A Brief Note On The Dalit Panther Logo - 1302 Words

Racialisation in India is unique because it occurs through members of the same race being racist towards each other. In India, the racial difference is illusionary, rather than physically instantiated. The racial component is in the eyes of the beholder, the perpetrator of the discriminatory or negative, intentional racial attitudes (De Reuck and Knight, 1967). Dalits face severe forms of torture by state and private actors, in 1994-1996, there were 98,339 caste of brutality alone (Human Rights Watch, 2007). The caste system is a larger instigator for racial violence on the basis of emotion. Conflicts arise due to feelings of superiority, pleasure, triumph and angst (Law, 2010). Intragroup violence and racial conflicts are common as status groups try to achieve or defend their position. When Dalits have sought to gain status, have resisted daily humiliations of vindicated socially constitutionally granted rights, they have been met with large resistance. â€Å"Hit back†, the Dalit Panther logo would suggest that treatment by institutions is unsatisfactory when dealing with Dalit atrocities, favouring the Brahmin and encouraging racialisation (Gorringe, 2010). This argument is substantial as the Indian Criminal Justice is emerged in institutional racism. Racialisation occurs because Dalits are viewed by the police, often higher caste members, as criminals at best, and subhuman at worst (Narula, 1999). As Hannah Arendt suggested in ‘poignant irony’, there is a discrepancy

Financial Analysis of Matalan and House of Fraser Essay

Investment Analysis Matalan House of Fraser Introduction In this essay I would like to elaborate on the investment analysis of two companies, open a space of possibilities in discourse and practices in order to determine which of the two companies to invest in. The essay will commence with a brief overview of the two companies that are being considered. The latter part of the essay will explain and critique the financial position of the two companies and also the strategy and structure of the organization. For this purpose different financial tools will be used. The conclusion will be description and reasons for the company chosen to invest. Company overview Matalan Plc is quoted to the FTSE 250 with a current†¦show more content†¦The second company to be considered today is House of Fraser. House of Fraser is Britains leading retailer of designer brands. It operates a chain of 50 stores in the United Kingdom. Its product range consists of clothing, footwear, furnishing and food. Some famous brands that the Group is trading include Gucci, Dolce Gabbana, Armani. House of Fraser is quoted to the FTSE with a current market capitalization of 234.80 million. The groups strategy focuses on a) people development b) new store opening program c) develop brand d) reposition the home office e) information technology development f) supply chain g) cost saving. Financial overview To ascertain which of the two companies to invest in it is very important to know the present financial position of the two companies. In this part of the essay I will be analyzing the financial statements of the two companies, which will help me ascertain their present position and also to a certain extent help me predict their future. For this I will be using certain financial tool like the ratio analysis, cash flow analysis etc. To get a brief history of their financial performance I have looked intoShow MoreRelatedAnalysis of the Overall Business Environment of MS2023 Words   |  9 Pagessystem, which is presented through strategic audit. However, this analysis helps to understand the clear marketing strategic position of MS. The research is gathering the evidences of strength and weakness, which is useful to determine future recommendations for strategic marketing strategy. 2. Methodology The research is based on secondary data. The information is gathered from websites, annual reports, case study, financial reports and any reliable sources related to the topic area. These resources

