Buying of Private Brands and Manufacture of Brands

Johanson and Burt article provides an analysis on recent decades’ trend of private labeled brands in European retail outlets—the trend is also gaining pace in North America.The authors are specifically interested in finding similarities and differences of purchasing processes of private brands verses those owned by independent manufacturers. Private brands are hereby taken to mean good, usually foodstuffs that bear retailers name. Johanson and Burt highlight find that initial introduction of these brands into retailers’ shelves was marked with low quality and low prices.However, continued trade of these products has gradually been companied by improved quality to an extent of private brands becoming part of mainstream retailing business. For instance, private brands constitute of 40-50 percent of merchandise sold in British retail outlets (Johanson & Burt 2000). This is in consideration that competitive pressure in retailing industry has sent participants out loo king for ways to increase profit margins.Private brands have also been mentioned as sources of more variety of merchandise and therefore consumer choice at respective outlets (Bass & Binder 2008). Players in the industry have therefore embarked on competing on the provision of low priced private brands, as well as increasing these brands’ loyalty in their already existing customer base.The purchasing of own private brands comes with greater responsibilities on companies and therefore complicate individual retail outlets’ operations. This is in consideration the on other brands, retailers are used to just ordering merchandise from respective manufacturers, but the new approach require retail management to be involved in every step of product development.For instance, retailers have to bore the responsibility of designing private brands, looking for manufacturers (or processors in the case of foodstuffs) and transporters to individual stores, as well as dealing with non sold items.The authors expressed fear that preoccupation with the above processes could derail retailers from their traditional occupation of buying and selling of merchandise and therefore suffer through decreased profit margins, especially because of the extra costs involved.However, private brands have the advantage of the greater amount of market information held by respective retailers. Indeed, shopping chains are more likely to undertaking deep research on merchandise that would fetch most profit margins as private brands (Mattsson 2008). Secondly, the heavy market powers held by private owners are more likely to attract discounts from manufactures and other businesses involved.Many are the companies that scrabble for contracts for manufacture or processing of private brands. Johanson and Burt (2000) have mentioned that success in private brands depend on three forms of integration within individual retail chains.First is vertical integration, which means coordination between retail chain and individual store outlet—this is important in developing efficient processes of moving private brands to from low demand to high demand territories.Second is the horizontal integration which comes to play when the retail chain has many stores that need to interact with each other. Efficient integration between different stores in the same chain and stakeholders is therefore central to successful private branding in retail stores. Johanson and Burt have did, in their article find integration as what has caused British chains to reap higher revenues through private brands.ReferencesBass, A. & Binder, S., 2008, Retail Space Invaders, Available At:  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.brandchannel.com/papers_review.asp?sp_id=775Mattsson, A., 2008, Global Retailers Increase Private Brand Goods, Available At:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.intertek- etlsemko.com/portal/page/cust_portal/ITK_PGR/ABOUT_INTERTEK_ETL_PG/  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   OUR _NEWSROOM_PG/UPDATE_NEWSLETTER_PG/Update_2002/SUM02_  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   global_retail_article

Personal experience at Real Estate Development and Investment Essay

It was either to be a blessing or cursing. I had just come from the university as a fresh graduate. Job insecurity is a thing that sends chills of tremor down the spine of each graduate. Thank goodness this never happened with me but a new challenge was ahead. The firm which I was operating was quite meticulous in its activities; was I to be their down fall as an omen of failure. No certainly I must work breath out of me to sustain or even improve if there was anything to improve. The workplace was the carrot to reward my personal and professional development or a cane to spank my etiquettes. This was what I was up to when I joined the Real Estate Development and Investment, in Chicago. In customer care office, there were new and old problems which were brought to our attention by the clients. This is when I recognized the question which was posed to me during the interview. The question was what I would do if the length of my tie varies interchangeably during the course of wearing it. Certainly here I was dealing with two anti-parallel problems brought forward by the clients. There were those who wanted new residential houses while there were those in pursuit of selling their houses. With time, I believed that my solid performance would improve. I remember the day a client came complaining we have delayed to find a potential buyer of her house. The lady was pugnant and cantankerous in her behavior. Not a single answer she would hear. I was perplexed because I was new and such an answer would only be averting from attending her problems. Certainly, customers are kings and should be attended to regardless on who first dealt with him/her. After all will s/he have to go home and wait till who attended him/her come? No this would be suicidal to the business. So here I was juxtaposed between a rock and a hard place. The information which I had acquainted myself with was the only arrow in the quiver. Now I had to give an answer for unfamiliar situations and conclusion on the problem raised by the client. To start with I answered that there was already a willing buyer but what he was offering was meager amount and thus we never saw the need to inform her. This was after realizing from her pass that the lady came from California. It was plausible that the house was in Chicago and not California and apparently the cheapest house was selling at $ 210,000. Therefore, by excusing the house was bargained at $ 110,000, the lady will accept that certainly this was cheap and not worth to inform her of such a buyer. Luckily, it turned that what I had said was the case although I had not dome an empirical enquiry on what had happened. Form this is learnt that it’s appropriate to give wrong information than no answer to the client as it would appear rude. Barely a week was not over and there was a crisis. The manager who assisted me to secure the placement at Real Estate Investment Development was linked to a corruption scandal in the organization. So bad for those were affiliated to him. The company decided to pay them prior to sacking them. I merely escaped the crack of whip which was lashing over the innocent and those assumed to be guilty. It was a hectic time trying to convince the management that I was not involved in the graft. Were it not for the quality work that I was delivering to the customers, I would have disappeared together with the rest. The customers complained bitterly of losing an agile and kindhearted official. Besides, everything I did was in accordance to the stipulated rules of the company. Other worker also considered me friendly and my latency was shown through teamwork. Jackson, whenever we meet considers that I came to replace him; therefore it was better not to have considered my request. However, we find ourselves laughing at the idea it was like a substitution reaction which we had earlier learnt in organic chemistry. The firm was behaving like alkanes; it functions by substituting what it previously had. The week days were exceptionally busy for me. I had to equip myself with the current changes in business trends. Changes that are inevitably setting in with advent of technologies were eyesore to the conservatives but an impetus to the radical. At lunch break, fifteen minutes I would spare to browse in the internet and peruse on books so as to keep abreast with changes taking place. My food I would take as if I was in a food eating competition. Two to three spoons were enough to summarize the heap of food lying before me. It was quite symbolical that for any firm to succeed must seize the opportunities as they come just as I was gulping at the food. In the afternoon long queues of people I would find awaiting me as if I was God and on mission to rescue them from Satan. In this case the Satan was financial issues. It was crystal clear that less time was required for each client and at the same time ensuring that a comprehensive and satisfactory answer is given. Most clients were eager to know the factors which they should put into consideration while investing in real estates. Though the factors appear to be obvious, I had to put them in a way they appear new to the client’s ear. To start with, I would give a preamble of what a good investment would include while enlisting the factors to consider. Through this short encounter with customers, there was what I would call ‘resonance transfer of information’. I would make sure the client and I resonate at the same frequency and phase. Anything beyond my scope I would simply seek the information over it for the customers. Real Estate Investment Development was like the components of the table salt how they complement each other. During the course of my internship, I was also experienced the leadership vacuum which arose after summary dismissal of my friend. Jackson even though he had a lot of wiles which led him to rub the management the wrong side; he had the potential to handle any difficulties which emerged. For example, there was no one who was directly responsible for the transactions of the business. The Real Investment Development was using other firms to do their advertisement and the profit leapt was divided according to the proportion of their contribution. The number of new customers dwindled since they feared joining a corporation where you don’t know who is really in control. Collective responsibility cannot fully be trusted since there vices such as sabotage still exist. Attempts to increase the number of directors only increased the cost of management and had little change if any. At Real Estate Investment Development, the number of ladies was more than the number of gentlemen. This though was not meant to be a problem turned out to be a problem. A competition arose among the ladies over men. The dressing code was the most affected. The skirts were shortened by quite a large number. Some were the length of a bow-tie and others were as transparent as a crystal. As if this was not the only problem, the shoes were irritating to the ears as they tried to attract the attention of the men. It was a wake up call of sort, trying to wake men from the cocoon of fleeing form ladies for lack of wooing words. The administration tried to address the problem of Lorita but this never changed the situation. Moreover, the number of absentees increased due to feministic issues which are inevitable. At first I thought the problem was not to affect me. My belief is that a seed needs decomposing materials to germinate. In this case, I was the germinating seed and the ladies the decomposing materials. In the office I was located at the corner at the desk and a lady was located opposite to my desk. This is where the drama started. The way she sat was embarrassing. Thighs ajar and a finger placidly put between the slit on her skimpy dress. This sometimes made my brain go blank as I found myself carried into nitty gritty of even knowing the weekly series of her knickers. This lass was quite provocative besides teasing her wanton eyes and leg theatrics as a seductress lady. At one time she made the boss to suspect there was a beef as she was mostly found reeling on my desk with her merely chest protruding forward. The last experience which I cannot forget was the amount of work. The work was quite exhausting. The number of clients attended to were quite many and the number of staff was a few. All days we were busy searching from the internet for information, replying some emails from clients or discussing with the clients in the office. Within a month my weigh had decreased by two kilograms the exact figure stipulated by physician for the AIDS sufferers. In fact I had to be examined to know my status.

