Case Study Apple Inc. - 1652 Words

Apple Inc., is debatably one of the most innovative technology companies in the world. Apple, Inc. stands for innovation in personal computing and digital media distribution. The company aspirations for nothing short of a revolution when designing, developing, and distributing its line of merchandises. Apple s merchandises range from an amount of desktop and portable computers that are geared for the consumer and education markets, digital music players (iPod), online music store (iTunes), and Smartphone (iPhone). Applications are designed for users convenience and productivity. Two college dropouts Seven Jobs and Steven Wozniak began the Apple Computer Company in 1976. AAPL, NASDAQ is the company’s ticker symbol and stock exchange. Over 72,800 people work for the company and www.apple.com is the website for their products. Within 2 months of building their first computer circuit board in their garage, they had sales orders for 200 units. The project was capitalized from money raised by the sale of Job s van and Wozniak s HP calculator and the company was named after a 220-acre farm in Oregon that Jobs was part owner (Wozniak and Smith, 2006; Young and Simon, 2005). Working as a team, Wozniak was the technical mastermind and Jobs was the visionary whose task was to bring an easy-to-use computer to the market (Yoffie and Slind, 2008). Powered by the successful launch of the Apple II computer (a simple machine that people used straight out of the box), which sold more thanShow MoreRelatedCase Study : Apple Inc.1349 Words   |  6 Pages Case Analysis: APPLE INC.: IPODS AND ITUNES Donna Martinelli TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY September 3, 2014 Table of Contents Executive Summary..................................................................................................3 Introduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..3 Defining the Challenge...............................................................................................3 Analyzing the case data....................Read MoreCase Study : Apple Inc. Essay1422 Words   |  6 PagesCase Study: Apple Apple Inc. focuses on the design, manufacture, and marketing of personal computers, mobile phones, multimedia devices, and portable music players. Apple Inc. offers consumers manufactured goods under the brand names Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, Mac, iPod, and Apple TV. Enhancing the customer experience through their proprietary software applications iOS, X, OS, and watchOS brands; and services across their Apple Pay and iCloud products (Forbes.com, 2016). Explored in detail, Apple’sRead MoreApple Inc. Case Study1494 Words   |  6 PagesApple Inc. Case Study TABLE OF CONTENTS COMPANY OVERVIEW General Description Historical Outline Industry Current Challenges Ethics and Responsibility STRATEGIC INFORMATION Mission Statement Competition SWOT Analysis HISTORICAL FINANCIAL ANALYSIS Historical Financial Information Competitive Financial Analysis Summary FUTURE PLANS Competitive Advantage Recent Performance Business Environment Recommendations Zackery Butler, Connor Daugherty, Stanashia Davis, Gabrielle Drohan, and Lauren SpearsRead MoreCase Study : Apple Inc.1971 Words   |  8 PagesCritical Essay Introduction Apple Inc. is a globally recognised pioneer in the tech industry. It is a corporation that designs, develops and sells electronic products such as tablets, computers and phones. Founded by Ronald Wayne, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in 1976, it is a multinational corporation with headquarters in Cupertino, California. Tim Cook has been CEO since Jobs’ passing in 2011. Labour conditions Despite its global recognition and status, Apple Inc. has come under scrutiny in recentRead MoreCase Study : Apple Inc.2083 Words   |  9 PagesBackground This paper presents a case study of Apple Inc. Apple Inc. is a technology based corporation with emphasis on computer software and hardware (MAC and Apps), tablets (IPad), smart phones (IPhone), and mp3 plays, (ITouch). Apple Inc. has grown tremendously over the years and ever since 2001 has expanded its brand and retail stores to over 375 stores/outlets globally. The business has seventy two thousand eight hundred employees in thirty eight countries. Apple Inc. has truly become one of theRead MoreCase Study : Apple Inc. Essay6014 Words   |  25 PagesIntroduction On a daily basis we all encounter all forms of technology. There are several technological corporations in the current industry but one stands out†¦.Apple Inc. Apple Inc. is an international corporation, situated in Cupertino, California. The company designs, manufactures and markets consumer electronics and computer software products. Apple is well known for its hardware products such as Macintosh computers, the iPod, the iPhone and its innovative software such as the Mac OS X operating systemRead MoreCase Study : Apple Inc.1943 Words   |  8 Pages Apple Inc was incorporated in 1977 by Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs. As a startup company Apple Inc went through several management changes and conflicts which caused the company to lose some of its competitive advantage against companies like Dell, Gateway and Microsoft. The company designs and manufactures various products in the computer and music industry. Apple being strictly a personal computer company decided to venture into marketing other products like the iPod, a digital music player, andRead MoreApple Inc Case Study851 Words   |  4 PagesApple inc. 1) Introduction Background and summary This article present the story of Steve Jobs and it’s Apple company through two aspects. From the company history perspective and the product industry perspective. On company history side: Apple was founded by two Steves. Apple board later fired Jobs and gradually went near bankruptcy. Till 1997, Apple brought back Jobs and became the most valuable company in the world in 2012. On the product industry side, Article dig into the fieldRead MoreCase Study : Apple Inc.1417 Words   |  6 Pageschanged the world with Apple Inc Company. Both of them was out of college, they were making so much money in the computer company Apple was started with introduction of computer I computer on April 1, 1976. Apple was incorporated January 3, 1977. The Apple II was introduced on April 16, 1977 at the first West Coast computer Faire. The Apple II was chosen to be the desktop platform for the ground breaking use call spreadsheet program. He was created a business market for the Apple II and gave home usersRead MoreCase Study : Apple Inc.1732 Words   |  7 PagesApple Inc. is a California based company that was incorporated in 1977. According to University of Oregon Investment Group, â€Å"Apple operates out of 8 different segments: Desktops, Portables, iPod, iPhone, iPad, other music related products and services, peripherals and other hardware, software, service and oth er sales† (2012). According to the company’s 2013 10-K, â€Å"Apple sells its products worldwide through its retail stores, online stores, and direct sales force, as well as through third-party cellular

Cruise Ship - 923 Words

A cruise is providing customers with an experience of a lifetime. The company seeks to fulfill the following needs of the customers to the extent of delighting them: †¢ Customer Service †¢ Delivering on its Promise ï‚ § MARKET TRENDS: The tourism industry has been growing at a high rate for the last few years. Due to busy lives, people are willing to spend more on vacations than anything else. Though most vacation packages are costly, but they provide a feeling of satisfaction and serve as a source of relaxation. The factors mainly included in these trends are family comfort, a feeling of togetherness and willingness to spend on vacations. ï‚ § MARKET GROWTH: The market’s growth is steady and present throughout the world. The frequent†¦show more content†¦COMPETITION We basically, have no competitors as we are targeting to serve a market which isn’t being targeted as yet. We have a monopoly over this niche market. PRODUCT OFFERING Our offering is a cruise ship with most of the luxuries to fulfill a person’s dreams of a vacation. Designed to completely spoil the vacationer, the cruise ship features spacious staterooms, which are extremely comfortable to live in and give the feeling of a home away from home. It also includes: †¢ A ball room †¢ An on board spa and fitness centre with all facilities to satisfy health conscious guests †¢ A lavish dining room complete with a pool area for the occasional out door dinner †¢ On-board sports facilities †¢ A small hospital equipped to handle any health-related issues †¢ A library for the scholarly †¢ A gift shop to aid in celebrations †¢ And the most unique feature we possess in an on-board currency exchanger, so that our guests need not go to the trouble of finding one after docking, and can use the spare time to enjoy themselves. KEYS TO SUCCESS †¢ Services should be great. †¢ Excellent and proper safety measures so that customers may feel customized. †¢ Good maintenance of the ship. †¢ Good marketing so that more customers are comfortably and easily attracted. †¢ Provision of entertainment. †¢ Affordable prices. †¢ Different packages according toShow MoreRelatedCruise Ship And The Cruise Industry999 Words   |  4 PagesCruises are a blast and a fabulous way to vacation and explore the world, however cruises have a tainted reputation for being low wage, demanding sweat shops. This is an unfair and biased view of the cruise industry. Cruises, from Norwegian to Carnival, are considered to be a negative work environment and this is a simple view to adopt, thanks to articles such as Christopher Grant’s â€Å"The Fun Ship.† However, internet sources written by either current or retired cruise line workers often bestow glowingRead MoreCruise Ship and Island Queen3977 Words   |  16 Pages- Negotiation Simulation 3 (Assessed) – Island Cruise To be emailed to relevant team members in week 9 – strictly confidential MGB225 - NEGOTIATION SIMULATION 3 (ASSESSED) WEEK 10 CAPTAIN STUART BING – TEAMS A, C D ISLAND CRUISE Introduction In this exercise you will participate in a negotiation about a cruise ship and its rights to visit a tropical island. You will role-play this negotiation as either the director of the cruise ship or the mayor of the island. The issues to be discussedRead MoreCruise Ship3513 Words   |  15 PagesCRUISE SHIP A cruise ship or cruise liner is a (usually very large) passenger ship used for pleasure voyages, where the voyage itself and the ship s amenities are part of the experience, as well as the different destinations along the way. Transportation is not the prime purpose, as cruise ships operate mostly on routes that return passengers to their originating port, so the ports of call are usually in a specified region of a continent. In contrast, dedicated transport oriented ocean linersRead MoreCruise Ship s And The Canadian Arctic Essay1303 Words   |  6 Pages Cruise Ship s and the Canadian Arctic Cruise ship tourism is on the rise, by the end of 2016 nearly 24 million people will have taken a cruise ( Cruise Industry Outlook, 2016). The cruise ship industry has experience a 68% increase in demand since the mid 2000 s. Therefore, it is not surprising then, that the cruise ship industry had an global economic impact of 119.9 billion in 2014 ( Cruise Industry Outlook, 2016). As more individuals turn to cruises to fulfill their vacation needs, and arcticRead MoreTh Cruise Ship Industry Effects1352 Words   |  6 PagesThe Cruise Ship Industry Carlene Shaw Northern Caribbean University Tour209: Caribbean Tourism and Travel Ms. Murihead Question 2 1. (a) Critically evaluate the impacts that the cruise ship industry has on destinations. (b) Suggest recommendations that can be used to minimize or mitigate the problems     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Identified in question 2a.   Read MoreCruise Ships And Management Teams Of The Cruise1536 Words   |  7 Pagesaround the world. While many choose to travel to resorts for their vacations, many find excitement embarking on cruise ships for multiple destinations and activities for their vacations. As one of the largest tourism outlets, cruises are constantly changing with new routes and destinations for customers, with bringing as many as 3000 on board passengers (Cite MANAGING CRUISE SHIPS). Cruise ships allow passengers a wide variety of activities and leisure during their stay aboard and while docked. With theRead MoreThe Impact Of Cruise Ships On The Tourism Industry Essay2116 Words   |  9 PagesImagine the cruise industry is being forced to shut down. Within weeks, thousands of photos and stories emerge of people who are starving, homeless, and unemployed. That would be the reality if such a tragic event were to happen. Today, the cruise ship industry is the fastest growing sector within the tourism ma rket (Hunt, 2011). With such growth comes major economic impacts. These impacts are not only prominent in the United States, but across the globe. In 2014 alone, the cruise ship industry hadRead MoreThe Global Cruise Ship Industry1552 Words   |  7 Pages It is the first day of your Caribbean cruise vacation and you are overwhelmed with excitement. After months of anticipation you have arrived at the port of embarkation only to be welcomed by a line that circles around the arrival lounge. (Fig.1) Undenounced to a rookie in the game of cruise ship travel, this lengthy embarkation line is only the first to be encountered in every port to be visited while on cruise. This is only the first hiccup while on what is supposed to be the stress free vacationRead MoreBenefits Of Buying A Cruise Ships1491 Words   |  6 Pagesadvantages and disadvantages that come with riding a cruise ships. Taking a cruise can be very expensive and often times require people to save up for it. However, the time spent on a cruise is well worth the money spent for it. An all-inclusive cruise includes most meals, a place to stay, and entertainment. Discounts for kids’ meals vary upon each ship. Adults over the age of 21 do not have to worry about paying for alcohol in the all-inclusive ship. Purchasing food, beverages, and souvenirs at smallRead MoreThe Success Of Cruise Ships2328 Words   |  10 PagesLooking at today’s mega fleets with their mammoth ships that hold 4,000 or more passengers, it is easy to forget how far the industry has come in these past twenty-five years. While cruise ships are now situated around the globe in ports ranging from Europe to Australia, the Americas to Asia, and drawing passengers from the local populaces, it was not always that way. In the 1980s, while most observers believed the industry had the potential for rapid growth, cruising struggled to cast off misconceptions

