On different cultures and traditions Essay

From the selection of poems based on different cultures and traditions, compare and contrast any TWO that you find particularly interesting or enjoyable. (you must choose poems by different poets) ‘Presents from my aunts in Pakistan’ by Moniza Alvi, and ‘Search for my tongue’ by Sujata Bhatt, are two poems which I have selected from the selection of poems based on different cultures and traditions. I have selected these poems, because both poems are about one person who is recalling their homeland using objects and thoughts to explain, how much they overlook their homeland, including culture. Both poets have expressed their feelings deeply about their cultures and traditions, using things that they miss and want. For example, Moniza Alvi, in ‘Presents from my aunts in Pakistan’ uses clothes, jewellery, presents, etc†¦ to express who she is. Where as, Sujata Bhatt, in, ‘Search for my tongue’, uses her mother tongue, Gujarati, of how much she misses her homeland. Also, both cultures are quite alike, so it is very easy and understandable, for me, the reader, to read. In, the poem written by Moniza Alvi, she has used many words, which are said, exactly the same in Gujarati, and sometimes English. This shows the similarities in cultures. Here are some examples from the poem: * ‘They sent me a salwar kameez’ * ‘My aunts chose an apple-green sari’ As Moniza Alvi wrote her complete poem in English, together with the Indian words written as English. Sujata Bhatt wrote half in English and half in Gujarati, but under each line there was a translation in English of how to read it for people who cannot read Gujarati. So, what both poets are trying to state is that, it does not matter if you are not in your own country, even if you are absent from your homeland, your culture will always stay with you, no matter what. Even though the two poems are similar in most ways, these poems differ from each other in some ways. Firstly, Moniza Alvi’s poem, ‘Presents from my aunts in Pakistan’ is based on a young girl, who feels as if she is the odd one out, as she is living in England, but wears and acts as if she was in Pakistan. However in Sujata Bhatt’s poem, ‘Search for my tongue’, she is saying how she thought, by living in a different country, than her homeland, she would forget all mother tongue and everything about her culture. A further variation, between the two poems, is that one poem is written all in English, where as the other is written half in English and half in Gujarati. Also, the poet Moniza Alvi has set out her poem in different stanzas, and sometimes she has started the beginning of a line half way through, away from the margin. Another thing is that, she carries sentences into the next lines. While Sujata Bhatt, just wrote her poem in one long stanza. All of her lines were short and simple, and each line was linked to the next, in some way, or another. Finally, another difference is that, the first poet used objects to help the reader understand the poem; where as poet two used her mother tongue, Gujarati. The poet called Moniza Alvi wrote ‘Presents from my aunts in Pakistan’. ‘Presents from my aunts in Pakistan’ is about a young girl who receives all types of presents, from her aunts in Pakistan. Most of these presents are things that are only, mostly worn in Pakistan. After receiving these gifts, she feels that she is very different from everyone else surrounding her, like friends from school. This is cause she dresses differently to others. This makes her feel kind of uncomfortable, because, even though she really likes these presents from her aunts, she sometimes feels, that she would like to look the same as the rest of her mates. Moniza Alvi’s poem is mainly showing her feelings to us by using the presents given to her, as examples. ‘ I longed for denim and corduroy. My costume clung to me and I was aflame, I couldn’t rise up out of its fire, half-English, unlike Aunt Jamila.’ ‘My salwar kameez didn’t impress the schoolfriend who sat on my bed, asked to see my weekend clothes.’ Above were two examples, which showed part of her feelings. In these two stanzas, it shows how she really felt, and what she actually wished for, or wanted. Moniza Alvi has set this poem, ‘Presents from my Aunts in Pakistan’ in England, because it is a perfect example of a foreign country, for Pakistan to be compared to. Also, the setting of a poem is very important, as it is the main scene of the poem. Another thing is that, as the poem is set in England, it helps me, the reader to understand what is happening. I also think that England was a terrific idea to set the setting, because in England there are many different types of people, which have come from other countries. This poem shows an example of a normal muslim family, which live in an area which they very familiar with, but like to carry on living as they would in Pakistan. I felt, after reading this poem a couple of times, that there is not one particular mood set to this poem, but there is a mixture of moods. I found that, in some cases Moniza Alvi was showing a sense of sadness, in the atmosphere, but tried to make herself feel happy, by changing the subject slightly. Where as in some cases she showed a lot of happiness and pleasure in the atmosphere. An example of her sadness changing, slightly into happiness is, ‘ Candy-striped glass bangles snapped, drew blood. Like at school, fashions changed in Pakistan-‘ At first, when I was reading this poem, I felt that she was so happy, but as I got nearly half way through the poem, I felt that this happiness was now changing into sadness, and, this is where her true feelings started to come out. ‘Presents from my aunts in Pakistan’ is the type of poem which, when reading it, has to be read in different tones of voice. I thought that this poem went from being very settle, to, something, which was quite serious, to a child no a days. ‘Search for tongue’, written by Sujata Bhatt, is about a young lady who thinks, that, by living in a different country she will forget all her homeland, cultures and traditions. Especially her mother tongue, Gujarati. In this poem she is saying that, she thought that each person had a different tongue, for each different language they speak. And that she thought she had lost her tongue forever. But one night, she says that her language comes back to her in her sleep. Sujata Bhatt explains, in Gujarati, how your language is like a flower, which just blooms in your mouth, naturally. The main theme of this poem, I think, is that no matter where you live, your traditions and cultures, especially mother tongue, will stay with you. ‘Search for my tongue’ is similar to ‘Presents from my aunts in Pakistan’. The two poems are connected mainly by religion. The following point about the two poems is probably half a similarity, and half a difference, from my point of view. Firstly, Moniza Alvi has written her poem in English, but for the gujarati words, she has written them, so that the word is said in gujarati, but read in English, where as Sujata Bhatt has actually written part of her stanza in gujarati, but to help the reader read the gujarati, she has, underneath written the word in English, so it is written in English, but said in gujarati. The tone of this poem is sort of the opposite of the first poem, as ‘Search for my tongue’ is like a question, answer poem, as she asks a question, through her poem, but does not actually want you to answer it. Below is an example of my question, answer theory, from the poem, ‘I ask you, what would you do if you had two tongues in your mouth,’ ‘Search for my tongue’ is set in Sujata Bhatt’s dream. This is where she is explaining how; she thinks everything has come back to her, through a dream. Also, the mood of this poem is quite different to the first as, this entire poem is filled with enjoyment, and happiness, where as the first poem was a happy feeling poem, hidden with sadness. From these points mentioned, there are many differences between the two. To begin with, one poem was set in their dreams, as the other was set in England. Secondly, the first poem was all about a young child feeling really upset, and different, where as the second poem is about a young lady, thinking she has lost an important part of her, but has it all along. ‘Presents from my aunts in Pakistan’ was written in first person. As the poem was written in first person, it made me, the reader to understand the poem, quite easily. Because if the same poem was written in second or third person, it would be very difficult for the reader to understand it. It would also become very confusing, where as, this way everything is short and simple. In the first poem, Moniza Alvi has used many adjectives to describe all the gifts she has received. This helps, me, the reader to picture the image in my mind. From doing this, it helps give a better understanding of what the poet is talking about. Below are a few examples of, Moniza Alvi describing her clothes, which she received.