Barn Burning And Aandp Rite Of Passage

Journeies By Young Men Essay, Research Paper Rite of Passage: Journeies by Young Men The glorification of the state rests in the character of her work forces. And character comes from boyhood. Therefore every male child is a challenge to his seniors. Herbert Hoover Obtaining rite of transition can take topographic point anyplace from childhood upward into the mid-twentiess or even mid-thirtiess, but is most normally under-taken in the late adolescent old ages. In the short narratives A A ; P by John Updike, and Barn Burning by William Faulkner, the elements of inflexible societal systems, grownup regulations and authorization illustrates how a twosome of immature work forces make their grade on society by traveling against the grain in order to gain their rite of transition. Updike s narrative takes topographic point in a food market shop located in the centre of a really conservative New England community. Much like the little town, the A A ; P food market shop observes inflexible societal systems such as proper shopping etiquette and appropriate frock codification. The normal clients, houseslaves and sheep as referred to by Sammy, baulk at the audaciousness of the immature misss entire neglect for proper frock codification and normal traffic flow of the aisles. Sammy, on the other manus, is enamored by the immature misss and sees nil incorrect with their apparels, even though he understands their pick of vesture is non appropriate harmonizing to shop policy. Furthermore, Sammy is amused and entertained by the misss jokes of resiling around the shop like pinballs. Ultimately, Sammy s broad point of view on the state of affairs leads to his determination to support both his and the misss beliefs by symbolically flinging his compulsory garb of waistcoat and bow tie. Sammy realizes that he feels so strongly about the state of affairs that he sacrifices his occupation in order to turn out his point and back up his beliefs. In making so he inquiries adult regulations and authorization by standing up to Lengal and saying, I quit, and You didn Ts have to abash them. Lengal, as an older solid citizen and figure of authorization, lectures Sammy on his error after he retorts, It was they who were abashing us. Lengal so finds it prudent to affect other authorization figures in Sammy s life by saying, Sammy, you don t privation to make this to your Mom and Dad with an extra kicker of You ll experience this for the remainder of your life. Sammy knows that both statements from Lengal are true ; nevertheless he feels it necessary to transport out what he has started. At this point Sammy merely turns off from Lengal and saunters outdoors. Faulkner s narrative takes topographic point in early twentieth century deep South. The Snopes are forced to travel invariably due to Abner s refusal to collaborate with society. In consequence, Abner has isolated his household and enforces their obedient following by ordaining rigorous subject and expects them to transport out his every want and demand. At the first mark of incompliance Abner is speedy to impart a stiff manus of rectification to the faulting household member. Unfortunately, the lone household member that falls into this class is the 10 twelvemonth old Sarty. Sarty urgently wants to delight his male parent ; nevertheless he finds himself in a predicament between bash ing what he believes is morally right and his sensed duty to be loyal to his male parent. In the test against his male parent for the burned barn, Sarty is faced with taking trueness to his male parent or stating the truth as he believes. Sarty s ideas during the test are reflected our enemy he thought in that desperation ; ourn! Mine and hisn both! He s my male parent! [ sic ] Abner has evidently prepared his boy before the test. Sarty is fighting to convert himself that his male parent s side is right. However, at this point, he decides to side with his male parent even though he sees the wrong in making so. He aims for me to lie. [ a ] neodymium I will hold to make hit. [ sic ] Sarty can t travel against his male parent and face the evident wrath that will follow. After the test and half manner through another move, Abner has a talk with his boy and provinces You were repairing to state them. You would hold told him. Your acquiring to be a adult male. You got to larn. You got to l arn to lodge to your ain blood or you ain t traveling to hold any blood to lodge to you. As the narrative progresses, Abner is about to ship on yet another barn-burning incident. He is fixing to go forth his house and orders his married woman to keep onto Sarty. Abner is fearful that Sarty will follow him and alarm the proprietors. Sarty, desperate to halt his male parent, conveys his feelings Ain T you traveling to even direct a nigga? He cried. At least you sent a nigga before! Abner contemplates binding him up but settees for his married woman keeping on to him. Finally, Sarty interruptions free from his female parents grasp and hastes to alarm the new victims. Sarty has eventually decided to stand up for what he believes to be right and merely. After he notifies DeSpain he bolts from the house and continues running off from the scene. He hears a shooting followed by two more ; he stops running long plenty to shout Pap! Pap! He resumes running, inadvertently, and decides to run as far off as he can while he sobs Father! Father! In both narratives the immature work forces recognize the exact point where they have eventually made a scruples determination to stay by their ain beliefs and ethical motives, therefore obtaining their single topographic point in society for better or worse. With Sammy go forthing the A A ; P and looking back in, he sees Lengal in his old topographic point look intoing through the sheep. His tummy falls as he imagines how difficult the universe will be to him hereinafter. Likewise, Sarty eventually tires from running and sits to reflect on what had merely taken topographic point and realizes the magnitude of his actions and knows he can neer return. Sarty thinks about the difficult life in the hereafter in front but can t aid feeling relieved for interrupting the ironss of bondage that were emplaced on him by his male parent. The delicate dance from childhood to manhood is undertaken and seen in all civilizations and walks of life. Some passages are of greater magnitude than others. But, all transmutations stem from a scruples determination to do a base on what is believed to be of import and right. In both illustrations the immature work forces have rebelled against the inflexible societal systems that surrounded them thereby gaining their rite of transition into manhood. The lone autocrat I accept in this universe is the still voice within. Mahatma Gandhi

European Economy and Political Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

European Economy and Political - Essay Example As Howe (2006) observes, this is quite possibly because irrespective of her downfall and the rise of New Labour, on both political and economic fronts Britain is still living the consequences of Thatcherism. Among these consequences is the outcome of her confrontation with Britain's Labour Unions which effectively culminated in the demise of the latter and contributed to the downfall of the former (Howe, 2006). Whether or not the severe curtailment of the powers of the labour unions were a positive or negative development, just as whether or not Thatcher was singularly responsible for the stated, are questions worthy of exploration. In investigating these questions, the essay shall argue that while Thatcher's politico-economic policies vis--vis trade and labour unions were fundamental to the reduction of their powers, they were not singularly responsible for the stated curtailment. In addition, when analysed from within the parameters of the government's intentions and its economic v ision, there appears to be no other viable option to the reduction of union powers. Whether or not Thatcher's political and economic policies were responsible for the reduction in the powers of Britain's unions is debatable. ... 4 Homeownership rose C. Macroeconomic figures validate Thatcher's union policies. VI. The question of whether or not positive macroeconomic performance indicators allow for an objective determination of whether there were any alternatives to these policies. A. Economic problem was largely linked to strikes. B. As a consequence of continued strike, once powerful industries were virtually destroyed. C. Strikes were at the heart of inflation D. Solution lay in limiting strikes. VII. The only realistic, workable and effective way the government could reduce strikes was by passing laws and policies which imposed a regulatory legal framework upon the very practice of striking. A. Wildcat strikes were outlawed B. Illegal to call strikes without ballots. C. Power to call strikes was severely limited. VIII. Conclusion: In the final analysis, the effectiveness of Thatcher's curtailment of union power must be affirmed. A. Strikes were remarkably reduced. B. Lost workdays were regained. C. Britain was on the road to economic recovery as a direct consequence of the limitations imposed upon union powers. Few political economic trends have been as controversial as has Thatcherism and hardly any British prime ministers possess as debatable a legacy as does Margaret Thatcher. Although ousted from power by he own Conservative Party close to two decades ago, Thatcherism and Thatcher's legacy remain as divisive a subject today as they were throughput the 1980s. As Howe (2006) observes, this is quite possibly because irrespective of her downfall and the rise of New Labour, on both political and economic fronts Britain is still living the consequences of Thatcherism. Among these consequences is the outcome of her confrontation with Britain's Labour Unions which effectively

Law of Torts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Law of Torts - Essay Example I would advise Mr. Andy that his accident occurred in the type of area commonly known for producing similar types of vehicle mishaps, and it will not be necessary for him to prove any type of vicarious liability. It is the duty of the owner to make the property safe. . in the case of McWilliams V. Sir William Arroll 1962, the ‘but for’ test is applicable on the premise that he (Mr. Andy) would not have sustained the injury but for the breach of the (property owner) defendant. Moreover as in Anns V Merton (1977), Lord Wilberforce proposed a two-staged test†¦once neighborhood was established, there is a prima facie duty of care, which can only be rebutted on policy ground. (Boone) I would also caution Mr. Andy that his contributory negligence in not wearing a seat belt as requested by Suzie, may be just cause for his compensation to be reduced. The defendant might introduce the Contributory Negligence Act of 1945, which in part states: Where any person suffers damage as a result partly of his own fault and partly of the fault of any other person or persons, a claim in respect to that damage shall not be defeated by reason of the fault of the person suffering the damage, but the damages recoverable in respect thereof shall be reduced to such extent as the court thinks just and equitable having regard the claimants share in the responsibility for the damage. (Act 1945) ... Andy on the prospect of two additional potential claims. Where vicarious liability is obvious in one and not so clear in the other. While he was in fact a passenger in a vehicle driven by Suzie, she is not personally liable for his injury. To illustrate this I will use the chain of causation as the example and it works thusly: A caused B, B caused C, then A Caused C. In other words, A (kid blindly exiting from vacant lot) caused B (Suzie to make an abrupt emergency stop when she slammed on her car brakes), caused C (Mr. Andy to break his nose). Which in the strict sense of the law represents an additional claim of negligence for Mr. Andy. Under English Law, David's mother is obliged to know where her non-adult children are at all times. She has specific responsibilities concerning their behaviour. The parent is liable for any harm or damage which the child might cause, as a consequence of being unsupervised.However, I would think that Mr. Andy would in all probability in this instance, be willing to exhibit some compassion, and this case would be a moot point, since David is now deceased and his sibling was badly burned in a fire on the vacant lot. Also, since Mr. Andy was the passenger in the vehicle driven by Suzie, where he encountered an accident, he is at liberty to file a claim against her car insurance company. But, I would advise Mr. Andy against filing the latter claim for a number of reasons: (1) Suzie requested that he wear the passenger seat belt on the passenger side of the car. Either due to the comfort level (given the fact that he is overweight), or simply due to his recalcitrance, he rebuked her request. His refusal of her common sense suggestion was a contributor to the