Modern Approach of Business Intelligence Helps in the Supervision

Question: The Modern Approach Of Business Intelligence How Helps In the Supervision? Answer: Introduction The organizations in the modern day have been facing a large number of necessities in the administration and investigation of the information from the end of the consumers and the clientele. The examination of the information needs to be done for the augmentation of the whole business enterprises. The tools of the information make the most of the cataloging and sorting of the data of the corporation. The categorization happens for the rationale of escalating the importance and merit by considering the advancement styles of a company (Cavoukian Jonas, 2012). The analyzing techniques help out in realizing and accomplishing responsiveness and acquaintance about the inclination and the manners of the clientele in linkage to the advancement of the business. Main body The guests and the visitors of the websites can be effortlessly predictable and observed by the engineers for the analysis of the data all the way through the tools of online nature and supplementary rational progressions. The course of collection considers the encompassing of the pulling out of the separations from the pool of raw data or information (Dimaggio, 2013). The analytical and logical scenarios originates through the accumulation of the data that the analytics and engineers recognize the data that helps in the analysis of the tools and thus having no dependency of the work in the assembly of tools utilized in the procedure (Gelman et al., 2014). The data mining and data analysis tools and equipments are interconnected as mutually they has a participation of the categorization and classification of a large group of data for the consciousness on the subject of the trends and patterns of the business. The tools of analysis have an assortment and extensive range of exploitation in consideration to the firms and it has lent assistance towards numerous trades and enterprises like the financial institutions that include the banks. The banks helps in the estimation of the style of the full amount of expenses and extractions carried on by the clientele for expressing and confines the amount of occurrences of the frauds and thefts in the organization that is related to the customers and individual (Muslukhov et al., 2012). The data analysis tools also help in the assessment and evaluation of the organizational features and characteristics. In the modern times, the companies are utilizing the approach and ideologies of the data analytics for the attainment of the data for provision of an effective and efficient amount of support towards the Enterprise in a healthy and superior manner. They take on the processes for carrying on the identical for the construction of the faith of the clients (Tene Polonetsky, 2012). The accountability of data mining and examination is beneficial for bringing about the correct information for an apt accomplishment of the business by getting awareness about the momentous circumstances of an association. The precise and accurate data sets a consequent to the learning about the examination of data and the accomplished consequences being predictable and run the administration of determining whether the data and the experiments are practical for having a holding on the responses that would be helping the management in undertaking the decisions that would help towards the improvement of the busi nesses (Witten et al., 2016). The potential of the constricting the amount of available resources and that would help in the creation of the improvement of efficiency under the parameters of variable nature in relation to the rapidity of the modifications, life span and data sets having a dependency of the same. The enormous data analytics forms a junction and thus shows the path and track towards the establishment of the latest needs by the realization of the accurate data. The same helps the prompt response and gaining trust among the customers for the dependability of the data (Chen Zhao, 2012). The data must have a nature that is uncontrollable and authenticating the organization connecting the basics of the information. The other connected roles and requirements needed as per the mining of data and the assessment of the same involves the addition and the summing up of the mutual value and the efficiency of the Information Technology in the business departments. There is a momentous and important valid points required towards the computing and calculating the ability and potentiality of the consequences faced by the company that goes up in the department of the Information Technology of a business. The IT department serves a purpose of having a relevant nature towards suitable accomplishment of the consistent tools. As a result, there is a promotion of the implications and uses that the IT departments serves in an organization (Saliba White, 2013). The focus and other points must be considered for getting awareness about the purposes and treatment of the IT departments towards the gaining of a base of the assembling of the services under the division (Wu et al., 2015). The roles and responsibilities of ethics and principles that links and connections have in the track of their consumers that helps in turning around the collection of the unambiguous and exact data from the customers. The responsibilities related to the morals and principles having a relationship and association require having power over and bringing under control the browsing related to the obtainment and attainment of the reports of the customers (Bernabeu et al., 2012). The same occurs in the cases until inescapability read out loud and not upholding the information to the customers to their opponents and not instructing the data of the customers to the connected get-together. The ethical suggestion has an orientation with the rightness of the facts and figures. There are numerous amounts of issues that creep into the organization and they are majorly related to the ethical nature that has an organization of the storage space, defense and assortment of the records and the data bases. The organizations lend a hand in the compilation and storage space for the records of data having a correlation with the customers data and records. The principled concerns are in association with the records that have major viewpoints and the same are three in number and takes into account the ethical roles and responsibilities of both the consumers and organizations. The viewpoints treat both the consumers and organizations in a manner equivalent to maintain and manage efficiency within an organization (Yang et al., 2015). The manner of entry into the data in linkage to the patrons is another proposition of ethics and morals occurring in an organization. The manner is done so that the information has a right of entry with smoothness and ease by the analysts and engineers of the data and information. The ease of understanding related to the data requires confinement towards protection and conservation of the personal records of the clientele. The confinement makes one powerless and incapable in finding the information and making the same fall into the wrong hands (Kaye, 2012). The storage of the data must be done and performed in a manner that can be utilized at any time and from anywhere. Conclusion It is of primary connotation that the information of client is held in reserve in an inmost record for all the previous figures that have a connection to the customers. By this means there is both an increase the proceeds and reputation of the industry establishment. The reinstatement and storage space of the information has a significance of designing the programs of service for the development and augmentation of the industry. The equivalent information takes into inclusion of the provision of correctness and the complete information for the conservation of the obligation for non revelation and exposure of the data or exploitation of the information easily reached in the business. Conversely, there are numerous requirements that have an official sanctioning in personality and have an exercise of the collected data through the organization. References Bennett, C. J. (2012). The accountability approach to privacy and data protection: Assumptions and caveats. Managing privacy through accountability, 33-48. Bernabeu, E. E., Thorp, J. S., Centeno, V. (2012). Methodology for a security/dependability adaptive protection scheme based on data mining. IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, 27(1), 104-111. Cavoukian, A., Jonas, J. (2012). Privacy by design in the age of big data. Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, Canada. Chen, D., Zhao, H. (2012, March). Data security and privacy protection issues in cloud computing. In Computer Science and Electronics Engineering (ICCSEE), 2012 International Conference on (Vol. 1, pp. 647-651). IEEE. Dimaggio, C. (2013). Introduction. In SAS for Epidemiologists (pp. 1-5). Springer New York. Gelman, A., Carlin, J. B., Stern, H. S., Rubin, D. B. (2014). Bayesian data analysis (Vol. 2). Boca Raton, FL, USA: Chapman Hall/CRC. Kaye, J. (2012). The tension between data sharing and the protection of privacy in genomics research. Annual review of genomics and human genetics, 13, 415-431. Muslukhov, I., Boshmaf, Y., Kuo, C., Lester, J., Beznosov, K. (2012, April). Understanding users' requirements for data protection in smartphones. In Data Engineering Workshops (ICDEW), 2012 IEEE 28th International Conference on (pp. 228-235). IEEE. Paczkowski, L. W., Parsel, W. M., Persson, C. J., Schlesener, M. C. (2015). U.S. Patent No. 9,049,013. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Saliba, G., White, T. (2013). U.S. Patent No. 8,392,791. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Tene, O., Polonetsky, J. (2012). Big data for all: Privacy and user control in the age of analytics. Nw. J. Tech. Intell. Prop., 11, xxvii. Witten, I. H., Frank, E., Hall, M. A., Pal, C. J. (2016). Data Mining: Practical machine learning tools and techniques. Morgan Kaufmann. Wu, D., Zhang, H., Wang, H., Wang, C., Wang, R., Xie, Y. (2015). Quality-of-protection-driven data forwarding for intermittently connected wireless networks. IEEE Wireless Communications, 22(4), 66-73. Yang, H., Cheng, L., Yuan, J., Zhang, J., Zhao, Y., Lee, Y. (2015). Multipath protection for data center services in openflow-based software defined elastic optical networks. Optical Fiber Technology, 23, 108-115