International Baccalaureate Internal Assessment Essay

The European Commission has imposed provisional anti-dumping duties on imports of ceramic tiles from China. The move comes following an investigation initiated after a complaint lodged by the European Ceramic Tile Manufacturers’ Federation (CET) on behalf of 69 tile producers in the EU, the Commission said. The duties range between 26.2% and 73% depending on the company and last for six months. They could be prolonged for five years and are intended to punish tile manufacturers from China who sell tiles below cost-price in the EU. Alfonso Panzani, the president of the CET, said that the duties were not intended to exclude Chinese products from the EU market but â€Å"to bring Chinese prices to a fair level, making it possible for ceramic tile production to continue in Europe, and creating the conditions for healthy competition to develop†. He added: â€Å"There is no reason why we should be less competitive in Europe than when we export outside of the EU.† The provisional duties apply to glazed and unglazed ceramic flags and paving, hearth or wall tiles and unglazed ceramic mosaic cubes. (c) 2011 European Voice. All rights reserved. According to the provided article, the European Commission (an executive branch of the European Union) has recently resorted to the implementation of a protective tariff of up to 73% on Chinese ceramic products in order to protect the European market from Chinese dumping techniques (Protective tariff – â€Å"a tariff designed to shield domestic producers of a good or service from the competition of foreign producers.†1; Dumping – â€Å"the sale of products below cost in a foreign country,†1 often done to gain a monopoly over that product in a particular country). Facing pressure from the European Ceramic Tile Manufacturers’ Federation (CET), an organization representing numerous European tile firms who suffer from cheap competition with Chinese firms, the Commission imposed these duties to drive up the cost of imports and stimulate profit for domestic producers (Competition – â€Å"the presence in a market of independent buyers and sellers competing with one another.†1; Imports – â€Å"spending be individuals, firms, and governments for goods and services produced in foreign nations.†1; Profit – the amount of money a business earns after paying all expenses.) The conflicting economic values of free trade and protectionism are disputed in this situation as to which forces are allowed to control a nation’s economy – the government and domestic producers or the global market and consumer welfare (Free trade – â€Å"the absence of artificial barriers to trade among individuals and firms in different nations.†1; Consumer welfare – individual consumer satisfaction depending on prices and income.) Since domestic ceramic suppliers are threatened with economic ruin from such cheap products, the Commission turned to protectionism to force a more equal domestic competition and punish dumping companies through a tariff despite the consequences of higher prices (Protectionism – † policies that aim at restricting the flow of imports into a country.†2). The anatomy and economic effects of a tariff can be demonstrated in Figure 13 where the perfectly elastic world supply (Sworld) has increased in price (to P2) due to the tariff (Sworld + tariff) and, thus, have reduced the quantity of Chinese imports from the difference between Q1 and Q2 to that of Q3 and Q4. The benefits of a tariff not only include a reduction in imported ceramic, but also gains in producer surplus and tax revenues earned by the government (Producer surplus – the difference between the minimum price a producer is willing to accept for their good and the price they actually receive). Due to this tariff, the original quantity supplied domestically at Q2 has now increased to Q4 and domestic suppliers can now sell their ceramic at higher prices (P2), allotting for an increase in producer surplus (Area 1). Since the government collects the fees paid by the tariff, they now have more funding of which they would presumably return to the public. While tariffs may be advantageous for domestic producers and the government, they reap these benefits at a primary loss to the consumer from the higher prices needed to buy ceramics, and Chinese suppliers whose product is less demanded in the European Union. The major disadvantage of a tariff comes from the reduction in consumer surplus where it had originally occupied Areas 1,2,3,4, & 5 and was reduced to only Area 5 because consumers must now buy ceramics at a higher price (P2). Although Areas 1 through 4 represent the total consumer surplus reduction, since Areas 1 and 3 are beneficial to a society, so Areas 2 and 4 represent the net loss to society through higher prices. Therefore, in order to protect the European ceramic producers from being completely swept from the market due to the dumping efforts of Chinese ceramic exporters, the Commission is justified in the imposition of an anti-dumping tariff because the societal loss of an entire industry is greater than that of forcing higher domestic prices to the consumer. 1 – Defined by: Economics: Principles, Problems, and Policies, 15th edition textbook by Campbell R. McConnell and Stanley L. Brue, publisher: McGraw-Hill Irwin. 2 – Definition derived from: 2 – Definition from: Ziogas, Constantine. Economics for the IB Diploma: Standard and Higher Level, 2008. 3 – Graph adapted from original at: â€Å"Effects of Tariffs.† Linux User’s Group at WSU. Chart. 04 May 2007. Web. .

Charlotte’s Web

Charlotte’s Web tells a tale about the miracle of an ordinary pig. It is a narrative that embraces the values of friendship and loyalty. These values are communicated through the element of fantasy and through the eyes of a child. In this way, the audience looks deep within themselves to be able to capture its true essence. In this film, animals are given the ability to speak our language and rationalize in situations they may encounter.With that, they communicate to us that in some way animals and humans think, act, and feel the same. This heartfelt film begins with an interesting encounter of Fern, juvenile yet strong-willed lass, and Wilbur, some radiant and terrific pig. This touching beginning did not fail to get our attention and absorb ourselves to the series of events that follow. In that moment, Fern saves Wilbur from death and takes the responsibility of taking care of him. Fern demonstrates to us Justice.She tells us that Justice is what every being deserves despite appearance, ability, and any other traits. Moreover, Fern symbolized equality. After the Arable’s residence, let us recollect on the events when Wilbur was moved to the barn. I would say the barn may be associated to our society. It is the place where stereotypes are formed and where the foundation of friendship is observed. For instance, the other animals inside the barn judges Charlotte, a spider, based on her looks. They see her scary and intimidating.On the other hand, Wilbur takes the time to know Charlotte and eventually watch their friendship blossom. Through Charlotte’s guidance, we see Wilbur’s personality and knowledge progress. Her character in this account is very important. She serves as the instrument to open ourselves to miracles; miracles that are brought by friendship. I focused on the points: Friendship and Youth communicated by the characters of Fern, Wilbur, and Charlotte. Fern and Wilbur were the images of Youth that flaunt a free-spirited attitude and innocence.They react to certain situations based on their feelings as they seem to look at things in its simplest way. While Charlotte, exhibits the foundation of Friendship. It is Loyalty. She showed her dedication and willingness to spare Wilbur’s life even during the darkest hour of her days. I guess it is healthy to think as a child once in a while and see the essence of the little things through the simplest ways. To be able to savour the sweetness of youth and friendship. Charlotte’s Web Charlotte web the novel is a warm-hearted, classic children's novel. The center theme of the novel is about on true friendship and loyalty. The movie, although released in 2006, the proved to be true to the memorable and popular book. The story in the novel as well in the movie remains the same. But the main difference between reading the novel against watching the movie is, movie will eliminate the imagination of the landscape or the character and it will convert it into the beautiful manner.The feeling is stronger in the movie, which will impact to the children directly. The setting in the movie that has been shown is realistic and features a landscape that is recognizable to children. Charlotte web is a story of about a friendship. The novel which takes place mainly at the farm. The book as well as the movie has also begun with Fern and her father where Fern preventing her father from killing pig. The scene it self in the movie shows love of for the animal and children would more identify the meaning of the scene. Charlotte web follows a friendship from its beginning to its end, from all the steps in between.In novel Wilbur and Fern's friendship, or Wilbur and Charlotte friendship, and trace the way it grows and changes over the course of the story. The Charlotte web is reflects many of the quality such as power of helping others, reflection on friendship, love for any living creature etc. In the movie, when Fern takes too much take care of Wilbur her family sent Wilbur to the Uncle homer's barn. Even in that Fern frequently visited Wilbur. Wilbur was not thrilled to be in the new barn and felt like stranger. But in the mean time Wilbur had friend with Charlotte, a grey spider.In the movie the work of the spider shown beautifully, by cleverly working and weaving words like ‘TERRIFIC',RADIANT' in her web in an effort to describe Wilbur. In the book children would never understood how the words appeared in the spider's web. There were small differences a s well between novel and movies. In the book there were no mention of a particular setting while in the movie there were a specific setting created like Somerset County. Another difference at the beginning of the movie was when Fern sneaked Wilbur in her shirt and then took him to school.The screenwriters also gave some of the minor characters changes like they included a horse named Eke, who is not present in the book. His purpose in the film is often for humor and to get a laugh. These minor differences makes watching the movie more enjoyable than novel. The film version of the Charlotte web is entertaining because of the good screenplay and visual effects. Children would feel more connected to the film because of the excellent visual effects, landscape, animal talking and much of the added humor in the film. Children would easily connected to the film and identify the meaning of story from the film. Charlotte’s Web Ravdeep Singh EAC273 Prof: Priti Sharma 6 October 2012 Maternal Love A love that a mother can give to a child is something what is priceless. A mother is always helpful and supportive to her child in every stage of a child life like the Charlotte’s and Fern’s love for Wilbur. She build from her baby from her birth to an infant, childhood and then to adulthood. She also built the child’s confidence and encourages what the child wants to do in their life. She develops a child to be mature enough so that the child can stand in front of the world. The flame of ‘maternal love’ can be easily seen in ‘Charlotte’s Web’.A mother cannot be the only one who gives birth to the child but she can be the one who takes care of a child and raise him/her up. She always holds the child hands at ever different stages of the child’s life from her childhood, to the adulthood, and even at the old age. A child will always remain a child for their parents. A mother will first feed her child and then have her food. â€Å"But Fern couldn’t eat until her pig had had a drink of milk† (White 5). Fern too was a child but she takes care of Wilbur like a mother that shows us the maternal love of Fern.From the time she took responsibilities of Wilbur; she feeds Wilbur two times a day by her own hands and she also teaches Wilbur how to suck milk from the bottle just as mother do with the child. â€Å"But I am going to save you, and I want you to quiet down immediately† (White 51). This phrase describe Charlotte’s maternal love for Wilbur as Charlotte promise Wilbur to help him from being killed and live his life happily. Charlotte stops him from crying in the way a mother would stop her child when he/she is crying or might be fighting for life. A mother loves his child more than anything in the same way as â€Å"Fern loved Wilbur more than anything.She loved to stroke him, to feed him, to put him to bedâ₠¬  (White 8). This phrase explains the mother love and care for her child. â€Å"Won’t he be cold at night? † (9), â€Å"It relieved her mind to know that her baby would sleep covered up, and would stay warm† (9). Fern as a mother is protective and careful mother. She wants to make Wilbur comfortable and protect him from the cold night. This shows passionate love of a mother. â€Å"Sometimes, on these journeys, Wilbur would get tired, and fern would pick him up and put him in the carriage alongside the doll† (White 10), â€Å"Fern come almost every day to visit him. † (15). hese above phrases also describe the undying love of a mother. A mother takes care of a child when he/she is not comfortable walking, sleeping, and eating. When a child is away from her mother like a child is send to his hostel and mother wants to go and see whether his child is in a safe way. Charlotte helps Wilbur to build confidence in him. ‘Run around! † command ed Charlotte. â€Å"I want to see you in action, to see if you are radiant† (White 100). A mother’s feeling came into action as she was motivating and helping trying to show how radiant he was. Charlotte even boosts his energy by saying â€Å"Now back again, faster! † (White100).Wilbur obeyed what Charlotte was saying; in the same way as a child would obey to his parents. â€Å"I shall go too,† she said, softly. â€Å"I have decided to go with Wilbur. He may need me. We can’t tell what may happen at the Fair Grounds† (White 122). Charlotte gets agree to go with Wilbur because she does not that Wilbur should get scared and lose his confidence looking at many people around him. Charlotte’s was worried so she goes with Wilbur that would not make him feel alone and helpless. â€Å"It means I’m showing up feeling my age. I’m not young any more, Wilbur. But I don’t want you to worry about me. This is your big day today † (White 146).Charlotte at her old and ending age of her life still was encouraging Wilbur and is giving confident to him. A mother will act in a way as Charlotte’s acted at her end stage of her life. In a nutshell, â€Å"E. B. White† showing and expressing different themes in â€Å"Charlotte’s Web† book but â€Å"maternal love† and characters of Charlotte and Fern have impressed me a lot. It shows me how a mother takes care of her child fern raised Wilbur at his childhood, and how Charlotte was supportive to Wilbur throughout the time they met. So as it is said â€Å"Love of a mother is priceless†. Work Cited E. B. White. (1952). Charlotte's Web. New York: HarperCollins.