Discourse analysis of three TVC's Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Discourse analysis of three TVC's - Essay Example Social Analysis: The targeted audience of the advertisement are women most preferably women who are guardians of elementary school children. The appeal of the advertisement is emotional appeal that is directed in a personal and social manner. This means that if mothers will buy the product then they will not have to be worried about the children being limit their choices of activities. They can be free to make their clothes messy if they are taking art classes or playing football because children learn outside more than at home. The evidence that has been provided through the advertisement is the intellectual growth among children as the kids design a model of a space shuttle. The advertisement has given out a value of allowing children to experience their own desires and dreams which can be done if parents allow them to take a chance instead of telling them to be fearful about the end results. The ad has been designed with kids in an external setting where the vision has been enhanc es by usage of sharp colors (AdsNTrailers n.d.). ... The advertisement tells the stories of children who are creative and considered as immature enough to have their own expressions. The advertisement has a clear impact on the social behavior telling members to be supportive with children. The ad promotes working class lifestyle as a hard working way of living (AdsNTrailers n.d.). Berkeley Heating and Air Conditioning Commercial Linguistic Analysis: The information given in the ad is in the form of news telling the customers to save money as they get new Berkeley heating and Air conditioning product. The symbols and word which have been used in the advertisement would be a dollar note that has been shown to drop from the conditioning devices. The relationship between the product and the buyers would be of working together as a unit and save money ( BerkeleyHeating 2011). Social Analysis: The targeted audiences of the advertisement are working class who are employed and are earning bread and butter for the family. The appeal of the adve rtisement is of price which means that the product must be bought for the lowered price. The evidence that has been shown in the advertisement for such an appeal is the dollar note falling from the device which shows that the savings are assured if consumer buys Berkeley cooling and heating devices. The value the advertisement promotes is the hard work through which working class goes to earn bread and butter. The ad has been designed in a way that it shows common people involved in a daily routine activity ad are provided with lowest rates ( BerkeleyHeating 2011). Cultural Analysis: The silent messages found in the advertisements include usage of cooling and heating devices in every home even in the bathrooms. This is the linkage to the lifestyle that this ad has presented to have

Hazards of Aluminium Welding Fumes Research Paper

Hazards of Aluminium Welding Fumes - Research Paper Example The biggest problem is that the diseases do not develop immediately but appear after a few years of exposure. The impact of pollution at the workplace on productivity has been well investigated. Studies on the impact of pollution at work environment in productivity reveal a tendency of reduction in economic activity (Marrewijk, 2005). "Sick Building Syndrome" (SBS) and 'Building related illness' (BRI) gives rise to employee complaints such as headaches, dizziness, disorientation, fatigue, ear, eye and throat irritations. The world demand for high-speed ferries and LNG tanks is being met with an increase in Aluminium welding and casting production. This has introduced a new health hazard to the Aluminium welders and ways are being probed to protect the welders against the Aluminium fumes. In the U.K, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations stipulates that the occupational exposure limit for Aluminium fume should not exceed 5mgm exp 3 of air. Aluminium fumes during welding also generate quantities of ozone gas, which can cause nausea (Rabin, 1997) and unconsciousness. Welding is a process in which metal or other thermoplastic materials are joined together by the application of heat or pore sure or both. Electric welding was introduced in the 1940s. Aluminium welding has been in prominence since 1970. There are several types of welding like Arc welding and Manual metal arc is a common process where the workers are exposed to the fumes. Carbon arc, Cold welding, Electron beam welding, Flux core arc welding, Gas welding, Gas metal arc welding, Gas tungsten arc welding, Shielded metal arc welding, Plasma arc welding, Laser beam welding are the other welding processes where workers are exposed to metal fumes. The welding workers have a high exposure of metal fumes and the exposure depends on the place, confined space, workshop or open air.  

Classifying Cultures Generalization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Classifying Cultures Generalization - Essay Example This means that people will judge others based on the information they get from the media or any other source instead of trying to learn about them. This is because people will not take effort in trying to learn through experience, the behaviors of other groups, but they will assume what they have heard about them represents the entire group or culture. Generalization will have the effect of causing stereotyping and prejudice since it judges individuals as a group instead of trying to understand the individual characteristics. The common American notion that people of the Muslim or Arabic culture are terrorists is false. After the September 11 attacks on the world trade center, the American government set up strategies on the war against terrorists and initiated the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. There are many differences in these wars, but they are all associated with war of the Americans against Muslims in their effort to do away with terrorism. This war has raised questions such a s what the attitudes of the Americans are about Muslims living in the states and whether these attitudes will help in the war against terrorism. These attacks were conducted by the Al-Qaeda group and caused many deaths of the American citizens (Sides & Gross, 1). The group has also been associated with other terrorist attacks all over the world and the war on the group was started in order to create security in the world. After theses attacks, politics was based on the war against terrorism and this changed the attitudes of Americans against people of the Muslim descent. Most Americans have associated Islam with terrorism since the Al-Qaeda group is from the Muslim culture and they see Islam religion as a weak one. Islam followers and mostly people of the Arabic descent started being seen as violent people and they were sidelined as the violent extremists. President Bush signed the Islamo-Facists bill, and this changed the attitude of some Americans on people of the Islam religion d espite the fact that it was war on some Muslims engaging in terrorism (Sides & Gross, 1). In the minds of some Americans, this created generalization, which implicated Muslims. Despite the efforts to separate the terrorist groups from the entire Muslim community, people still have derogatory attitudes towards Muslims and associate any Muslim they come across to be a terrorist. Research data shows that most Americans have the stereotypes of Muslims as aggressive and they do not trust them (Darren, 27). The Americans perceive Muslims negatively and they believe that their goals are not compatible. Media has emphasized on the negative intentions over the years and it has played a crucial role in heightening the generalization of the Muslim culture. Media dose not directly implicate Muslims with terrorism, but it has contributed to the perception on the Americans of Muslims being hostile. Research shows that most news coverage involving Muslims tend to cover stories associated with war and crisis (Sides & Gross, 3). After the attacks on the world trade centre, the war against terrorism is seen to have been directed towards Muslims and people of the Arab descent. Most of the depictions of the Muslims have been negative since then, and this has caused Muslims living in the United States and in other places in the world to be feared and associated with terror (Brigette,

Four Main Debates in the Field of Global Strategy by Peng and Essay

Four Main Debates in the Field of Global Strategy by Peng and Pleggenkuhle-Miles - Essay Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that global strategy has been popularly understood to refer to the strategic guidance of any organization as the organization seeks to pursue different geographic markets. However, the fact that the definition is not clear as regards to what extent a global strategy should address has generated a heated debate. The paper, Current Debates in Global Strategy provides a unique review of the four current debates as regards global strategy. The four debates are cultural vs. institutional distance, global vs. regional geographic diversification, convergence vs. divergence in corporate governance and lastly domestic vs. overseas corporate social responsibility which are all widely believed to be connected to the institution-based view of global strategy. Peng and Pleggenkuhle-Miles track down the history of each debate while also highlighting the emerging tension of each debate. On the other hand, globalization has transformed and currently is mainl y characterized by its growing interdependency between countries and continues to be multi-faceted with various different business aspects. Peng and Pleggenkuhle-Miles give focus on the four debates informed by the belief that in order to properly analyze literature on global strategy, we have to first pick debates that are fairly distinct from one another. Additionally, a historical aspect was taken into consideration through identification of debates with varying timelines. In understanding the four debates, it is important that we understand the authors perceive global strategy as the strategy employed by firms, both international and domestic around the globe in a bid to compete successfully which in other words imply that their view is based on their belief that global strategy is to a large extent closely lies between strategic management and international business.

Proctor and Gambles Takeover of Gillette Case Study

Proctor and Gambles Takeover of Gillette - Case Study Example Kilts needed to ensure that the long-term profitability of Gillette continued, with three well-known brands in its portfolio it was at a disadvantage to companies like P&G which had approximately 150 major brands. To ensure sustainability and future profitability for the shareholders of Gillette he approached the merger with Lafley and P&G in 2002 originally and then subsequently in 2004. The opportunities resulting from this merger included a solid return for current shareholders as well as future profitability for P&G and Gillette as a singular business under the P&G name. Unfortunately, the problems included public reaction which was seen in media attacks following the merger in 2005 as well as the state of Massachusetts. Additionally, the possibility of losing money for shareholders if the deal turned out badly was an ever-present threat. However, the opportunities for profit and a mutually beneficial future for both companies outweighed the potential problems. Between both compa nies, there were defined market shares; P&G did not really hold a market share in razors, toothbrushes, and batteries though it did maintain a large market share in other similar products that would allow it to combine the three Gillette brands into its portfolio and profit. Gillette was more adept at marketing to men, while P&G was more adept at marketing to women. Additionally were the burgeoning foreign markets and the need for increased market shares in those areas. P&G is skilled in marketing and maintaining a significant presence in China while Gillette maintained large market shares in India and Brazil. With this evidence supporting the net benefit of a merger of interests, there does not seem to be much that could improve that.