Swami Vivekananda Sample Essay Example For Students

Swami Vivekananda Sample Essay Swami Vivekananda. a great and echt God-man. saint. philosopher and the Godhead of Modern Hinduism was taking adherent of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. He profoundly influenced the Western World with his ‘Vedanta Movement’ and gave Hinduism a new significance and relevancy. He systematized and synthesized assorted Hindu ideas and ideals in order to do them more acceptable. comprehendible. and practical. Swami Vivekananda was born as Narendra Nath Datta on 12th January. 1863 in Calcutta. India. It is he who is now known to the whole universe as ‘Vivekananda’ ( the cloud nine of cognition and discrimination. ) this name was given to him in acknowledgment of his religious virtues and accomplishments. His father’s name was Vishwanath Datta and his mother’s name was Bhubaneshwari. The progressive rational attack of his male parent and the spiritual disposition of his female parent helped in determining his thought and personality. He was an mean pupil. b ut a rapacious reader. His favourite topics included doctrine. humanistic disciplines and literature. faith. history and societal scientific disciplines. Narendra was a healthy in organic structure and intelligent in head. We will write a custom essay on Swami Vivekananda Sample specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now He was a prodigy from his young person and had a well -developed all unit of ammunition personality. He was gifted with deep religious cognition and power of concentration. From the really beginning ; he spent good trade of clip in speculation. In 1879. when his household moved back to Calcutta. he passed his scrutiny from the Presidency College. He later studied Western Logic. Western doctrine and history of the European Nations. He foremost met Ramakrishna ( a sanctum saint ) at his ashram and temple at Dakhineshwara. His meeting with Ramakrishna in November 1881 proved to be a turning point in Narendra’s life. Ramakrishna revolutionized Narendra’s head and he began to hold many new religious experiences. In. 1884. his male parent died due to a sudden bosom stroke go forthing Narendra and his female parent insolvent. Narendra went to America in 1892 and represented India in the ‘Parliament of Religions’ . He began his address with â€Å"sisters and broth ers of America† . To these words he got a standing ovation from a crowd of seven 1000s. which lasted for two proceedingss. With this most superb. traveling and impressive address. he won awards. many friends. supporters. and converts to Hinduism. His visit to England was every bit successful. Vivekananda believed that a country’s hereafter depends on its people ; his instruction focused on the development of the mass. He emphasized that a success was an result of focussed idea and action. Vivekananda wanted to unify the diverse races into one state. His ideas. actions and thoughts influenced many great personalities like Subhas Chandra Bose. Bagha Jatin. Mahatma Gandhi. Rajagopalachari and Jamshedji Tata. Vivekananda is considered as a loyal saint and his birthday ( 12th January ) is celebrated every twelvemonth as National Youth Day. Vivekananda showed the right way to self-fulfillment and God-realization. He taught and preached that all faiths have different waies to the same end. After about 50 old ages of Vivekananda’s decease. the UNO was formed. Therefore. Swami Vivekananda helped in making and distributing truth. co-operation and friendly relationship among everyone.

Free Essays on Dr. Bloodstein About Stuttering

Computers Since the beginning of human life, we as a people have always strived to obtain machines or tools to make our lives easier. Before the computer was invented in 1822, people were performing boring, repetitive tasks that we now take for granted. The computer, a modern complex machine, now accomplishes things we never thought possible. Computers, in general, have many benefits for they provide entertainment, help modern cities function, above all, make the most aggravating and mundane tasks incredibly simple. One of the least important aspects of computers is that it provides entertainment and yet this is the sole reason why many people buy computers. The gaming and entertainment industry has become extremely large in the world, the products they sell range from shareware games to adult blood and gore. For instance, the 3D-shooter series, Quake, has sold millions of copies and essentially everyone in the world has seen it or played it. The entertainment industry not only provides gaming amusement but it also contributes learning programs, for children and adults, to help individuals excel in a certain trouble areas. Furthermore, computers also are also capable of training military personal in a virtual reality environment. An example of this is the U.S. and Canadian military, they both train soldiers and pilots in the ways of war using high tech computers and virtual reality equipment. To sum up, entertainment on the computer may not be important but is does satisfy million of people wor ldwide. Cities as we know them today would not exist if it were not for the help of the computer. In a modern city hundreds of items are under control by computers and most of them we take for granted. For example, the traffic lights at all intersections are controlled by computers and sometimes even with the support of underground sensors. Without computers the entire electrical grid would fail and all of the world’s neoteric popul... Free Essays on Dr. Bloodstein About Stuttering Free Essays on Dr. Bloodstein About Stuttering Computers Since the beginning of human life, we as a people have always strived to obtain machines or tools to make our lives easier. Before the computer was invented in 1822, people were performing boring, repetitive tasks that we now take for granted. The computer, a modern complex machine, now accomplishes things we never thought possible. Computers, in general, have many benefits for they provide entertainment, help modern cities function, above all, make the most aggravating and mundane tasks incredibly simple. One of the least important aspects of computers is that it provides entertainment and yet this is the sole reason why many people buy computers. The gaming and entertainment industry has become extremely large in the world, the products they sell range from shareware games to adult blood and gore. For instance, the 3D-shooter series, Quake, has sold millions of copies and essentially everyone in the world has seen it or played it. The entertainment industry not only provides gaming amusement but it also contributes learning programs, for children and adults, to help individuals excel in a certain trouble areas. Furthermore, computers also are also capable of training military personal in a virtual reality environment. An example of this is the U.S. and Canadian military, they both train soldiers and pilots in the ways of war using high tech computers and virtual reality equipment. To sum up, entertainment on the computer may not be important but is does satisfy million of people wor ldwide. Cities as we know them today would not exist if it were not for the help of the computer. In a modern city hundreds of items are under control by computers and most of them we take for granted. For example, the traffic lights at all intersections are controlled by computers and sometimes even with the support of underground sensors. Without computers the entire electrical grid would fail and all of the world’s neoteric popul...

The effects of mental health stigma in the media and society

The effects of mental health stigma in the media and society Mental Health StigmaSuraya YosofAllison GreenEnglish 205The Effects of Mental Health Stigma in the Media and SocietyIf someone is diagnosed with a physical illness or viral infection, we expect them to receive treatment until it's cured or it is not harmful to him or her. If someone had cancer or Tuberculosis we don't simply tell them to "brush it off" or "you don't need help with that". Yet when it comes to mental illness, people suffering from it are expected to just brush it off and not receive treatment. Society does not accept nor understand the treatment of mental illness. The media places stigma and discrimination against people with mental illness. That people who are suffering from mental illnesses avoid getting treatment for their illness; in order to not be labeled as "crazy" or "being socially unacceptable". Although physical and mental illnesses are not the same; mental illness can also have severe consequences such as isolation, self-harm and death.Society and the media play a huge role in mental health stigma among patients with psychiatric disorder, and their refusal and avoidance of receiving mental health care.Stigma is defined as mark a disgrace towards a certain group base on a particular circumstance or quality (Oxford dictionary).There are two types of stigma surrounding mental illness; the first one is public perceived stigma. This is the public common beliefs and stereotypes towards mental illness. It is also the common public response to people who seek help for psychological problems (Bathje, Pryor, 2011, p.161). The second one is self-stigma is the views held by the individual that he or she is socially unacceptable and accepts how the public perceived mental illness.(Maier, Gentile, Vogel, and Kaplan, 2013, p. 239)I've had my own experience of the stigma surrounding mental...