Angels Demons Chapter 130-133 Free Essays

string(48) " walked toward the front of the Sistine Chapel\." 130 The camerlegno began to feel the fog of wonder and adrenaline dissipating. As the Swiss Guard helped him down the Royal Staircase toward the Sistine Chapel, the camerlegno heard singing in St. Peter’s Square and he knew that mountains had been moved. We will write a custom essay sample on Angels Demons Chapter 130-133 or any similar topic only for you Order Now Grazie Dio. He had prayed for strength, and God had given it to him. At moments when he had doubted, God had spoken. Yours is a Holy mission, God had said. I will give you strength. Even with God’s strength, the camerlegno had felt fear, questioning the righteousness of his path. If not you, God had challenged, then Who? If not now, then When? If not this way, then How? Jesus, God reminded him, had saved them all†¦ saved them from their own apathy. With two deeds, Jesus had opened their eyes. Horror and Hope. The crucifixion and the resurrection. He had changed the world. But that was millennia ago. Time had eroded the miracle. People had forgotten. They had turned to false idols – techno-deities and miracles of the mind. What about miracles of the heart! The camerlegno had often prayed to God to show him how to make the people believe again. But God had been silent. It was not until the camerlegno’s moment of deepest darkness that God had come to him. Oh, the horror of that night! The camerlegno could still remember lying on the floor in tattered nightclothes, clawing at his own flesh, trying to purge his soul of the pain brought on by a vile truth he had just learned. It cannot be! he had screamed. And yet he knew it was. The deception tore at him like the fires of hell. The bishop who had taken him in, the man who had been like a father to him, the clergyman whom the camerlegno had stood beside while he rose to the papacy†¦ was a fraud. A common sinner. Lying to the world about a deed so traitorous at its core that the camerlegno doubted even God could forgive it. â€Å"Your vow!† the camerlegno had screamed at the Pope. â€Å"You broke your vow to God! You, of all men!† The Pope had tried to explain himself, but the camerlegno could not listen. He had run out, staggering blindly through the hallways, vomiting, tearing at his own skin, until he found himself bloody and alone, lying on the cold earthen floor before St. Peter’s tomb. Mother Mary, what do I do? It was in that moment of pain and betrayal, as the camerlegno lay devastated in the Necropolis, praying for God to take him from this faithless world, that God had come. The voice in his head resounded like peals of thunder. â€Å"Did you vow to serve your God?† â€Å"Yes!† the camerlegno cried out. â€Å"Would you die for your God?† â€Å"Yes! Take me now!† â€Å"Would you die for your church?† â€Å"Yes! Please deliver me!† â€Å"But would you die for†¦ mankind?† It was in the silence that followed that the camerlegno felt himself falling into the abyss. He tumbled farther, faster, out of control. And yet he knew the answer. He had always known. â€Å"Yes!† he shouted into the madness. â€Å"I would die for man! Like your son, I would die for them!† Hours later, the camerlegno still lay shivering on his floor. He saw his mother’s face. God has plans for you, she was saying. The camerlegno plunged deeper into madness. It was then God had spoken again. This time with silence. But the camerlegno understood. Restore their faith. If not me†¦ then who? If not now†¦ then when? As the guards unbolted the door of the Sistine Chapel, Camerlegno Carlo Ventresca felt the power moving in his veins†¦ exactly as it had when he was a boy. God had chosen him. Long ago. His will be done. The camerlegno felt reborn. The Swiss Guard had bandaged his chest, bathed him, and dressed him in a fresh white linen robe. They had also given him an injection of morphine for the burn. The camerlegno wished they had not given him painkillers. Jesus endured his pain for three days on the cross! He could already feel the drug uprooting his senses†¦ a dizzying undertow. As he walked into the chapel, he was not at all surprised to see the cardinals staring at him in wonder. They are in awe of God, he reminded himself. Not of me, but how God works THROUGH me. As he moved up the center aisle, he saw bewilderment in every face. And yet, with each new face he passed, he sensed something else in their eyes. What was it? The camerlegno had tried to imagine how they would receive him tonight. Joyfully? Reverently? He tried to read their eyes and saw neither emotion. It was then the camerlegno looked at the altar and saw Robert Langdon. 131 Camerlegno Carlo Ventresca stood in the aisle of the Sistine Chapel. The cardinals were all standing near the front of the church, turned, staring at him. Robert Langdon was on the altar beside a television that was on endless loop, playing a scene the camerlegno recognized but could not imagine how it had come to be. Vittoria Vetra stood beside him, her face drawn. The camerlegno closed his eyes for a moment, hoping the morphine was making him hallucinate and that when he opened them the scene might be different. But it was not. They knew. Oddly, he felt no fear. Show me the way, Father. Give me the words that I can make them see Your vision. But the camerlegno heard no reply. Father, We have come too far together to fail now. Silence. They do not understand what We have done. The camerlegno did not know whose voice he heard in his own mind, but the message was stark. And the truth shall set you free†¦ And so it was that Camerlegno Carlo Ventresca held his head high as he walked toward the front of the Sistine Chapel. You read "Angels Demons Chapter 130-133" in category "Essay examples" As he moved toward the cardinals, not even the diffused light of the candles could soften the eyes boring into him. Explain yourself, the faces said. Make sense of this madness. Tell us our fears are wrong! Truth, the camerlegno told himself. Only truth. There were too many secrets in these walls†¦ one so dark it had driven him to madness. But from the madness had come the light. â€Å"If you could give your own soul to save millions,† the camerlegno said, as he moved down the aisle, â€Å"would you?† The faces in the chapel simply stared. No one moved. No one spoke. Beyond the walls, the joyous strains of song could be heard in the square. The camerlegno walked toward them. â€Å"Which is the greater sin? Killing one’s enemy? Or standing idle while your true love is strangled?† They are singing in St. Peter’s Square! The camerlegno stopped for a moment and gazed up at the ceiling of the Sistine. Michelangelo’s God was staring down from the darkened vault†¦ and He seemed pleased. â€Å"I could no longer stand by,† the camerlegno said. Still, as he drew nearer, he saw no flicker of understanding in anyone’s eyes. Didn’t they see the radiant simplicity of his deeds? Didn’t they see the utter necessity! It had been so pure. The Illuminati. Science and Satan as one. Resurrect the ancient fear. Then crush it. Horror and Hope. Make them believe again. Tonight, the power of the Illuminati had been unleashed anew†¦ and with glorious consequence. The apathy had evaporated. The fear had shot out across the world like a bolt of lightning, uniting the people. And then God’s majesty had vanquished the darkness. I could not stand idly by! The inspiration had been God’s own – appearing like a beacon in the camerlegno’s night of agony. Oh, this faithless world! Someone must deliver them. You. If not you, who? You have been saved for a reason. Show them the old demons. Remind them of their fear. Apathy is death. Without darkness, there is no light. Without evil, there is no good. Make them choose. Dark or light. Where is the fear? Where are the heroes? If not now, when? The camerlegno walked up the center aisle directly toward the crowd of standing cardinals. He felt like Moses as the sea of red sashes and caps parted before him, allowing him to pass. On the altar, Robert Langdon switched off the television, took Vittoria’s hand, and relinquished the altar. The fact that Robert Langdon had survived, the camerlegno knew, could only have been God’s will. God had saved Robert Langdon. The camerlegno wondered why. The voice that broke the silence was the voice of the only woman in the Sistine Chapel. â€Å"You killed my father?† she said, stepping forward. When the camerlegno turned to Vittoria Vetra, the look on her face was one he could not quite understand – pain yes, but anger? Certainly she must understand. Her father’s genius was deadly. He had to be stopped. For the good of Mankind. â€Å"He was doing God’s work,† Vittoria said. â€Å"God’s work is not done in a lab. It is done in the heart.† â€Å"My father’s heart was pure! And his research proved – â€Å" â€Å"His research proved yet again that man’s mind is progressing faster than his soul!† The camerlegno’s voice was sharper than he had expected. He lowered his voice. â€Å"If a man as spiritual as your father could create a weapon like the one we saw tonight, imagine what an ordinary man will do with his technology.† â€Å"A man like you?† The camerlegno took a deep breath. Did she not see? Man’s morality was not advancing as fast as man’s science. Mankind was not spiritually evolved enough for the powers he possessed. We have never created a weapon we have not used! And yet he knew that antimatter was nothing – another weapon in man’s already burgeoning arsenal. Man could already destroy. Man learned to kill long ago. And his mother’s blood rained down. Leonardo Vetra’s genius was dangerous for another reason. â€Å"For centuries,† the camerlegno said, â€Å"the church has stood by while science picked away at religion bit by bit. Debunking miracles. Training the mind to overcome the heart. Condemning religion as the opiate of the masses. They denounce God as a hallucination – a delusional crutch for those too weak to accept that life is meaningless. I could not stand by while science presumed to harness the power of God himself! Proof, you say? Yes, proof of science’s ignorance! What is wrong with the admission that something exists beyond our understanding? The day science substantiates God in a lab is the day people stop needing faith!