Egypt and Mesopotamia Comparison Essay Example for Free

Egypt and Mesopotamia Comparison Essay Egypt and Mesopotamia not only differed in their trade and culture, but also in their politics and form of government. Despite the differences though, one is able to notice several similarities between the two civilizations. First of all, Mesopotamia was ruled by kings and queens and nobles could usually attain power as they attained a higher economic status. In Egypt, it was the pharaohs who the authoritive power. In Mesopotamia, the state also had supreme power in the economy and agricultural affairs. Pharaohs were the supreme judges and law makers, as were kings in Mesopotamia. They did have advisors and religion influenced their policies, for example, religion in Egypt is the bureaucracy and actions as did in Mesopotamian civilizations. An example of how morals had an influence in the Mesopotamian laws and policies is Mesopotamian king Hammurabi’s Codes Laws on family relationships. In these codes relied heavily on the principle of lex talionis, or â€Å"the law of retaliation† basically meaning an eye for an eye. Egyptian law was based on truth, order, balance and justice in the universe. This concept allowed that everyone, with the exception of slaves, should be viewed as equals under the law. One can notice, however, that when Egyptians carried out punishment in their people, they would be relatively unfair. Both civilizations had politics centered around cities or populated areas. This is true because areas or centers that were more populated were more likely to support differences in ideologies, so there would tend to be more conflicts requiring a higher authorative power. The people of these two civilizations were pretty loyal to the policies, especially when they considered the consequences that they would face if they didn’t. For pharaohs in Egypt, their successors were usually their offspring and they carried the empire. In many Mesopotamians though, the kings that ruled didn’t necessarily have to be relatives of the previous kings, though they did take the ways of ruling of the previous kings to learn from them and make sure to be more efficient, as did the pharaohs.

Analysis of Personality Type Essay Example for Free

Analysis of Personality Type Essay My overall personality has it strengths and weaknesses. I believe we all have our downfalls. I’ve been told I’m really outgoing, Goofy, loving, funny, kind-hearted, intelligent, but also very helpful. I’ve also been described as quiet, and very shy. This can be good and bad in a number of ways for a number of reasons. Put all of this along with my vark type, and SDS report and you have one interesting person. When it comes to being outgoing there is a time and a place. It’s okay to be outgoing but not in certain settings like in a classroom in the middle of a lecture where everyone should be quiet, yet attentive. As far as being goofy all the time, gives me the opportunity to uplift others in ways that I never thought was possible. Simply speaking to someone and making them laugh can change a person day drastically; well that’s what my friends always say. They could go from having an okay day to a great day from a simple hello, a smile, and a little joke from time to time. I’ve been told laughter is the key to life and we’d all be bitter without it so I try to keep people around me laughing. Being funny comes natural and I’ve been told I have that â€Å"natural touch.† Making someone laugh can brighten any dull moment and change someone’s day just as well as speaking to them. I love to laugh and I also try to keep people laughing because it’s just something I enjoy doing. At times I don’t even try to be funny and I still accomplished this goal without even trying. I can be very kind-hearted when I choose to. For example I have a love for helping people so I am extremely kind when it comes to someone wanting my help. It makes me feel like I have done like a good deed. . I’ll pretty much help with anything as long as it doesn’t harm me or them in any way. I’m also very intelligent. I can talk and educate someone who is unfamiliar with just about any subject, including, mathematics, and even English. These are just a few of my strengths which bring out good and bad characteristics of my personality. As far as putting all of this with my VARK, and SDS reports I think I am one interesting person. In the VARK report I am more of a kinesthetic and then a visual learner. In some cases that could be a good thing and a bad thing. The good thing about that is I can thing is when I give presentations; I can really make it come alive. Instead of just writing all of these boring words down I would put a lot of pictures and colors on there, and bring it together in a way where it catches your eye to make you want to pay attention. But, in some cases it could be bad because what if my boss doesn’t like the whole picture idea because he or she is a different type of learner. Well our personalities could clash. When it comes to the SDS report I am an ECS which means I am enterprising, conventional and very social. Enterprising means that I am a type of person that likes to persuade or direct others, very adventurous, agreeable, and ambitious. Conventional means that I am follow orderly routines and meet clear standards, and I am also very careful and efficient obedient, and orderly. Last but not lease I am very social, meaning I like to help, teach, counsel people, very friendly, cooperative generous and reasonable. I have a few distractions and weaknesses when it comes to my personality but I plan to work on them on a daily basis. As of now, my strengths out way my weaknesses so I don’t have much to worry about. I’ll focus mainly on my strengths but also put a certain amount of effort towards improving my weaknesses. Career Profile Out of the entire career I have looked at, I think I would like to go in to the business field. Not just any business, CEO, or an entrepreneur type thing. Knowing that I like to cook I will incorporate that into my career choice too. A CEO (Chief Executive officer) is a title of a person who holds the highest position in a company. A CEO is very individualized depending upon the size of the company, and of course they have to have the right education. To be a CEO you have to have a MBA, which requires a 4 year undergraduate degree, and some of a graduate studies as well. If I where to go to grade school at Michigan State it would cost about 39,896 for an out of state student. I would have to have a GPA requirement of 3.4-3.8, and it takes about 4 years to finish. Because I live in Texas I would have to relocate myself to Michigan. To get into grad school you have to take the GMAT. The GMAT test doesn’t test you on knowledge in business or other subjects, it is a mental intelligence tester, and to see how well you can make a decision under pressure. Most grad schools look at your college grades and GPA, but they really pay attention to your GMAT. It is really important. Next is an entrepreneur. An entrepreneur is a person who organizes and manages a business undertaking assuming the risk for the sake of profit. Also they see opportunity, and take it to build a plan. Start his or her business to manage and receive profit. Be an entrepreneur it is a good idea to take the same route as a CEO, that way your education is much higher than some of the other business owners, and might be more successful. Last but not least is my love for cooking. I really want to go into that field as well mostly the business side of it any way. To go into any of owning any type of food industry, it is only fair that you go to culinary school, so that you know how to cook for one, and how to run your own food business. If I where to go to a culinary school I would pick La Cordon Bleu. For one they teach you all the culinary techniques you need to know, and they also teach you how to run and work in the food industry. To attend La Cordon Bleu Its cost about $37,500 to get a BA in Culinary Arts and Baking $ Pastry, and its takes about 14 months or a year and 2 months to get your degree. If you put all three of these together you have some one that is an CEO of a Food company or a restaurant chain, and someone who can not only run a business but cook in it too. To enter my field of choice I am looking at about $80,000 and that’s just education alone. If I add the relocation and housing and food added on with the education, that is about $100,000. Once I start working that is a different story. A CEO starts out at about $366,551, and at the most could make up to $1,117,442. On average a CEO makes about $704,731. A CEO works about 50 to 60 hours a week. Its looks like I am going to be very busy. A chef starts off a 45,000 a year and could make up to $96,000, and on average they make about 75,000 a year. A chef works about 35-45 hours a week, and if you are a CEO or the owner of that particular restaurant I probably would be working twice those hours. I’m looking at a very time consuming life. In some field there is a little, or a big thing called benefits. If you are a CEO you get GREAT benefits. I’m talking insurance for everything, dental, eye doctor, regular doctor, and anything else you can get covered in they basically covered. When you are a CEO of anything there is a 70% travel rate, so you will always be on the go to a new place. An average workday is about 12-16 hours. Also to be a CEO you have to know staff development and leadership methods, because it is a requirement. To be a chef you have some benefits, but if you are a chef and a CEO it really doesn’t matter what your benefits are for being a chef, because you are pretty much covered in CEO part. The chef travel rate is about 20-40% and your work about 4 day a week and about 8-10 hours a day. Some requirement to be a chef you have to have Pastry and cooking styles and techniques, and some baking methods. Also you have to be physically fit and have to know how to work in 3-4 star restaurants. Being in this fields or fields, it is going to require a lot of work and time from me, but I know if I just stay focus and stay on top of my game, I can do it. And if I see that I might fall, well there is always a choice of having a helping hand, maybe like a partnership on the business side just to take some of the load off of my shoulders. Entering this field I know I want to make sure that this is really what I want to do. So I asked 2 people if they would like to share some of their tips on how they made it through school, and how long did it take them to get there. Now I really wasn’t able to interview strangers, so I interviewed some people that I already knew. The first person was my business professor, Dr. McNeil. He has the highest degree in business, but he isn’t the CEO of anything, but he did tell me how to survive in business school. What I learned from him is that you have to go into school know that there are a lot of people that you are competing against. There are people from all over the world that are trying to make it in the business industry, but you can’t let that knock you down. He told me when he was in business school it was very hard to get interviews, because it was always that one person that was better than him. But he said that didn’t stop him. He just knew that he had to work harder and smarter. When he went to Career fairs and tried to look for jobs, he didn’t just give his resume out nor just give his business card out. He sold himself and his personality to the other business owners and CEOs to get jobs and internship for more education in his field. Once he changed how he approached the people and how he talked to the people, he saw that more and more people where asking him to work for their companies. The other person I interviewed was my Culinary Teacher form high school, Mr. Chef Brown. He is indeed in the restaurant business, and I thought he would be the perfect person to tell me how to get there. He is a teacher and has a catering business on the side. My culinary teacher was right where I was in some years ago, in college and not sure what he wanted to do. He decided to go to culinary school, because he liked food. At first he wasn’t thinking about owning his own restaurant. He was there because he knew he was going to get to eat what he cooked. Talk about going in with the wrong state of mind. Once he was a year into his culinary college he noticed that he was learning way more than he expected to like learning all types of styles of cooking methods, and learning how to run and own his own business. That was an eye opener for him. It gave him an idea on what he wanted to do when he got out of school. What I got from his interview was when you going to choose your career, don’t just go in there because you like what they do. Go in there knowing what you are going to get out of and it and knowing what you are going to do when you are done. He points was also similar to my business professor, there is always going to be someone better than you. So work hard and smart, but mostly work smarter, and when you going to school know what you want to get out of it. Reverse Goal Setting When you are trying to get something accomplished you have to have a plan, or certain goals you want to meet. To be an CEO, get into entrepreneurship, or chef I have to have a plan, and I have to start now. Starting with my far far way plan, and that is to own my own business and be successful. To own my own business I have to go to business school, and because of the type of business I want to own, I have to go to culinary school. Which leads me to my next goal, the far away goal, and that is going to La Cordon bleu for the study of Culinary Arts and Baking a Pastry. My next goal is the one that is in distance, and that is going to grad school. It’s going to take some hard work to get there. But, to get there I have to work on my goal that is down there street which is finishing college. Some people don’t even make it through their freshman year of college. But I am going to make it my goal to get through my freshman year, and not just make through, I want to finish off with a 3.5 GPA. The only way I will be able to reach these goals is I have to make them believable to myself. Starting with my on the couch goal, finishing my freshman year with a 3.5 GPA. To make it realistic I really want to shoot for a 4.0 GPA but I know that isn’t possible coming from a 2.8 GPA, but I will still keep it in the back of my head for motivation, because I desire to get a 4.0. Now knowing that this is where I want to be, I am going to have to come up with a plan to get to my on the couch goal, and be able to make it to my far far away goal. I have to make it come to reality. This semester I want to finish my freshman year off with a bang, by bring my 2.8 up to a 3.5. I know I have to always go to class, study, and try to pass test and quizzes, and just really put effort in to all 7 classes that I have all this semester. I will need books, a computer, and a bible to help me get through this, because I know it will be a tough thing to do. If I put my mind to it I know I can do it. I don’t really think I would need money; it’s all about putting forth some effort. My rewards would be that I would become eligible to look for internships to help me get some practice in my field that I want to go into. I also can apply for scholarships to help pay for the rest of my way in college. If I start now, and start studying every night form 9-11pm and make sure that I get enough rest. I will make to my on the couch goal and my far far away goal. References Ellis-Christensen, Tricia, and O. Wallace. What Is a CEO? WiseGeek. Conjecture. Web. 09 Mar. 2012. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-ceo.htm. Diploma, P. (2010). What kind of Degree Do You Need to Be a CEO? Retrieved from Phony Diploma : http://www.phonydiploma.com/what-kind-of-degree-do-you-need-to-be-a-ceo.aspx Oklahoma, T. U. (n.d.). The OU Price of College of Business. Retrieved Feb 24, 2012, from OU.EDU: http://www.ou.edu/content/price/mba/mba_fulltime.html School, C. B. (2011). GMAT (Graduate Mangament Admission Test) . Retrieved from GMATCAT.COM: http://www.gmatcat.com/GMAT.html SBA Direct. What Is an Entrepreneur? Web. 09 Mar. 2012. http://www.sba.gov/content/what-entrepreneur.