Assignment 9 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

9 - Assignment Example This promotes wholesome growth physically, emotionally, spiritually and socially which is essential for the child. â€Å"It ought therefore to enter into the domestic policy of every parent, to make her children feel that the home is the happiest place in the world† I agree with the scholars who call Mrs. Beeton a feminist because her thought process portrays a woman who seeks to clearly define and defend the equal social, cultural and economic rights of a woman. We see this when she likens the mistress of the house to the Commander in Chief of an army by saying that the woman is the leader of the house who should perform her household duties now that the man is off looking for work. She ranks household duties by the woman and work by the man as equal, thereby making the both of them of the same stature in the chain of command hierarchy in the house. â€Å"as with the commander of an army or the leader of an enterprise, so is it with the mistress of a household. Her spirit will be seen through the whole establishment: and just in proportion as she performs her duties intelligently and thoroughly, so will her domestics follow in her path.† She believes that it is equally as important for the woman to show leadership in the house, both to her children and her servants, who will then follow the good example she sets for them and become better from it. She goes on to state that good leadership which was previously provided by the husband is now being provided by the woman because the man is not at home most of the time. The tone of Fichte’s address is one of revival and renewal. He is directing his sentiments to the German public whom he wants to reaffirm their status as belonging to a unique and special identity that should not be cowed by any forces, political or otherwise. He seeks to remind them of their rich history, in the hope that it will

Critical Thinking in the Workplace Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Critical Thinking in the Workplace - Essay Example Let us now discuss an example to show how critical thinking can be applied to work-related decisions. One of my friends, James, was working as assistant manager in an event management firm. A conflict arose when one of his senior employees, Steve Hudson, refused to supervise a campaign on religious grounds. Hudson had to taste meat in front of the public to launch the campaign. The HR manager consulted the issue with James in order to find a proper solution to the problem. They came up with four options to resolve the issue. Those options included assigning Austin to a low-profile campaign, terminating Hudson’s services on the grounds of disobedience, switching place of Hudson with some other supervisor, and promoting one of Hudson’s subordinates to lead this campaign for this specific event. James and his manager analyzed all options and selected fourth option because that option was the most suitable one to resolve the issue. James and his manager gave preference to the religious views of Hudson over any other thing and did not terminate him on the grounds of disobed ience because he was a very skilled and talented employee of the company. Critical thinking plays a considerable role in decision-making processes. It makes people aware of all aspects of the issue, which helps them take most appropriate decisions based on the analysis of all aspects. Decision-making is the process of choosing the best alternative from the pool of choices. A person needs to look at all possible consequences of all choices before selecting the most suitable choice. The process of critical thinking is unbiased in nature and provides assists decision-makers in taking unbiased decisions. Critical thinking means to let the past assumptions go and embrace new ideas based on proper evaluation and reasoning. Upson (2011) states, â€Å"Critical thinking can help people to excel in their professional lives, allowing for clearer, more concise thought

Inflation Rate Essay Example for Free

Inflation Rate Essay Inflation means a sustained increase in the aggregate or general price level in an economy. Inflation means there is an increase in the cost of living. What are the economic policies that lead to low inflation in an economy? 1. Monetary Policy In the UK and US, monetary policy is the most important tool for maintaining low inflation. In the UK, monetary policy is set by the MPC of the Bank of England. They are given an inflation target by the government. This inflation target is 2%+/-1 and the MPC use interest rates to try and achieve this target. The first step is for the MPC to try and predict future inflation. They look at various economic statistics and try to decide whether the economy is overheating. If inflation is forecast to increase above the target, the MPC will increase interest rates. Increased interest rates will help reduce the growth of Aggregate Demand in the economy. The slower growth will then lead to lower inflation. Higher interest rates reduce consumer spending because: * Increased interest rates increase the cost of borrowing, discouraging consumers from borrowing and spending. * Increased interest rates make it more attractive to save money * Increased interest rates reduce the disposable income of those with mortgages. * Higher interest rates increased the value of the exchange rate leading to lower exports and more imports. Base Rates and Inflation Base interest rates were increased in the late 1980s / 1990 to try and control the rise in inflation. 2. Supply Side Policies Supply side policies aim to increase long term competitiveness and productivity. For example, privatisation and deregulation were hoped to make firms more productive. Therefore, in the long run supply side policies can help reduce inflationary pressures. However, supply side policies work very much in the long term. They cannot be used to reduce sudden increases in the inflation rate. 3. Fiscal Policy This is another demand side policy, similar in effect to Monetary Policy. Fiscal policy involves the government changing tax and spending levels in order to influence the level of Aggregate Demand. To reduce inflationary pressures the government can increase tax and reduce government spending. This will reduce AD. 4. Exchange Rate Policy In the late 1980s the UK joined the ERM, as a means to control inflation. It was felt that by keeping the value of the pound high, it would help reduce inflationary pressures. The policy did reduce inflation, but at the cost of a recession. To maintain the value of the  £ against the DM, the government had to increase interest rates to 15%. The UK no longer uses this as an inflationary policy. 5. Wage Control Wage growth is a key factor in determining inflation. If wages increase quickly it will cause high inflation. In the 1970s, there was a brief attempt at wage controls which tried to limit wage growth. However, it was effectively dropped because it was difficult to widely enforce. Main Cause of Inflation 1. Demand pull inflation If the economy is at or close to full employment then an increase in AD leads to an increase in the price level. As firms reach full capacity, they respond by putting up prices leading to inflation. AD can increase due to an increase in any of its components C+I+G+X-M The link between output and inflation suggests that there will be a similar link between inflation and unemployment, The Phillips curve initially showed a link between money wages and unemployment, it was then argued an increase in wages would lead to inflation 2. Cost Push Inflation If there is an increase in the costs of firms, then firms will pass this on to consumers. There will be a shift to the left in the AS. Cost push inflation can be caused by many factors 1. The Labour Market If trades unions can present a common front then they can bargain for higher wages, this will lead to wage inflation. 2. Import prices One third of all goods are imported in the UK. If there is a devaluation then import prices will become more expensive leading to an increase in inflation E.G. a German car costs DM 40,000. If the exchange rate is DM  £1:3DM then it will be priced at  £13,333. If the E.R falls to  £1: 2DM then it will be priced at  £20,000 3. Raw Material Prices, The best example is the price of oil, if the oil price increase by 20% then this will have a significant impact on most goods in the economy and this will lead to cost push inflation. E.g. in early 2008, there was a spike in the price of oil to over $150 causing a rise in inflation. 4. Profit Push Inflation When firms push up prices to get higher rates of inflation. 5. Declining productivity If firms become less productive and allow costs to rise, this invariably leads to higher prices. Source: http://www.economicshelp.org/index.html PHILIPPINES INFLATION RATE The inflation rate in Philippines was recorded at 2.90 percent in December of 2012. Inflation Rate in Philippines is reported by the The National Statistics Office (NSO). Historically, from 1958 until 2012, Philippines Inflation Rate averaged 9.1 Percent reaching an all time high of 62.8 Percent in September of 1984 and a record low of -2.1 Percent in January of 1959. In Philippines, the most important categories in the Consumer Price Index are: food and non-alcoholic beverages (39 percent of total weight); housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (22 percent) and transport (8 percent). The index also includes health (3 percent), education (3 percent), clothing and footwear (3 percent), communication (2 percent) and recreation and culture (2 percent). Alcoholic beverages, tobacco, furnishing, household equipment, restaurants and other goods and services account for the remaining 15 percent. This page includes a chart with historical data for Philippines Inflation Rate. Source: http://www.tradingeconomics.com/philippines/inflation-cpi causes Historically, a great deal of economic literature was concerned with the question of what causes inflation and what effect it has. There were different schools of thought as to the causes of inflation. Most can be divided into two broad areas: quality theories of inflation and quantity theories of inflation. The quality theory of inflation rests on the expectation of a seller accepting currency to be able to exchange that currency at a later time for goods that are desirable as a buyer. The quantity theory of inflation rests on the quantity equation of money, that relates the money supply, itsvelocity, and the nominal value of exchanges. Adam Smith and David Hume proposed a quantity theory of inflation for money, and a quality theory of inflation for production.[citation needed] Currently, the quantity theory of money is widely accepted as an accurate model of inflation in the long run. Consequently, there is now broad agreement among economists that in the long run, the inflation rate is essentially dependent on the growth rate of money supply relative to the growth of the economy. However, in the short and medium term inflation may be affected by supply and demand pressures in the economy, and influenced by the relative elasticity of wages, prices and interest rates.[29] The question of whether the short-term effects last long enough to be important is the central topic of debate between monetarist and Keynesian economists. In monetarism prices and wages adjust quickly enough to make other factors merely marginal behavior on a general trend-line. In the Keynesian view, prices and wages adjust at different rates, and these differences have enough effects on real output to be long term in the view of people in an economy. Keynesian economic theory proposes that changes in money supply do not directly affect prices, and that visible inflation is the result of pressures in the economy expressing themselves in prices. Monetarist view Monetarists believe the most significant factor influencing inflation or deflation is how fast the money supply grows or shrinks. They consider fiscal policy, or government spending and taxation, as ineffective in controlling inflation.] According to the famous monetarist economist Milton Friedman,Inflation is always and everywhere a monetary phenomenon.