† â€Å"You mean the day they stop needing the church,† Vittoria challenged, moving toward him. â€Å"Doubt is your last shred of control. It is doubt that brings souls to you. Our need to know that life has meaning. Man’s insecurity and need for an enlightened soul assuring him everything is part of a master plan. But the church is not the only enlightened soul on the planet! We all seek God in different ways. What are you afraid of? That God will show himself somewhere other than inside these walls? That people will find him in their own lives and leave your antiquated rituals behind? Religions evolve! The mind finds answers, the heart grapples with new truths. My father was on your quest! A parallel path! Why couldn’t you see that? God is not some omnipotent authority looking down from above, threatening to throw us into a pit of fire if we disobey. God is the energy that flows through the synapses of our nervous system and the chambers of our hearts! God is in all things!† â€Å"Except science,† the camerlegno fired back, his eyes showing only pity. â€Å"Science, by definition, is soulless. Divorced from the heart. Intellectual miracles like antimatter arrive in this world with no ethical instructions attached. This in itself is perilous! But when science heralds its Godless pursuits as the enlightened path? Promising answers to questions whose beauty is that they have no answers?† He shook his head. â€Å"No.† There was a moment of silence. The camerlegno felt suddenly tired as he returned Vittoria’s unbending stare. This was not how it was supposed to be. Is this God’s final test? It was Mortati who broke the spell. â€Å"The preferiti,† he said in a horrified whisper. â€Å"Baggia and the others. Please tell me you did not†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The camerlegno turned to him, surprised by the pain in his voice. Certainly Mortati could understand. Headlines carried science’s miracles every day. How long had it been for religion? Centuries? Religion needed a miracle! Something to awaken a sleeping world. Bring them back to the path of righteousness. Restore faith. The preferiti were not leaders anyway, they were transformers – liberals prepared to embrace the new world and abandon the old ways! This was the only way. A new leader. Young. Powerful. Vibrant. Miraculous. The preferiti served the church far more effectively in death than they ever could alive. Horror and Hope. Offer four souls to save millions. The world would remember them forever as martyrs. The church would raise glorious tribute to their names. How many thousands have died for the glory of God? They are only four. â€Å"The preferiti,† Mortati repeated. â€Å"I shared their pain,† the camerlegno defended, motioning to his chest. â€Å"And I too would die for God, but my work is only just begun. They are singing in St. Peter’s Square!† The camerlegno saw the horror in Mortati’s eyes and again felt confused. Was it the morphine? Mortati was looking at him as if the camerlegno himself had killed these men with his bare hands. I would do even that for God, the camerlegno thought, and yet he had not. The deeds had been carried out by the Hassassin – a heathen soul tricked into thinking he was doing the work of the Illuminati. I am Janus, the camerlegno had told him. I will prove my power. And he had. The Hassassin’s hatred had made him God’s pawn. â€Å"Listen to the singing,† the camerlegno said, smiling, his own heart rejoicing. â€Å"Nothing unites hearts like the presence of evil. Burn a church and the community rises up, holding hands, singing hymns of defiance as they rebuild. Look how they flock tonight. Fear has brought them home. Forge modern demons for modern man. Apathy is dead. Show them the face of evil – Satanists lurking among us – running our governments, our banks, our schools, threatening to obliterate the very House of God with their misguided science. Depravity runs deep. Man must be vigilant. Seek the goodness. Become the goodness!† In the silence, the camerlegno hoped they now understood. The Illuminati had not resurfaced. The Illuminati were long deceased. Only their myth was alive. The camerlegno had resurrected the Illuminati as a reminder. Those who knew the Illuminati history relived their evil. Those who did not, had learned of it and were amazed how blind they had been. The ancient demons had been resurrected to awaken an indifferent world. â€Å"But†¦ the brands?† Mortati’s voice was stiff with outrage. The camerlegno did not answer. Mortati had no way of knowing, but the brands had been confiscated by the Vatican over a century ago. They had been locked away, forgotten and dust covered, in the Papal Vault – the Pope’s private reliquary, deep within his Borgia apartments. The Papal Vault contained those items the church deemed too dangerous for anyone’s eyes except the Pope’s. Why did they hide that which inspired fear? Fear brought people to God! The vault’s key was passed down from Pope to Pope. Camerlegno Carlo Ventresca had purloined the key and ventured inside; the myth of what the vault contained was bewitching – the original manuscript for the fourteen unpublished books of the Bible known as the Apocrypha, the third prophecy of Fatima, the first two having come true and the third so terrifying the church would never reveal it. In addition to these, the camerlegno had found the Illuminati Collection – all the secrets the church had uncovered after banishing the group from Rome†¦ their contemptible Path of Illumination†¦ the cunning deceit of the Vatican’s head artist, Bernini†¦ Europe’s top scientists mocking religion as they secretly assembled in the Vatican’s own Castle St. Angelo. The collection included a pentagon box containing iron brands, one of them the mythical Illuminati Diamond. This was a part of Vatican history the ancients thought best forgotten. The camerlegno, however, had disagreed. â€Å"But the antimatter†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Vittoria demanded. â€Å"You risked destroying the Vatican!† â€Å"There is no risk when God is at your side,† the camerlegno said. â€Å"This cause was His.† â€Å"You’re insane!† she seethed. â€Å"Millions were saved.† â€Å"People were killed!† â€Å"Souls were saved.† â€Å"Tell that to my father and Max Kohler!† â€Å"CERN’s arrogance needed to be revealed. A droplet of liquid that can vaporize a half mile? And you call me mad?† The camerlegno felt a rage rising in him. Did they think his was a simple charge? â€Å"Those who believe undergo great tests for God! God asked Abraham to sacrifice his child! God commanded Jesus to endure crucifixion! And so we hang the symbol of the crucifix before our eyes – bloody, painful, agonizing – to remind us of evil’s power! To keep our hearts vigilant! The scars on Jesus’ body are a living reminder of the powers of darkness! My scars are a living reminder! Evil lives, but the power of God will overcome!† His shouts echoed off the back wall of the Sistine Chapel and then a profound silence fell. Time seemed to stop. Michelangelo’s Last Judgment rose ominously behind him†¦ Jesus casting sinners into hell. Tears brimmed in Mortati’s eyes. â€Å"What have you done, Carlo?† Mortati asked in a whisper. He closed his eyes, and a tear rolled. â€Å"His Holiness?† A collective sigh of pain went up, as if everyone in the room had forgotten until that very moment. The Pope. Poisoned. â€Å"A vile liar,† the camerlegno said. Mortati looked shattered. â€Å"What do you mean? He was honest! He†¦ loved you.† â€Å"And I him.† Oh, how I loved him! But the deceit! The broken vows to God! The camerlegno knew they did not understand right now, but they would. When he told them, they would see! His Holiness was the most nefarious deceiver the church had ever seen. The camerlegno still remembered that terrible night. He had returned from his trip to CERN with news of Vetra’s Genesis and of antimatter’s horrific power. The camerlegno was certain the Pope would see the perils, but the Holy Father saw only hope in Vetra’s breakthrough. He even suggested the Vatican fund Vetra’s work as a gesture of goodwill toward spiritually based scientific research. Madness! The church investing in research that threatened to make the church obsolete? Work that spawned weapons of mass destruction? The bomb that had killed his mother†¦ â€Å"But†¦ you can’t!† the camerlegno had exclaimed. â€Å"I owe a deep debt to science,† the Pope had replied. â€Å"Something I have hidden my entire life. Science gave me a gift when I was a young man. A gift I have never forgotten.† â€Å"I don’t understand. What does science have to offer a man of God?† â€Å"It is complicated,† the Pope had said. â€Å"I will need time to make you understand. But first, there is a simple fact about me that you must know. I have kept it hidden all these years. I believe it is time I told you.† Then the Pope had told him the astonishing truth. 132 The camerlegno lay curled in a ball on the dirt floor in front of St. Peter’s tomb. The Necropolis was cold, but it helped clot the blood flowing from the wounds he had torn at his own flesh. His Holiness would not find him here. Nobody would find him here†¦ â€Å"It is complicated,† the Pope’s voice echoed in his mind. â€Å"I will need time to make you understand†¦Ã¢â‚¬  But the camerlegno knew no amount of time could make him understand. Liar! I believed in you! GOD believed in you! With a single sentence, the Pope had brought the camerlegno’s world crashing down around him. Everything the camerlegno had ever believed about his mentor was shattered before his eyes. The truth drilled into the camerlegno’s heart with such force that he staggered backward out of the Pope’s office and vomited in the hallway. â€Å"Wait!† the Pope had cried, chasing after him. â€Å"Please let me explain!† But the camerlegno ran off. How could His Holiness expect him to endure any more? Oh, the wretched depravity of it! What if someone else found out? Imagine the desecration to the church! Did the Pope’s holy vows mean nothing? The madness came quickly, screaming in his ears, until he awoke before St. Peter’s tomb. It was then that God came to him with an awesome fierceness. Yours is a Vengeful God! Together, they made their plans. Together they would protect the church. Together they would restore faith to this faithless world. Evil was everywhere. And yet the world had become immune! Together they would unveil the darkness for the world to see†¦ and God would overcome! Horror and Hope. Then the world would believe! God’s first test had been less horrible than the camerlegno imagined. Sneaking into the Papal bed chambers†¦ filling his syringe†¦ covering the deceiver’s mouth as his body spasmed into death. In the moonlight, the camerlegno could see in the Pope’s wild eyes there was something he wanted to say. But it was too late. The Pope had said enough. 