Happy Birthday Wishes That Make Dreams Come True

Happy Birthday Wishes That Make Dreams Come True Douglas Horton said, If wishes were fishes, wed all be throwing nets. If wishes were horses wed all ride. However, on your birthday, you are entitled to make a wish. It is believed that if you make a silent wish as you blow the candles on your birthday cake, your wish will come true. The History of Birthday Wishes The tradition of putting candles on a birthday cake dates back to early Greek civilization. In ancient times, the Greek lit candles on the cake offered to the Moon Goddess, Artemis. They believed that the smoke emanating from the blown candles carried the prayers to heaven, and these prayers were answered. It was also believed that blowing out candles in one breath brought good luck. The tradition of blowing candles continues even today. The Meaning of Birthday Celebrations But birthday celebrations have become far too elaborate and laborious. Today, it is no longer just about cakes and candles; it is also about exotic party venues, theme birthdays, and expensive goody bags. Let us not forget the significance of birthday celebrations. The presence of your loved ones on your birthday makes you feel cherished. You cannot measure their love with the budget of the birthday party. Even a simple birthday celebration or a heartfelt birthday wish should make you feel blessed. Whether it is your 18th or 60th birthday; whether you have a simple or an elaborate celebration, you are lucky to share this special occasion with your near and dear ones. Birthdays bring families and friends closer and keep you smiling throughout the year. Birthday Wish Quotes Convey warm birthday wishes to your dear ones with these happy birthday wishes. A warm hug, a loving birthday wish, and blessings make birthdays memorable. George HarrisonAll the world is birthday cake, so take a piece, but not too much. Pablo PicassoYouth has no age. Tom StoppardAge is a high price to pay for maturity. Franz KafkaYouth is happy because it has the ability to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old. George SantayanaThere is no cure for birth and death, save to enjoy the interval. William Butler YeatsFrom our birthday, until we die,Is but the winking of an eye. Tom WilsonWisdom doesnt necessarily come with age. Sometimes age just shows up all by itself. Anthony PowellGrowing old is like being increasingly penalized for a crime you have not committed. Marie DresslerIt is not how old you are, but how you are old. Gertrude SteinWe are always the same age inside. Chinese ProverbA diamond cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials. Muhammad AliAge is whatever you think it is. You are as old as you think you are. Irish BlessingMay you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live. Chili DavisGrowing old is mandatory; growing up is optional. Anna MagnaniPlease dont retouch my wrinkles. It took me so long to earn them. Leo RosenbergFirst, you forget names, then you forget faces, then you forget to pull your zipper up, then you forget to pull your zipper down. Jack BennyAge is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you dont mind, it doesnt matter. Robert FrostTime and tide wait for no man, but time always stands still for a woman of thirty. Frank Lloyd WrightThe longer I live the more beautiful life becomes. Christina RossettiMy heart is like a singing bird. Because the birthday of my life is come, my love is come to me.