[49] Some monetarists, however, will qualify this by making an exception for very short-term circumstances. Unemployment A connection between inflation and unemployment has been drawn since the emergence of large scale unemployment in the 19th century, and connections continue to be drawn today. In Marxian economics, the unemployed serve as a reserve army of labour, which restrain wage inflation. In the 20th century, similar concepts in Keynesian economics include the NAIRU (Non-Accelerating Inflation Rate of Unemployment) and the Phillips curve. Rational expectations theory For more details on this topic, see Rational expectations theory. Rational expectations theory holds that economic actors look rationally into the future when trying to maximize their well-being, and do not respond solely to immediate opportunity costs and pressures. In this view, while generally grounded in monetarism, future expectations and strategies are important for inflation as well. A core assertion of rational expectations theory is that actors will seek to head off central-bank decisions by acting in ways that fulfill predictions of higher inflation. This means that central banks must establish their credibility in fighting inflation, or economic actors will make bets that the central bank will expand the money supply rapidly enough to prevent recession, even at the expense of exacerbating inflation. Thus, if a central bank has a reputation as being soft on inflation, when it announces a new policy of fighting inflation with restrictive monetary growth economic agents will not believe that the policy will persist; their inflationary expectations will remain high, and so will inflation. On the other hand, if the central bank has a reputation of being tough on inflation, then such a policy announcement will be believed and inflationary expectations will come down rapidly, thus allowing inflation itself to come down rapidly with minimal economic disruption. Austrian view For more details on this topic, see The Austrian view of inflation and monetary inflation The Austrian School asserts that inflation is an increase in the money supply, rising prices are merely consequences and this semantic difference is important in defining inflation.[50] Austrians stress that inflation affects prices in various degree, i.e. that prices rise more sharply in some sectors than in other sectors of the economy. The reason for the disparity is that excess money will be concentrated to certain sectors, such as housing, stocks or health care. Because of this disparity, Austrians argue that the aggregate price level can be very misleading when observing the effects of inflation. Austrian economists measure inflation by calculating the growth of new units of money that are available for immediate use in exchange, that have been created over time.[51][52][53] Critics of the Austrian view point out that their preferred alternative to fiat currency intended to prevent inflation, commodity-backed money, is likely to grow in supply at a different rate thaneconomic growth. Thus it has proven to be highly deflationary and destabilizing, including in instances where it has caused and prolonged depressions.[54] Real bills doctrine Main article: Real bills doctrine Within the context of a fixed specie basis for money, one important controversy was between the quantity theory of money and the real bills doctrine (RBD). Within this context, quantity theory applies to the level of fractional reserve accounting allowed against specie, generally gold, held by a bank. Currency and banking schools of economics argue the RBD, that banks should also be able to issue currency against bills of trading, which is real bills that they buy from merchants. This theory was important in the 19th century in debates between Banking and Currency schools of monetary soundness, and in the formation of the Federal Reserve. In the wake of the collapse of the international gold standard post 1913, and the move towards deficit financing of government, RBD has remained a minor topic, primarily of interest in limited contexts, such as currency boards. It is generally held in ill repute today, with Frederic Mishkin, a governor of theFederal Reserve going so far as to say it had been completely discredited. The debate between currency, or quantity theory, and banking schools in Britain during the 19th century prefigures current questions about the credibility of money in the present. In the 19th century the banking school had greater influence in policy in the United States and Great Britain, while the currency school had more influence on the continent, that is in non-British countries, particularly in the Latin Monetary Union and the earlier Scandinavia monetary union. Anti-classical or backing theory Another issue associated with classical political economy is the anti-classical hypothesis of money, or backing theory. The backing theory argues that the value of money is determined by the assets and liabilities of the issuing agency.[55] Unlike the Quantity Theory of classical political economy, the backing theory argues that issuing authorities can issue money without causing inflation so long as the money issuer has sufficient assets to cover redemptions. There are very few backing theorists, making quantity theory the dominant theory explaining inflation.[citation needed] - Controlling inflation A variety of methods and policies have been used to control inflation. Stimulating economic growth If economic growth matches the growth of the money supply, inflation should not occur when all else is equal.[56] A large variety of factors can affect the rate of both. For example, investment inmarket production, infrastructure, education, and preventative health care can all grow an economy in greater amounts than the investment spending.[57][58] Monetary policy The U.S. effective federal funds ratecharted over fifty years. Main article: Monetary policy Today the primary tool for controlling inflation is monetary policy. Most central banks are tasked with keeping their inter-bank lending rates at low levels, normally to a target rate around 2% to 3% per annum, and within a targeted low inflation range, somewhere from about 2% to 6% per annum. A low positive inflation is usually targeted, as deflationary conditions are seen as dangerous for the health of the economy. There are a number of methods that have been suggested to control inflation. Central banks such as the U.S. Federal Reserve can affect inflation to a significant extent through setting interest rates and through other operations. High interest rates and slow growth of the money supply are the traditional ways through which central banks fight or prevent inflation, though they have different approaches. For instance, some follow a symmetrical inflation target while others only control inflation when it rises above a target, whether express or implied. Monetarists emphasize keeping the growth rate of money steady, and using monetary policy to control inflation (increasing interest rates, slowing the rise in the money supply). Keynesians emphasize reducing aggregate demand during economic expansions and increasing demand during recessions to keep inflation stable. Control of aggregate demand can be achieved using both monetary policy and fiscal policy (increased taxation or reduced government spending to reduce demand). Fixed exchange rates Under a fixed exchange rate currency regime, a countrys currency is tied in value to another single currency or to a basket of other currencies (or sometimes to another measure of value, such as gold). A fixed exchange rate is usually used to stabilize the value of a currency, vis-a-vis the currency it is pegged to. It can also be used as a means to control inflation. However, as the value of the reference currency rises and falls, so does the currency pegged to it. This essentially means that the inflation rate in the fixed exchange rate country is determined by the inflation rate of the country the currency is pegged to. In addition, a fixed exchange rate prevents a government from using domestic monetary policy in order to achieve macroeconomic stability. Under the Bretton Woods agreement, most countries around the world had currencies that were fixed to the US dollar. This limited inflation in those countries, but also exposed them to the danger of speculative attacks. After the Bretton Woods agreement broke down in the early 1970s, countries gradually turned to floating exchange rates. However, in the later part of the 20th century, some countries reverted to a fixed exchange rate as part of an attempt to control inflation. This policy of using a fixed exchange rate to control inflation was used in many countries in South America in the later part of the 20th century (e.g. Argentina (1991–2002), Bolivia, Brazil, and Chile). Gold standard The gold standard is a monetary system in which a regions common media of exchange are paper notes that are normally freely convertible into pre-set, fixed quantities of gold. The standard specifies how the gold backing would be implemented, including the amount of specie per currency unit. The currency itself has no innate value, but is accepted by traders because it can be redeemed for the equivalent specie. A U.S. silver certificate, for example, could be redeemed for an actual piece of silver. The gold standard was partially abandoned via the international adoption of the Bretton Woods System. Under this system all other major currencies were tied at fixed rates to the dollar, which itself was tied to gold at the rate of $35 per ounce. The Bretton Woods system broke down in 1971, causing most countries to switch to fiat money – money backed only by the laws of the country. According to Lawrence H. White, an F. A. Hayek Professor of Economic History who values the Austrian tradition,[59] economies based on the gold standard rarely experience inflation above 2 percent annually.[60] However, historically, the U.S. saw inflation over 2% several times and a higher peak of inflation under the gold standard when compared to inflation after the gold standard.[61] Under a gold standard, the long term rate of inflation (or deflation) would be determined by the growth rate of the supply of gold relative to total output.[62] Critics argue that this will cause arbitrary fluctuations in the inflation rate, and that monetary policy would essentially be determined by gold mining.[63][64] Wage and price controls Another method attempted in the past have been wage and price controls (incomes policies). Wage and price controls have been successful in wartime environments in combination with rationing. However, their use in other contexts is far more mixed. Notable failures of their use include the 1972 imposition of wage and price controls by Richard Nixon. More successful examples include the Prices and Incomes Accord in Australia and the Wassenaar Agreement in the Netherlands. In general, wage and price controls are regarded as a temporary and exceptional measure, only effective when coupled with policies designed to reduce the underlying causes of inflation during the wage and price control regime, for example, winning the war being fought. They often have perverse effects, due to the distorted signals they send to the market. Artificially low prices often cause rationing and shortages and discourage future investment, resulting in yet further shortages. The usual economic analysis is that any product or service that is under-priced is overconsumed. For example, if the official price of bread is too low, there will be too little bread at official prices, and too little investment in bread making by the market to satisfy future needs, thereby exacerbating the problem in the long term. Temporary controls may complement a recession as a way to fight inflation: the controls make the recession more efficient as a way to fight inflation (reducing the need to increase unemployment), while the recession prevents the kinds of distortions that controls cause when demand is high. However, in general the advice of economists is not to impose price controls but to liberalize prices by assuming that the economy will adjust and abandon unprofitable economic activity. The lower activity will place fewer demands on whatever commodities were driving inflation, whether labor or resources, and inflation will fall with total economic output. This often produces a severe recession, as productive capacity is reallocated and is thus often very unpopular with the people whose livelihoods are destroyed (see creative destruction). Cost-of-living allowance The real purchasing-power of fixed payments is eroded by inflation unless they are inflation-adjusted to keep their real values constant. In many countries, employment contracts, pension benefits, and government entitlements (such as social security) are tied to a cost-of-living index, typically to the consumer price index.[65] A cost-of-living allowance (COLA) adjusts salaries based on changes in a cost-of-living index. Salaries are typically adjusted annually in low inflation economies. During hyperinflation they are adjusted more often.[65] They may also be tied to a cost-of-living index that varies by geographic location if the employee moves. Annual escalation clauses in employment contracts can specify retroactive or future percentage increases in worker pay which are not tied to any index. These negotiated increases in pay are colloquially referred to as cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) or cost-of-living increases because of their similarity to increases tied to externally determined indexes.