133 â€Å"The Pope fathered a child.† Inside the Sistine Chapel, the camerlegno stood unwavering as he spoke. Five solitary words of astonishing disclosure. The entire assembly seemed to recoil in unison. The cardinals’ accusing miens evaporated into aghast stares, as if every soul in the room were praying the camerlegno was wrong. The Pope fathered a child. Langdon felt the shock wave hit him too. Vittoria’s hand, tight in his, jolted, while Langdon’s mind, already numb with unanswered questions, wrestled to find a center of gravity. The camerlegno’s utterance seemed like it would hang forever in the air above them. Even in the camerlegno’s frenzied eyes, Langdon could see pure conviction. Langdon wanted to disengage, tell himself he was lost in some grotesque nightmare, soon to wake up in a world that made sense. â€Å"This must be a lie!† one of the cardinals yelled. â€Å"I will not believe it!† another protested. â€Å"His Holiness was as devout a man as ever lived!† It was Mortati who spoke next, his voice thin with devastation. â€Å"My friends. What the camerlegno says is true.† Every cardinal in the chapel spun as though Mortati had just shouted an obscenity. â€Å"The Pope indeed fathered a child.† The cardinals blanched with dread. The camerlegno looked stunned. â€Å"You knew? But†¦ how could you possibly know this?† Mortati sighed. â€Å"When His Holiness was elected†¦ I was the Devil’s Advocate.† There was a communal gasp. Langdon understood. This meant the information was probably true. The infamous â€Å"Devil’s Advocate† was the authority when it came to scandalous information inside the Vatican. Skeletons in a Pope’s closet were dangerous, and prior to elections, secret inquiries into a candidate’s background were carried out by a lone cardinal who served as the â€Å"Devil’s Advocate† – that individual responsible for unearthing reasons why the eligible cardinals should not become Pope. The Devil’s Advocate was appointed in advance by the reigning Pope in preparation for his own death. The Devil’s Advocate was never supposed to reveal his identity. Ever. â€Å"I was the Devil’s Advocate,† Mortati repeated. â€Å"That is how I found out.† Mouths dropped. Apparently tonight was a night when all the rules were going out the window. The camerlegno felt his heart filling with rage. â€Å"And you†¦ told no one?† â€Å"I confronted His Holiness,† Mortati said. â€Å"And he confessed. He explained the entire story and asked only that I let my heart guide my decision as to whether or not to reveal his secret.† â€Å"And your heart told you to bury the information?† â€Å"He was the runaway favorite for the papacy. People loved him. The scandal would have hurt the church deeply.† â€Å"But he fathered a child! He broke his sacred vow of celibacy!† The camerlegno was screaming now. He could hear his mother’s voice. A promise to God is the most important promise of all. Never break a promise to God. â€Å"The Pope broke his vow!† Mortati looked delirious with angst. â€Å"Carlo, his love†¦ was chaste. He had broken no vow. He didn’t explain it to you?† â€Å"Explain what?† The camerlegno remembered running out of the Pope’s office while the Pope was calling to him. Let me explain! Slowly, sadly, Mortati let the tale unfold. Many years ago, the Pope, when he was still just a priest, had fallen in love with a young nun. Both of them had taken vows of celibacy and never even considered breaking their covenant with God. Still, as they fell deeper in love, although they could resist the temptations of the flesh, they both found themselves longing for something they never expected – to participate in God’s ultimate miracle of creation – a child. Their child. The yearning, especially in her, became overwhelming. Still, God came first. A year later, when the frustration had reached almost unbearable proportions, she came to him in a whirl of excitement. She had just read an article about a new miracle of science – a process by which two people, without ever having sexual relations, could have a child. She sensed this was a sign from God. The priest could see the happiness in her eyes and agreed. A year later she had a child through the mira cle of artificial insemination†¦ â€Å"This cannot†¦ be true,† the camerlegno said, panicked, hoping it was the morphine washing over his senses. Certainly he was hearing things. Mortati now had tears in his eyes. â€Å"Carlo, this is why His Holiness has always had an affection for the sciences. He felt he owed a debt to science. Science let him experience the joys of fatherhood without breaking his vow of celibacy. His Holiness told me he had no regrets except one – that his advancing stature in the church prohibited him from being with the woman he loved and seeing his infant grow up.† Camerlegno Carlo Ventresca felt the madness setting in again. He wanted to claw at his flesh. How could I have known? â€Å"The Pope committed no sin, Carlo. He was chaste.† â€Å"But†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The camerlegno searched his anguished mind for any kind of rationale. â€Å"Think of the jeopardy†¦ of his deeds.† His voice felt weak. â€Å"What if this whore of his came forward? Or, heaven forbid, his child? Imagine the shame the church would endure.† Mortati’s voice was tremulous. â€Å"The child has already come forward.† Everything stopped. â€Å"Carlo†¦?† Mortati crumbled. â€Å"His Holiness’s child†¦ is you.† At that moment, the camerlegno could feel the fire of faith dim in his heart. He stood trembling on the altar, framed by Michelangelo’s towering Last Judgment. He knew he had just glimpsed hell itself. He opened his mouth to speak, but his lips wavered, soundless. â€Å"Don’t you see?† Mortati choked. â€Å"That is why His Holiness came to you in the hospital in Palermo when you were a boy. That is why he took you in and raised you. The nun he loved was Maria†¦ your mother. She left the nunnery to raise you, but she never abandoned her strict devotion to God. When the Pope heard she had died in an explosion and that you, his son, had miraculously survived†¦ he swore to God he would never leave you alone again. Carlo, your parents were both virgins. They kept their vows to God. And still they found a way to bring you into the world. You were their miraculous child.† The camerlegno covered his ears, trying to block out the words. He stood paralyzed on the altar. Then, with his world yanked from beneath him, he fell violently to his knees and let out a wail of anguish. Seconds. Minutes. Hours. Time seemed to have lost all meaning inside the four walls of the chapel. Vittoria felt herself slowly breaking free of the paralysis that seemed to have gripped them all. She let go of Langdon’s hand and began moving through the crowd of cardinals. The chapel door seemed miles away, and she felt like she was moving underwater†¦ slow motion. As she maneuvered through the robes, her motion seemed to pull others from their trance. Some of the cardinals began to pray. Others wept. Some turned to watch her go, their blank expressions turning slowly to a foreboding cognition as she moved toward the door. She had almost reached the back of the crowd when a hand caught her arm. The touch was frail but resolute. She turned, face to face with a wizened cardinal. His visage was clouded by fear. â€Å"No,† the man whispered. â€Å"You cannot.† Vittoria stared, incredulous. Another cardinal was at her side now. â€Å"We must think before we act.† And another. â€Å"The pain this could cause†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Vittoria was surrounded. She looked at them all, stunned. â€Å"But these deeds here today, tonight†¦ certainly the world should know the truth.† â€Å"My heart agrees,† the wizened cardinal said, still holding her arm, â€Å"and yet it is a path from which there is no return. We must consider the shattered hopes. The cynicism. How could the people ever trust again?† Suddenly, more cardinals seemed to be blocking her way. There was a wall of black robes before her. â€Å"Listen to the people in the square,† one said. â€Å"What will this do to their hearts? We must exercise prudence.† â€Å"We need time to think and pray,† another said. â€Å"We must act with foresight. The repercussions of this†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"He killed my father!† Vittoria said. â€Å"He killed his own father!† â€Å"I’m certain he will pay for his sins,† the cardinal holding her arm said sadly. Vittoria was certain too, and she intended to ensure he paid. She tried to push toward the door again, but the cardinals huddled closer, their faces frightened. â€Å"What are you going to do?† she exclaimed. â€Å"Kill me?† The old men blanched, and Vittoria immediately regretted her words. She could see these men were gentle souls. They had seen enough violence tonight. They meant no threat. They were simply trapped. Scared. Trying to get their bearings. â€Å"I want†¦Ã¢â‚¬  the wizened cardinal said, â€Å"†¦ to do what is right.† â€Å"Then you will let her out,† a deep voice declared behind her. The words were calm but absolute. Robert Langdon arrived at her side, and she felt his hand take hers. â€Å"Ms. Vetra and I are leaving this chapel. Right now.† Faltering, hesitant, the cardinals began to step aside. â€Å"Wait!† It was Mortati. He moved toward them now, down the center aisle, leaving the camerlegno alone and defeated on the altar. Mortati looked older all of a sudden, wearied beyond his years. His motion was burdened with shame. He arrived, putting a hand on Langdon’s shoulder and one on Vittoria’s as well. Vittoria felt sincerity in his touch. The man’s eyes were more tearful now. â€Å"Of course you are free to go,† Mortati said. â€Å"Of course.† The man paused, his grief almost tangible. â€Å"I ask only this†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He stared down at his feet a long moment then back up at Vittoria and Langdon. â€Å"Let me do it. I will go into the square right now and find a way. I will tell them. I don’t know how†¦ but I will find a way. The church’s confession should come from within. Our failures should be our own to expose.† Mortati turned sadly back toward the altar. â€Å"Carlo, you have brought this church to a disastrous juncture.† He paused, looking around. The altar was bare. There was a rustle of cloth down the side aisle, and the door clicked shut. The camerlegno was gone. How to cite Angels Demons Chapter 130-133, Essay examples