Hydrolysis of Phosphomonoesters Study

Hydrolysis of Phosphomonoesters Study Introduction Site-directed mutagenesis was the primary basis of this portion of the laboratory directed toward determining the active site of the enzyme catalysis for hydrolysis of phosphomonoesters. The criteria was to turn the original sequence with Arginine 166 into Glutamine 166 through a point mutation. The primer location is located in the 401511 sequence of the phoA gene of alkaline phosphatase in E. Coli. The primer sequence is: 5- G CTG GTG GCA CAT GTG ACC TCG CGC AAA TGC TAC GGT CCG AGC -3’. The mutated primer sequence is: R166Q1 5’-G CTG GTG GCA CAT GTG ACC TCG CAG AAA TGC TAC GGT CCG AGC-3’. The reverse complementary mutated primer sequence is: R166Q2 5’-GCT CGG ACT CGG ACT GTC GCA TTT CTG CGA GGT CAC ATG TGC CAC CAG C-3’. A calculation for the melting temperature can be determined by the following equation: TM= 81.5 + 0.41 (%GC) – 675/N- % mismatch The TM value for Gln-166 was determined to be 85.95ËÅ ¡C. It is necessary for the TM value to be above 75ËÅ ¡C for successful mutation. Running on the null hypothesis, it would be clear that nothing would change for the kinetic parameters. If something were to change, the kinetic parameters for the Michaelis constant (Km), which determine the velocity of an enzyme as well as calculated to be  ½ the Vmax, would be hypothesized much higher after the mutation to glutamine since the mutation allows for 61% more accuracy from arginine’s CGG at 25% to glutamine’s CAG at 86%. The increase in the binding affinity creates the hypothesis that since it is bound closer together creating a stronger binding affinity, the maximal speed (Vmax) would be reduced since it does not require as much conversion between substrate and product. Mechanism of Alkaline Phosphatase Alkaline phosphatase (APase) is an enzyme located in the periplasmic space of E. Coli. The structure of APase, usually in the form of a dimer, shows two zinc metallonzymes and a magnesium ion in the active center. There is a bridging ligand with the protein Asp51 in the active center for the two zinc ions and the one magnesium ion. There are four phosphate oxygens; two phosphate oxygens form a phosphate bridge between the two zinc ions and the other two form hydrogen bonds with the guanidinium group of arg-166 (Coleman, 1992). The dimer is two identical subunits that each contain 429 amino acids. (Coleman, 1992). The most important amino acids located at the active site of APase are the four Cysteine residues represented as combined intrachain disulfides. The phosphorylated residue was Ser 102, which is phosphorylated during phosphate hydrolysis, to begin the nucleophilic attack on phosphorus. Each monomer contains a leucine rich environment of 22 residues. (Coleman, 1992). The first zinc ion is necessary in activating the leaving group of the ester oxygen in order for Ser 102 to phosphorylate (Coleman, 1992). The second zinc ion is necessary for the ester oxygen of the serylphosphate to begin activation of the phosphoseryl intermediate during hydrolysis of Ser 102. When the phosphoseryl intermediate is formed during the first zinc formation, a hydroxide is formed. (Coleman, 1992). Figure 1: this figure represents the monomer of alkaline phosphatase showing the zinc triad with magnesium in the active center. (Coleman, 1992). The proposed mutation as discussed, is mutating the arg-166 to glu-166. It is speculated that there will be no effect on the enzyme during the mutation. Arg-166 is located in the guanidinium group and is an electrophilic species while APase is being phosphorylated. Arg-166 is speculated to play a role in stabilizing the developing negative charge on the oxygen of the leaving group, pentacoordinate transition state, or help bind the phosphate group. As discovered byButler-Ransohoff et al, it is discovered that Arg-166 has no effect on the hydrolysis of phosphate monoesters and therefore will not be effected after mutation. Competent Cells Competent cells are used to help the DNA get into the cell. DNA is negatively charged and the calcium ions from the competent cells of DH5-ÃŽ ± cells are positively charged. The purpose of calcium chloride’s positive ions is to create an equilibrium between negative charge on the cell membranes phospholipid heads and the phosphate group on the plasmid DNA. This is where the genetic modification occurs. Therefore, they help by binding to the DNA and move it into the cell after the cell goes through a heat shock cycle. Competent cells have a very high rate for transformation efficiency. The proposed understanding of how this works, is that the calcium ions are positive and therefore weaken the electrostatic repulsion, which in turn weakens the cell walls. When the cell goes through heat shock, it causes the pressure to increase opening the cell and allowing the competent cells to bring the DNA into the cell by allowing pores to be created with the weakened cell wall. This forces the plasmid to become supercoiled so that it can pass through the pores created by the charge difference and heat shock. The competence comes from the cold bath of DH5-ÃŽ ± cells in calcium chloride which shocks the cells causing pores and then heat the cell to 42ËÅ ¡C for roughly 2 minutes, more than this could cause the cell membrane to denature and the pEK-154 mutated plasmid would become denatured. DH5-ÃŽ ± is a strain from E. Coli commonly used in laboratory practices due to it having the phoA- gene deficiency. This is necessary and desirable because it is easily transformed for creating competent cells. DH5-ÃŽ ± cells are used because they are a common strain in E. Coli and are commonly used for cloning. In addition, they promote stability and help improve the quality of the plasmid when using the Miniprep kit. (Dagert, 1979). A growth curve was created after incubation of the cells for competent cells. This was done to show the growth period during the lag phase is depicted by the highest point on the growth curve. This is taken to determine how much growth you have and is determined through a logarithm vs. time on a graph. The method used is optical density (OD) at 600nm to measure the transmittance on a spectrophotometer. If the value for the OD600 is high, the protection factor by a filter is lower and vise versa. This method is used to determine how much light is absorbed through the bacterial cells. Site-Directed Mutagenesis The sequence chosen for the point mutation from Arginine 166 to Glutamine 166 was sequenced in Ann Arbor. Site-Directed Mutagenesis synthesizes two complimentary oligonucleotides double stranded DNA template with glutamine 166 mutation, which is tagged with unmodified nucleotide sequences to a single stranded DNA template to allow mutation to occur and then reforms the new double strand DNA template during thermal cycling. When this occurs, the newly single stranded DNA template forms complementary strands with the enzymes and nucleotides to produce a higher result of strands. The purpose of site-directed mutagenesis is to make specific changes to the DNA sequence of a gene. Quik Change Lightening Mutagenesis kit provides a faster and more reliable insertion of the mutation with a simple three step method. The multiple cycles are subjected to a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. This allows multiple sets of mutated DNA to be produced within a short period of time. PCR works by heating and cooling the samples, since the double DNA is subjected to separation when heated it causes the srtands to separate allowing nicks in the template to occur. pUC-18 is a control plasmid used for determining if a mutation was successful and efficient. Figure 2: pUC-18 plasmid DNA genetically mutated to contain the LacZ gene as well as the ampicillin resistance gene. The polylinker cuts the section of the DNA by the Dpn1 restriction endonuclease creating a linear DNA strand allowing for the binding of the mutation of Arg-166 to Glu-166 to occur. pUC-18 is a circular double stranded DNA molecule. The reason pUC-18 was chosen as the control positive plasmid is because it was genetically manipulated to contain an ampicillin resistance gene as well as a ÃŽ ²-galactosidase enzyme known as LacZ. The lacZ gene is essential for DNA mutation because it contains a region to insert a polylinker, which recognizes the Dpn I restriction endonucleases during digestion causing the plasmid to become linear and bind to the mutated plasmid DNA that has also been cut with the Dpn I restriction endonuclease. A pWhitescript is used as the positive control plasmid used for mutagenesis. The control plasmid is combined with pEK154 plasmid containing the phA gene of APase and the vector double stranded DNA. The two oligonucleotide primers are the opposite ends of the vector. pWhitescript has the stop codon TAA inserted that stops the ÃŽ ²-galactosidase enzyme from producing. The two oligonucleotide control primers create a point mutation that turns the T residue of the stop codon to the C residue of the glutamine codon (Gln, CAG). That allows enzyme ÃŽ ²-galactosidase to be produced after pWhitescript is subjected to mutagenesis. There are two oligonucleotide with the mutation primer as discussed earlier. New DNA polymerase called Q1 enzyme was used for double stranded DNA template when combined with dNTP mix it extended the two-oligonucleotide primers as well as allowing the new plasmid DNA to construct. PCR Cycling parameters were used during Quik Change Site-Directed Mutagenesis for the transformation of arginine to glutamine by the use of the Pfu Enzyme. As visible from table 1, the cycling parameters were set up for this specific reaction for a point mutation. After cycling, the non-mutated parental supercoiled double stranded (dsDNA) is digested. Table 1: Quik Change Site-Directed Mutagenesis Parameters Segment Cycles Temperature Time 1 1 95C 2min 2 18 60C 60C 68C 20 sec 10 sec 30 sec/kb of plasmid length (3min) 3 1 68C 5 min The first step of the three step simple method for Quik Change Lightening Mutagenesis kit is Thermal cycling at 95ËÅ ¡C for two minutes. During this time, the DNA template becomes denatured allowing the primers to be subjected to heat treatments, which denature the pEK-154 template DNA strand and synthesizes the primers to extend linearly and cause nicks with Pfu Fusion-based DNA polymerase, which are then sealed by components within the Pfu enzyme blend. This polymerase allows for exact replication of original template and does not disrupt the orientation. The original mutated pEK-154 was used as the supercoiled double stranded DNA template Figure 1: during thermal cycling, the double-stranded DNA Template is nicked and subjected to point mutation for arginine 166 to glutamine 166 and then sealed with components in the Pfu enzyme blend. In the second step of the kit the template digests the parental DNA strand with methylated and hemimethylated DNA using the enzyme Dpn I endonuclease and subjected to thermal cycling for the second segment. The un-mutated pEK-154 plasmid DNA is the parental DNA while the mutated pEK-154 is the plasmid DNA with the desired mutation. With the nicks, the mutated plasmid with the two oligonucleotide primers is mixed with Dpn I endonuclease for methylated DNA that targets the sequence 5’-Gm6ATC-3’. This sequence helps digest the pEK-154 parental DNA template and has not been introduced into the methylase enyme allowing methylation to not effect the DNA and therefore will not be digested with the parental DNA strand. Similarly, the un-mutated is also digested in Dpn I restriction endonuclease to be methylated. Figure 2: Dpn 1 enzyme endonuclease digests the parental DNA template with methylated and hemimethylated allowing for single stranded DNA for transformation. Step 3 is the last cycling step where transformation of the newly mutated glutamine 166 single-stranded DNA. The DNA is added to Dpn I restriction endonuclease, which forms it into linear DNA stranded DNA duplex forming a double stranded DNA for the newly synthesized mutated DNA. After the mutated vector DNA with the primers has been nicked it is transformed into CaCl2 competent DH5-ÃŽ ± cells. This transformation must occur to repair the nicks caused during cycles to separate the DNA strands. The pWs, which is used as the control DNA is also transformed with competent DH5-ÃŽ ± cells to help repair the nicks. Transformation Control screening used X-gal and IPTG to determine if ÃŽ ²-galactosidase activity. The newly mutated pEK-154 cells are screened for alkaline phosphatase activity. This helps screen for ÃŽ ²-galatosidase enzyme in E. Coli is a Lac Z gene that codes for this enzyme. This enzyme is useful because it breaks the lactose into galactose and glucose. A Lac operon contains an operator and a promoter, which binds RNA-polymerase that starts transcription for the Lac I gene for I protein which can only bind to operator or lactose, but not both. When I protein is bound to lactose, in this case Isopropyl-1-ÃŽ ²-D-galactopyranoside (IPTG) which mimics the structure of lactoase allowing RNA-polymerase to bind to the promoter to produce ÃŽ ²-galactosidase. 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-ÃŽ ²-D-galactopyranoside (X-gal), which is a substrate that cleaves galactose in ÃŽ ²-galactosidase to produce a blue color. If no ÃŽ ²-galactosidase is present they turn white on the agar plates. This determines if the cells contain the mutated CAA codon for glutamine instead of the stop codon TAA of the unmutated protein. 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolylphosphate (BCIP) is used to determine if alkaline phosphatase is present. BCIP like X-gal is a substrate that cleaves the phosphate group off of alkaline phosphatase producing a blue color.