The Things that Make a House a Home :: Personal Narrative Writing

The Things that Make a House a Home There are many wonderful places in the world to explore and live. Some travelers and adventurers have even said that they can feel the soul of the place that they go to visit or explore. Although many people disagree with these ideas, I know that they are true. Every place has a soul, but sometimes it is just harder to find in certain areas than others. One such area is the place where I was born and raised. That very special place is the Phoenix metro area. Being more specific, the area in which I am talking about is the lovely house that I grew up in. This house has been my residence for the last eleven years and represents the heart of my childhood because of the events that I was a part of and the memories that I received while living there. Many things have happened while I have been living at the house. I’ve watched myself grow grade by grade in school until finally I graduated and moved on to college. There have also been many changes to the house itself over the course of time. But though the years my family and I have all gotten used to living at this house and the things that go with it. The country music artist John Denver said in one of his most famous songs, â€Å" There are many things that make a house a home†. That statement is true, a house isn’t a home without the people that live and exist inside if it. When I moved into the house on 58th street and Mountain View, I was in the second grade. My twin sister and I were moving schools and it was a big point in my life. Until then, I had only known one house, one neighborhood, and one set of friends at school. And although we were only moving about three miles, the move placed us in a different school district. So, scared and uncertain, we started out at a new school. Like it usually was, it was very hard for a kid like me to find friends. But I had my sister as a companion and it was alright. Many afternoons I spent playing in the backyard with my sister and dog, and I had a great time.