Commodity Exchange free essay sample

Project Submitted in partial fulfillment of Post Graduate Diploma in Management Moreover, the retail outlets belong to both the organized as well as the unorganized sector. The unorganized retail outlets of the yesteryears consist of small shop owners who are price takers where consumers face a highly competitive price structure. The organized sector on the other hand are owned by various business houses like Pantaloons, Reliance, Tata and others. Such markets are usually selling a wide range of articles both agricultural and manufactured, edible and inedible, perishable and durable. Modern marketing strategies and other techniques of sales promotion enable such markets to 5 draw customers from every section of the society. However the growth of such markets has still centered on the urban areas primarily due to infrastructural limitations. Considering the present growth rate, the total valuation of the Indian Retail Market is estimated to cross Rs. 10,000 billion by the year 2010. Demand for commodities is likely to become four times by 2010 than what it presently is. We will write a custom essay sample on Commodity Exchange or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page A commodity may be defined as an article, a product or material that is bought and sold. It can be classified as every kind of movable property, except Actionable Claims, Money Securities. Commodities actually offer immense potential to become a separate asset class for market-savvy investors, arbitrageurs and speculators. Retail investors, who claim to understand the equity markets, may find commodities an unfathomable market. But commodities are easy to understand as far as fundamentals of demand and supply are concerned. Retail investors should understand the risks and advantages of trading in commodities futures before taking a leap. Historically, pricing in commodities futures has been less volatile compared with equity and bonds, thus providing an efficient portfolio diversification option. In fact, the size of the commodities markets in India is also quite significant. Of the countrys GDP of Rs 13, 20,730 crore (Rs 13,207. 3 billion), commodities related (and dependent) industries constitute about 58 per cent. 6 Currently, the various commodities across the country clock an annual turnover of Rs 1, 40,000 crore (Rs 1,400 billion). With the introduction of futures trading, the size of the commodities market grows many folds here on.

261 Robert Frost and Directive Professor Ramos Blog

261 Robert Frost and Directive Robert Frost 1874 1963 Quick Write What is a directive? What comes to mind? Why do you think Frost titled his poem so? Robert Frost 1874 1963 Robert Frost Biography A four-time Pulitzer Prize winner in poetry, American Robert Frost depicted realistic New England life through language and situations familiar to the common man. The Road Not Taken Directive Poem read by Robert Frost and Further Reading https://poemanalysis.com/directive-by-robert-frost-poem-analysis/

Race against empire essays

Von Eschen/Race against empire essays Penny M. Von Eschen did an excellent job arguing her thesis that people of color across the globe must join together to fight for freedom to demand human rights. Von Eschens central argument through out the whole book is the African Americans and people of color are linked together internationally through struggles. More power lies on 400 million blacks than 22 million African Americans. Money makes the world go around is a phrase many people have said in song lyrics, but the truth lies in those very lines. Von Eschen lets the readers of her book discover this. The constant search for new enterprise leads to one group of people being oppressed. This book covers the struggles of African Americans and people of color working together to pave the way for my generation. In chapter one Von Eschen does her job as a writer and historian by revealing the contributetations of African American journalist, intellectuals, and political leaders. She shows various examples of how each of the three categories bought their share of hard work and dedication to the fight. Journalist kept the connection between African Americans and people of color in contact with what was going on through out the globe. Journalist helped give the people of color their attitude towards colonialism by providing three readers with information on the war and the treatment of other colored people through out the globe. Journalist also played a role in the political leaders life. They let the public be allowed to here the voices of people such as Du Boise and Marcus Garvey from their own homes and neighborhoods. These political leaders announced their next move or their next idea and the journalist carried the supporters or soon to be supporters. Media was the back bone to the Pan African movement. Von Eschen reveals vital information about the political leader Marcus Garvey and his Universal Negro Movement on page 10. She ...

Automated accounting presentation Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Automated accounting presentation - Term Paper Example The advantages and benefits of automation are briefly covered herein. Automation, however, cannot accomplish everything. Some procedures that form part of the general system would have to remain manually done. If the option to automate systems would be taken, the exact design of the whole system and its features would have to be studied to decide whether or not existing commercially available systems offered by companies like Peachtree can simply be purchased and established for the association to use. Otherwise, a system would have to be especially built from scratch for the use of the association. The subject homeowners’ association requires well-organized systems for billing its members, collecting payments, paying its bills including taxes, and formulating quarterly financial statements. While manual systems may have worked in the past when the association had only its original 150 homeowners, this may not be true with the upcoming scenario that will bring in additional 500 homeowners from four other homeowners’ associations. With the merger currently in process, the establishment of new systems would have to be among the major issues to be settled and finalized. The billing department can function with increased efficiency and accuracy by means of automated systems that will put the data in the respective bills of members and then print them systematically. On the other hand, the collection department would benefit from automated systems for printing out official receipts and summarizing the collections of each day. System-generated reports would, in fact, be of help in reviewing the daily receipts and comparing them with the amounts deposited in the bank account of the association. Automation should not stop there. Other areas, such as payments and reporting, would be handled more efficiently and with much lesser overlooked errors if automated systems are in place to book payments, to monitor bank account

