a vital process in any written work. This is because it helps in organizing ideas clearly. It also presents information in a comprehensible way because ideas are easy to follow, which leads to an apparent understanding of the matter or topic being discussed. Formatting usually includes the size of a font, the type of font, indentation and margins used. It also consists of arranging and presenting information of several paragraphs in a unifying manner. Thus, without a proper and concrete format, any type of printed information will seem like a bunch of text that has to be deciphered in order to be understood. Editing/proofreading Editing, also known as proofreading, a written work is usually the final process of any writing endeavor or task. Editing is done to make sure that the work lacks error. Thus, editing will normally check spelling, punctuation and grammatical mistakes. Once a mistake has been detected, changes can be made to correct it before the work is published or submitted. It is an essential practice because people tend to overlook minor details and violate major writing rules. A well-conducted editing shows a well-constructed work. It also presents to the public a writer that is professional and eloquent. Therefore, it seems like any written work is not complete without undergoing this process. Editing Review Editing should be done by professional editors. Professional editors have years of experience. Therefore, reviewing any written work comes naturally to them. Also, their feedback will be valuable because they will automatically notice aspects of your writing that needs improvement or drastic change. Thus, they can best advice you on what steps to take to ensure that your writing can be enhanced. We cannot stress enough the importance of finding a service that will provide you with qualified and professional editors. This is because professional editors will aid you to have a finished paper that is above average, if not exceptionally done.

Socio-Political Life and Key Values of the British Society Essay Example for Free