Nike Unethical Practices Essays

Nike Unethical Practices Essays Nike Unethical Practices Paper Nike Unethical Practices Paper NIKE Introduction The declaration by Philip H Knight that he would discontinue financial aid to the University of Oregon was a major issue that attracted the attention of the world media. That Mr. Knight had chosen to cut links with his alma mater was an issue that was greatly analyzed not just because of the business compulsions that hid behind the decision, but because the issue was important to understand the attitude of multinational companies towards business ethics. ustom essays Analysis Nike was under international pressure from various communities and non-governmental organizations on the issue of practicing unethical business tactics to enhance profits. For example Nike, which outsources most of its manufacturing tasks to other companies, had to face stiff public censure for possibly encouraging labor practices that provided very little compensation to the workers. Most of Nike’s shoe and apparel manufacturing units are situated in the Asian region where the labor costs are far less when compared to rates in the US. Additionally, the workers in the Asian region are less organized, are constrained to work at lower wages in order to overcome poverty and familial pressures, and so were easily available even if the conditions in the factories were pathetic according to US labor standards. The main issue that often came in for public criticism was that Nike used the services of ladies who could be paid much less in the Asian job markets. Similarly, the peculiar societal culture in the Asian region ensured that large numbers of ladies were available to take up the jobs offered by Nikes business associates in these countries. Another serious allegation which rocked the business prospects of the company was that Nikes business counterparts in Pakistan used child laborers to make footballs. The fact that child labor is banned and considered unethical in the developed nations was a major factor that turned public opinion against the company. The factories that partnered with Nike also paid much less attention to safety standards of its workers. While their American counterparts attended to research and development activities in the relative safety of their offices in the US, the contract workers were exposed to chemicals and strong scents in very hot and humid conditions. The chemicals ith which they dealt were quite harmful to the body and could pose serious diseases that affected the skin, lungs and even the reproductive organs. That the workers paid scant respect to the insufficient safety procedures in the factories pointed to the fact that they were either not informed of the harmful effects of the chemicals, or they were much less concerned for safety when faced with the question of their livelihood. Either way it was plain exploitation of cheap labor and abundant manpower. The ill treatment of workers who often had to work under great mental pressure in the factories was also a great concern that attracted media attention. Workers, especially women, were often rebuked and even assaulted by their supervisors and they had to work for long hours in order to keep their jobs. Often women had to commit to extra hours of unpaid duty in order to confirm to the strict productivity requirements within the company. The pay parity in the companies was also a very big issue when compared with the American standards. The stakeholders of the company and the general public of the United States were particularly peeved at the fact that women had to put in long hours of work in exchange for a pittance for their efforts. In short, Nike’s manufacturing units witnessed human exploitation and economic opportunism that provided rich dividends to the company. The company on the contrary maintained that it was only outsourcing its manufacturing operations to the Asian firms and that the situation in these companies was not under its direct control. However, the public debate and alienation directed against the company was mounting slowly and soon the company managers felt the need to revamp the image of the company in order to arrest the sliding morale of the companys executives. This was particularly necessary because prominent media houses started specifically attacking Nikes policy to not to interfere in the affairs of its franchisees. Nike, which had a good reputation among youngsters, also started gaining reputation as a badly managed company that exploited the economic weaknesses of the South Asian regions. No explanations of the company that it could not interfere with the local operations could convince the US public which believed that the company could enforce ethical work culture if it so desired. Even the high profile advertisements that the company used to its advantage started to get negative appeal in the US markets and that is when the company decided that it had to do something about the deteriorating work conditions in its co-concerns. Nike was initiated into action to promote good work culture when a furore was created on the issue of child labor in Pakistan. Nike immediately compelled its associates to prevent child labor in its factories. This was an important step that let the company management know that administrative pressures on the local firms were necessary to ensure the support and brand image that the company enjoyed worldwide. Of course, all the partnering companies of Nike agreed to the proposals made by the company with a view to prevent unethical work practices in their premises. Many activities that could be considered as unethical business practices such as child labor, exposure to harmful chemicals and fumes, supervisory pressures and assault were effectively checked by Nike even though many people believe that there are enough loopholes for the local firms to exploit. However, Nike went ahead and gave in to many demands that could effectively wear away its new reputation as an unethical business concern. For example, the company hired well known independent auditors to look into the practices of the violation of labor rights in its associate companies. This ensured that the Nike could assess the company even if the company secretly violated labor rules to maximize profits. A bare minimum wage plan was agreed upon in various companies so that the workers could be assured of at least a decent minimum pay. Workers were offered a better safety package so that they could be kept away from harmful chemicals and reagents. A medical plan was constituted to look into medical problems and the internal quality of the factories was made to suit internationally accepted health standards. This meant that the on-site hazards to the workers could be reduced to a great extent. Forced labor was abolished and a maximum limit on working hours was introduced. Similarly, the company discouraged engaging the services of children below a specific age for work in the factories. Labor issues like discrimination on the basis of religion, sex, and age were to be done away with and employees had to be given a right to organize themselves to press for their rights. Even though Nike made tall claims regarding its new labor-oriented practices in its companies, it may be said that all the recommendations were not fully met because there are many loopholes that can be used to work around the stipulations. In addition, the reluctance of the company to accept the demands of the Workers Rights Consortium on the basis of flimsy reasons proves that the management has serious reservations in implementing labor oriented practices because such practices can cut into the profits of the company. In this regard, it must be said that the company wants to make a facade of its labor oriented-activities while it wants to press forward with its practices that exploits the poor and the not-so-privileged.

1.Critically evaluate the claim that high commitment HRM leads to Essay

1.Critically evaluate the claim that high commitment HRM leads to improved levels of organisational performance - Essay Example There is an ever increasing trend for quality to be the major criterion that determines productivity, rather than a singular focus on costs which was the guiding principle prior to globalization. The new organizational approach therefore focuses on employee participation in decision making and a new set of human resource practices have evolved, focusing upon improvement in employee welfare through training, compensation and profit sharing, to motivate them in achieving this objective. These human resource practices are collectively referred to as high commitment HRM. In the present day competitive environment, people are viewed as an organization’s most valuable resource. While it may not be difficult for competitor companies to imitate products that are produced by one Company, it is next to impossible for one organization to imitate the people or replicate their skills. Human resource strategies within an organization are difficult to imitate because of path dependency, i,e, they are based upon organizational policies that have evolved over time. This is the reason why human resource management and its associated practices have come to be recognised as one of the most important factors that could impart a strategic advantage to an organization in competing in the global marketplace.(Boxall and Purcell, 2003). The scope of High Commitment HRM encompasses the notion of best practices in human resource management and the underlying premise is that there are some HR practices which have the potential to bring about improved organisational performance for all organisations (Marchington and Wilkinson, 2005:72). According to Baron and Kreps (1999), high commitment HRM is characterized by three kinds of goals. Firstly, employees need to clearly understand what the best interests of their organization are and work towards the achievement of those ends. Secondly, in order to achieve these best interests, employees should also be flexible enough to