Masters Of The Universe :: essays research papers fc

One of the few remaining mysteries of science is the black hole. When a star runs out of fuel to keep it burning, it explodes into a supernova(Intro. to Black Holes 1) After a supernova, some of the matter that was blown off leaves in pockets to different places in space. These pockets contract to from a pulsar, or new born star. The rest of the matter left from the massive explosion of the supernova comes back together forming a neutron star. If the dead star was too massive, the neutron star will be so large that its own gravity will crush it(Intro. To Black Holes 1). This is called its maximum density(Filkin 202). After all of the matter has collapsed in on itself, it becomes a black hole(Filkin 202). After being compressed infinitely, almost to nothing, the point in space that it makes is called a singularity(Filkin 216). The singularity is the bottom of the black hole. Every stellar body has an escape velocity(Intro. to Black Holes 1). The escape velocity is the speed at which one must be going to escape the gravity of the object in question(Intro. to Black Holes 1). The Earth’s escape velocity is seven miles per second(Intro. to Black Holes 1). This means that to leave the Earth’s gravitational pull, you must be able to travel at least seven miles per second(Intro. to Black Holes 1). To escape a black hole, your velocity must reach at least the speed of light(Intro. to Black Holes 1). Because the speed of light(186,000 miles per second) is not possible because you must have infinite force to achieve the speed of light, nothing can escape a black hole’s gravitational field(Intro. to Black Holes 1). This is why a black hole is a black hole. No light can escape from it, therefore, we cannot see it. A binary star system consists of two stars that orbit around each other. They were discovered by Yakov Zeldovitch(Filkin 224). Sometimes, one star in a binary star system will die and become a black hole. When this happens, the force of the black hole’s gravity will literally suck the matter away from it’s sibling, and in doing this emitting X-rays that can be received on Earth(Filkin 225). This is one way that astronomers can find black holes. It is possible that our galaxy is powered by a black hole(Freedman 69). Astronomers Linda Dressel, Tim Heckman, Roeland Van Der Marel and Meg Urry are looking into this(Olson 48).

Three Essays on Proust :: Essays Papers

Three Essays on Proust Introduction In Candace Vogler’s Philosophical Perspectives on the Humanities class last winter, we were asked to write six short essays relating Marcel Proust’s Swann’s Way to several cognitive philosophy texts, including Rene Descartes’ Meditations on First Philosophy and George Berkeley’s Dialogues between Hylas and Philonous. Our task was to make the ideas of Proust, Descartes, and Berkeley communicate with one another—to juxtapose and compare their ideas about what constitutes experience, what constitutes divinity, what is knowing, what is being. This is what these three essays attempt to address. A note on the texts: Proust’s Swann’s Way is the first volume of his eight-volume continuous narrative Remembrance of Things Past or In Search of Lost Times. (In the original French, it is A la recherche du temps perdu.) It is the story of a man’s life, a first-person memoir, a fictional autobiography. Swann’s Way is the story of this character’s love for his mother and for the girl Gilberte and his retelling of his friend Swann’s love for the woman Odette. In class, we called the un-named character/narrator "Marcel"—"old Marcel" when he is the grown-up man recounting the story of his childhood and "young Marcel" when he is the child. Marcel Proust is a distinct entity—of course, the author of the novel. Swann’s Way is written in four books, the Overture, Combray, Swann in Love, and Place-Names: The Name, all of which are mentioned in the essays. Descartes’ Meditations on First Philosophy questions and defines knowledge and existence. Descartes too, uses a first-person voice, whom we called "the Meditator." It is the Meditator who goes through the method of progressive doubt and re-founds all knowledge on the basis of "the cogito": Thus, after everything has been most carefully weighed, it must finally be established that "I am, I exist" is necessarily true every time I put it forward or conceive it in my mind. Berkeley’s Dialogues between Hylas and Philonous is an argument between the Cartesian thinker Hylas and the Berkelean Philonous. In the first of these dialogues, Berkley argues that the Cartesian notion of substance is incoherent and that the word "matter" as Descartes uses it is meaningless. Essay One All these memories, superimposed upon one another, now formed a single mass, but had not so far coalesced