Socio-Political Life and Key Values of the British Society Essay The United Kingdom of the Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the constitutional monarchy. The head of the state is the Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen is the personification of the U. K. By law, she is the head of the executive branch, an integral part of the legislature, the head of the judiciary, the commander-in-chief of all armed forces of the Crown and the temporal head of the established Church of England. But I want to emphasize that in practice, as a result of a long evolutionary process, these powers have changed. Today, the queen acts only on the advice of her Ministers which she cannot constitutionally ignore. In fact she reigns but she doesn’t rule. However, I want to add that the monarchy has more power than is commonly supposed. There remain certain powers in the hands of the monarch, known as the Royal Prerogative. The organs of government in the Great Britain are: 1. The legislature, which consists of the Queen in Parliament and is the supreme authority of the realm. 2. The executive, which consists of the Cabinet and other ministers of the Crown, government departments, local authorities. 3. The judiciary which determines common law and interprets statues. Parliament In principle, the â€Å"Crown in Parliament† is supreme. This means that legislation passed by Parliament, which consists of the House of Commons (elected directly by the people) and the House of Lords (made up of hereditary peers and appointive members—archbishops, senior bishops, law lords, and life peers) becomes law upon royal assent. In practice, legislation is dominated by the prime minister and the cabinet, who initiate all proposed bills and who are politically responsible for the administration of the law and the affairs of the nation. The main functions of Parliament are: to pass laws; to provide, by voting taxation, the means of carrying on the work of government; to scrutinise government policy and administration; to debate the major issues of the day. In carrying out these functions Parliament helps to bring the relevant facts and issues before the electorate. By custom, Parliament is also informed before all-important international treaties and agreements are ratified. A Parliament has a maximum duration of five years, but in practice general elections are usually held before the end of this term. Parliament is dissolved and rights for a general election are ordered by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister. The life of a Parliament is divided into sessions. Each usually lasts for one year – normally beginning and ending in October or November. At the start of each session the Queens speech to Parliament outlines the Government’s policies and proposed legislative programme. The houses of Parliament in London, known also as the Palace of Westminster is the place where members of Parliament gather to make laws. The members of each Houses meet in sessions which begin at the end of October and last for about one hundred and sixty days. The sittings usually begin at 10 o’clock in the morning and end in the late afternoon. All the time Parliament is in session, a flag can be seen over the building. The members of the House of Commons sit on two sides of the hall. The Speaker is the chairperson at all the debates in the House of Commons, and it is duty to keep order. The Speaker is elected by all the members of the House of Commons. He belongs to one of the political parties in Parliament, but he never votes. The chairperson of the House of Lords is Lord Chancellor. He sits on the Woolsack, a large bag of wool covered with red cloth. The House of Lords is composed of hereditary peers and peeresses, 2 Anglican archbishops, and 24 bishops and life peers whose titles are not hereditary. Life peers include lords of appeal, who make up the court of last resort on matters that can be brought to the House of Lords. Bills from the House of Commons are passed to the House of Lords for discussion. Although no vote from the House of Lords is necessary to pass legislation, the body often suggests revisions and provides a forum for debate free from party politics. Members of the House of Commons are elected from geographical constituencies. The voting age for British subjects was lowered to 18 in 1969. Total membership of the Commons now numbers 651. Once the British Empire included a large number of countries all over the world ruled by Britain. The process of decolonisation began in 1947 with the independence of India, Pakistan and Ceylon. Now there is no Empire and only few small islands belong to Britain. In 1997 the last colony, Hong Kong, was given to China. But the British ruling classes tried not to lose influence over the former colonies of the British Empire. An association of former members of the British Empire and Britain was founded in 1949. It is called the Commonwealth. It includes many countries such as Ireland, Burma, the Sudan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and others. The Queen of Great Britain is also a Head of the Commonwealth, and also the Queen of Canada, Australia, New Zealand. Now some words about the British Constitution. The British Constitution is a product of many historical events. Unlike the constitutions of most other countries, it is not set out in any single document. Instead it is made up of statute law, common law and conventions. The constitution can be changed by Act of Parliament, or by general agreement to alter a convention. Cabinet of ministers The Cabinet is a small body (of about 20 persons) of ministers selected by the Prime Minister. Cabinet never votes – the Prime Minister’s decision is final. The Prime Minister is appointed by the Queen, and all other ministers are appointed by the Queen on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. Most ministers are members of the Commons, although the Government is also fully represented by ministers in the Lords. The Prime Minister is, by tradition, First Lord of the Treasury and Minister for the Civil Service. The Prime Minister’s unique position of authority derives from majority support in the House of Commons and from the power to appoint and dismiss ministers. By modern convention, the Prime Minister always sits in the House of Commons. The Prime is responsible for the allocation of functions among ministers and informs the Queen at regular meetings of the general business of the Government. The Prime Ministers Office is situated at 11 Downing Street. The functions of the Cabinet are initiating and deciding on policy, the supreme control of government and the co-ordination of government departments. The Cabinet meets in private and its proceedings are confidential. Its members are bound by their oath as Privy Counsellors not to disclose information about its proceedings, although after 30 years Cabinet papers may be made available for inspection. So Great Britain is the constitutional monarchy. Monarch is the Head of the State. But Queen or King rules with the support of the parliament. And practically monarch has no real political power. The main political decisions are made by the Parliament and Cabinet. And the House of Commons are more powerful.