'Smart Film'. Case study on Fight Club and Donnie Darko Essay

'Smart Film'. Case study on Fight Club and Donnie Darko - Essay Example This paper defines what Sconce means by this term, â€Å"Smart Film,† showing how it emerges out of both classical and art film cinema history, and provides some examples from two key films which have been categorized within this genre. There is then a discussion of the validity of the term, considering several possible objections to this classification. Finally, the paper concludes that the term â€Å"Smart film† is a valid genre descriptor, so long as it is understood in the ironic way that Sconce originally intended, and not as an indicator of quality or status. One of the main features of the â€Å"Smart Film† is the absence of a single plot line, or main character to unify the action. The way that the characters relate to each other is more complex, and the audience has to work harder to make sense of the connections and dis-connections that appear on the screen. This shift of focus from more traditional linear approaches is described by Sconce as a narrativ e style â€Å"centering not on a central unifying character’s dynamic action (as in classic Hollywood cinema) nor on relatively passive observations (as in previous art cinema), but rather on a series of seemingly random events befalling a loosely related set of characters.† (Sconce, 2002, 362) ... Kristin Thompson argues that this has been a tendency of blockbuster movies right through the 1970s and 1980s: â€Å"... Hollywood continues to succeed through its skill in telling strong stories based on fast-paced action and characters with clear psychological traits. The ideal American film still centers around a well-structured, carefully motivated series of events that the spectator can comprehend relatively easily.† (Thompson, 1999, 8) This so-called â€Å"classical† style of movie production endures because it has become the accepted â€Å"norm† for the majority of film audiences. Thompson acknowledges the importance of episodic films, and the emergence of post-modern cinema, which breaks with many of these traditions, but maintains that Hollywood will doubtless continue to be fascinated by genres such as the action film which tend to be both â€Å"formulaic† and â€Å"overblown† (Thompson, 1999, 338) The impact of non-classical films like Ta rantino’s Pulp Fiction, has, according to Thompson, been minimal, leaving a legacy which encourages imitators to dwell on the extremes of sex and violence rather than engage in novel approaches to narrative structure. Thompson makes valid points, but the â€Å"Smart Film† genre shows that some independent film-makers working together with the large studios have managed to break away from the stranglehold of classical expectations. Sconce’s reference to art films, as well as classical film, is highly relevant, and although Sconce is keen to point out the differences between his new genre of â€Å"Smart Films† and the art film genre, there are also many similarities between the two genres. The work of Bordwell has done much to explain the specific art film