Mental Health Treatment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Mental Health Treatment - Essay Example Louis in the United States and Christchurch in New Zealand). There is a wide variation in the health care systems in these two countries, they differ in size and also have a varied mix of ethnic groups. It was found that the respondents in the two cities responded in an identical fashion about the reasons for not seeking mental care. Common reasons included â€Å"doubt about the need for professional help† (Wells et al., 1994), and attitudinal factors (like that they can manage without any medical help). Less frequent reasons included, travel distance, cost, etc (Wells et al., 1994). Small or negligible reasons included sociodemographic factors (Wells et al., 1994.) With the help of theoretical models, it has been found that before seeking mental health treatment, help-seeking behavior of individuals goes through several stages. These include â€Å"experiencing symptoms, evaluating the severity and consequences of the symptoms, assessing whether treatment is required, assessi ng the feasibility of and options for treatment, and deciding whether to seek treatment† (Sareen et al., 2007). The barriers to the use of mental health care are mainly of two types: system-level structural factors (financial cost) and individual attitudinal factors (fear of being stigmatized) (Sareen et al., 2007). Sareen et al. ... This study was able to show that respondents of the low-income group in the U.S are more often likely to report a financial barrier when it comes to using mental health care when compared to those in countries with lesser restrictions to service accessibility. Dissatisfaction with the available mental health services was reported more often by respondents in the Netherlands than those in the U.S and Canada. However, contrary to the widely held belief that fear of stigmatization is a major barrier for not seeking care, the study showed that this was an infrequent reason. There was a positive association in younger respondents with â€Å"fear of involuntary hospitalization and concerns about embarrassment from using mental health services† (Sareen et al., 2007). This might reflect a general lack of knowledge regarding mental illness and its treatment amongst youngsters. The use of drugs was associated with an embarrassment on utilizing mental health services. Therefore, this stu dy showed that â€Å"attitudinal barriers to mental health service use are more common than structural barriers across countries with differing health care systems† (Sareen et al., 2007) with the exception that respondents of the low-income group in the U.S are more often likely to report a financial barrier when it comes to using mental health care when compared to the other two countries. In Latin America mental illness is a big burden. Although nationalized health care systems are available in many Latin American countries many barriers to mental health care remains. Saldivia et al. (2004), made a study in the general population of Chile about the utilization of mental health service. The Chile Psychiatric Prevalence Study conducted

Professional career development Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Professional career development - Assignment Example According to Best and De Valence (25), there are certain determinants that characterize the form of the building that a client gets. Economic and legal requirements are by far the most compelling factors, but the other factors including technology, materials, functional and climatic factors affect the project. Client’s specifications on the building are based on the circumstances surrounding these factors. Risk distribution between the constructor and the client can be assessed for various projects to determine the impact that client type has on design and construction elements of a project. In the following three client types, study has been conducted to highlight the intricacies involved in the determination of risk distribution and the impact passed on to the entire project procedures. Three sectors of the industry have been chosen discussed in the section. Domestic construction market is characterized by private ownership and individual preferences. The domestic building and construction market can further be divided to include various client types, for instance a family which needs a small house, medium and big home builders. First time builders and luxury house builders across the size demands of buildings are also observed in the market. The direct involvement of the client in the project is increased by the direct ownership factor which also increases accountability on the part of the client. Due to the fact that the domestic housing competition is heightened by the slender barriers of entry of new competitors enables the clients to enjoy the benefits of a competitive market. Some of the benefits enjoyed include lowered costs and a variety of service providers to choose from, which enhances preference. Such a diverse market features a variety of risk distribution, project duration, location preferences as well as and costing flexibility. The domestic market