The debate of nature versus nurture

The debate of nature versus nurture Debate on nature versus nurture focuses on individuals innate attributes also known as innatism as compared to personal experiences, also called empiricism, in influencing or determining personal differences in behavior and physical traits. Nature relies on the biological/genetical composition of individuals in determining behavioral as well as physical attributes on an individual. Genes originate from the parents and are unique between persons. The nurture orientation in shaping an individual focuses on the influence on a contextual environment of an individual in determining the attributes and character to be developed (Cummings, 2008). Introduction In context of homosexuality, the nature concept determines the possibility that a certain genetical combination during fusion of sex chromosomes naturally predisposes an individual to homosexuality. The implication is that a homosexual is born so and as such, any form of discrimination directed towards the homosexual is an issue of civil right since one did not choose to be so. On the other hand, the nurture concept displays homosexuality as a behavior instilled by the environment within which a person grows or interacts with. As such the parental, peer and other social environment, may contribute to homosexual attributes exhibited by an individual (Bozett, 1989). It can be easily understood that the physical characteristics are inherent from the parents, but its practically hard to comprehend that the behavior of an individual depends fully on the behavior of the parents such that it is genetically inherited. Studies indicate that a nature-given talent, ability or attribute can be e nhanced or inhibited by the environment in which a person grows in. As such both aspects of nature and nurture are in play in shaping an individual. Discussion Natures influence on homosexuality According to Shaffer (2008), siblings do inherit various physical characteristics directly from the biological parents. The traits may include eye color, height as well as predisposition ailments that are physical. Drawing from this later statement, human beings can as well inherit certain mental traits and attributes from biological parents. Mental characteristics may include susceptibility to attacks by certain mental disorders. Homosexuality, a personality attribute, is a mental state within a person that urges the person to have intimate relationship with individuals of the same sex/gender. As such, the mind of a homosexual houses an acquired composition or an orientation. The orientation to homosexuality may be coined in the autonomy or the divergent thinking characteristics all of which can be inherited from the parents. Indeed what society inculcates to people deprives people of their possible autonomy and divergence in thinking that would have developed them to completely dif ferent people. According to Nardi Schneider (1998), there is a biological relationship between personality of resultant sibling and the parents. For example, extroversion, which is the social and outgoing character in a person and neuroticism, which is the moody and over sensitivity behavior in a person. Furthermore, researches indicate that schizophrenia which is a psychological disorder characterized by confusion, delusions and scattered thoughts is genetically inherited. In fact, if a family member has the disorder, there is a possibility of there being others in the lineage. In addition, major depressions and alcoholism, which are psychological disorders has also been found to be hereditary whether the social environment is changed or not, (Soble, 2002). There is therefore a possibility of a gene that is independent of the larger society and defies the society to manifest itself in homosexuality. It is however important to note that from the Minnesota registry and Australian Registry twin studies, only thirty eight and thirty percent gay and lesbians respectively resulted from their twin brother/ sister being gay or lesbian (Brewer, 1999). From the studies, it can be deduced that the correlation is not perfect since it is not a hundred percent. As such, it may be suggested that g enes influence indirectly, though on average do not account for homosexuality sexual orientation. The aforementioned discussion leads to a conclusion that though the genetical passing over of human attributes contribute to homosexual habits; still there is/are other aspects in play to homosexuality. As such, while dwarfs, supermen and superwomen can blame their physical characteristic wholly on genetical combination, homosexuals cannot. The indication is that homosexuality is partly contributed by a decision and choice for it. Choice and decision comes to play with environment exposure which depicts the larger perspective of nurture. Nurtures influence on homosexuality The environment within which an individual grows and develops in has an influence on the resulting personality of such individuals (Mathew et al, 2003). Indeed, the development of language to be spoken is learnt from the interaction with the environment of an individual. The environment will include the physical as well as the social aspects of an individual. For example, a research conducted by Robinson in fiscal 1982 on the influence of nurture to homosexuality had the following details. Methodology The participants included two hundred and eighty five gay and forty seven lesbians from DIGNITY association, a homosexual association in USA. Each participant received a questionnaire via mail, responded to it and mailed it back to the researchers. The questionnaire assessed the couple status, past family life, demographic information as well as parental relationship with the individual respondents. The respondents were from diverse faith including Catholic, Protestant and atheism whose level of education was between high school and doctorate levels. Findings and discussion Seventy six percent of all respondents expressed their early life as full of care and love from their parents compared to twenty four percent who felt that their early life was unbearable. In addition, more than eighty percent expressed their parents approval of their behavior as they grew up as well as the current behavior as homosexuals. The findings reveal individuals whose family setups availed the care that children require while growing up. Socially, their parents supported them by offering approval of their conduct as they grew up. The implication is that homosexuality does not result from a neglected and unsociably individuals but from people who fit in the societal context. Furthermore, the participants expressed their parents satisfaction on the life and behavior of homosexuality that they had adopted. This further implies that homosexualitys acceptability was evident. The homosexuals who participated in this research indicate that the urge to homosexuality was not as a res ult of a mental force beyond their control but as a choice that they had made. Their level of education indicates that they would have changed their sexual orientation if they wanted but their energy was directed to making their relationship with homosexual partners stronger (Jones Yarhouse, 2000).). The deduction is that since homosexuality is a mental state in an individual and not a physical attribute, learned individuals, if they wish, can change if they suspect the behavior is a vice. The role of the environment comes to play in the sense the homosexuals gain acceptance by the parents and numbers. Moreover the religious faiths that represent a stronghold in many societies upheld homosexuality. Indeed, the support from the parents and the church accounts for a societys support. The aspects that the environment avails to human beings provide experiences for adoption in life (Schein Bernstein, 2008). These experiences shape the behavior of individuals. If the contextual society do not support expression of some behavior, the only possibility that such behaviour would sprout is if the behavior is genetically inherited or if the individuals displaying it are strong enough to accept the deviant labeling from the society. Conclusion In exploring the classification of factors that shape the behavior, many contemporary researches appreciate the role of both nature expressed in inherited genes as well as the nurture expressed as environmental experiences. Inherited mental characteristic need to be exercised and enhanced in the environment for it to be successfully propagated to the future generations. The culture which is the framework within which nurture takes effect definitely has a role to play in shaping up an individuals behavior. It is important for individuals to evaluate themselves and as independent entities compare their behavioral attributes to determine their compatibility with the environment. There may be instances when individuals display behaviour that is ideally unacceptable and hence such individuals would need to conform to the environment. In some other instances, individuals may need to explicitly explain their traits if they are ideally acceptable to fit them into the contextual environment. Either way, the influence of the environment display natural ways of eliminating expression of behaviour that is harmful in the environment. The genesis of homosexuality and indeed its acceptability remains both a nature and nurture contribution until other studies find it different (Boswell, 1981).