The meaning of life Essay Example for Free

The meaning of life Essay Introduction: According to Saint Exupery in The Halo (2006), â€Å"Each man must look to himself to teach him the meaning of life. It is not something discovered: it is something moulded. † The meaning of life has a no specific definition; it depends on how each individual give meaning to their lives. It is a natural thing for an individual to curiously know about their life since their birth till death. Moreover, human beings are also curious to find out why they were put in this earth that is why babies keep touching everything in order to experience all their surroundings from the very beginning (Taylor, 2000). In this essay, the concept of meaning will be significantly analysed. Firstly, by defining the meaning which will secondly be followed by discussing the different types of needs an individual must meet to experience the meaning of life. Thirdly, the types of things that enhance and curb the experience of the meaning of life will be highlighted. Lastly, various practical steps will be described to enhance the experience of the meaning of life. This essay will be intertwined with personal reflections and aspirations that have enhanced the meaning of life for the writer. What is the meaning of ‘meaning’? Subjectivism: According to Eagleton (2007), everyone adds their own meaning to life. The meaning of life is never universal or complex. The meaning of life is very simple and people experience it when they understand the universe, themselves, their identity and their goal in life (Bennet, 2005). Subjectivists state that the meaning differs with individuals’ psychological and mental states and their desires and goals. For example one individual can find meaning of life in music or art while other may find it in attaining goals or in religion (REF). In addition to this, (REF) states that life only becomes meaningful when all the needs and wants are fulfilled and when the individual is content and satisfied with themselves. Super naturalistic views: On the other hand, spiritual beings consider their lives to be consequential and significant when they can reach the pious pathway God has set (REF). The God-centred view points out that the definitive meaning of life is holistically attained. Moreover, an individual will only figure out the meaning of life when they are not attached to the worldly desires (REF). Personal reflection: Personally, the meaning of life for me is constantly being in search for my identity and accomplishing the goals I have set in life. I explore my identity through my art work as it helps me express my feelings and emotions about everything. My art work makes me realize who I am as a person and what people interpret me as a person through my paintings. What types of needs must be met for a person to experience meaning in life? Searching the meaning of life is a motivational force in an individual however; the degree of motivation to which they search the meaning of life differs in all individuals (REF). Despite individuals having different degrees of motivation, there are some needs and conditions that must be met for the individuals to experience the meaning of life. Individuals do not necessarily have to meet the same needs and conditions to experience the meaning of life. Some individuals are inspired by other individuals like great artists, inventors and thinkers, some individuals need sense of belonging, some need to experience certain events to make sense of life while others need to attain autonomy and self efficacy to experience the meaning of life. In short, individuals can discover the meaning of life through social work, experiencing something or someone or reactions towards unavoidable circumstances (REF). For example, an individual who is very emotional needs to experience the need of belonging in order to experience the meaning of life. They need to have many friends and a good relationship with their family in order to satisfy their need of belonging; this helps the individual to live a happy and full life. However, if they do not feel the sense of belonging, they have no hope hence do not have anything to look forward to and see no point of living. Conversely, not all individuals need to meet the need of belonging to experience the meaning of life. Some may have to experience the need of autonomy and self efficacy. These types of individuals usually have certain goals and tasks in life which they believe they can attain thus that would help them experience the meaning of life. For example, an individual whose goal is to become a doctor tries to attain that goal by being a hard worker and devoting all his time to attain their goal. They would experience the meaning of life when they achieve the title of the doctor as it would help them conquer a place in the community and gain some prestige. In addition to this, if an individual fails to attain this need might gain a very low self esteem which would then impact on the choices they makes in life. They would become very dependent on others and would not be able to cope with that leading them to suffer from various health issues. What types of things enhance the experience of meaning in life? The meaning of life can be enhanced by sustaining life, accepting a teaching, giving life or creating wisdom (REF). For example things that would enhance the meaning of life for mothers, doctors and nurses is when they deliver as links in a biological chain by giving life from one generation to the other. Young artists are inspired and enhance their meaning of life when they authorize and respect and accept their teacher’s work (REF). Personally, as an artist, the meaning of life for me is enhanced when I can appreciate the work of different artists and what they are trying to express in their paintings. Art work makes me understand the different feelings individuals go though and how they express it through drawings. It also makes me see different viewpoints of life and experiences people are going through. Despite all individuals having different needs to discover the meaning of life, there are certain things that all individuals require to enhance the meaning of life like: Hope Inspiration Goals High self esteem. What types of things curb the experience of meaning in life? Many individuals curb their experiences of the meaning in life due to: No inspiration or goals and failure: If an individual constantly fails and has no potential and inspiration of achieving his goals may feel ineffective and hopeless. They may start feeling that they have no purpose in life and life is completely meaningless for them. Loss of loved ones: loss of a loved one through death or divorce may affect an individual mentally and emotionally. They may feel the are not loved and do not belong anywhere as their loved one does not exist anymore. The loss brings suffering and misery which makes an individual believe that like if meaningless. Lastly, experiences like these pushes an individual to have a low self esteem and become reserved (REF). Personal Reflection: If individuals are not open, emotionless or afraid to be seen as themselves due to low self esteem cannot enhance their meaning of life and hence would curb this experience. As an artist, my goal is to become an art teacher and help other children to express their feelings through painting if they cannot through words. However, I have a clear goal and always have been inspired by my father to attain this goal. If I had a low self esteem and did not believe in myself, I would have no hope hence that would curb the search of meaning of life as I would feel I am worthless Practical steps to enhance the experience of a meaningful life As mentioned above, many individuals curb their experiences of the meaning in life due to low self esteem, no inspiration, no goals and being reserved. However, they can enhance their experience firstly by accepting and believing in themselves. This would help them make a contribution to life and share their best. According to (REF) self-destructive behaviour can be conquered by increasing self-efficacy and self-esteem. This can be done through counselling so that they can start believing in themselves. Individuals who need the sense of belonging to experience the meaning of life should try and fit in and socialize with people they are close to and have good relationships with them all. Furthermore, individuals who are trying to attain a specific goal should always reward themselves every time they are a step closer towards the goal. This would keep them motivated and not lose hope. Personally, I enhance my experience by acknowledging the great artists and how they are an inspiration to other young artists. Conclusion Finally as mentioned there is no specific meaning of life. All individuals need to meet different types of needs such as the need of belonging, experiencing life threatening incidents, need of autonomy and self efficacy to experience the meaning of life. An individual’s perception, values, needs and feelings centre him and help in organizing the world around him. Feelings help in expressing oneself. If an individual has a great skill in expressing himself, he can change the larger world. Great artists found expressions in their art work which helped them change the world that came after them. The creations around us are the different individuals trying to express themselves and their experiences of the meaning of life. All the inhibitors that we posses such as low self esteem and inner struggles should be resolved to make life more creative and enhance the meaning of life.