U08a2 Measure of Solar Rotation Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

U08a2 Measure of Solar Rotation Paper - Essay Example The synodic period is the temporal interval that it takes for an object to reappear at the same point in relation to two other objects (linear nodes), e.g., when the Moon relative to the Sun as observed from Earth returns to the same illumination phase. The synodic period is the time that elapses between two successive conjunctions with the Sun-Earth line in the same linear order. The synodic period differs from the sidereal period due to the Earth's orbiting around the Sun (Wikipedia 2011). Using Sunspots in Measurement of Solar Rotation. The rotation of the sun has been measured by the motion of various features ("tracers") on the solar surface. The first and most widely used tracers are sunspots. Though sunspots had been observed since ancient times, it was only when the telescope came into use that they were observed to turn with the Sun. The English scholar Thomas Harriot was probably the first to observe sunspots telescopically as evidenced by a drawing in his notebook dated De cember 8, 1610, and the first published observations (June 1611). Johannes Fabricius had been systematically observing the spots for a few months and had noted their movement across the solar disc. This can be considered the first observational evidence of the solar rotation. Christopher Scheiner, (1630) was the first to measure the equatorial rotation rate of the Sun and noticed that the rotation at higher latitudes is slower, so he can be considered the discoverer of solar differential rotation. Each measurement gives a slightly different answer, yielding the above standard deviations (shown as +/-). St. John (1918) was perhaps the first to summarize the published solar rotation rates, and concluded that the differences in series measured in different years can hardly be attributed to personal observation or to local disturbances on the Sun, and are probably due to time variations in the rate of rotation, and Hubrecht (1915) was the first one to find that the two solar hemispheres rotate differently (The Essential Cosmic Perspective, 5th Edition, Page: 287). Sunspot Analysis: (Spotexerweb[1].pdf) (Day 1) June 22, 2011 Sunspot Latitude 15 Degrees Sunspot Longitude: 60 Degrees (Day 2) June 23, 2011 Sunspot Latitude: 15 Degrees Sunspot Longitude: 45 Degrees (Day 3) June 24, 2011 Sunspot Latitude: 15 Degrees Sunspot Longitude: 30 Degrees A AC( ( A\ Rotation of Sun Calculation: Difference in Longitude in Day 1 and Day 2: DL1: 15 (Delta Longitude) S1 = 2 days x 360 degrees 2 x 360 = 2 x 24 = 48 Degrees DL1 15 Difference in Longitude in Day 2 and Day 3: DL2: 15 (Delta Longitude) S2 = 2 days x 360 degrees 2 x 360 = 48 Degrees DL2 15 Calculation of Average (S): S = (S1 + S2) = (48 + 48) = 96 = 48 Synodic Rotation Period 2 2 2 Sidereal Period of Rotation (P): P = (S x 365.25) = (48 x 365.25) = 17532 = 42.424 Sidereal Rotation (P) (S + 365.25) (48 + 365.25 413.25 Comparison with Period of Solar Rotation for Solar Equator: Solar rotation is able to vary with latitude be cause the Sun is composed of gaseous plasma. The rate of rotation is observed to be fastest at the equator (latitude ?=0 deg), and to decrease as latitude increases. The differential rotation rate is usually described by the equation (Wikipedia 2011): Citations The Essential Cosmic Perspective, n.p. (5th Edition), Page: 287, Book Tracking Sunspots Data from SOHO, Spotexerweb[1].pdf, Web Sunspots,Wikipedia, The

How the UK Prime Minister should implement the fiscal policy at the Essay

How the UK Prime Minister should implement the fiscal policy at the time of recession - Essay Example Fiscal policy can be used to curb economy shocks such as recession. This paper is a critique of how the prime minister of UK can implement fiscal policy at the time of recession and the economic consequences of the policy. The government can decide to use taxation to regulate the economy by introducing tax incentives or increasing taxation to finance investments. An increase in income tax decreases the net income of individuals. This has the effect of lowering labour productivity as workers do not want to work more hours since they are demotivated.Others may decide to work more hours in order to cover the raise in tax .On the other hand, lowering the starting rate of income tax leads to increased labour productivity and efficiency and also labour supply hence decreasing the level of unemployment and increasing economic growth (Creel & Sawyer, 2009). Indirect taxes have the effect of increasing or lowering demand for goods and services. An indirect tax on goods such as duty leads to increase in its price and consequently decrease in demand and vice versa. On the other hand, if the government decides to give tax incentives to producers, this will decrease the cost of production and consequently the price of the products. As Barrell (2004) notes, reduction in prices has direct impact of increasing demand for the commodity hence increased economic activities. Taxation is also a tool for attracting domestic and foreign investments. If a government wants to attract investments, it reduces corporation taxes as well as business taxes. This in turn encourages fixed capital investments by businesses in terms of new machines, technology advancement, developing workers skills as well as developing infrastructure hence more economic development (Creel & Sawyer, 2009). Government also can give tax allowance on research and development and consequently more businesses are set up creating more employment and increasing

Tierney, S. Deaton, C. and Whitehead, J. (2008) Essay

Tierney, S. Deaton, C. and Whitehead, J. (2008) - Essay Example The content about the studies is arranged in such a manner that it becomes easy to explore throughout the research and to be practical about it. As provided in the result of the research, â€Å"interviewees were unclear about what should be considered ‘disordered’ eating among individuals with T1DM†, so it makes us question about the interviewees and the research that whether all the studies and research were carried out in the proper manner. And if the manner and style of collecting the data was correct, then how come the questions can be raised against the report. One more thing, the interviewees only interviewed the professionals from the hospitals and other health centers, but they did not consider any opinion of the patients. Being a bit personal, a patient can be more practical on this kind of situation than the professional. Hence one could observe some gaps and logical and technical irregularities in the way the data has been collected.

Disney in France Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Disney in France - Essay Example The paper also includes an evaluation of Disney and provides recommendations for the company. Challenges and Problems This section will deal with the issues and problems that the company currently faces. Here the company’s assumptions, the external factors impacting Disney and the issues that need immediate care have been discussed. a) Disney’s Assumptions: Disney made a number of assumptions in France, i) The number of visitors on Monday will be light and Fridays will be heavy ii) French don’t eat breakfast iii) If they do take breakfast, it is croissants and coffee iv) Incorrect Lunch timings v) European Customers will stay for four to five days vi) French Style service restaurants. Most assumptions made by the company were incorrect. The company clearly did not take into account actual facts and figures and there was no supporting evidence for the assumptions by the company (Johnson, Scholes and Whittington). These clearly have had a major impact on the compan y and its performance. A decision like starting in France was a right one and this was clearly backed with clear figures and facts. However the assumptions made by the company otherwise like, having a 350 seat restaurant at a hotel, when the demand was as high as 2,500 breakfasts was an incorrect decision. These clearly have had a major impact on the overall company performance, human resources and clearly on the finances of the company (Johnson, Scholes and Whittington). b) France and Disney Three main events that have occurred in France have had a major impact on Disney’s success: i) The long talks and long negotiation by the French Government, which led to loss of patience of the Disney team ii) Parisian intellectuals who protested that the Disney culture was assaulting the French Culture and iii) The framers protest demanding that French agricultural subsidies be cut. Each of these events has had a major impact on Disney and has led to issue and breaks in the success of t he company. c) Need for Resolution: The company clearly needs to resolve the following: i) Breakfast issues for customers ii) Better staffing over the high demand days at the park iii) Better understanding of the culture of the country rather than depending on assumptions Alternative Solutions: For the success of any company in a new location, irrespective of the size, or nature of the business, it is crucial to have a detailed market research. Here the company did do the market research in terms of the location, however in terms of culture and the customer needs, there was little research and more assumptions. Hence to have a more favorable experience in France, a more detailed market research would prove to be more successful. Disney had invested a lot of money into the project, hence investing a little more on the market research and the needs of the people in the country would have been the best steps that the company could have taken while launching Euro Disney. Evaluation and Recommendations: Yes France is an excellent choice for the company to open its branch. Considering the place, i.e. Paris, and the incentives that the government was providing the company, this was definitely an excellent choice. Also, the location is best suited to meet the needs of millions as the location is easily accessible. Hence this is an excellent location for Euro Disney. In retrospect of the case, the following recommendations can be provided: i) Invest in market research (Johnson, Scholes and Whittington), ii) The culture of every location is essential to follow for the business to be successful iii) A theme park is in most cases a one day excursion place, and most people across the world prefer to stay for a maximum of one day

Unemployment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Unemployment - Essay Example An unemployed individual does not currently have a job, has sort for a job in the prior 4 weeks and ready for work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (1). This is usually denoted as a percentage. Unemployment is a very significant measure or indicator of the economy and serves to indicate how healthy or ailing an economy is. The unemployment rate, which by definition is the ratio of people who are unemployed to the total number of people in the labor market, is the most common measure used to define and size up employment. There are instances when unemployment is voluntary (Gay 30). This scenario occurs when persons opt not to seek employment due to a number of reasons such as low wages in the market. Unemployment generally significantly affects parameters such as inflation and stock prices. What then is the relationship that exists between unemployment and inflation? Market players, such as the Federal government and corporate world usually relate low unemployment rates are attributed to high inflation levels. Low unemployment is consequently related to an increase in the growth of the economy. These market participants also view the reverse as true, which means that an increase in unemployment and a slow economic growth are indicative of a decrease in unemployment. Theoretically, the relationship between unemployment and inflation is explained by the Phillips curve. According to this theory, unemployment and inflation work in opposite direction. Chang asserts that in a period of low unemployment as compared to a period of high unemployment, there are fewer unemployed laborers in the labor market (Chang 10).