I am a Filipino Through the Eyes of an American Citizen Essay -- Histo

I am a Filipino Through the Eyes of an American Citizen In Webster’s New Dictionary, history is defined as a study of past events; course of life or existence. Without history, we wouldn’t know our cultures, where we came from, and the major events that changed the world. This is true for many people, because some of them don’t know their culture or their families’ history. People of color, especially many minorities who are born in America (second generation) tend to not learn their histories, for they have to adapt to the American lifestyle which make them lose a part of their identity. Another reason why many second generations don’t know their history is that many are learning the American history or many of them are not asking or willing to question the teacher about their history. As for myself, I fit in to that category, because I am one of the many people who don’t know their ethnicity’s history, which is Filipino. Now in the year 2001, I’m in college and wanting to learn and question my people’s history. â€Å"College is one of the best sources to learn your history† (DeGuia). In learning my history, I questioned my friend Rex DeGuia (who is also Filipino) about his life experience and compared his life with my life experience, in which we both have some similarities and differences. Rex DeGuia, a man who identifies himself as a â€Å"Filipino† man, was born in December 4, 1971. He has four family members, whom he loves dearly, and was born in the United States of America, which makes him a second-generation citizen. He lives in a predominately white city of San Fernando Valley. This is one of the reasons why he is Americanized. Growing up was hard for him, for he felt like an outcast. As for me, I too was born in America, ... ...Supervisors. We want to learn more about our identity because it’s an adventure to find your history about your people and about yourself. Overall, DeGuia and I are similar in some things and different in other things. The reason why I chose him was because he played a big part in my life in finding my identity. In high school, he was pushing me to join the club so that I can understand the FOBs’ (Filipino-born) experience. In Balboa High, there is segregation between the Filipino Americans and the Filipino-born. The reason I wanted to join was because I wanted to unite the Filipino Community, and I found it as a challenge for me to do before I leave high school, and be remembered as one of the founder of the Club Mabuhay. Work Citied DeGuia, Rex. Interview by Xander, 30 April 2004, San Francisco, CA, Tape Recording. Chomp On This! Vol. One, San Francisco.