From Songs of Limbs and Flesh and Heart Perhaps Too :: Creative Writing Essays

From Songs of Limbs and Flesh and Heart Perhaps Too "Am I desirable?" le dà ©sir/ desire Without the consistent reminder that the amorous subject is found sexually appealing, there is an attention to physical detail, a reassessment of worth, and of balance between what is called "inner and outer beauty" 1. In the mirror I am searching for what the other will be drawn to. And not only the other, but anyone: strangers, foes, past lovers. I am scanning legs, hair, and curve of thigh. Is it elbow, or nape of neck? For though in the past I fled from those who took little interest in me "as a person," I now crave this one-track regard just when I at last seem to be appreciated for "who I am." Hence a constant sense of unrest, seeking an other who balances these two desires. (Although I am inclined to believe that the latter must have, to some degree, the same lure to the superficial, only is more capable of hiding it for reasons of character or perhaps sexual feat.) 2. I have bought these new clothes - tighter/shorter/more exposing - for the purpose that the other will take note of the way my body looks in them, for a possible verbal response to a carnal reaction. Here I do not expect much, but wish perhaps the other could muster the words of Federico Garcia Lorca, "To see you naked is to remember the earth." I am thus seeking affirmation, approval. It boils down to ordinary sexual attention. I need to be reminded that the other finds me more than sufficiently, irresistibly at times, alluring. II. Looking at Lips I was once told that the dent between our lips and our noses is the fingerprint of an angel who has erased all knowledge of past lives before we are reborn into new ones. I find that my pinky fits nicely into mine, and wonder if perhaps fuller-lipped people had more memory that needed erasing, more interesting lives to be forgotten. Today my lips feel warm. They are chapping and at last picking up color, which I welcome (sans chapstick) to my otherwise pale features. In elementary school, my teachers seemed thin-lipped. In fashion magazines, gaunt women are featured with round, luscious lips. I can imagine the way their lips bundle up for the lipstick, then relax, allowing the colored stick to pull them side to side.