Cofidis Strategic Management Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Cofidis Strategic Management - Research Proposal Example The second alternative is to invest in a web market blitz, to secure new accounts at the current rate. In either case, Cofidis should use the web to help manage differences in consumer markets between countries using data driven applications to offer appropriate advertising for each country. The recommendation is that Cofidis follow through with the idea of becoming an online credit broker centered on the family life and the home. Without changing the brand and risk losing its following, Cofidis should focus on profitable credit products while enlisting the assistance of other financial solutions to offer unpaid debtors solutions online. To secure the place of Cofidis in the future credit market, we must formulate a strategy based on numerous systemic inputs. We will discuss the strategic problem, the tactical problem, some related issues, two viable alternatives, and an official recommendation.

Google Searching Essay Example for Free

Google Searching Essay Searching for information on Google is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Is that true? Google was founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin in 1998. They got its name from the mathematical term googol (a number that has a one followed by a hundred zeros. The intention of Goggle was to help control the all the information on the web. That being said they have made searching for information pretty easy to navigate. All someone has to do is type in a word or phrase and the information is there instantly. It has convience over the conventional library of the 19th century. You are often on time restraints while using the library and only have limited resources. As technology grows searching for information becomes more efficient and less time consuming. How is searching in a specific database, such as Ashford Library different from searching in Bing, Google, or Yahoo? Roughly 1.46 billion people use the internet. (Mark D. Bowles, Introduction to Computer Literacy,p.6.4). Just in the U.S. there are 2.27 million users, which is 75% of the population. The main difference is the type of database each search engines uses. Ashford Library is a proprietary database in which only those who belong to the institution can benefit . Google and the others are a public domain database which means anyone has access to them. In my opinion the two are totally different. One is for a specific group while the other is open to everyone.