Car Safety Essay -- essays papers

Car Safety Automobile Safety It’s a dark rainy night. You and your family are coming home from a late night family party. As a car is coming through an intersection another car cut in front of it. The driver decides to hit the brakes so you can avoid the car, but as he presses the brakes, the car loses control on the slick wet road. He is not able to gain control and at that point he has endangered the lives of himself and many others on the road. This is just one example of the many types of things that occur in our streets everyday. All that would have been needed to avoid this situation would have been a traction control system in his car, which would have detected that the car was skidding and would have applied the brakes to the necessary wheels, therefore correcting the skid. Automotive companies must mandate the installation and improvement of specific safety devices to make our vehicles safer. The opposing forces are against my argument mainly because of one reason, money. These are mainly uninformed people who are more concerned with monetary issues rather than the safety and well being of every of everyone on our streets. They see things differently, for example, instead of mandating some things such as a traction control system in a car, which costs no more than $200-600 (Krebs 30), could in the long run lower their insurance costs, and prevent them from a potentially harmful accident. They would much rather have $200-600 worth of accessories. It goes to show you that these people chose style and comfort over their lives and the live of others. Most of the automotive accident statistics are quite overwhelming, and they show for themselves why today’s cars must be made safer. 6,289,000 reported crashes, 3,200,000 people injured, and 41,345 deaths (car accident statistics). These are some of the statistics as of 1999 and they are expected to rise, due to the large number of automobile we are buying. By mandating the installation of certain safety devices in cars we can reduce these numbers drastically. Most car accidents occur at intersection, when someone makes a left turn in front of an oncoming car. The result of this is that the car turning gets broadsided on the right door of his car, also the weakest point of his car. So if most accidents are side impact collision why haven’t car manufacturers mandated the installation of s... ...†. Available http://www.car-accidents.com/pages/brain_injury_ lawyers.html. Bush, James W. Motor Vehicle Facts an Figures: Wards Communication, 1999. 10, 11, 84-89. â€Å"Car Accident Statistics†. Available http://www.car-accidents.com/pages/ stats.html. â€Å"Convictions Quashed in Fatal Road-Sign Crash†. Chachere Vickie. The Miami Herald. 26 March.2001. Available http://www.miami.com/herald/content/news/local/ dade/digdocs/091369 .htm. Krebs, Michelle. â€Å"How to Buy a Safe Car†. Auto World Weekly. 10, April. 2001. 29-30. â€Å"Road Rage Endangers Innocent Drivers Too†. The Sun Sentinel. 25, March. 2001. Available http://sunsentinel.com/features/sfi-25mabbymar25.story. â€Å"Seat Belts†. Available http://www.car_accidents.com/pages/seat_belts.html. Smith, Steven Cole. â€Å"Swerving Car Hits Bus then runs Into Two Fort Lauderdale Homes.† Tzortzis, Andreas. The Sun Sentinel. 25 March. 2001. Available http://www. sunsentinel.com/news/local /broward/search/sfl-cbus250mar 25.story. â€Å"Volvo SCC. Is this the Worlds Safest Car†. Auto World Weekly. 10, April. 2001. 31. â€Å"Whiplash Injuries†. Available http://www.car-accidents.com/pages/whiplash. html