Environmental Protection Essay

What is your carbon foot print? A carbon footprint has historically been defined by Championne as â€Å"the total sets of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by an organization, event, product or person.†[1] However, calculating the total carbon footprint is impossible due to the large amount of data required and the fact that carbon dioxide can be produced by natural occurrences. It is for this reason that Wright, Kemp, and Williams, writing in the journal Carbon Management, have suggested a more practicable definition: â€Å"A measure of the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) emissions of a defined population, system or activity, considering all relevant sources, sinks and storage within the spatial and temporal boundary of the population, system or activity of interest. Calculated as carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) using the relevant 100-year global warming potential (GWP100).†[2] Greenhouse gases can be emitted through transport, land clearance, and the production and consum ption of food, fuels, manufactured goods, materials, wood, roads, buildings, and services.[3] For simplicity of reporting, it is often expressed in terms of the amount of carbon dioxide, or its equivalent of other GHGs, emitted. Most of the carbon footprint emissions for the average U.S. household come from â€Å"indirect† sources, i.e. fuel burned to produce goods far away from the final consumer. These are distinguished from emissions which come from burning fuel directly in one’s car or stove, commonly referred to as â€Å"direct† sources of the consumer’s carbon footprint.[4] The concept name of the carbon footprint originates from ecological footprint,discussion,[5] which was developed by Rees and Wackernagel in the 1990s which estimates the number of â€Å"earths† that would theoretically be required if everyone on the planet consumed resources at the same level as the person calculating their ecological footprint. However, carbon footprints are much more specific than ecological footprints since they measure direct emissions of gasses that cause climate change into the atmosphere. Measuring Carbon Footprints An individual’s, nation’s, or organization’s carbon footprint can be measured by undertaking a GHG emissions assessment or other calculative activities denoted as carbon accounting. Once the size of a carbon footprint is known, a strategy can be devised to reduce it, e.g. by technological developments,  better process and product management, changed Green Public or Private Procurement (GPP), carbon capture, consumption strategies, and others. Several free online carbon footprint calculators exist, with at least one supported by publicly available peer-reviewed data and calculations from the University of California, Berkeley’s CoolClimate Network research consortium.[6][7] These websites ask you to answer some basic questions about your diet, transportation choices, home size, shopping and recreational activities, usage of electricity, heating, and heavy appliances such as dryers and refrigerators, and so on. The website then estimates your carbon footprint based on your answers to these questions. The mitigation of carbon footprints through the development of alternative projects, such as solar or wind energy or reforestation, represents one way of reducing a carbon footprint and is often known as Carbon offsetting. The main influences on carbon footprints include population, economic output, and energy and carbon intensity of the economy.[8] These factors are the main targets of individuals and businesses in order to decrease carbon footprints. Scholars suggest the most effective way to decrease a carbon footprint is to either decrease the amount of energy needed for production or to decrease the dependence on carbon emitting fuels How has engineering changed us? As we enter the twenty-first century, we must embark on a worldwide transition to a more holistic approach to engineering. This will require: (1) a major paradigm shift from control of nature to participation with nature; (2) an awareness of ecosystems, ecosystems services, and the preservation and restoration of natural capital; and (3) a new mindset of the mutual enhancement of nature and humans that embraces the principles of sustainable development, renewable resources management, appropriate technology. During the past several centuries, the successive development of the printing press, wired and wireless communication, and the Internet have enabled the ubiquitous creation, shaping, and sharing of knowledge. One could argue that as a result of these developments, the capacity for universal participation in decisionmaking in politics and other spheres has risen to an unprecedented level, as has the potential for enhancing the quality of life for a broader segment of humankind. Today, a new world of  robust communication lies before us, and it has all been made possible by the talents, skills, and dedicated work of engineers and scientists. How we develop and use this capacity will determine our destiny. The essence of engineering, on the other hand, is integrating all knowledge for some purpose. As society’s â€Å"master integrators,† engineers must provide leadership in the concurrent and interactive processes of innovation and wealth creation. The engineer must be able to work across many different disciplines and fields–and make the connections that will lead to deeper insights, more creative solutions, and getting things done. In a poetic sense, paraphrasing the words of Italo Calvino (1988), the engineer must be adept at correlating exactitude with chaos to bring visions into focus. How can we create a sustainable community? There are many definitions and there are many different ways for communities to attain a more sustainable future. The sustainability of a community depends on creating and maintaining its economic and environmental health, promoting social equity, and fostering broad-based citizen participation in planning and implementation. Communities that engage citizens and institutions to develop sustainability principles and a collective vision for the future and that apply an integrative approach to environmental, economic, and social goals are generally likely to be more successful. Job creation, energy use, housing, transportation, education and health are considered complementary parts of the whole. Since all issues are interconnected they must be addressed as a system. The process includes: †¢ broad and diverse involvement of citizens †¢ the creation of a collective vision for the future †¢ the development of principles of sustainability †¢ an inventory of existing assets and resources and additional assets that would benefit the community †¢ clear, measurable goals †¢ the development of community indicators to evaluate progress †¢ open and transparent communication †¢ early, visible results †¢ celebration of success Sustainability is a process of continuous improvement so communities  constantly evolve and make changes to accomplish their goals. The initiatives and resources on this website have been selected to help you learn about ways to make your community healthier, safer, greener, more livable, and more prosperous. How can renewable energies transform our society? Renewable energy is important because of the benefits it provides. The key benefits are: Environmental Benefits  Renewable energy technologies are clean sources of energy that have a much lower environmental impact than conventional energy technologies. Energy for our children’s children’s children  Renewable energy will not run out. Ever. Other sources of energy are finite and will some day be depleted. Jobs and the Economy  Most renewable energy investments are spent on materials and workmanship to build and maintain the facilities, rather than on costly energy imports. Renewable energy investments are usually spent within the United States, frequently in the same state, and often in the same town. This means your energy dollars stay home to create jobs and fuel local economies, rather than going overseas. Meanwhile, renewable energy technologies developed and built in the United States are being sold overseas, providing a boost to the U.S. trade deficit. Energy Security After the oil supply disruptions of the early 1970s, our nation has increased its dependence on foreign oil supplies instead of decreasing it. This increased dependence impacts more than just our national energy policy. Is it important to create micro energy system or macro system? An energy system may be thought of as an interrelated network of energy sources and stores of energy, connected by transmission and distribution of that energy to where it is needed. The transformation from stores of energy in food to work, and subsequent dissipation of energy is an example of such a system. The starting point of all energy in this â€Å"food chain† or â€Å"energy chain† (considering only the vegetable and cereal part of our food) is the sun.