Philosophy of Education Essay -- Education Teaching Careers Essays

Philosophy of Education I want to become a teacher. I must be out of my mind. At least that is what I am told by almost everyone when I tell him or her my plans for the future. Maybe I should become a doctor, lawyer, or own a business. No, I am going to fulfill my dream that I have had since I was in elementary school. I always ask a question to answer, â€Å"Why do you want to be a teacher? Are you out of your mind?† I ask who shapes the minds of the children of these doctors, lawyers, and businessmen while they are working. I also ask how these people would become doctors, lawyers, and businessmen without teachers to present them with the gift of education and the skills needed to perform their jobs. I am not out of my mind. I want to shape the minds of others. When I was in the third grade, I had to write a paper entitled, â€Å"What I Want to be When I Grow Up.† I wrote about becoming a teacher. From that point on, that’s all I’ve ever wanted to be. Growing up, teachers have had a big influence on my life, and I hope that I can do the same when I become a teacher. There are a few reasons that I decided to become a teacher. First, a teacher’s salary is not as horrible as it seems. Also, the benefits, such as the insurance and retirement make up for the low salary. Another thing that I considered when weighing my options is the vacation time and the hours, which will allow me to spend time with my family, to travel, and to do other things that I enjoy. The final and most important reason that I chose to become a teacher is that it will be a rewarding experience to watch children learn and use the things that I teach them. I have had some great teachers in the past, and I have had some that werenâ€⠄¢t so great. ... ...to the day when I become Mr. Hartwell, English/Language Arts teacher. In conclusion, I do not believe I am out of my mind at all for wanting to become a teacher. No matter how many people try to talk me out of it, even if he or she is a teacher, I am going to fulfill my dream and become a teacher. I will never discourage anyone from becoming a teacher. Teachers help boys and girls become men and women, the little boy that stained the carpet with his chemistry set to become a world-renowned scientist or a pharmacist, the little girls who cook with their easy-bake ovens into owners of successful restaurant chains. I want to be the teacher that students write about in an essay about the teacher that had the greatest influence on their lives, or to be named teacher of the year, or to be complimented with a simple â€Å"Thanks Mr. Hartwell. You’re pretty cool. ¨

Prison Term Policy Recommendation Essay

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to advise members of the state legislature with recommendations for new prison term policies to double the maximum prison term for any individual convicted of armed robbery. Although the state legislature concedes the bill is popular the concern is whether the bill will deter arm robberies. Prison Term Policy Recommendation In a few days the state legislature will be voting on a new bill to determine if the maximum prison term for anyone convicted of armed robbery should affect anyone convicted of armed robbery be given a double maximum sentence. However, the effectiveness of double prison sentences as deterrence to first time and re-offenders is quite difficult to estimate. Many states define robbery as larceny or theft of money or property through the use of intimidation, physical force, or violence against a victim by the offender(s). When a weapon is used or the victim suffers injury, whereby the offender may be charged as aggravated or armed robbery. Robbery is differentiated between armed robbery that involves the use of some type of weapon, and aggravated robbery that involves the use of a deadly weapon. Armed robbery is one of the most committed crimes in the United States that concerns legislatures, the entire criminal justice system, and society. All states punish armed robbery as a major or capital offense, whereas sentencing depending on many factors such as state laws and procedures, prior criminal history, whether there are any sentencing improvements, or whether the state has a diversion program. For example a person (victim) is walking down the street a man (the robber) approaches and ask for the time when the victim looks at his watch and looks back up the robber has a gun in the victims face demanding money if the victim fails to give the robber his or her money the robber may shoot or hit the victim with the gun to obtain the money. In the early 1990s, legislation of many states (with the exception of Michigan) enacted mandatory sentencing for repeat offenders. These laws became known as the three strikes laws, were invoked when an offender committed his or her third offense. The three strike law requires the courts to hand down an extended mandatory sentence of confinement. The belief behind the three strikes law was to target repeat or career offenders who repeatedly commit felonies posing a serious threat to society. Under the new law by 2001 California had more than 50,000 offenders sentenced than any other state with one fourth facing a minimum of 25 years in prison. Although critics, maintained that these sentences are disproportionate to the crime perpetrated and would increase correctional costs, in March 2003 the United States Supreme Court rejected the argument of cruel and unusual punishment and upheld the three strikes laws. Michigan’s prisons population since 1973 has grown 474% faster than other states. In 1998 the Michigan legislatures enacted the Truth-in-Sentencing law, to be tougher on crime. During this time the violent crime rate in Michigan did not decrease and has continued to grow, and has spent more on correctional facilities than any of its surrounding states.

Advantages of Technical Education Essay

It is appropriate for me to seize this opportunity to speak a couple of words on the need to expand Technical Education in the country. In Sri Lanka, technical education began in the 1890s with the establishment of the Colombo Technical College, which, as Government Department, functioned to cater to certain requirements of such Government Departments as Public Works, Railways and Irrigation. Technical Education, because of this limited focus, did not expand in the colonial period; it was after independence an attempt was made to start engineering courses. With the establishment of the University of Ceylon, an Engineering Degree course was started. In the sixties, a network of Technical Colleges came into existence but they taught only trade and craft courses. What the country needed was an Institute which could career to the middle level needs in the field of technical knowledge. Such middle level technical know-how was necessary for the country to undertake development; industry was expanding and new development corporations came into being, and such institutions, in addition to engineers, wanted middle level technical expertise. The Expansion Since there was no organization to produce such men, the Government of the day wanted us to examine the possibility of setting up a Technological Institute which is capable of producing middle level technicians in areas relevant to development. Ampara Hardy Institute, German Technical Institute and the HNDE courses have become popular, and they produced employable technicians who found employment. It was in this background that we established the Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technological Education (SLIATE) which is now emerging as a centre of excellence in the area of Technological Studies in the country, and its provincial centres have become attractive centres of learning. All students, who pass the Advanced Level examination cannot enter the Universities, and they need to be given opportunities in the field of higher education. This Institute has 18 branches throughout the country which could provide educational opportunities to a large group of students; today this kind of qualification could be easily marketed in a highly competitive world and the middle level technician is as important as a qualified engineer. The Government, based on the Mahinda Chintana strategy on higher education, proposes to develop the SLIATE into a centre of excellence, and we are receiving substantial foreign assistance for the improvement of the Institute. In my view, Sri Lankan higher education institutions need foreign assistance and partnerships to meet the international competition in the Higher Education market. Today the world has become globalized, and in such a context, whatever changes we make, we need to look from the point of view of global considerations. The multiple demands of economic and social development, specially in the context of Sri Lanka, needs diverse tertiary institutions, and the SLIATE, with its network of colleges specializing in technical subjects, can provide the State with middle level technically trained personnel. The very existence of the SLIATE shows that the country needs an education system with increased differentiation; in other words, the development of non-university institutions like higher technological colleges can help meet the growing social demand for higher education. Those students, who fail to find places within the formal University system, need to be provided with opportunities in the technical education sector, and it is through such diversification of higher educational institutions that access to tertiary education can be improved; today nearly 210,000 students sit the Advanced Level examination, out of which nearly 120,000 students qualify to enter the Universities but the annual intake to Universities is restricted to less than 20,000. This is a major problem in the system, and this question has to be immediately addressed. The Government has adopted two strategies; one is to get a sizable section into the Technical education sector, and the rest has been given an opportunity to make use of the Distance Mode. I would like to refer to the expansion of the Open University and the effective use of the external degrees formula. It is through enrollment in non-university institutions that the problems relating to access could be solved. For instance, in East Asia, the average annual growth of University enrollment was 11 percent between 1975 and 1980 and 6 percent between 1980-1988, as compared with 24 and 10 percent for non-University institutions in the same period. Several types of non-University institutions, similar to the SLIATE, have evolved in various countries to expand higher educational opportunities for those who aspire to get into the system. For example, Poly- Technics, Professional and Technical Institutes, Community Colleges and Institutions offering Distance Education. Need for Diversification In the Sri Lankan context, we cannot totally depend on the traditional system of University education. It has served a good purpose, and it is still serving a purpose; in my view, the immediate need is to diversify the tertiary education system with an emphasis on technical and vocational education. In terms of cost, they are low cost programmes and the country can afford such a network of colleges which could provide them with a qualification and training, with which a person can find employment. The emphasis on scholastic education, which began with the establishment of the University College in 1921, needs to be transformed, and the young men and women, who now seek a qualification to get employment, should be encouraged to get a Technical qualification from an Institute like the SLIATE. It is the policy of the Government is to develop the SLIATE into a centre of excellence, it is not a mere Technical College, it is a special kind of Technological Institute, the products of which can make a vital contribution to the process of economic and social development. Technical education, like University education, should become an integral aspect of the development process in the country. Only an Institute of this nature, with varied products of highly skilled labour, which can respond to labour market demands in a country. The reason is that such an Institute can operate multi-disciplinary programmes in various technical fields and the SLIATE is doing exactly that. What needs to be done is to produce all types of skilled labour which a market economy needs; in other words, what the industry needs has to be produced. In Singapore, the employment prospects for graduates of Polytechnics are so good that many talented students seek entry into the vocationally-oriented Polytechnics rather than regular academic programme conducted by the Universities. In my view, the development of the SLIATE is certain to create a similar intellectual culture in the country. Let me make use of this opportunity to speak a couple of words on the role of the teacher. I was a University teacher for more than thirty years. I want all these young men and women to be good teachers, dedicated to the function of teaching. One has to be a dedicated teacher who set an example to the student community; you must be able to command respect among the student community, for which you need an intellectual personality. You need to be an intellectual-cum-teacher and then only you can attract the attention of the student community. Above all, you need to be a man of character. In the final analysis, you are members of the intellectual community of this country, and it is the intellectual community, for that matter in any country, which provides the leadership for the transformation of a society.