Exhange Risk Faced by Multinational Corporations (MNCs) Essay -- Exhan

â€Å"Exchange rates are the amount of one country’s currency needed to purchase one unit of another currency (Brealey 1999, p. 625)†. People wanting to exchange some money for their vacation trip will not be too much bothered with shifts if the exchange rates. However, for multinational companies, dealing with very large amounts of money in their transactions, the rise or fall of a currency can mean getting a surplus or a deficit on their balance sheets. What types of exchange rate risks do multinational companies face?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One type of exchange risk faced by multinational companies is transaction risk. If a company sells products to an overseas customer it might be subject to transaction risk. If a UK company is expecting a payment from a US customer in June and the invoice was made in January, the exchange rate is bound to have changed during the period. If the deal was worth  £1,000,000 and the american dollar compared to pound sterling weakened from US$1.40 in January to US$1.50 in June, the UK company would loose  £47,619 (Appendix A).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Economic risk is another type of exchange risks companies have to consider when dealing globally. Changes in exchange rates are bound to affect the relative prices on imports and exports, and that will again affect the competitiveness of a company. An UK exporter dealing with companies in the US would not want the US$ to depreciate, because it would make the exports more expensive for the US market, thus the company will loose business.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Other types of exchange rate risks are translation risk and so-called hidden risk. The translation risk relates to cases where large multinational companies have subsidiaries in other countries. On the financial statement of the whole group, the company may have to translate the assets and liabilities from foreign accounts into the group statement. The translation will involve foreign exchange exposure. The term hidden risk evolves around the fact that all companies are subject to exchange rate risks, even if they don’t do business with companies using other currencies. A company that is buying supplies from a local manufacturer might be affected of fluctuating foreign exchange rates if the local manufacturer is doing business with overseas companies. If a manufacturer goes out of business, or experience heavy losses, it will affect all the companies it does business with. The co... ...he curve. Appendix A. Transaction Risk:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A UK exporter invoicing US$1,000,000 in January for payment in June. Spot rates: January: US$1.40  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚ £714,286   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  February: US$1.50  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚ £666,667   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Loss on transaction:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚ £47,619 ( £714,286 -  £666,667) Appendix B. Interest Rates: i.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A company borrows  £100,000 from a bank at 8% interest rate.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚ £100,000 X 1.08 =  £108,000 ii.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A company borrows  £2,000,000 in 1998, with a fixed interest rate of 8%, payable annually for a 5 year period. Fixed annual interest, 8%:  £2,000,000 X 0.08 =  £160,000 New annual interest, 6%:  £2,000,000 X 0.06 =  £120,000 Annual loss, 6% vs. 8%:  £160,000 -  £120,000 =  £40,000 References: http://www.expedia.com, 22/11/2000, http://www.expedia.com/pub/Agent.dll Brealey, Richard A., Marcus, Alan J., Myers, Stewart C. 1999, Fundamentals of Corporate Finance, 2nd edn, Craig S. Beytien, USA. Howells, Peter., Bain, Keith 2000, Financial Markets and Institutions, 3rd edn, Henry King Ltd., Great Britain. Ritter, Lawrence R., Silber, William L., Udell, Gregory F. 2000, Money, banking, and Financial Markets, 10th edn, USA.