Ethnic Drinking Subcultures

Ethnic DrinkiETHNIC DRINKING SUBCULTURES by Andrew M. Greeley, WilliamC. McCready and Gary Theisen Chapter One (Page 1-14) Says : Cultures have been able to integrate drinking into a religious and symbolic context. Irish tend to have a serious drinking problem with drinking; Jews and Italians do not. There are two psychological explanations to be found for alcoholism-cultural and psychological. In a culture in which the demands for male supportiveness are high and there is low support for assertiveness in the male role, the author argues that drinking increases in men at least.The author also discuss the influence of drinking socialization on drinking patterns. Does : It provides the background knowledge required to understand the contents of the book. It introduces the proposition through specialized, concrete and qualitative premises. Chapter Three (Page 36-52) Says : Different cultures are evaluated on the he characteristics of power and support. The Irish and Italians are high on power and support, while the Swedes and Jews are low.Italians and Jews are high on support than are Irish and Swedes. On this basis, it can expected that the groups would rank themselves in terms of alcohol consumption in the following order : irish, Swedes, Italians, Jews. Thus, there is a striking difference in the drinking environment of each drinking group. Does : It provides reasons in support of the proposition. It provides concrete and qualitative examples. It also provides several descriptive examples and qualitative evidence.Chapter Six (Page 83-89) Says : The chapter examines whether the different ethnic groups may have different ‘addiction' subcultures. The Irish may drink more because they have an ‘oral dependency' subculture. While various groups do not differ enormously in their adolescent years in their levels of drug consumption, young people from the different groups seem to find their way into peer-group environments where the propensity to abuse alcoh ol and drugs is high.Does : It provides several specialized and concrete research findings. It introduces several implications of the proposition. Chapter Eight (Page 95-101) Says : There are different drinking subcultures among ethnic groups studied, which influence the drinking behavior and ones propensity to have drinking problems. These cultures are remarkably durable, persisting across generations. Does : It provides a conclusion for the book, and highlights the most important facts related to drinking and ethnicity.

Free Essays on Theme Of Oedipus The King

between the messenger and Oedipus is â€Å"deadly... Free Essays on Theme Of Oedipus The King Free Essays on Theme Of Oedipus The King Introducing a Theme of Oedipus the King Hugh H. Paschal states, â€Å" Idea is often equated to theme, the central meaning of a literary work† (67). Important ideas in literature might be found in several persuasive areas such as â€Å" the arts, the environment, politics and government, religion and morality.† (Paschal 67). A literary work can present more than one of these ideas. For example, in Sophocles’ Oedipus the King he conveys the idea that truth is sometimes better undiscovered. Sophocles illustrates this idea in several dialogues between characters. The first illustration is the dialogue between Tiresias the prophet and Oedipus. Then there is the discourse between the messenger and Oedipus. Finally, the dialogue between Jocasta and Oedipus proves that some secrets should stay unexplored. Sophocles uses dialogue between Oedipus and the three distinct characters to present the idea that the hidden truth should sometimes stay concealed. The first dialogue is an illustration of an idea was placed in the dialogue between Oedipus the King and Tiresias, the Prophet. â€Å"Whether the words of characters support or oppose the author’s own view, they still may address the work’s ideas† (Paschal 72). Oedipus the King calls for Tiresias, this beckoning of him was to help release Thebes from the plague, but he states â€Å"I will never reveal my dreadful secret† (Sophocles 1234). At this point Oedipus makes the first mistake; he forces Tiresias to tell him who is the cause of the ruin of Thebes. Oedipus finds out in his extreme state of anger that he is the one thought so badly of, the killer of Laius. He does not realize that this was the start of all the secrets that should have been kept concealed. Sophocles successfully shows that these secrets should have been and in many ways where tried to be kept concealed from Oedipus. In the second exchange of words between the messenger and Oedipus is â€Å"deadly...

Definition of Geography

Definition of Geography Since the beginning of humankind, the study of geography has captured the imagination of the people. In ancient times, geography books extolled tales of distant lands and dreamed of treasures. The ancient Greeks created the word geography from the roots ge for earth and grapho for to write. These people experienced many adventures and needed a way to explain and communicate the differences between various lands. Today, researchers in the field of geography still focus on people and cultures (cultural geography), and the planet earth (physical geography).   Physical Geography The features of the earth are the domain of physical geographers and their work includes research about climates, the formation of landforms, and plant and animal distribution. Working in closely related areas, the research of physical geographers and geologists often overlaps. Cultural Geography Religion, languages, and cities are a few of the specialties of cultural (also known as human) geographers. Their research into the intricacies of human existence is fundamental to our understanding of cultures. Cultural geographers want to know why various groups practice certain rituals, speak in different dialects, or organize their cities in a particular way. New Frontiers in Geography Geographers plan new communities, decide where new highways should be placed, and establish evacuation plans. Computerized mapping and data analysis are known as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a new frontier in geography. Spatial data is gathered on a variety of subjects and input onto a computer. GIS users can create an infinite number of maps by requesting portions of the data to plot. Theres always something new to research in geography: new nation-states are created, natural disasters strike populated areas, the worlds climate changes, and the Internet brings millions of people closer together. Knowing where countries and oceans are on a map is important but geography is much more than the answers to trivia questions. Having the ability to geographically analyze allows us to understand the world in which we live.