Liveable Cities

Urban Transportation: Towards A Liveable City CHUAH PEI JIN ABSTRACT Cities as we know them today are already dramatically changing. Our living environments are reshaping the way we live. Malaysia is planning for long-term sustainability, encouraging us to think about how we can shape it and new ideas that can transform our future. The importance of ecosystem has resulted in the concept of Livable City that becomes a popular concept which is widely used in most city center of established country but in Malaysia it is still considered a new concept.It is obvious that the concept has contributed a great deal to the urban environment. This research will discuss the contribution of urban transportation bringing forwards our country to become a livable city by taking Penang as its case study. Achieving livable city concept is important as it subsequently enhance city with benefits that sustainable lifestyle can provide in terms of environmental, economic and social. Therefore this initiat ive will be further enhanced on policy commitment by the Penang State Government to make Penang a Cleaner, Greener and Healthier city.What has constantly guided our approach to sustainable development is far-sighted, holistic, and comprehensive planning, which enables us to take into account future development needs through an integrated planning process. INTRODUCTION The twenty-first century finds civilization heavily based in cities that have grown into metropolitan areas. Many of these focal points of human activity face problems of economic inefficiency, environmental deterioration, and an unsatisfactory quality of life–problems that go far in determining whether a city is â€Å"livable. A large share of these problems stems from the inefficiencies and other impacts of urban transportation systems. The era of projects aimed at maximizing vehicular travel is being replaced by the broader goal of achieving livable cities: economically efficient, socially sound, and environ mentally friendly. This explores the complex relationship between transportation and the character of cities and metropolitan regions. Transportation for Livable Cities dispels the myths and emotional advocacies for or against freeways, rail transit, bicycles, and other modes of transportation.The consequences of excessive automobile dependence and shows that the most livable cities worldwide have intermodal systems that balance highway and public transit modes while providing for pedestrians, bicyclists, and para transit. The policies necessary for achieving livable cities: the effective implementation of integrated intermodal transportation systems. Traffic impact mitigation measures can be divided into two categories: those related to land use and those related to transportation.Two case studies in Bangkok, Thailand showed that measures related to land use were effective in reducing congestion in the area surrounding a development, while traffic-related measures were useful in al leviating site-specific impacts. In the centre of Bangkok, the ineffective implementation of measures related to land was considered one of the major causes of traffic congestion. It is recommended that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration should develop more explicit policy tools for mitigating the traffic impact of new developments.DEFINATION OF LIVEABLE CITY A liveable city is cities that provide a good quality of life for its citizens. * Develop in an environmentally responsible manner * Sustain a robust a vibrant economy BACKGROUND Penang is a state in northern part of peninsular Malaysia. Penang is the second smallest state in Malaysia and consists of Penang Island and Seberang Perai on the mainland. Penang Island consists of about 1048 km2, with an estimated population of around 1520 thousand, while Seberang Perai occupies an area of about 738 sq km, with a population of 670 thousand.The major urban centers on the island are Georgetown, which is the administrative centre, and Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam on the mainland. Penang Island has an international airport and is linked by a ferry service and a bridge to the mainland. The major port facilities are on the mainland, while passengers and minor cargo vessels are handled at Swettenham Pier on the island. Penang is a highly urbanized state, with a vibrant economy driven primarily by manufacturing industry and tourism.Known as the â€Å"Silicon Valley of Asia†, it is home to most of the major electronics and semiconductor giants in the world and is a major centre for international industrial investment. With its beaches, multicultural and heritage attractions, Penang is also a leading tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors. Until the current financial crisis, the state was experiencing a rapid rate of economic growth with an average of 12 per cent growth in gross domestic product between 1992 and 1997. CURRENT URBAN TRANSPORT ISSUES IN PENANGCities are locations hav ing a high level of accumulation and concentration of economic activities and are complex spatial structures that are supported by transport systems. The larger the city, the greater its complexity and the potential for disruptions, particularly when this complexity is not effectively managed. The most important transport problems are often related to urban areas and take place when transport systems, for a variety of reasons, cannot satisfy the numerous requirements of urban mobility.Urban productivity is highly dependent on the efficiency of its transport system to move labor, consumers and freight between multiple origins and destinations. Additionally, important transport terminals such as ports, airports, and rail are located within urban areas, contributing to a specific array of problems. Among the most notable urban transport problems are: i. High private vehicle dependency To be continuing†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ ii. Public transport inadequacyThe limited capacity, poor reliability a nd quality of public transport facilities in the state is a major determinant of mode of transport choice. Presently, over 60 per cent of those travelling by bus (schoolchildren, factory workers, migrant workers, the poor and elderly) are captive passengers who do not own a private vehicle (Penang State Government 1995). Despite significant improvements having been made to the bus system in the last few years, such as the introduction of air-conditioned buses and minibuses and the expansion of routes, the proportion of bus passengers on he busiest routes is estimated to remain below 30 per cent. While bus users complain about delays and missed schedules, bus operators are frustrated by buses being unable to follow fixed schedules due to traffic congestion during peak hours. iii. High rate of traffic accidents The number of road accidents in the state more than doubled between 1991 and 1995, while the number of casualties and deaths increased by 235 per cent and 175 per cent respecti vely. Casualties per 1,000 vehicles also increased from 3. 5 in 1991 to 9. in 1995. The rate of fatalities in 1995 (34 per 100,000) was more than twice that in 1991 (13 per 100,000) and significantly higher than the level considered acceptable (5-10 per 100,000). More than 50 per cent of fatalities and 60 per cent of casualties are motorcyclists. It is also significant to note that between 1992 and 1996, 12 to 15 per cent of total fatalities and 10 to 13 per cent of total casualties were pedestrians, and 5 to 7 per cent of total fatalities and 5 to 6 per cent of total casualties were cyclists. iv.Inadequate facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and the mobility-impaired Existing pedestrian footways are of inadequate quality and do not provide sufficient levels of safety and comfort to encourage walking. Facilities for cyclists, such as bicycle lanes, are non-existent. The transportation needs of the mobility-impaired such as the elderly and the disabled, as well as those of young chi ldren have also been seriously neglected. v. Traffic Congestion and parking difficulties Traffic congestion in Penang has reached fairly serious levels due to the rapid increase in traffic volumes on the major urban roads.Traffic volumes between 1975 and 1995 more than doubled on most roads, with increases of up to 5 times on certain road sections in Seberang Perai. In terms of vehicle concentration, there has been an increase of almost 40 per cent since 1980, with an estimated doubling in travel delays. Traffic is growing at an average of 7 per cent annually on most of the major roads in the state (Highway Planning Unit 1995) in close correlation with the average 8 per cent annual growth rate in the total number of cars and motorcycles.While congestion reduces travel speed, which causes much inconvenience and economic loss, it also results in higher vehicle emissions due to engine idling and the frequent acceleration and deceleration associated with stop-and-go conditions, as most vehicle emissions (except nitrogen oxides) typically decrease with speed. vi. Environmental impacts and energy consumption To be continuing†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ SUGGESTION * Improve bus service with Rapid Penang [Initiatives by Penang State Government] To be continuing†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Introduce Park and Ride System [Bridge Express Shuttle Service] The BEST service was introduced by the Penang State Government in March 2011 as the country's first park and ride service as an effort to promote more efficient connectivity via public transport in the state. On average, some 800 passengers commute between Penang island and the mainland daily. From 3 September 2012, in addition to the existing park and ride hub at Sunway Carnival Mall, the BEST service introduced two new feeder hubs at Bandar Perda and Auto City at Juru. Save on fuel and toll charges, park your car and take a free ride on the BEST service.If you stay on the mainland and drive to work daily in the Bayan Lepas FIZ, the BEST service i s made for you. Park your car at Sunway Carnival Mall for RM 1. 00 (per entry) or park for FREE at Bandar Perda* and Auto City. BEST covers all areas in FIZ 1, 2, 3, 4, Technoplex and BLlP. -lQ the evening, the BEST service takes you back to your car. * CATS (CENTRAL AREA TRANSIT SERVICE) Rapid Penang CAT (Central Area Transit) is the free bus service funded by Penang state government with frequencies of every 20-30minutes around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Georgetown.Tourist can just hop on the bus without any fare. * Cycling action plan To be continuing†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ * Improve public space leads to increase quality of life To be continuing†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ * Walking areas, proper sidewalks and car-restricted zones To be continuing†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ CONCLUSION REFERENCES DAP PENANG . (February 5th, 2013). Building a cycling city. Available: http://dappg. org/11735/cky_20130204b/. Last accessed 27 Feb 2013. Vukan R. Vuchic (December 31, 1999). Transportation for livable cities. US: C enter for Urban Policy Research. 376.Liang Fook Lye, Gang Chen (2010). Towards a Livable and Sustainable Urban Environment: Eco-Cities in East Asia. Singapore: World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.. 222. HOKAO, K ; MOHAMED, S S (1999). TRAFFIC IMPACT MITIGATION FOR NEW DEVELOPMENTS: A WAY TO REDUCE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN MAJOR CITIES. London: Transport Research Laboratory. 1-32. Dietrich Garbrecht. (1999). Walkability: A Prerequisite for Livable Cities. Available: http://www. livablecities. org/blog/walkability-prerequisite-livable-cities. Last accessed 1 March 2013 . Liveable Cities Urban Transportation: Towards A Liveable City CHUAH PEI JIN ABSTRACT Cities as we know them today are already dramatically changing. Our living environments are reshaping the way we live. Malaysia is planning for long-term sustainability, encouraging us to think about how we can shape it and new ideas that can transform our future. The importance of ecosystem has resulted in the concept of Livable City that becomes a popular concept which is widely used in most city center of established country but in Malaysia it is still considered a new concept.It is obvious that the concept has contributed a great deal to the urban environment. This research will discuss the contribution of urban transportation bringing forwards our country to become a livable city by taking Penang as its case study. Achieving livable city concept is important as it subsequently enhance city with benefits that sustainable lifestyle can provide in terms of environmental, economic and social. Therefore this initiat ive will be further enhanced on policy commitment by the Penang State Government to make Penang a Cleaner, Greener and Healthier city.What has constantly guided our approach to sustainable development is far-sighted, holistic, and comprehensive planning, which enables us to take into account future development needs through an integrated planning process. INTRODUCTION The twenty-first century finds civilization heavily based in cities that have grown into metropolitan areas. Many of these focal points of human activity face problems of economic inefficiency, environmental deterioration, and an unsatisfactory quality of life–problems that go far in determining whether a city is â€Å"livable. A large share of these problems stems from the inefficiencies and other impacts of urban transportation systems. The era of projects aimed at maximizing vehicular travel is being replaced by the broader goal of achieving livable cities: economically efficient, socially sound, and environ mentally friendly. This explores the complex relationship between transportation and the character of cities and metropolitan regions. Transportation for Livable Cities dispels the myths and emotional advocacies for or against freeways, rail transit, bicycles, and other modes of transportation.The consequences of excessive automobile dependence and shows that the most livable cities worldwide have intermodal systems that balance highway and public transit modes while providing for pedestrians, bicyclists, and para transit. The policies necessary for achieving livable cities: the effective implementation of integrated intermodal transportation systems. Traffic impact mitigation measures can be divided into two categories: those related to land use and those related to transportation.Two case studies in Bangkok, Thailand showed that measures related to land use were effective in reducing congestion in the area surrounding a development, while traffic-related measures were useful in al leviating site-specific impacts. In the centre of Bangkok, the ineffective implementation of measures related to land was considered one of the major causes of traffic congestion. It is recommended that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration should develop more explicit policy tools for mitigating the traffic impact of new developments.DEFINATION OF LIVEABLE CITY A liveable city is cities that provide a good quality of life for its citizens. * Develop in an environmentally responsible manner * Sustain a robust a vibrant economy BACKGROUND Penang is a state in northern part of peninsular Malaysia. Penang is the second smallest state in Malaysia and consists of Penang Island and Seberang Perai on the mainland. Penang Island consists of about 1048 km2, with an estimated population of around 1520 thousand, while Seberang Perai occupies an area of about 738 sq km, with a population of 670 thousand.The major urban centers on the island are Georgetown, which is the administrative centre, and Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam on the mainland. Penang Island has an international airport and is linked by a ferry service and a bridge to the mainland. The major port facilities are on the mainland, while passengers and minor cargo vessels are handled at Swettenham Pier on the island. Penang is a highly urbanized state, with a vibrant economy driven primarily by manufacturing industry and tourism.Known as the â€Å"Silicon Valley of Asia†, it is home to most of the major electronics and semiconductor giants in the world and is a major centre for international industrial investment. With its beaches, multicultural and heritage attractions, Penang is also a leading tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors. Until the current financial crisis, the state was experiencing a rapid rate of economic growth with an average of 12 per cent growth in gross domestic product between 1992 and 1997. CURRENT URBAN TRANSPORT ISSUES IN PENANGCities are locations hav ing a high level of accumulation and concentration of economic activities and are complex spatial structures that are supported by transport systems. The larger the city, the greater its complexity and the potential for disruptions, particularly when this complexity is not effectively managed. The most important transport problems are often related to urban areas and take place when transport systems, for a variety of reasons, cannot satisfy the numerous requirements of urban mobility.Urban productivity is highly dependent on the efficiency of its transport system to move labor, consumers and freight between multiple origins and destinations. Additionally, important transport terminals such as ports, airports, and rail are located within urban areas, contributing to a specific array of problems. Among the most notable urban transport problems are: i. High private vehicle dependency To be continuing†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ ii. Public transport inadequacyThe limited capacity, poor reliability a nd quality of public transport facilities in the state is a major determinant of mode of transport choice. Presently, over 60 per cent of those travelling by bus (schoolchildren, factory workers, migrant workers, the poor and elderly) are captive passengers who do not own a private vehicle (Penang State Government 1995). Despite significant improvements having been made to the bus system in the last few years, such as the introduction of air-conditioned buses and minibuses and the expansion of routes, the proportion of bus passengers on he busiest routes is estimated to remain below 30 per cent. While bus users complain about delays and missed schedules, bus operators are frustrated by buses being unable to follow fixed schedules due to traffic congestion during peak hours. iii. High rate of traffic accidents The number of road accidents in the state more than doubled between 1991 and 1995, while the number of casualties and deaths increased by 235 per cent and 175 per cent respecti vely. Casualties per 1,000 vehicles also increased from 3. 5 in 1991 to 9. in 1995. The rate of fatalities in 1995 (34 per 100,000) was more than twice that in 1991 (13 per 100,000) and significantly higher than the level considered acceptable (5-10 per 100,000). More than 50 per cent of fatalities and 60 per cent of casualties are motorcyclists. It is also significant to note that between 1992 and 1996, 12 to 15 per cent of total fatalities and 10 to 13 per cent of total casualties were pedestrians, and 5 to 7 per cent of total fatalities and 5 to 6 per cent of total casualties were cyclists. iv.Inadequate facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and the mobility-impaired Existing pedestrian footways are of inadequate quality and do not provide sufficient levels of safety and comfort to encourage walking. Facilities for cyclists, such as bicycle lanes, are non-existent. The transportation needs of the mobility-impaired such as the elderly and the disabled, as well as those of young chi ldren have also been seriously neglected. v. Traffic Congestion and parking difficulties Traffic congestion in Penang has reached fairly serious levels due to the rapid increase in traffic volumes on the major urban roads.Traffic volumes between 1975 and 1995 more than doubled on most roads, with increases of up to 5 times on certain road sections in Seberang Perai. In terms of vehicle concentration, there has been an increase of almost 40 per cent since 1980, with an estimated doubling in travel delays. Traffic is growing at an average of 7 per cent annually on most of the major roads in the state (Highway Planning Unit 1995) in close correlation with the average 8 per cent annual growth rate in the total number of cars and motorcycles.While congestion reduces travel speed, which causes much inconvenience and economic loss, it also results in higher vehicle emissions due to engine idling and the frequent acceleration and deceleration associated with stop-and-go conditions, as most vehicle emissions (except nitrogen oxides) typically decrease with speed. vi. Environmental impacts and energy consumption To be continuing†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ SUGGESTION * Improve bus service with Rapid Penang [Initiatives by Penang State Government] To be continuing†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Introduce Park and Ride System [Bridge Express Shuttle Service] The BEST service was introduced by the Penang State Government in March 2011 as the country's first park and ride service as an effort to promote more efficient connectivity via public transport in the state. On average, some 800 passengers commute between Penang island and the mainland daily. From 3 September 2012, in addition to the existing park and ride hub at Sunway Carnival Mall, the BEST service introduced two new feeder hubs at Bandar Perda and Auto City at Juru. Save on fuel and toll charges, park your car and take a free ride on the BEST service.If you stay on the mainland and drive to work daily in the Bayan Lepas FIZ, the BEST service i s made for you. Park your car at Sunway Carnival Mall for RM 1. 00 (per entry) or park for FREE at Bandar Perda* and Auto City. BEST covers all areas in FIZ 1, 2, 3, 4, Technoplex and BLlP. -lQ the evening, the BEST service takes you back to your car. * CATS (CENTRAL AREA TRANSIT SERVICE) Rapid Penang CAT (Central Area Transit) is the free bus service funded by Penang state government with frequencies of every 20-30minutes around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Georgetown.Tourist can just hop on the bus without any fare. * Cycling action plan To be continuing†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ * Improve public space leads to increase quality of life To be continuing†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ * Walking areas, proper sidewalks and car-restricted zones To be continuing†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ CONCLUSION REFERENCES DAP PENANG . (February 5th, 2013). Building a cycling city. Available: http://dappg. org/11735/cky_20130204b/. Last accessed 27 Feb 2013. Vukan R. Vuchic (December 31, 1999). Transportation for livable cities. US: C enter for Urban Policy Research. 376.Liang Fook Lye, Gang Chen (2010). Towards a Livable and Sustainable Urban Environment: Eco-Cities in East Asia. Singapore: World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.. 222. HOKAO, K ; MOHAMED, S S (1999). TRAFFIC IMPACT MITIGATION FOR NEW DEVELOPMENTS: A WAY TO REDUCE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN MAJOR CITIES. London: Transport Research Laboratory. 1-32. Dietrich Garbrecht. (1999). Walkability: A Prerequisite for Livable Cities. Available: http://www. livablecities. org/blog/walkability-prerequisite-livable-cities. Last accessed 1 March 2013 .