Business Environment of Sri Lanka Telecom Plc Essay

If not for all of them my assignment wouldn’t have been a success. Kevin De Silva Executive Summary This assignment gives an exhaustive analysis focusing mainly on the business environment on one of the most leading companies in the communication industry of Sri Lanka. It is also the national telecommunication service provider of the country, Sri Lanka Telecom PLC. Task one gives an in-depth analysis of what the organization is, on what corner stone’s it is built on, what it is now, and its purpose of existence, based on their norms, beliefs and traditions. Such as their vision, mission, aims, goals, market share and market growth. It also shows the relationship between the organization and its stakeholders, considering the expectations of the stakeholders, and the responsibility the organization has towards them. Task two (part one), explains the market types that are available in the industry, and in which market type SLT operates in. It also shows the demand in the total industry versus the supply of SLT showing how much of the market is being served and satisfied by them. The reasons for their success in being the number one service provider is identified through their level of innovation, technology and research and development, and is also shown how it is linked in operating in the global arena and the global impact of the organization, the markets they are targeting and how they are planning to enter those emerging markets. At the end of these two tasks we will have a very good understanding on the business environment of Sri Lanka Telecom PLC. Task two (part two), with related to the previous tasks have a more generalized approach. It speaks about two main instruments in the economy the monetary and fiscal policy. This is then related to Sri Lanka and United Kingdom by showing the similarities and differences in the execution of these policies. It then shows the effects of these economic policies on the communication industry, by showing how it affects the sales and production. The tax trend of the organization and reasons for the trend are also shown. All these information will be presented briefly and clearly in a single page poster. Task two (part three), is a presentation on the key economic factors of Mexico. The slides of the presentation are attached. California Management Review. 1983. Stockholders and Stakeholders: A new perspective on Corporate Governance. ) Diagram 3 – Categorization of Stakeholders â€Å"We have thus enhanced value with each of our stakeholder segments – shareholders, customers, employees, investors, suppliers, regulatory and other related state authorities, the media, the community and in the larger context, the State. † (Sri Lanka Telecom. 2011. Sustainability Report: 2010. Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka Telecom. ) 3. 2 Employees Employees are those who keep the organization in operation, while expecting salaries and wages in return, along with job security and job satisfaction. They have the power to influence the quality of the service of the organization. SLT has a labour force of 6,297 as of June 2011. (TRCSL. 13/10/2011. Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka: Statistics 2011 June. [Online]. Available: http://www. trc. gov. lk/information/statistics. html. [27/12/2011]. ) 3. 3 Shareholders Shareholders are those who invest in the organization expecting higher dividends. They have the power to elect the directors of the organization. Shareholders of SLT are as follows, * Government of Sri Lanka which holds 52% * Global Telecommunication Holdings N. V. of Netherlands 44. 98% * Public 3. 02% 3. 4 Customers Customers are the key stakeholders of any organization, if not for customers the organization wouldn’t exist. They expect value for money and good services, and they have the power to influence the revenue of the business. SLT’s customer base is over 5. 5million. â€Å"The SLT Group has a customer base of over five and a half million including multinational corporations, large and small corporate, retail and domestic customers† (Sri Lanka Telecom. 2011. Management Report: 2010. Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka Telecom. ) 3. 5 Suppliers Suppliers are those who supply all the raw materials for an organization to function. In the case of SLT it could be electronic equipment and accessories that aid the telecommunication industry. The suppliers influence the quality, price and availability of the products, and they expect prompt payments and long term contracts. Some of the suppliers for SLT are ZTE Corporation China and other suppliers from Thailand. â€Å"†¦. while related team members visited the equipment supplier in Thailand for more in depth skill development† (Sri Lanka Telecom. 2011. Management Report: 2010. Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka Telecom. ) 3. 6 Government Diversify our portfolio of products and services and diversify our business through new innovative business models, sustainable partnerships. (Sri Lanka Telecom. 2011. Management Report: 2010. Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka Telecom. ) 4. 5 Market Share Fixed and Mobile Broadband – Total Market Share Diagram 4 – Total Market Share (Fixed and Mobile Broadband) Fixed Line – Total Market Share Diagram 5 – Total Market Share (Fixed Line) (Sri Lanka Telecom. 2011. Annual Report: 2010,2009,2008,2007,2006. Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka Telecom. ) 4. 6 Growth of Market Share

Emerson’s Essay On Heroism Essay

The first and most important implicit question in this statement is by what standards Emerson is judging a hero—and whether it even matters, as he seems to be saying that a hero is a hero despite anything else. This assertion is false, however, because there is inevitably, not only in the actions of heroes but also in those of antiheroes, an element of situation and circumstance that either augments or diminishes their capacity for good. In 1984 by George Orwell, protagonist Winston Smith is, from what the reader can tell, the only individual (with the exception of his compatriot Julia) in his Big Brother society who sees anything wrong with the tactics employed by the government and, subsequently, who attempts to do anything to protest. This alone could constitute a reasonable definition of a hero: in an evil culture, he is the only one fighting for good, but he continues nonetheless. For the majority of the novel, Winston is certainly a hero as he fights the system; at the end, however, he is defeated, brainwashed and convinced that he â€Å"loves Big Brother.† Is he any less of a hero because a hopelessly corrupt and evil institution managed to break his spirit? The answer may not necessarily be yes, but the point is that it is a point of debate, and casts enough doubt upon the validity of the original statement to warrant further examination. The idea of a hero can encompass so many characteristics, and to avoid playing the semantics game one must assign only a few, perhaps the possession of morality or of great leadership. History is full of persons, however, which could have been heroes under different circumstances but simply drew the short end of the stick or inadvertently used their talents for malevolence. It is an old axiom that no villain thinks of himself as a villain, and this is proved by the actions of Hitler and Mussolini, Axis leaders during World War II. Both were skilled politicians, leaders, and propagandists, and in these respects were no different than Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill, the Allied directors who are customarily acknowledged as heroes by the general public. Conversely, everyone knows people who are intrinsically good but are not recognized as heroes, simply because they have yet to encounter a situation to bring out their morality and goodness. The vague abstractions of the term â€Å"hero'† and the fact that Emerson does not include a definition with his claim, makes its disproving an easy task; perhaps if he had been more explicit it would be not only more difficult to contradict him but also more simple to identify who is a hero in our society and who is not.