Globalisation And Social Security Politics Essay

Globalisation And Social Security Politics Essay The underlying idea behind social security measures is that it is a duty of the society to protect the working class that contributes to the welfare of the society against hazard. It protects not just the workman, but also his entire family in financial security and health care. The Sate bears the primary responsibility for developing appropriate system for providing protection and assistance to its workforce. Hence, a welfare state is expected to engage in all activities necessary for the promotion of the social and economic welfare of the community. But, globalisation has affected the capacity of the welfare state. This chapter undertakes the review of the literature. The chapter is organized as follows: Section 2.1 evaluates relationship between globalisation and social security and with the welfare State. Section 2.2 determines the relationship between welfare economics and social security. Section 2.3 examines the social security in developed and developing countries. Section 2.4 discusses the public action as a strategy for social security in developing countries. Section 2.5 evaluates social security in India and in Indian States. Section 2.6 compares the social security in organized and unorganized sector. Section 2.7 examines the resettlement and welfare of retired Defence personnel (ESM) / Veterans: Problems and solutions. Section 2.8 concludes the study. To have a better understanding about the impact of globalisation on social security, a review of the different studies carried out in different dimensions is essential. For the convenience of the study the literature reviewed have been classified into three categories as (a) issues related to globalisation, social security, welfare state and welfare economics, (b) issues related to social security in developed countries and in developing countries especially in India and (c) issues related to resettlement and welfare of ESM (PBOR). 2.1 Globalisation and Social Security There are few studies based on the exact relationship between globalization and social security. Most of the studies analysed globalisation in relation to its impact on welfare state. In the first perspective, DHaeseleer, Steven and Berghman, Jos (2005), argued that challenges of globalization for social security systems are real and it increases the need for redesigning social security. The study concluded by suggesting that social security provision in low-income countries should be organized in a complementary way, drawing on the strengths of both formal and informal arrangements. Future reforms should be attempted to promote economic development and international economic integration. Similar analyses offered by Dries Crevits and Bea Van Buggenhout (2005), the study attempts to assess the impact of the process of globalisation on social protection. Analysis of globalisation shows that it has increased the need for socially protective measures, considering the fact that it causes more inequality, and insecurity concerning jobs and earnings and that it has increased the territorial mobility of employees and employers. At the same time, globalisation constitutes a threat for the existing levels of social protection, as pointed out by the social dumping hypothesis. Social policy makers therefore face some tremendous challenges, building a frame for a generalised basic social protection at a global level, securing the financing of existing social security systems and adapting the schemes to the increased mobility. Jitka Dolezalova (2001), analysed the influence of globalisation on systems of Social Security in Europe. Globalisation forces the countries to compete for the investments with lower taxes, and lower social contributions. The influence of globalisation is becoming more and more substantial and globalisation process will force the Social Security Systems on a revision. Dutt, Amitava Krishna and J. Mohan Rao (2001), study recorded diverse views about effects of economic reforms on social outcomes. It analysed that employment and wages are the most important potential channels through which the social impact of globalization can be felt. Further, the study point out that impact of globalisation can be seen in government policy for spending on social security programmes. 2.1.1 Globalisation, social security and welfare State The relationship between globalization and welfare state is addressed in this section. There is a wide divergence of views as to how globalization impacts on the welfare state. In most of the studies, international comparisons tend to be confined to particular organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries in welfare spending such as Germany, Britain, Japan, Sweden, and the USA, and neglected the developing countries. Bowles, Paul and Barnet Wagman (1997), identified four hypotheses concerning the relationship between globalization and welfare state in the context of OECD countries namely, downward harmonization hypothesis, upward convergence hypothesis, the convergence hypothesis and the globalization irrelevance hypothesis. To prove the hypothesis the indicators like welfare state spending on education, health and social security and welfare has been used. The results shown that globalization may indeed have posed a challenge to the welfare state. Rudra, Nita (2004), investigates the relationship between openness, government social expenditures (i.e., education, health, and social security and welfare), and income distribution through a time-series cross-sectional panel data set for 35 less developed countries (LDCs) from 1972 to 1996. The results show that while all categories of social spending help improve income distribution in richer countries, the effects of social spending are much less favourable in LDCs. Only spending on education in LDCs encourages a more favorable distribution of income in the face of globalization. The pressures of a more competitive global economy increase incentives for more redistributive education spending, whereas publicly sponsored health programs and, particularly, social security and welfare programs confront greater political lobbying. Deacon, Bob (2000), argues that neoliberal globalization is presenting a challenge to welfare provisioning in the industrialized countries and to the prospects for equitable social development in developing and transition economies. This challenge flows partly from the unregulated nature of the emerging global economy and partly from intellectual currents dominant in the global discourse concerning social policy and social development. The study contends that certain global conditions are undermining the prospects for the alternative: equitable public social provision in both developed and developing countries. These conditions include the World Banks preference for a safety-net and privatizing strategy for welfare; the self-interest of international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in providing basic education, health and livelihood services that might otherwise be provided by the state; and the World Trade Organizations (WTOs) push for an open global market in health services, education and social insurance. Ming-Chnag Tsai (2007), study investigated the effect of globalization on progress in human well-being by using a time-series cross-national data during 1980-2000, a period that observed an extremely high tide of global flows crossing borders to deepen international economic integration, establish supranational governance, and foster cultural harmonization. The study contributes in offering a theoretical model and providing empirical evidence by testing the hypothesized relationship between globalization and human well-being. It is concluded that globalization identified by increased global flows and exchanges contributes rather than hampers progress in human welfare. Stefanie, Walter (2010), discussed how globalization affects the welfare state. Based on survey data from Switzerland, the study provides empirical micro foundations for the compensation hypothesis. It finds that globalization losers are more likely to express feelings of economic insecurity. Such feelings, in turn, increase preferences for welfare state expansion, which in turn increase the likelihood of voting for the Social Democratic Party. The analysis also shows that globalization losers and winners differ significantly with regard to their social policy preferences and their propensity to vote for left parties. Burgoon, Brain (2001), argued that globalisation may have varying effects on welfare policy. It can spark more concentrated demand for welfare compensation or less compensation. The vulnerable group demand for more compensation. To prove the same, a cross-sectional data on the relationship between openness and welfare spending for eighteen OECD countries for the period 1961-94 analysed with regression analysis. The result shows that openness has a slight effect on welfare outcomes and therefore, it is not the most important determinant of welfare efforts in OECD countries. From the above review, it is possible to identify two main arguments about the current and future condition of the welfare state under globalization: the first of these claims that globalization erodes the welfare states and its foundations; the second claims that globalization effects are absorbed and mediated by the welfare state. 2.2 Welfare Economics and social security From macro-economics angle, social security policies are always analysed within the framework of welfare state theories. The extent of welfarism undertaken by the nation-states consequently, became the benchmark in understanding different social security mechanisms. This approach evaluates social security policies in terms of the quantum of the programmes and aggregate of expenditures. On the other side, micro-economics analyse the issue of social security and welfare  [1]  policies in the framework of welfare economics. Welfare economics examine the effects of economic policies on the welfare level of individuals or groups of people (social welfare). Social security is a part of economic policy which contributes to social welfare. To compare situations in the society economists had constructed welfare criterias. A brief historical survey of welfare economics will provide us the tools given by welfare economics to measure the welfare and maximising the social welfare. The theory underlying social welfare can be traced back to the welfare economics. It is discussed below. Classical Economist on social welfare Jeremy Bentham  [2]  defined social welfare as the sum total of the happiness (or welfare) of all the individuals in society. Following Benthams doctrine, Pigou (1920) defined social welfare as the arithmetic sum of the individual welfare. According to him, social welfare increases if there is an increase in national dividend without any increase in the supply of factors, and a transfer of wealth from rich to the poor. In nutshell, social welfare was regarded by the economists of cardinal utility tradition as the arithmetic sum of the utility gained by the individual members of society. This concept of social welfare has, however, met with certain serious objections. First, it is argued that utility cannot be cardinally measured and, hence, cannot be added to obtain the social welfare. It is, therefore, meaningless to define social welfare as the sum of the individual utilities. This objection is universally accepted. Secondly, it is also widely accepted that ordinal measurement of utilities is not possible either and, therefore, inter-personal comparison of utilities is not possible in an objective or scientific manner. It would, therefore, not be possible to determine how a change in existing pattern of resource allocation would affect the aggregate welfare unless it is unrealistically assumed that all individuals have identical income-utility and commodity-utility functions. Owing to these problems, Benthams and Pigovian concepts of social welfare had become in- operational, in the sense that, it cannot be used objectively in any policy formulation. Therefore, th e cardinal utilitarian thesis that the welfare of different individuals could be added up to arrive at the welfare of society had to be abandoned. The need for to judge the events and policies economically, leads to development of the idea of social optimum by Pareto (1896). Pareto: Concept of Welfare This concept is central to Paretos welfare economics. According to Pareto, although it is not possible to measure and add up utilities of individuals to arrive at the total social welfare, it is possible to determine whether social welfare is optimum. Conceptually, social welfare is said to be optimum when nobody can be made better-off without making somebody worse-off. Its important to note that Paretos concept of social optimum does not define or suggest a magnitude of optimum social welfare. Pareto was concerned with the question whether the magnitude of social welfare from a given economic situation can be or cannot be increased by changing the economic situation. The test of increase in social welfare is that at least one person should be made better-off without making anybody else worse-off. The Modern View of Social Optimum According to the modern view of social optimum, it is difficult to conceive economic policies which can improve the welfare of an individual without injuring the other. To overcome this problem, economists, viz., Kaldor-Hicks (1939) have evolved the compensation principle. It asserts that, even if the economic change makes some person better off and other worse off, the change is still desirable provided the gainers can compensate the losers for their loss. This principle recognizes that most economic policy measures make some one better off and someone worse off. It does not attempt to quantify the total social welfare. It concerns itself with only the indicators of change in welfare. The present study applies Kaldor-Hicks compensation criteria to analyse the impact of globalisation on social security (with respect to resettlement and welfare benefits) of retired army PBOR. It has been discussed in detail in chapter-3. The concept of social security has been playing important role in developed as well as in developing countries. The following section reviews the literature on social security in developed and developing countries. 