Distinguish Between Colonialism And Neocolonialism Cultural Studies Essay

Distinguish Between Colonialism And Neocolonialism Cultural Studies Essay The term colony comes from the Latin word colonus, meaning farmer. This root reminds us that the practice of colonialism usually involved the transfer of population to a new territory, where the arrivals lived as permanent settlers while maintaining political allegiance to their country of origin. Colonialism is a practice of domination, which involves the subjugation of one people to another. One of the difficulties in defining colonialism is that it is not easy to distinguish it from neocolonialism. Frequently the two concepts are treated as synonyms. Like colonialism, neocolonialism also involves political and economic control over a dependent territory. The etymology of the two terms, however, provides some clues about how they differ. According to Longman Contemporary English Dictionary colonialism is when a powerful country rules a weaker one and establishes its own trade and society there. ORIGIN OF COLONIALISM Before the abolition of the slave trade by Denmark in 1802 and Britain in 1807. The entire West African Coast witnessed trade in slaves which were need for the plantations of the then Industrialized new world. The nations involved were France, Britain, Denmark, Portugal and Germany. About forty years later the trade changed to that of colonialism conquest and occupation by Europeans. The Berlin West African Conference of 1884 1885 gave international recognition to a situation that was already in existence. 1945 1960 witnessed a reversal of the process of colonization decolonization while 1960 till date is witnessing a reincarnation and a resurrection of colonialism neocolonialism. Below shows a chronology of dates and the sequence of events from colonialism to neocolonialism and the present day ongoing process of neocolonialism. 1880 1885 Proto-Colonial period 1885 1945 Colonial Era Subdivision 1884 1885 Berlin Conference (the scramble for Africa) 1885 1900 Period of Conquest and occupation 1900 1919 Period of Penetration 1919 1939 Period of Colonial Rule 1939 1945 Decline of colonial rule 1945 1960 Period of decolonization 1960 Till date Period of Neocolonialism. MEANING OF NEOCOLONIALISM The term neocolonialism was first coined by Kwame Nkrumah, the first post-independence president of Ghana, and has been discussed by a number of twentieth century scholars and philosophers, including Jean-Paul Sartre and Noam Chomsky Neocolonialism is the practice of using capitalism, globalization, and cultural forces to control a country (usually former European colonies in Africa or Asia) in lieu of direct military or political control. Such control can be economic, cultural, or linguistic, by promoting ones own culture, language or media in the colony, corporations embedded in that culture can then make greater headway in opening the markets in those countries. Thus, neocolonialism would be the result of business interests leading to deleterious cultural effects. Neocolonialism as defined by Longmans contemporary English Dictionary is when a powerful country uses its economic and political influence to control another country. DEFERENCE BETWEEN COLONIALISM AND NEOCOLONIALISM Though colonialism and neocolonialism are two sides of a coin. There are a number of differences that distinguishes the two. COLONIALISM NEOCOLONIALISM It is not modern (between 1880 1960s It involves physical or territorial occupation by the colonizers It has ended It is the early state of capitalism or imperialism It varies according to country e.g. Indirect Rule, (British) and policy of assimilation association by the French. It was led by France and Britain. It is a modern phenomenon It is not involve direct or physical presence of the colonizer any more It is ongoing i.e it is a continuous process It is the highest stage of Imperialism Neo-colonialism uses one methodology agents of Globalization It is now led by USA Probably nothing has become as controversial a subject as the impact of Colonialism on Africa among scholars of history and political science. Scholars such as Gann, Duignan, Perham and PC Lloyd see colonialism and neocolonialism as a blessing rather than a curse while other scholars such as Kwame Nkrumah, Che Guevara, Walter Rodney, MHY Kaniki A.E. Afigbo, A. Adu, Boahen, Ali Mazrai etc. sees it as a curse rather than a blessing. To buttress this further Che Guevaras says. As long as imperialism exists it will by definition exert its domination over other countries. Today that domination is called neocolonialism. Che Guevara, Marxist revolutionary 1965 In view of this, the impact of Neo-colonialism therefore is not a lesser task to assess particularly from social, economic and political perspectives in Nigeria. To be frank, though there were positive effects but every greater were the negative ones. Below is my assessment of the impact of neocolonialism on the social, economic and political life of Nigeria. (A) AN ASSESSMENT SOCIAL-CULTURAL IMPACT OF NEO-COLONIALISM IN NIGERIA (1) Provision of a lingua franca. This is a positive impact of Neo-colonialism in Nigeria. The provision of a lingua franca (official language) for Nigeria can now be seen as a blessing due to the marriage of inconvenience which brought the numerous linguistic groups that constitutes the country to easily adopt a neutral language. Neo-colonialism through globalization has further consolidated the use of English language as the business and official language not only Nigeria but across the Anglophone countries. (2) Cultural Dominance According to Ali-Mazrui: African are not necessarily the most brutalized of peoples, but they are almost certainly the most humiliated. Using the agents of a globalization e.g. the Mass Media, Internet Western Movies etc. Nigerian culture like other African countries is evidently being subjugated and dominated by the western culture. Many Nigerians today seem to have imbibed the European way of life at the expense of our rich African culture (colonial mentality). This is gradually leading to a loss of cultural identity. (3) Western Education This is an indispensable effect that Neo-colonialism has also used as a tool for Nigerian continuous reliance on the west for inadequate, lopsided and wrongly oriented education which was bequeathed by colonialism and consolidated by Neo-colonialism. This is evident from the fact that our acquisition of western education has helped in a neglect of technological and industrial education rather than that of a technological advancement. (4) Environment Degradation Oil spillages due to the exploitation of oil by some multinational companies such as Shell, Exxon Mobil etc. has to a large extent polluted Nigerias water and land resources particularly in the oil producing areas of the Niger Delta. Consequently this has affected the eco-system, the habitat and the cultural occupation of the people of that area. (B) AN ASSESSMENT OF ECONOMIC IMPACT OF NEO-COLONIALISM IN NIGERIA Positively Nigeria as a country has benefiting economically from Neo-colonialism. However the negative economic impacts seem to outweigh the positive impacts. One out of the negative economic impacts includes: (1) Economic Dependency International Organizations accused of participating in neo-colonialism are the World Bank, World Trade Organizations, the Group of Eight the Paris Club, the World economic forum, IMF etc. have been used by the first world countries to subject Nigeria into some structural adjustments which will increase rather than alleviate poverty . These Organizations are neocolonial agents used to ensure a perpetual economic failure and dependence of Nigeria as evident in the high rate of underdevelopment, poverty, debt burden etc. which has characterized our economy. (2) Economic Subjugation by Multi-national Corporations Critics of neocolonialism has also argued that investment by multinational corporations enriches few in under-developed countries and causes humanitarian, environmental and ecological devastation to the population which inhabits the colonies. These corporations such as Shell, Exxon Mobil etc. are responsible for a continuous flow of natural resources (oil) which unduly benefits the neo-colonial states. (3) Economic Brain Drain Today modern slavery exists through visa lotteries used to siphon not only Nigerias but ultimately the human resources of the developing countries. This is an economic brain drain strategy to subject the third world into a continuous technological hostage. (C) AN ASSESSMENT OF THE POLITICAL IMPACTS OF NEO-COLONIALISM IN NIGERIA (1) Consolidation of Democracy in Nigeria Though Nigerias political history has been characterized by the Military versus the Civilians. Recently democracy seems to have been fully entrenched in Nigeria through neo-colonial agent, such as the U.N. and other similar organizations. (2) Political Dependency Nigerias membership of the United Nations and the Commonwealth which sit joined immediately after Independence provided reasons why we have always been politically dependent on neo-colonial states like the USA and Britain. Consequently, Nigeria membership Pan-African Movement like, NEPAD, the Non-Aligned Movements, the African Union, the ECOWAS have not liberated as from this unending political grip of dependency. (3) Political Instability and Regime Change Apparently, government either Military or Civilian which poses no threat to the neo-colonial states in Nigeria seem to last longer than the unfriendly ones. In my opinion, no other reason can be tendered as why the Murtala Seven Months Regime (July 1975 February 1976) and the Buhari regime (December 1983 August 1985) were very short lived. Nigerian leaders who refuse to be stooges or puppets of the neo-colonial powers are usually forcefully removed. (4) Loss of Independence and Sovereignty Neo-colonialism, as a continuation of colonialism have of course eroded the independence or sovereignty which Nigeria like many third world countries claimed to have gotten. (5) New Colonialism Finally, neo-colonialism is the tool which has helped the neo-colonial states to continue the colonial process which started around 1880 and obstructed by decolonization or Independence of Nigeria in 1960 In conclusion, whatever colonialism and neo-colonialism did or is doing for Africans in Africa or Nigeria, given its opportunities, it resources and the power and influence it is wielding till date it could and should have done far more than it has done. It is precisely because the neo-colonial states not only did not see the development of Africans as their first priority but did not see it as a priority at all that they stand criticized. The continuous existence of the tools of neo-colonialism therefore poses an existential threat to the development of Nigeria and Africa.

chemical waste :: essays research papers

Clean Up Of Chemical Waste Chemical spills are major problems that haunt the environment. Strict government regulation are trying help this problem, but governmental leaders face many challenges. Disposal of harmful chemicals is often difficult and costly. Since chemical waste has destroyed the environment, steps are being taken to prevent further pollution, Like the Yucca mountain project. A local based pharmaceutical company named Novo Nordisk released its 1999 environmental report. The company, which strives to keep from contaminating the environment, confessed to two separate accidents for the year. A North Carolina plant was fined from the United States Department of Agriculture 1,000 dollars. Due to the fact that hydrochloric acid was disposed of in the public sewage system. New management has taken action to insure this does not happen again. Also at the Gentofte site in Denmark wastewater with the E- Coli bacteria was drained into the public sewage system from a leaky heater exchanger. The incident was reported to the local authorities and cleaned up quickly. A local company offered to donate expired chemicals to local schools. The chemicals have expired to which they can be used in schools for experiments and related activities. The companies prefer to donate the chemicals because it keeps them from the costly action of disposing of them properly. For example Novo Nordisk in Clayton, North Carolina has a program in which they donate hydrochloric acid and other expired chemicals to Clayton High School. A chemistry teacher at North Johnston High School was unaware that companies could donate their expired chemicals. Her comment of the quality of the expired chemicals was positive. "Expired chemicals would be fine to use for experiments and help me out a lot due to the small budget I am allowed each year for chemicals". A representative from Novo Nordisk stated that a program could easily be established if schools would show interest in the program. Certain disasters stick out in the minds of many people . Chernobyl was a nuclear plant in Ukraine that ended up being the worst nuclear leak in history. The media reported that, "On April 26, 1986, Chernobyl’s number four reactor exploded, spewing a cloud of radioactive material across a portion of Europe in the world's worst civilian nuclear reactor disaster". Officials estimate that about thirty people were killed immediately and more than fifteen thousand people died in the emergency clean up afterwards.