Is free trade ever fair trade? Essay

Every one of us has probably seen reports or heard something about demonstrations against globalization when international organizations like the WTO meet. One example was the G8 meeting in July 2001. So we have to ask us the question why there are some people who protest against globalization and also against the free trade the WTO stands for. The main complain and concern of these groups is unfairness. They say free trade is unfair, the low wages are unfair, the poor working conditions of foreign workers, the environmental standards in less developed countries, the high profits of multinational corporations, the inequality in incomes around the world, everything is unfair. If these reproofs are true it would mean that also free trade and globalization is unfair. However the people of international institutions and multinational corporations who are in favour of free trade and globalisation also use the term fairness in their arguments. If a multinational company pays low wages in less developed countries, they can claim that the wages are still fair set because they are above the legal minimum wage standards and that the workers would not get a better opportunity in a company of their country or their government. The WTO and other international organisations consider free trade even as a help because it will promote economic growth, which in turn will raise the living standards throughout the whole world and reduce also the income inequality in the future. They suggest that globalisation can promote better outcomes for many people what makes the free trade fair. Both sides, either supporting or depreciating free trade predicate that what they think and support is fair. Of course everyone is in favour of fair  trade, nobody could ever proclaim the opposite. But how can supporters of two opposed policies both be in favour of fairness. The truth has to be somewhere in the middle. In my opinion there are certainly some or even many aspects of free trade which are unfair. Those who support the free trade are certainly the international corporations and the rich. Due to free trade the wealthy companies can force some small companies down. If they sell their products at a price that is less than it ´s cost of production and this way undercuts the competition for a sufficient length of time, the competition will be forced out of the business, because everybody would demand the product with the same quality but lower price. When there is no competition anymore they can raise their prices again and be able to recoup their losses. That’s of course unfair for the smaller companies, which are not able to use this strategy and go to bankrupt because of it. So developing countries have to allow big business access to their markets. Another point which is true and doesn ´t support the free trade policy is that in cases of deciding whether to protect the environment or to encourage trade, the WTO tends to decide in favour of trade. There have been many examples for that issue. Yet the WTO allows trade to continue however there is no proof if a product is safe until it is proved unsafe. That issue should be handled the converse way, because environment and health is definitely more important than economic profit. So in this case the free trade policy of the WTO is unfair and not correct towards the environment and the population. A dramatic aspect showing the unfairness of free trade is the unequal income and wealth. The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer, at least relatively poorer. Fairness in trade and globalization would mean that the rich would need to redistribute some of their wealth and income to the poor, or that the poor would need a higher percentage of the income of their nation. But free trade doesn ´t only has unfair and negative aspects. For example one point that is considered as unfair of many opponents of free trade is that workers around the world are not treated equal and do not gain wages in developing countries. But why should a man in Africa who has the same profession as a man in the US gain the same amount of many? His living cost are not as high as the living costs you have to pay in the USA. So in relation he actually gains about the same wage and is not treated unfair. Also the increasing number of developing countries is a proof for the efficiency of free trade and there are many countries which has already benefited of the WTO. To come to a conclusion I think that free trade can ´t be always fair to every country, every economy or every individual and certainly there should be some attempts made of the WTO to become more fairly in some aspects. But it ´s important to have in mind how difficult the job of the WTO is. They have to show consideration for developed countries and for developing countries, which of course have different interests. Although the developing countries and economies have some disadvantages and not the same influence, power and treatment like the developed ones, they would be worse off without the WTO and if not now, in the future they will profit of free trade. The aim is to develop a good working free trade economy on the whole world without such inequality between some countries, but to achieve this every country has to make some sacrifices.

Freedom Essay

Freedom- what so many people wish for. It was summer of the year 2010, a time when I could finally enjoy myself and be comfortable for who I am. Summer was a time that everyone loved but going back to the year 2008 for me it was a time of darkness. All the girls on the beach showing off their new bikinis and all the boys being shirtless and showing off their looks and then there is me†¦. A girl named Page Duncan aged 15 who have no friends because she weighs 70 kg.In November 2007 it was starting to get hot so all my friends and I decided to go to the beach. As we arrived the temperature was getting hot so everyone decided to put on their bikinis for a swim but I didn’t feel comfortable because of my body so I chose to wear a one piece. As I got back from the change rooms some of my friends made comments saying â€Å"oh my god you’re so fat† and â€Å" I didn’t know whales could stay on the sand that long† and as they were saying it they all la ughed. When the girls said that to me it made me cry and be really upset so I decided to ring my mum to pick me up. Whilst on the phone with mum she asked me why I wanted to leave so early so I lied to her saying â€Å"I feel sick† so she wouldn’t know.After this day I no longer had friends, I was no longer comfortable with my self, and I was always upset about my body weight. The next day I went to school, as I arrived the whole school laughed at me and again calling me fat. Clearly this was because of yesterday. As the day went I got bullied time after time again. Finally the day ended where I found my self in my room free from all bullying until I went on Facebook. I opened up my message box and received messages saying, â€Å"You’re so fat†, â€Å"go kill your self†, â€Å"you’re ugly†. When I had read this I found my self in so much pain and anger.Today I don’t want to go to school so I am going to ask mum if I can stay ho me because I am feeling sick. Mum thank God approved so I locked my self in then  room and started crying. After a while I had soaked in so much anger and decided to cut my self. This felt good and I realised it released my anger so I did it again and again and again. Eventually I stopped because I found myself bleeding that much that I had blood on my blankets that was red as cherry.The next day mum calls me for breakfast but I am not hungry so I replied with â€Å"mum I’m not hungry†. Mum then walks into the room and see the scars on my arm and sees the blood on the blankets and asks me â€Å"honey what’s wrong with your arm?† so I reply with â€Å"mum it’s okay I just scratched me arm† so she replied with a â€Å"oh okay be careful next time and go put a band aid on and also come get breakfast†. I chose to stay in my room so I can starve my self so I can have a perfect body.As the days went on I find myself cutting my self more a nd more and also not eating and I love it. I finally am getting happy with my body, as I have lost 20 kg, which means I am now 50 kg.One day in October 2009 mum confronts me because she again notices my scars and notices I have lost weight so she wants to take me to the doctors so we did to find out that there was nothing wrong with me. Mum tells me she is still not satisfied so she decides to take me another doctor but again nothing is wrong.When I got home I decided to cut my self again, whilst doing it I cut a vein all of sudden BOOM I have past out†¦A few minutes later mum walks into my bedroom and finds me passed out with blood everywhere. Mum starts panicking and rings triple zero, she then applies pressure till the ambulance come to slow down the loss of blood. The ambulance finally arrives and takes me to hospital.Page Duncan wakes up†¦ â€Å"Hello there, I’m your nurse, you nearly died with the amount of blood you  lost. You have been unconscious for 2 days. I m also here to tell you that you have been diagnosed with depression† mum then walks into the room and is upset she asks me â€Å"why are you doing this†, mum the reason I am doing this is because I am fat and I have no friends. ‘Mum cries’ Mum please don’t be upset and she replies with â€Å" look I am upset about this but that’s okay know because I am going to fix this†.When I finally get out of hospital mum decides to have a talk. She says, † Look Page back in my day I actually was diagnosed as well but I got through it and so can you. I know this is going to be tough but we are going to get through it. I have arranged an interview with the teacher so that they are aware and can help you, I have got you medicine and also if you are that concerned about your weight you can go on a weight program if you’re interest† okay thanks mum I really appreciate it, I really didn’t know you experienced this. I’m sorry.2010 summer came and I am healthy, I am happy, 2 years later at 60kg, confident and now have friends that appreciate for who I am, I can now put a bikini and not be conscious and most in importantly I owe it all to my mum for getting me through this. After all this time I decided to go to the beach and not be scared about what others think and accept that if people want to bully me they are not true friends.In conclusion you do not have to be skinny or good looking to have fun or put on a bikini or be shirtless, it’s all about appreciating what you have. You don’t need these things to have freedom. Page Duncan was diagnosed with depression because of what other people thought. She then overcame this with the help of others and now realises that you don’t have to be skinny or good looking or smart to be free and happy. Her w eight does not longer get the better of her because she knew if they said hurtful things that they weren’t true friends. The best way to describe is â€Å"if you believe you will achieve†.

The Economy of Today Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Economy of Today - Essay Example If the GDP is freed from the chances being affected by inflation, then constant prices need to be maintained. This also helps us to compare the status between two time periods. The resultant GDP reached is called real GDP (nominal GDP adjusted for price changes). GDP can be measured in three ways: by calculating the gross final goods and services produced within the nation at a given period of time; from the income side, by calculating the income generated at every stage and by summing up the value added at each stage of production. Its identity may be written as: The employment rate is the ratio of employed people to the total population. It is actually the percentage of potential employees actually employed. When a nation has a higher employment rate it is likely that it will have a higher standard of living. It is the capacity of a country to engage its people in work and thus generate income for itself. Unemployment is one of the major concerns of the governments of different nations. Another parameter which duly affects the economy and mainly the GDP is inflation rate which may be defined as the rate of growth of price index. This is equivalent to the rate of fall in purchasing power of money. If P1 is the price level in year 1 and P2 is the price level is year 2 (P2>P1), then the rate of increase in price level (inflation rate) from year 1 to year 2 is calculated by the following formulae: Interest rate in an economy essentially denotes the lending rate of banks. It is the opportunity cost of investing in a certain venture. The gain sacrificed by not investing the same amount in another alternative venture or scheme is the opportunity cost. When an individual X (say) lends money to another individual (Y), he is likely to charge an annual interest which is either equal or more than the return gained by investing the amount in some other venture, possibly the bank. If he charges less then he would be a loser. The households supply the factors