2.3 Social Security in developed and developing Countries Johanees, Jutting (1999), overviewed the kinds of social security systems that are currently in place in developed and developing countries. It dealt with the reasons for the failure of the State and the market in providing social security in the developing countries. It presents an overview of the importance of the State, market, community and private household-based social security systems in the developing world. Midgley, James (1984), analysed the growth of social security system in developing countries, in African, Asian and Central and S. American countries during the colonial period. Although more and more developing countries established social security schemes covering a large number of contingencies since the mid 50s, the situation is basically similar to that of the pre-war colonial period when a very small number of individuals and their dependents were covered by social security. The system caters only to small proportion of the labour force engaged in regular wage or salaried employment in the urban areas of developing countries, while the majority of the population who work in subsistence agriculture in the urban informal sector is excluded. Dreze, Jean and Amartya Sen (1999), addressed some foundational and strategic issues of social security, including the nature and form of human deprivation, the distinction between protective and promotional social security, the interconnections between economic growth and public support, the influence of market mechanism, and the relationship between State action and public action. Atkinson, A.B. and John Hills (1999), investigated the relevance of the experiences of the developed countries to the strategy of social security in developing countries. They bring out how the social security system of developed countries has evolved along quite different routes, in response to country specific objectives, constraints and pressures. Wouter van Ginneken (2003), reviewed the main trends and policy issues with regard to the extension of social security in developing countries. It shows that in many middle-income countries, statutory social insurance can form the basis for the extension process. However, this is generally not so in the low-income countries, where only a small minority of the population is covered by social security. The paper concludes national policies should consist of improving and reforming statutory social insurance programmes, of promoting community and area based social insurance schemes. The above studies are related to types of social security system, growth and trends of social security in developed and developing countries. It also reveals that the issues in developing countries, where the social security is yet to become full fledged, are however, entirely different from the developed countries. There are very few studies on social security systems in the developing countries. 2.4 Public Action A strategy for Social Security in developing countries The ILO defines social security vary narrowly and advocates strategy of social insurance and social assistance for providing social security. It does not capture the socio-economic conditions (deprivation and vulnerability) of developing countries like India (discussed in detail in chapter-3). Therefore, public action has been suggested as a strategy to provide social security in developing countries. In this context, Dreze, Jean and Amartya Sen (1999) argued on the basis of economic analysis as well as empirical evidence, that public support has an irreplaceable role to play in removing deprivation and vulnerability, and that this role can be played quite effectively even at an early stage of development. Burges, Robin and Nicholas Stern (1999) provided a systematic analysis of the content of social security, the motivation for public support, the possible contributions of different agents, and the dilemmas that public action has to face. The study strongly supported for extensive public involvement in the fields of social security. Agarwal, Bina (1999) investigates some aspects of the relation between public action and family relations in the provision of social security. This study examines the survival strategies of vulnerable households, with special attention to issues of intra-household inequalities. The study brings out the close connection between the external and internal vulnerabilities of particular household and suggests public action to support more vulnerable individuals. Datta, Rakesh (1998) studied mathadi labour market in Mumbai where unionization of mathadi workers as a case of public action enabled the manual workers in unorganised sector to achieve protective Social Security benefits. The study suggested that public action can play a central role in ensuring expansion and monitoring of social security. Ambalavanam V and S Madheswaran (2001), analysed the social protection measures available to urban informal sector workers in Erode district of Tamil Nadu. Public action was suggested towards the goal of extending social cover to wider population on the line of traditional societies protecting the interest of the people in a locality. 2.3 Social Security in India In the Indian context, Varandani, G (1987), discussed the historical development of the concept of social security workers for Industrial workers in India since ancient times. The study observed that although the constitution of India imposed on the State to protect the interest of industrial workers either by statutory or non-statutory measures or with the help of economic institutions but the State has not succeeded up to now to achieve the satisfactory results in the field by providing sufficient social security benefits to the Industrial workers. The cause attributed for failure of the State is the lack of proper planning, improper implementation, and lack of sufficient fund with the government. Subrahmanya, R.K.A. (1995), analysed the social security schemes promotional and protective schemes provided by the Central government, State governments, and Private sector to the employees both, in the organised sector and unorganised sector. The study pointed out that social security system in India is characterized by multiplicity and heterogeneity of schemes administered by different agencies namely Central government, State governments and also by some voluntary organizations. The cash benefits under the ESI scheme and the schemes under the EPF act administered by Central organization, the administration of all other schemes is in the hands of the State Governments. A coordinated approach has been lacking. It leading to wide gaps in the coverage hand and overlapping of benefits. As there is no unified system of social security, there is also no uniform coverage. Different groups of the people receive different types of benefits. Planning Commission report on Labour and Employment in the Tenth plan (2002) examined the efforts made through earlier plans to extend the coverage of social security through various acts and laws as well as through programmes viz. social insurance schemes, centrally funded social assistance programmes, social welfare funds etc. It suggested in the tenth plan to provide the social security to the organized and unorganized sector workers on self-sustaining and self-financing basis without putting any additional pressure on the budget of the government. It advocated that in time of liberalisation and globalisation, there is a need of comprehensive social security policy for a large section of the society by integrating the services of the existing schemes Wardhan, S. K. (1992) studied the role of social security in the context of stabilization and structural adjustment programmes and change in the new industrial policy of India. The restructuring of the industry may substantially add to number of unemployed and create serious and additional social problems. The existing social security can play a substantial role in the alleviation of the suffering caused by displacement of labour due to restructuring of the economy. It stressed that there should be a single agency providing comprehensive package of social insurance including unemployment benefits. Hirway, Indira (1994) argued that inspite of recent shift in policy towards market economy and the resource constraint the government could not evade that responsibility. A comprehensive and integrated system of social security in India would have to comprise of a variety of elements based on anti-poverty programme covering not only the workers but also the unemployed and the destitute in the form of social assistance as well as social insurance. Prabhu, K Seeta (2001), viewed that the provision of socio-economic security in India has been unsatisfactory. The Government and the community constitute the two pillars that need to be strengthened for meeting the genuine need for socio-economic security of the masses in India, particularly during the period of economic reforms. Jetli, N.K. (2004) studied that the social security situation in India is characterized by ambiguity in policy and responsibility. There is a variety of schemes but these have been framed at various point of time and, therefore, do not confirm to any overall design reflecting a comprehensive and consistent policy or direction. Report of the Study Group on Social Security (2002) recommended for an integrated and comprehensive system of Social Security in India which will encompass the whole population of diverse needs. It cannot be a single scheme but a combination of schemes catering to the needs of different groups with different needs and different paying capacities. To cover the entire population the study group suggested four tier structure Social Assistance programmes financed wholly tax based and financed from the exchequer Schemes which are partly contributory and partly subsidized by the State Wholly contributory Social Insurance schemes Voluntary schemes On social security expenditure, Dev, S Mahendra and Jos Mooji (2002), examined trends in social sector expenditure in the central and state budgets for 1990-91 to 2000-2001. In this analysis they included social services as well as rural development expenditure. They would like to conclude with two observations. First, there is an urgent need for steeping up social sector expenditure. Second, there is an obvious need for stepping up social sector expenditure. Similarly, Prabhu, K Seeta (2001), also analysed the protective and promotional security expenditures of the Union government and 15 major State governments. 2.5.1 Social Security in Indian States Dev, S Mahendra (2002,) reviewed the experience of the growth-mediated  [3]  and support-led social security arrangements for the unorganised sector in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The author argued that, in the context of marketisation, there is a substantial section of society which does not have the resource power to enter into market operations. The government and those who are already in the market have the responsibility in providing Social Security for the large sections of unorganised workers and other vulnerable groups who are out of the market. But, the government cannot provide security to these workers as there are limits to its administrative and financial capacity. There is a need for public-private partnership in providing social and economic security for unorganised workers. Kannan, K.P. and Shaji K Francis (2001), highlighted the impressive performance of social sectors achieved mainly through State-sponsored social security measures with public support in Kerala. Compared to other States, Kerala spends a larger share of its budgetary resources on State-assisted social security programmes like food security and employment security, which need to further strengthened rather than expanded. It also demonstrates the possibility of extending the provisioning of social security to a larger proportion of population who are outside the formal sector of employment. Unni, Jeemol and Uma Rani (2001), carried out a study on social protection in informal economy for informal workers in Gujrat. Traditionally, social security instruments addressed contingencies arising from random shocks and only affecting basic securities such as illness or sudden death. In globalising world, social protection in the context of poor informal workers needs to address both the economic and basic security issues. Besides, the government, private market and NGO initiatives need to be strengthened and many pore innovative approaches have to be devised to bring social protection to poor informal workers. Vijay, G (2001), analysed social security of labour in the post-liberalisation period in new industrial towns with reference to the State of Andhra Pradesh. It views that; the opening up of markets has resulted in the growth of new industries. The most obvious impact of this has been an increase in the process of flexiblisation and, therefore informalisation in the new industries, resulting in the conditions of labour supply becoming highly vulnerable. Examining the social security benefits of labour in the context of its informalisation, the Mehboob Nagar case reveals that besides the well-recognized insecurities like lack of job security and absence of minimum level of wages, inadequate housing and health facilities, old age and retirement benefits, several other insecurities are faced by the contract and casual labourers. 2.6 Social security in organized and unorganized sector: Methods, problems and solution Thakur, C.P. and C.S. Venkat Ratnam (2001), analysed social security for organised sector in the background of constitutional and legal provisions. The emerging trends, in the wake of structural adjustment programme shows that, the government continues to have welfare orientation but is both reluctant and unable to raise contributions commensurate with the needs from its budgetary resources. Its prime concern seems mainly to encourage savings in the economy. As far as employees are concerned, they want income and other sources of security for their employees, which is efficiency enhancing. Workers interest continues to lie in seeking further improvement of existing benefits. Dev, S Mahendra (1996) reviewed the performance and issues relating to concept, policies, financing and effectiveness of social security for Indian workers in the unorganised sector. The performance and issues relate to five types of social securities, namely, food, employment, health, education and women. The performance has not been satisfactory during the first few years of the reform period. Expenditure in some of the social security programmes may have to be increased in order to cushion the poor during the reform period in order to face the negative consequences of reforms. However, in the short and medium terms, the social security programmes (both promotional and preventive) may have to be continued till economic growth makes some of these programmes redundant. For effective implementation of the programmes, there is a need to have decentralization, transparency in decision making, right to information and social mobilization. On the ways to provide social security, Ginneken, N.V. (1998), viewed that employment is the most important guarantee for social protection in both the organized and unorganized sector. It provides the basis for earnings, part of which can be saved for insurance -private or social. Social security protection is not just the consequence of a sufficient level of earnings: it also contributes to greater productivity and earnings. Guhan, S (1993), analysed the problem of social security for the unorganized poor in general. Providing access to assets for the poor is a basic form of social security. The assistance in the form of creation of assets, assurance of minimum wages, food security, subsidized insurance and social assistance for various purposes could provide social security to different groups. Pillai, S Mohanan (1996) provided an empirical verification of the effectiveness of welfare fund schemes in providing Social Security to the casual workers in the unorganised sector through a case study of scheme for the welfare of loading workers. The study revealed that the welfare funds scheme has brought about drastic changes in the living conditions of the workers both socially and economically. It found be a new experiment not only in providing social security to the under-privileged segments of the workforce but also in the financing of social security for unorganized sector in a resource constrained economy. Ginneken, N.V. (1998) highlighted the major problems pertaining to the existing measures of social protection a. Inadequacy of coverage and benefits of social security Existence of wide variations in standards of social security, eligibility criteria and scale of be