Business Models And The Changing Business Environment Essay

Business Models And The Changing Business Environment - Essay Example These models are applied so that the needs of the customers can be fulfilled. The enterprises require to structure those practices in such a way that the business model connect with innovation and forming of the business strategy (Hedman & Kalling, 2003). In this report a discussion about the changing environment will be presented. This will exhibit the development in the global economy and the change in the traditional practices which lead towards technological growth and development. Innovation in communication and the development in the technology will lead to the establishment of the global trading regime. Such methods have ignited the competition because the customers have more options available for choosing from the best available option. This practice has forced the organisations in developing a more customer centred approach. This study will show the application of the business models used by Apple Inc. which will clearly differentiate the traditional and the modern way the b usinesses are structured. ACCOUNTANTS VIEW OF THE BUSINESS MODEL The business model in accounting is related to the economic theory of the firms. This is related to the measurement issues which are within the financial reporting systems. The understanding of the organisational and financial structure of the business is also referred to as the accountant’s view of the business model. The incorporation of the business model is observed in the business plan, income statement and the cash flow projections of the organisation. Similarly, the application of the model is more conceptual rather than financial. The application of the model emphasises on the use of technology, benefits to the customers, identification of the target market segment, ensure appropriate flow of the revenue, mechanism for capturing value and utilising those for accomplishing the organisational goals and objectives (EFRAG, 2013). These methods are important because they create value for the customers, entice the payments and convert the payments into profits for the organisation. This shows a direct relation with the economic as well as accounting benefits for the organisations (Hedman & Kalling, 2003). DEFINITION BY TEECE (2010) The definition presented by Teece (2010) about the application of the business model specifies that the essence of the model is more conceptual rather than financial. The knowledge which is required for developing the business model requires that there is extensive knowledge of the economy, changing trends of the business and the adaptation towards e-commerce, outsourcing of the major business functions and restructuring the financial services around the globe. The excessive use of technology and the development of the model have developed an understanding of the ways the businesses need to understand and determine the customer value (Teece, 2010). The business model has a direct relation with the theoretical foundation of the business and this requires that a n equilibrium measure is created which develops perfect competition in the real world (Teece, 2010). The customers are less concerned about the products and they are more centred towards the solutions to their needs. Innovative ideas which aim at satisfying the customer needs succeed in attracting more customers rather than the traditional methods using which the business functions

Annotated Bibliography - Does Illegal Immigration Help or Hurt the US Essay

Annotated Bibliography - Does Illegal Immigration Help or Hurt the US Economy - Essay Example The author realizes that illegal immigration persists in the United States since old times. Those who enter the United States illegally come from various nations, such as Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and the Caribbean. In particular, the author notes that in recent years illegal immigrants from China, Mexico, and other European countries increase dramatically in the United States. In that sense, Sadowski-Smith is one of the various thinkers and analysts who try to tackle the subject of illegal immigration in the United States, trying to push the country to adopt strict measures to control this negative phenomenon. According to the author, the current illegal migration from Chinese and European countries much exceed the case of Mexico, which was long believed to be one of the major producer of illegal immigrants to the United States. In that sesne, this article takes a comparative view in attempting to study the negative consequences of illegal immigration on US economy. As stated cle arly by the author, the main goal of this article is to â€Å"examine European and Chinese migratory movements as precursors to and contemporaries of Mexican undocumented immigration.† In trying to analyze Sadowski-Smith’s article, one may realize that the author makes a good job analyzing many of the negative consequences of illegal immigration to the US. ... Also, Sadowski-Smith puts much of the blame on US businessmen and companies, which seek to hire unskilled labor among illegal immigrants to pay them low wages. In this context, she cites the example of U.S. railroad companies, which â€Å"asked entrepreneurs to help them recruit unskilled labor from China in the mid-1870s.† Accordingly, Sadowski-Smith, in this article, succeeds in determining and analyzing some of the historical factors that have led to the severity of the phenomenon of undocumented immigration in the US. Samers, Michael. â€Å"’Here to Work’: Undocumented Immigration in the United States and Europe.† SAIS Review, Volume 21, Number 1, Winter-Spring 2001, pp.131-145. Published by The Johns Hopkins University Press Michael Samers, in this article, makes a close and significant link between the phenomenon of illegal immigration to the US and the increase of informal labor in the country. To enrich his argument, the author makes a comparative study between the statuses of illegal immigration in the US to the case in Europe. In this context, Samers argues that â€Å"the United States and the European Union have witnessed a historically relative transnationalization of their economies and societies,† and this aspect is strongly marked by â€Å"a demand for low-skilled production and service workers.† In addition, the author also realizes that regional integration, in both cases of US and Europe, plays a significant role in spreading the phenomenon of illegal immigration in both the United States and Europe. In the case of the US, regional integration is embodied in NAFTA, while in Europe, it is embodied in the European Union. As the