Racism in America Today Essay

Racism has been a terrible problem in American society for hundreds of years. Racism issues are not limited to one specific race, but include all races. It is the responsibility of the people of this nation to address racism and learn to accept and embrace each other for our differences, and allow this great nation to become even more united for our sake and the sake of future generations. To eliminate racism it is imperative to know first, where racism started and how it has developed, why it continues to be present in our nation today, and what we must do as a people to overcome this major problem. History The Middle Passage was the system set up as a form of triangular trade that forced millions of innocent humans from their homes in Africa, and forced them to become slaves as part of the Atlantic slave trade. These people were essentially traded as slaves for materials, food, supplies etc. Many of the enslaved Africans were shipped to the Caribbean and the Americas. The Middle Passage route began in Europe where they left with the manufactured goods and headed to Africa. The goods were then traded for the slaves, and then the ships set off for the Americas and Caribbean islands (Stoddard). After the trading was done there the ships would return back to Europe. According to Elizabeth Mancke, and Carole Shammas authors of, â€Å"The Creation of the British Atlantic World,† they write, â€Å"An estimated 15% of the Africans died at sea, with mortality rates considerably higher in Africa itself in the process of capturing and transporting indigenous peoples to the ships. The total number of African deaths directly attributable to the Middle Passage voyage is estimated at up to two million; a broader look at African deaths directly attributable to the institution of slavery from 1500 to 1900 suggests up to four million African deaths. † Historian Lisa Vox expounds on the origin of slavery in North America in her article â€Å"The Start of Slavery in North America. † Vox states that, â€Å"Historians normally date the start of slavery in the North American colonies to 1619. That year, a Dutch ship carrying African slaves docked at Point Comfort, which served as Jamestown’s checkpoint for ships wanting to trade with the colonists. The crew of the Dutch ship was starving, and as John Rolfe noted in a letter to the Virginia Company’s treasurer Edwin Sandys, the Dutch traded 20 African slaves for food and supplies. † It was not until the early nineteenth century that this practice was banned with a hefty penalty for those individuals that were found participating in it. Other groups of people were affected by racism as well. When Christopher Columbus landed in the Americas in 1492, he discovered the Native American Indians which he referred to as â€Å"savages. † The Europeans deemed the Native Americans as uneducated, uncivilized creatures, and treated them as such. Native Americans were manipulated and taken advantage of by the European people, and treated more like animals than human beings. This was another historical beginning of racism in America. As America began to flourish in the mid nineteenth century, many immigrants (Irish, Chinese, Norwegians, and the Italians to name a few) flocked to the New World to seek fortune and freedom. The accumulation of many different cultures, beliefs, and ethnicities resulted in nicknaming the United States as the â€Å"melting pot. † While they were all united in their resolve to be free and determined to live the â€Å"American dream,† prejudices began to form as one race considered itself superior to the others. Americans were not happy that there were others so willing to take low pay for the jobs that they were scarcely available. There was low tolerance for different cultures and beliefs. Immigrants sought refuge and segregated themselves from one another by forming their own communities, thus resulting in â€Å"Little Italy† and â€Å"Chinatown† etc. Prejudices dissolved somewhat with the initiation of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States, along with the Bill of Rights. The Emancipation Proclamation was released in 1863 at the conclusion of the Civil War; however, slavery was not made illegal everywhere in the U. S. until the Thirteenth Amendment took effect in December 1865. Even though slavery was outlawed, there continued to be a strong segregation between the whites and African Americans. Although the Constitution states that â€Å"all men are created equal,† Latinos, Native Americans, African Americans, and other ethnicities were not receiving this kind of treatment. During the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s, many groups were formed to combat this problem of inequality. Groups such as the Black Panthers, and the Japanese American Citizens League sought to protest to gain equal rights. Such Civil Rights leaders like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. participated in nonviolent protesting to fight for these rights. In Alabama Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white person and was arrested for it, this lead to the Montgomery Bus Boycott where African Americans refused to use the buses for almost a year, and then the state ruled that it was unconstitutional to have segregated buses. It was through leaders and acts like the one just mentioned that have ended segregations and given equal rights to all Americans. Post- Racial In 2008 after Barack Obama was elected president, during the time leading up to his inauguration, it was said that many people heard for the first time, the term post-racial. The term post-racism represented a new era initiated by putting the first African-American president in office. Several people expected, believed, hoped or wanted that this new presidency would change how racism was viewed and experienced in this land of the free and home of the brave. Many individuals wanted to be able to come to this country and be a part of the great opportunity that is presented in America. They wanted to embrace a country with freedom and with a democratic government. These are a few of the things that people from other countries can only hope for and dream that someday they might make the money for the documentation and be able pay for the trip over to this land of opportunity. There are many who make the trip with expectations in their heads of how wonderful it will be upon arrival to the United States. Unfortunately not all of these individuals receive a warm welcome upon entry to this country. Racism happens to every race. Depending on what race someone might be, or what town or city that person may go it is very possible that they will feel that they are not wanted there. In the following example Kevin Merida, a writer for the Washington Post, writes about an incident in his article, â€Å"Racist Incidents Give Some Obama Campaigners Pause. † While campaigning for Barack Obama in Indiana, Danielle Ross and her group experienced a horrible response that none of them expected. Ross recalled on that day that, â€Å"The first person I encountered was like, ‘I’ll never vote for a black person. † This does not sound like racism is out of our mists. On a National Public Radio broadcast, Rebecca Roberts interviews Ralph Eubanks author of â€Å"The House at the End of the Road. † Roberts asks Eubanks to define post-racial and his response is as follows, â€Å"I think there are two popular definitions of post-racial. I think the first definition is that we are – it’s where race is no longer an issue or an impediment to progress in American society. I think that’s one way that it is often defined. Another way that it is defined is that moving – that post-racial means a color-blind society where race is not an issue. We are all Americans, and we’re just completely color blind. So, there are issues with both of those definitions, and where we’re actually moving is somewhere in between those. † For a majority of Americans, this is the goal that is in the back of their minds. Every man is created equal; everyone has the same rights, and is not judged by the color of skin they were born with. This great nation has taken steps in that direction. America is not the same place as it was in the 1950’s. Members of minority groups are not invisible like they were back then. Eubanks talks more about how he does not think that there will ever be a post-racial society because of our demographics. He believes that a post-racial society is something to always hope for, and strive towards, but pictures a multi-racial society with many different components to it. And a lot of that depends on, over the next 20 years, where our demographics take us (Roberts). Striving towards the ideal of having a color blind society will not come to past by evading the issue. Stopping racism When the topic of racism comes up many may think, â€Å"Oh no, here we go again, someone else complaining about racism. Or, why do we have to talk about this? Isn’t it time we moved on? † This may be a very uncomfortable the topic for countless American, but this is a conversation that needs to happen and continue to happen until this problem ceases to exists. It won’t disappear just because we choose not to mention it. Tim Wise, writer for timwise.org, talks about the problem of racism here in America in his article â€Å"Denial, Evasion Won’t Solve Racism. † Wise says that, â€Å"Indeed, the problem is not talking about racism but racism itself: Contrary to popular belief, race is not merely a card played by those who wish to stir up resentment. Instead it is a real and persistent determiner of who has what and why in this country. † Nobody can help what family they are born into, or what color their skin might be. Looking at the issue of race from a spiritual stand point, we are all sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father. Why would one human being think less of the other? The golden rule says that we do unto others like you would want them to do unto you. These are simple solutions to a giant problem. Like mentioned earlier, many are tired of hearing about these things, but however tired many are of hearing about this, people of color are more sick and tired of living it. Conclusion To eliminate racism it is imperative to know first, where racism started and how it has progressed so that mistakes from the past can be avoided. By understanding why it continues to be present in our nation today, one can understand that there are significant changes that need to take place in order for this problem to be overcome. In concurrence with Wise, â€Å"until whites join with our black and brown brothers and sisters to put an end to the kind of racial inequity described above, we’ll continue to be confronted with the uneasy conversations, as well we should be. † It will take courage, consistency, and time just as it has already, but we are making progress and in due time this nation will become all that our founding fathers dreamed it would be. Works Cited Mancke, Elizabeth and Shammas, Carole. The Creation of the British Atlantic World. 2005, page 30-1. Merida, Kevin. â€Å"Racist Incidents Give Some Obama Campaigners Pause. † Washingtonpost. com. Web. 13 May 2008. Roberts, Rebecca. The ‘Post-Racial’ Conversation, One Year In. Interview with Ralph Eubanks. National Public Radio: 2010. Print. Stoddard, B. , Murphy, D. Ph. D. â€Å"The Issue of Slavery†. Netplaces. com. Web. 25 April 2012 Wise, Tim. â€Å"Denial, Evasion Won’t Solve Racism. † Lexington Herald-Leader. 10 Nov. 2003.

Veteran Administration Nursing Home Reform

Veteran Administration Nursing Home Reform Veterans Groups Call for VA Nursing Home Reform Six national veterans groups- including the American Legion- have called for the federal government to reform the standards of care residents receive at all Veterans Administration (VA) nursing home facilities. A detailed article on their concerns is available here.The six national veterans groups- representing nearly 5 million veterans- say Americans who risked their lives for their country endure conditions they call nothing short of horrifying.Their demands to improve care at all VA nursing home facilities came after a recent report detailing substandard care and a blatant disregard for safety at a facility in Brockton, Massachusetts.The ClaimsA former nurse at the facility alleges nurses and aides did not empty urinals, failed to provide water, did not regularly check on residents and slept on the job.In addition to the American Legion, other notable groups calling for reform include AmVets, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars and t he Vietnam Veterans of America. Collectively, they are known as the â€Å"big six† for their political influence in Washington.The RatingsIn September, President Trump signed legislation requiring the VA to publish quality ratings, which are based on the VA’s internal rating system. The investigation by the Boston Globe and USA Today revealed care received at many VA nursing homes is significantly worse than private facilities.In fact, the agency’s own rating system gave 93 facilities two out of five stars for quality. Unfortunately, this data demonstrates that the majority of the 133 nursing homes that the VA operates are severely lacking proper care for their nearly 46,000 residents.Data released by the VA shows 95 of these facilities scored below private nursing homes in most quality indicators, including infection rates, bed sores and pain levels.The VA has yet to release the results of their own internal inspections. Such reports typically include instances of neglect or poor conditions encountered inside a nursing home facility.We Can HelpIf you are disabled and unable to work, call Disability Attorneys of Michigan for a free confidential consultation. We’ll let you know if we can help you get a monthly check and help you determine if any money or assets you receive could impact your eligibility for disability benefits.Disability Attorneys of Michigan works hard every day helping the disabled of Michigan seek the Social Security Disability and Veterans Disability benefits they need. If you are unable to work due to a physical, mental, or cognitive impairment; call Disability Attorneys of Michigan now for a free consultation at 800-949- 2900.Let Michigan’s experienced disability law firm help you get the benefits you deserve.Disability Attorneys of Michigan, Compassionate Excellence. Michigan Veteran Disability Lawyers, Michigan Veterans Benefits, Michigan Veterans Disability Attorneys, Veteran Nursing Home Reform