Rape in American Slavery System During the Antebellum

Rape in American Slavery System During the Antebellum Introduction The first African slaves arrived in Virginia, North America in 1619. As the plantations of the antebellum south flourished, the African slave trade gained momentum. (Slavery in the ante-bellum South). Between the 16 and 19th centuries, America had an estimated 12 million African slaves (Slavery in the United States). Enslavement of the African Americans formally commenced in the 1630s and 1640s. By 1740, colonial America had a fully developed slavery system in place, granting slave owners an absolute and tyrannical life-and-death authority over their slaves or chattels and their children. (Slavery in the United States) Stripped of any identity or rights, enslaved black slaves were considered legal non-persons, except in the event of a crime committed (Slavery in the ante-bellum South). Documents and research on the slave era in the antebellum south are awash with horror stories of the brutal and inhuman treatment of slaves, particularly women. ( David Brion Davis and Eugene Genovese,- Slavery in the United States-Treatment). Considered properties by their masters, enslaved black women endured continual physical and emotional abuse, sexual violations, torture, and sometimes even death. (Susanne Scholz ) This research paper takes up the issue of how rape in the American slavery system during the antebellum south affected the African American society, and attempts to answer the following questions: How sexual violence affected slave family life and their behavior? By the 1800s, slavery had percolated down mainly to the antebellum south (Africans in America). Whilst a majority of these slaves were designated as field servants performing duties outside the house, a smaller percentage, particularly women were employed as domestics or house servants, mammies and surrogate mothers. Owners generally enforced their status as property owners by callous methods (Africans in America). Many first person accounts (Harriet A Jacobs) and other data available, underscore the rampant sexual exploitation of African women slaves. In the absence of any safeguards, with laws granting owners sweeping powers over their slaves, these women in bondage were habitually ravished, harassed, sexually stalked and used as long term concubines not only by their masters, but by the owners families and friends as well. Slave men, for their part, were rendered powerless to challenge or intervene, as to do so would mean sure death or sale to distant plantations (Africans in America). Progeny or mulattos resulting from such rapes were also considered slaves, unless freed by the owner. (Historian Eugene Genovese -Slavery in the United States). As masters applied their stamp to the domestic life of the slave quarter, slaves struggled to maintain the integrity of their families. Slaveholders had no legal obligation to respect the sanctity of the slaves marriage bed, and slave women- married or single had no formal protection against their owners sexual advances. Without legal protection and subject to the masters whim, the slave family was always at risk.(slavery in the united states treatment rapes of females ) However, in quite a few documented cases, enslaved black women worked as devoted loyal servants, as mammies and surrogate mothers for white children demonstrating the absence of oppression and bonds of affection that actually united the two races. Blassingame,* underlines the fact that slave parents tried to shield their young from the brutal realities of the plantation. They often dissuaded angry urges among the children, which generally arose after their first whipping, from seeking revenge or running away. Children often internalized the two contradictory behavior responses of their parents; one submissive in front of the owner, the other castigating their owners action in private. They understood that submissiveness was a way to avoid punishment, but the true behavior model emulated was the one they witnessed in private. The family was an important survival mechanism, for no matter how often the family was broken, it enabled the slave to survive on the plantation without becoming totally submissive to or dependent on the master. Slaves often retaliated, subtly or overtly, to their inhuman treatment. They resorted to destroying crops or disabling machinery, slowing down work. Many stole food, livestock and valuables. Some committed suicide or mutilated themselves to reduce their property value and some even murdered their masters, by the use of weapons or poison (Africans in America). Furthermore, slave parents were also concerned about the owners interference in their private lives. Southern law defined slaves as moveable property or chattel. Often buying, selling and trading slaves, owners habitually split families, frequently taking children from their mothers. Slaves were often blackmailed with such treatment if they refused to work or if the women repulsed the advances of their masters (organization of American historians -Family life in the slave quarters survival strategies- Marie jenkin Scwartz) How were the masters able to wield significant control and power, over their black mistress A Virginia law declared slaves to be chattel personal in the hands of their owners and possessors for all intents, construction, and purpose whatsoever (African American History by Henry Drewry). It affirmed their total ownership and right over their slaves particularly the womenfolk. As absolute property of their owners, enslaved black women were thus uprooted their homes and families and to comply with every physical and sexual whim of the master. They had to learn to be totally submissive to the master, in mind and body. Sexual abuse could be in the form of sexual coercion to forced breeding for profit. Refusal of sexual overtures met with physical and emotional abuse and often the sale of a family member to distant farms, never to be seen again. She had no safeguard or refuge as the law regarded rape as a mere trespassing of property. Developing relations with fellow slaves, men and women, proved difficult as she or her friends could be deported or sold to another property at any given time. Any challenges by the male slaves to such sexual exploitation could mean an end to their own lives (Life of a woman on a plantation- an essay Berkin). First person accounts of two slave girls, Harriet A Jacobs and Cecil (Harriett a Jacobs An autobiography Incidents in the life of a slave girl 1861) (Essay on Slavery Celia a slave) substantiate this claim. Both female slaves of African descent articulated the pain and suffering caused by the repeated sexual violation of their bodies and how they were held captive by their masters till they decided to take matters into their hands and escape their captors. Compelled to live under the same roof with a man forty years her senior, he daily violated her. Her misery seemed inescapable, for there was no law to protect her from the constant insults, violence or even death. She finally managed to escape and went into hiding for seven years, before she could flee to another place. Though reluctant mistresses, these enslaved African women were often labeled as jezebels, innately promiscuous or even predatory by the white women. They were perceived to enjoy higher status and privileges than other slave women, but these privileges were tainted by the fact that they were forced into sexual submission (Africans in America). However, research based data indicates that quite a few of these formed short term liaisons with their white owners for vested interests (Southern Mulattos Population) and, yet others willingly maintained long-term relationships with their masters, begetting them children. Contemporary sociologist K Sue Jewell in her book à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦describes Jezebel as a tragic mulatto indicating they formed the bulk of black women sold into prostitution. In a system termed placage, many such freeborn light-skinned women were willing mistresses to wealthy white southerners. (3)How did southern plantation owners use their powers not only to control their mistress but their children and even male slaves under their control? Slaves were at an utter disadvantage and powerless as they were designated legal properties of their owners. Authorized to use punitive measures, slave owners and their families deployed severe methods on the least pretext to ensure slave obedience (Slavery in the United States). A variety of objects and contraptions such as the more commonly used whip, shackles, chains, metal collars, knives, guns, field tools, forced walking on the treadmill and even hanging were used to quell any disobedience or rebellion. Reasons for punishments ranged from breaking a law like leaving the plantation without permission, running away, not following orders or slow work, often punishing them in front of others to make an example of them (Slavery in the United States). In fact, the law required slave owners to mandatorily discipline recaptured runaway slaves or face fines. Owners also constantly blackmailed slaves with the threat of sale of their family members to distant plantations, never to be seen again. Enslaved blacks continued to be sexual pawns in the hands of their owners. Children that ensued from these actions were also treated as slaves as they took on the status of their mothers. (Slavery in the United States) Slave marriages were considered illegal and couples were frequently separated through sale. (The Slave Community: Plantation Life in the Antebellum South is a book written by American Historian John W. Blassingame). It was unsafe for a slave couple to be residing on the same plantation. Nothing demonstrated the utter powerlessness of the husband as he watch the brutal whipping and rape of his wife and the sale of his children. He had no alternative but to comply with the demands of his master. However, Blassingame also indicates that owners understood the need to encourage monogamous relationships a black man, they reasoned, who loved his wife and his children was less likely to be rebellious or to run away than would a single slave(The Slave Community: Plantation Life in the Antebellum South is a book written by American Historian John W. Blassingame). Whilst some masters were compassionate, most slaves knew that any error or crisis would take them to the auction block. Slave owners were also uncomfortable with the fact that slave children might question their authority and the legitimacy of the order, as they were reared to respect other authority figures like their parents (Organization of American historians -Family life in the slave quarters survival strategies- Marie Jenkin Scwartz). To subvert this, owners established rules and planned activities aimed at minimizing the importance of slave family life and emphasizing his position as the master. Many went to the extent of referring to their slaves as family members which gave them the right to interfere in their slaves private lives. To this end, they kept a keen watch on their slaves activities night and day, including such mundane matters as to what they ate, how they dressed and when they slept. They would often bribe the slave children or reward bad behavior with toys or gifts (Slavery in the United States) How did slavery laws and southern politic support the rights of slave owners to abuse their slaves Enslavement of the African Americans formally commenced in the 1630s and 1640s (Slavery in the Civil war Era). Colonial courts and legislatures clearly affirmed that Africansunlike their counterpart white indentured servants-would serve their masters for life and their slave status would be inherited by their children. A 1667 A Virginia act declared that Baptisme doth not alter the condition of the person as to his bondage or freedome. And By 1740 colonial America had a fully developed slavery system in place (Slavery in the Civil War Era). In fact in Virginia, after 1807, slaves were considered the chief cash crop of their owners. Such legislation gave owners ultimate power over their slaves (Slavery in the United States). A law on partus in 1662 in Virginia indicated that children of an enslaved mother would automatically be slaves, even if the father was a freeborn white. This further institutionalized the power relationships and freed the white men from any legal responsibility of either acknowledging or supporting their children, confining the scandal of illegitimate, mixed-race children to the slave quarters. In the 1860s, elite families, who formed a bulk of the shareholding families, influenced and shaped the political scenario of the land. Foremost amongst their common concerns was controlling and ensuring an adequate supply of slave labor (Slavery in the civil war era) Legislation in the south was so designed as to protect the owners rights to their human chattels. Slave codes incorporated in these laws admitted, if grudgingly so, that slaves were human beings and not property like animals. However, these codes instituted many clauses to minimize the possibility of slave rebellion. The codes made it illegal for slaves to (a) educate themselves to read and write (b) to attend church services without a white person, or (c) to testify in court against a white. Also, leaving their home plantation without a masters written pass was forbidden. Additional laws sought to restrict the possibility of manumission (the freeing of ones slaves). Between 1810 and 1860, legislation in all Southern states restricted the right of slave owners to free their slaves, even in a will, as free blacks might inspire other slaves to rebel. As a consequence, most Southern states required that any such freed slave leave the state within thirty days (Slavery in the Civil War Era). Authorities established slave patrols to enforce these codes. Locally organized bands of young white men, both slave owners and yeomen farmers patrolled the night checking that slaves were in indeed their quarters. These patrols shared a common desire to keep the black population in check (Slavery in the civil War Era) How the isolation of Plantation life in the south factor into the percentage of numbers of rape of black slaves. Although slavery was widespread throughout antebellum America, the 1830s saw a greater demand and concentration of African American slaves in the flourishing plantations of the antebellum south (Slavery in the civil war Era). Legislation of slavery in the southern states, unlike the north where there were free slaves, indicated that all slaves to be chattel personal in the hands of their owners and possessors for all intents, construction, and purpose whatsoever. (African American History). A black man could be whipped for no reason. He could be beaten, stripped or tortured for the entertainment of his master. A black woman could be sexually harassed, assaulted, beaten or raped at anytime without question.(Life of women in the plantation slavery essay) As bonded laborers and property of their owners, slaves were confined to live and work on the plantations. Permission to go outside the premises was only by written consent from the master and severely punishable if disobeyed (Slavery in the Civil War Era). It served the owners dual purpose of labor exploitation and race control. Children and women were used as domestic help so as to not waste capable labor (Berkin Life of women slaves on the plantation- an essay Berkin, p. 62). Slave codes incorporated in the legal system restricted their movements and growth. They were not permitted an education, could not testify against a white or attend church services without one (Slavery in the United States). Authorities established slave patrols to enforce these codes. .( Slavery in the United States) In the absence of any safeguards and laws to protect them, enslaved African women were the worst victims of a system that designated and treated them as sole property of the owners. Of the data available and horrific first person accounts of two slave African Americans, women suffered the worst possible sexual violence and abuse (Berkin Life of women slaves on the plantation- an essay Berkin, p. 62). Her non-compliance resulted in severe physical and emotional punitive measures for herself and her spouse or the selling of a family member a child, spouse, parent or near relative to a distant land never to be seen again. Any rebuttals to such sexual exploitation by the male slaves could result in death (Berkin Life of women slaves on the plantation- an essay Berkin, p. 62)). Conclusion The antebellum era in America is strife with the slavery epoch which went contrary to the principles of the War of Independence. It is ironical that the very state, Virginia in which the American Declaration of Independence was signed, would be the first to legitimize slavery. African slaves first set foot in Virginia, America in 1619 with the arrival of captives sold by a Dutch to settlers in Jamestown. Considering their economic worth, particularly in the plantations in the antebellum south, their demand grew and spiraled over time up to the 1800s.(African American History). Colonial courts and legislatures had racialized slavery (Slavery in the United States)The first arm of legalization in 1662 stated that such Africans would be servants for life, and later in a 1667 another act declared that Baptisme doth not alter the condition of the person as to his bondage or freedome. By 1740 a concrete legal slavery system in colonial America was in place. A Virginia law gave owners absolu te right over their property stating that slaves were chattel personal in the hands of their owners and possessors for all intents, construction, and purpose whatsoever. (African American History). Legitimizing slavery gave owners sweeping powers of life and death over their slaves, particularly, the enslaved black women ((Berkin Life of women slaves on the plantation- an essay Berkin, p. 62). Slaves were brutally penalized and sometimes even murdered. Rape and sexual violence against enslaved black women was rampant and not considered a crime except for the fact that it represented trespassing on anothers property. Owners often resorted to severe punishment, physical and emotional, to reinforce submissive behavior, particularly against black slave women. Designated as property to their white owners, they lived with the constant reality of rape as is witnessed in the first person accounts of Harriet a Jacobs and Celia ((Berkin Life of women slaves on the plantation- an essay Berkin, p. 62). Habitually, raped, harassed, sexually stalked and used as long term concubines not only by their masters, but by the owners families and friends, these enslaved women lived in constant fear of punishment either physically or emotional blackmail through separation when their loved ones and family members were sold to distant plantations, never to be seen again. (Africans in America) Laws accommodated the owners actions, classifying the resultant progeny as children of the mothers only, absolving the white father of any responsibility, unless they were freed by the owner.( Historian Eugene Genovese -Slavery in the United States) Though Black women were reluctant mistresses, they were termed as seducers called, Jezebels However, there is evidence to suggest that some enslaved black mistresses had devised a way to use her sexuality as a means of avoiding exploitation by her master and for other vested interests (Southern Mulatto Population). Slave men for their part were powerless to intervene as they faced the threat of death. (Africans in America). A slave couple residing on the same plantation were unsafe. Nothing demonstrated the husbands powerlessness more than the brutal whipping and rape of his wife and sale of his children. (The Slave Community: Plantation Life in the Antebellum South is a book written by American Historian John W. Blassingame). However, owners also understood the importance and need of allowing monogamous relationships, as this was less likely to create run-away slaves. Slaves struggled to maintain the integrity of their family and culture, even as masters applied their stamp to the domestic life of the slave quarter. Fearing that slave children might question their authority, slave owners established rules and planned activities aimed at affirming his position as master. (Organization of American historians -Family life in the slave quarters survival strategies- Marie Jenkin Scwartz). The fact that the slaves in the antebellum south were legalized and property of the owners afforded them no rights or freedom. Their isolation from the north, where free slaves resided, further detracted from any hope of freedom or better quality of life than at the hands of their tyrannical owners. ((Berkin Life of women slaves on the plantation- an essay Berkin, p. 62)