Eco Parks & Environment

Industrial ecologists are championing eco-industrial parks or EIPs as tools for pursuing sustainable development. An EIP is a community of companies located in one region that exchange and make use of each other's by-products or energy. Among the best known is Kalundborg, Denmark, a city in which the major industries and the local government trade their waste streams and energy resources. Many commentators see Kalundborg as a model that should be copied and improved upon. Imagine what a team of designers could come up with if they were to start from scratch, locating and specifying industries and factories that had potentially synergistic and symbiotic relationships,† writes Paul Hawken (1993, 63), author of The Ecology of Commerce. Ernest A. Lowe (1997, 58) points out that â€Å"while industrial ecosystems must be largely self-organizing, there is a significant role for an organizing team in educating potential participants to the opportunities and in creating the conditions that support the development. Because of this enthusiastic endorsement, numerous EIPs have been planned in North and South America, Southeast Asia, Europe and Southern Africa (Ayres 1996; Indigo Development 1998; Gertler 1995; Lowe 1997). Kalundborg, a small city on the island of Seeland, 75 miles west of Copenhagen, is indeed an impressive example of a recycling network. In this city of 20,000, the four main industries–a coal-fired power plant (Asn?s), a refinery (Statoil), a pharmaceuticals and enzymes maker (Novo Nordisk), a plasterboard manufacturer (Gyproc), as well as the municipal government and a few smaller businesses–feed on each others' wastes, in the process turning them into useful inputs. The Asn?s power company supplies residual steam to the Statoil refinery and, in exchange, receives refinery gas that used to be flared as waste. The power plant burns the refinery gas to generate electricity and steam. It sends excess steam to a fish farm that it operates, to a district heating system serving 3,500 homes, and to the Novo Nordisk plant. Sludge from the fish farm and pharmaceutical processes becomes fertilizer for nearby farms. The power plant sends fly ash to a cement company, while gypsum produced by the power plant's desulfurization process goes to a company that produces gypsum wallboard. Finally, the Statoil refinery removes sulfur from its natural gas and sells it to Kemira, a sulfuric acid manufacturer. However, consultants id not design, nor did Danish government officials finance, Kalundborg's industrial symbiosis. It was, rather, the result of many separate bilateral deals between companies searching to reduce waste treatment and disposal costs and to gain access to cheaper materials and energy while generating income from production residue. Kalundborg, like other similar examples, developed entirely through market forces (Garner and Keoleian 1995; Gertler 1995; Lowe et al. 1996; Schwartz and Steininger 1997). Today, there is still no higher level of administration managing the interaction of Kalundborg companies and local government. Lowe 1997, 59). Jorgen Christensen, a spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, notes: â€Å"I was asked to speak on ‘how you designed Kalundborg. ‘ We didn't design the whole thing. It wasn't designed at all. It happened over time† (Lowe 1995, 15). This essay shows that the movement toward public planning of eco-industrial parks rests on a misreading of the Kalundborg experience. Kalundborg is not unique but rather is characteristic of industrial loops that cities have fostered for hundreds and even thousands of years. To assume that EIP planners can replicate and improve upon Kalundborg reflects insufficient knowledge of how market forces have historically promoted resource recovery. This essay compares private and public mechanisms in the development of industrial loops and illustrates how regulation of hazardous waste in the United States currently thwarts such industrial symbiosis. The essay concludes by arguing that greater reliance on market forces would be the most effective way of replicating the Danish experience.