Exploration of To the Lighthouse :: essays papers

Exploration of To the Lighthouse In Virginia Woolf's fiction, the breakdown or breaking open, of traditional literary forms in the light of the twentieth century querying of perception, reality and linguistic meaning, is recorded as a reconceiving of the novel-form. Throughout the course of her novels she lays down a challenge to official ways of measuring proportion, light, time and human character. Abolishing chapter and verse, Woolf creates a rhythmic, wave-like form of undulating passages as in music, where the structure of parts within an individual movement is a continuous flow rather than a series of stops and starts. She identifies language itself as a volatile and indeterminate system of mirroring suggestions; reality as potentially unknowable, and the novel form itself as inclined to substantial change to accommodate these perspectives. Virginia Woolf renounces the narrative persona as a sort of privileged extra character testifying to indisputable mental and physical events and evaluating their significance. She shifts significance to the act of mediation itself as a primary subject to be investigated "*. To the Lighthouse "*develops a system of passing the baton of interior monologue from one character to another by its eavesdropping of the self-sealed consciousness of a group enwrapped in meditation through the round of two life-encapsculating days. In "*To the Lighthouse"* the proportion of direct speech to indirect speech is minuscule, and, indeed rudimentary. If we reduce the first section of the novel to its dialogue, the following structure emerges:'Yes, of course, if it's fine to-morrow,' said Mrs Ramsay. 'But you'll have to be up with the lark'...'But,' said his father . . . 'it won't be fine.'*'But it may be fine - I expect it will be fine,' said Mrs Ramsay . . . 'It's due west,' said the atheist Tansley . . .'Nonsense,' said Mrs Ramsay . . . *'There'll be no landing at the Lighthouse to-morrow,' said Charles Tansley . . . 'Would it bore you to come with me, Mrs Tansley?' 'Let us all go!' she cried . . . 'Let's go,' he said. 'Good-bye, Elsie,' she said. (pp.3-16) Inconsequent voices demur about the weather: typical English conversation implying an apathetic form of communion, signifying little - so we might assess this dialogue if it were presented to us as I have transcribed it, dissecting it from its root-network in the complex matrix of the narrative voice which recounts the soliloquies of the persons from whom these extracts of conversation are gathered.

Solar Power for Homes Essay -- Solar PV Panels Photovoltaic Cells

Harnessing the Sun’s Energy: Solar Power for Homes The use of solar power is all around us. Calculators, roadside emergency telephones, and street-side speed radars all utilize the sun’s limitless rays to provide power for their simple functions. As simple as these functions may be, solar power is nonetheless capable of powering much greater things. The technology and motivation for this exists; all the planet needs is time and funding before it becomes a planet powered solely by the luminous rays of the great sun. But before this universal shift towards solar power happens, citizens have the choice and ability to install their own personal solar power system for their private homes. After weighing the advantages against the disadvantages, the correct choice should be clear. The sun has been a candidate for a universal power source for centuries. Since as early as 1839, scientists have been researching the concept of photovoltaic cells, in an effort to effectively collect electrical power from the sun’s rays. According to a professor at the University of Oregon, the entire surface of the earth receives an average of approximately 84 Terawatts of power from the sun in a 24-hour day (University of Oregon, 2001). Research done by the Energy Information Association shows that the annual worldwide power consumption in the year 2004 was 15 Terawatts (EIA, 2006). Clearly, the sun provides us with much more energy than we need. Moreover, this energy does not produce waste and is overly available, as shown by the fact that the planet earth intercepts more energy from the sun than is used in an entire year through the burning of fossil fuels (EIA, 2006). The question at hand is, what is keeping us from converting into a civilization tha... ...ea [Online Image], Retrieved Aug 1, 2007, from http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/db/Solar_land_area.png Smith, C. (1995, July 18) Retrieved August 1, 2007, from http://www.solarenergy.com/info_history.html Solar. (2006, June 1) Retrieved August 1, 2007, from http://www.inforse.org/europe/dieret/Solar/solar.html Solar Cell. [Online Image]. (2005). Retrieved August 1, 2007, from http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/pv_systems.html Solar Two [Online Image]. (2006). Retrieved August 1, 2007, from http://www.inforse.org/europe/dieret/Solar/solar.html Williams, W. (2007, August 1) Retrieved August 1, 2007, from http://www.energyefficienthomearticles.com/Article/energy-efficient-homes---solar-power----Advantages-and-Disadvantages-of-Solar-Powered-Home-/5906 Xiarhos, M. (2007, July 13) Retrieved August 1, 2007, from http://www.enn.com/energy.html?id=1653 Solar Power for Homes Essay -- Solar PV Panels Photovoltaic Cells Harnessing the Sun’s Energy: Solar Power for Homes The use of solar power is all around us. Calculators, roadside emergency telephones, and street-side speed radars all utilize the sun’s limitless rays to provide power for their simple functions. As simple as these functions may be, solar power is nonetheless capable of powering much greater things. The technology and motivation for this exists; all the planet needs is time and funding before it becomes a planet powered solely by the luminous rays of the great sun. But before this universal shift towards solar power happens, citizens have the choice and ability to install their own personal solar power system for their private homes. After weighing the advantages against the disadvantages, the correct choice should be clear. The sun has been a candidate for a universal power source for centuries. Since as early as 1839, scientists have been researching the concept of photovoltaic cells, in an effort to effectively collect electrical power from the sun’s rays. According to a professor at the University of Oregon, the entire surface of the earth receives an average of approximately 84 Terawatts of power from the sun in a 24-hour day (University of Oregon, 2001). Research done by the Energy Information Association shows that the annual worldwide power consumption in the year 2004 was 15 Terawatts (EIA, 2006). Clearly, the sun provides us with much more energy than we need. Moreover, this energy does not produce waste and is overly available, as shown by the fact that the planet earth intercepts more energy from the sun than is used in an entire year through the burning of fossil fuels (EIA, 2006). The question at hand is, what is keeping us from converting into a civilization tha... ...ea [Online Image], Retrieved Aug 1, 2007, from http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/db/Solar_land_area.png Smith, C. (1995, July 18) Retrieved August 1, 2007, from http://www.solarenergy.com/info_history.html Solar. (2006, June 1) Retrieved August 1, 2007, from http://www.inforse.org/europe/dieret/Solar/solar.html Solar Cell. [Online Image]. (2005). Retrieved August 1, 2007, from http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/pv_systems.html Solar Two [Online Image]. (2006). Retrieved August 1, 2007, from http://www.inforse.org/europe/dieret/Solar/solar.html Williams, W. (2007, August 1) Retrieved August 1, 2007, from http://www.energyefficienthomearticles.com/Article/energy-efficient-homes---solar-power----Advantages-and-Disadvantages-of-Solar-Powered-Home-/5906 Xiarhos, M. (2007, July 13) Retrieved August 1, 2007, from http://www.enn.com/energy.html?id=1653