Final Project Draft: Childhood Obesity Essay

Growing up as a child and adolescent in the United States is met with many obstacles including exposure to domestic violence, proper education, lack of proper nutrition and other socioeconomic issues within the family unit. One particular issue that has begun to grow is childhood obesity which can lead to many health and social issues that carry on into adulthood. This epidemic stems partially from genetics but mostly from a combination of things like a lack of tools to educate parents and children on healthier life choices. As this issue reaches a critical point, changes are being set in motion to combat its cause and overall affect. While childhood obesity is not an issue for some parents, they should educate themselves in order to assist their children in making healthier decisions regarding food and physical activity. Making these necessary changes can potentially improve the child’s mental and emotional health and removes certain medical problems later in life resulting in a healthier adult. According to the Mayo Clinic, obesity is defined as having an excessive amount of body fat over what is considered to be healthy. Determining whether a child is obese is determining what is a normal weight for their height and weight. For children and adolescents, obesity is particularly troublesome not only for their health now and in the future but for their self-esteem in their formative years. Self-esteem is so crucial to the development of a young person’s mind, body and soul. It is what helps them to become well-rounded and contributing members of society. Children and adolescents have different body types at all stages of development. Just because a child carries a few extra pounds does not mean they are in any danger of becoming obese or having long-term health problems. With certain ages come different types of developmental changes. Some children have larger body frames that support more body weight. Simply looking at a child is not enough to ascertain if there is a weight problem. For example, during puberty adolescent children do gain weight more rapidly due to an influx of hormones. This type of weight gain is normal as long as the ratio of muscle, bone and body fats are in proportion. Determining whether or not a child has a healthy weight is as simple as calculating body mass index or BMI. Doctors often use this calculation though it can be a little more complicated to determine what is normal for a child. Anyone with children may recall frequent visits to the pediatrician early in the child’s life where the child is measured for height and weight. These numbers are then plotted on a growth chart to determine what percentile that child ranges within. BMI equal to or greater than the 5th percentile and less than the 85th percentile is considered a healthy weight for his or her age (Unknown, 2012). Anything above the 95th percentile is considered obese and at risk for various health-related problems. The averages for boys and girls will differ based on the fact that they develop at different speeds especially during puberty, but it is very important that parents do not jump to conclusion based on appearances and these numbers alone. One must also consider that an athletic child or teen may have more muscle mass which can also increase BMI. The most common contributor to childhood obesity is improper nutrition, food choices, and too little physical activity. Less common but still a factor are some genetic and hormonal disorders. Unfortunately many parents will use the knowledge of these disorders to rationalize a weight issue their child might have. In an age of technology, children and teens spend excess amount of time sedentary playing video games, watching television, using computers, and mobile devices. Commercials on television entice children to eat fast food and drink highly caffeinated, sugary drinks. The choices being made are not in the interest of the health of the child. Most parents spend 40 hours or more at work, leaving the children alone to fend for themselves which is when they make decisions on what to eat, drink and do to entertain themselves. Family history also presents a risk factor for childhood obesity. One might assume that a family with several or more overweight family member will have children in an environment where high-calorie food and drink is always readily available. In these types of households, physical activity is not stressed nor is it encouraged. Some families also inadvertently teach their children to be â€Å"emotional eaters.† The family that relies on the convenience of quick cooking meals is also at risk for overweight children because of high calorie content. Certain socioeconomic factors cause families to rely on these types of foods because it is all they can afford. With childhood obesity comes many complications that can affect a child’s physical, emotional and social well-being. One of the more well-known physical complications is Type 2 diabetes which affects the way a child metabolizes sugar. Usually a simple change in diet and exercise can keep a child from suffering this chronic disorder. A parent may notice that their overweight child seems to be going into puberty sooner than other children which is also another complication of obesity. Carrying around extra weight can cause breathing problems and issue with the development of the child’s lungs which can lead to asthma or even sleep apnea (abnormal breathing during sleep). If a child has a poor diet, he or she may also suffer from high cholesterol and high blood pressure. These factors can eventually lead to a buildup of plaque in the arteries causing a stroke or heart attack later in life. These complications overall are known as â€Å"metabolic syndrome.† This is not a disease in itself but a cluster of problems suffered at once. Beyond the physical issues caused by obesity are the matters of social and emotional complications. Youth is difficult under the best circumstances but contribute being overwe ight and a whole new host of issues present themselves. For example, school-age children tend to tease their overweight peers leading to further bullying and loss of self-esteem. According to research conducted by the Mayo Clinic overweight children tend to have more anxiety and poorer social skills than children with a normal weight. These children may withdraw into themselves or act out and disrupt their classrooms or families. Eventually these issues can lead to the more serious problem of depression which is an overwhelming feeling of sadness and hopelessness. If a parent suspects that their child is suffering from depression, a doctor should be immediately contacted and consulted. Parents play a very meaningful role in the causes and risk factors for childhood obesity. They are the first to make the child feel loved and in control of their own bodies. Sensitivity to a child’s emotional needs and feelings is very important in helping that child develop into a healthy adult. If a parent feels that his or her child is at risk for obesity, the issue needs to be addressed in a kind and considerate manner. Directness and openness are the best method and one cannot be overly critical or judgmental. Lifestyle changes are difficult for a child to make so giving choices makes them more likely to stick to something new. Praising a child’s effort to change will also help boost their self-esteem and keep them going in a positive direction. Some medical issues are brought on by heredity which is to say that people are just â€Å"born with them,† but in the case of childhood obesity, it is a completely preventable problem. As with most issues that affect children and teenagers, home is the first line of defense against future problems. Educating parents and providing them support is an excellent way to ensure that children gain the proper instruction on lifestyle and health choices. Most do not realize that obesity is costly to each state. According to the National Conference of State Legislature, in 2003, annual medical expenses geared towards obesity and its effects were estimated at $75 billion dollars. Starting in 2005, state legislature became very active in considering programs and policies to address the epidemic. One of the most positive changes to occur is schools providing the nutritional content of the food on its menus enabling students to make better choices during breakfast and lunch. This is also being done at chain restaurants nationwide. â€Å"Super sizing† was removed from all menus and alternatives for kids’ meals are part of this change as well. Even some convenience store chains banished their massive fountain drink cups to combat the obesity epidemic among children as well as adults. The battle for the health of children begins with education and monitoring. If parents maintain an open line of communication with their children, they will be privy to the issues affecting them. Childhood obesity is not just a physical or medical issue. It affects the psychological and emotional well-being of the child which follows them all throughout the rest of their lives. Children need the best start possible so parents should always remember to pay attention and lead by example. References John, A. M., Charles, J. G., Stephen, R. D., & Wang, P. (2012). Race, childhood insulin, childhood caloric intake, and class 3 obesity at age 24: 14-year prospective study of schoolgirls. Obesity, 20(3), 597-604. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/oby.2011.126 Mooney, B. (2012). Childhood obesity: time to wake up to the facts. World Of Irish Nursing & Midwifery, 20(7), 41-42. Wojcicki, J. M., & Heyman, M. B. (2012). Reducing Childhood Obesity by Eliminating 100% Fruit Juice. American Journal Of Public Health, 102(9), 1630-1633. doi:10.2105/ AJPH. 2012.300719 Willis, T. A., Potrata, B. B., Hunt, C. C., & J. (2012). Training community practitioners to work more effectively with parents to prevent childhood obesity: the impact of HENRY upon Children’s Centres and their staff. Journal Of Human Nutrition & Dietetics, 25(5), 460-468. doi:10.1111/j.1365-277X.2012.01247.x

Systems Thinking On Organizations Example

Systems Thinking On Organizations Example Systems Thinking On Organizations – Coursework Example SYSTEMS THINKING ON ORGANIZATIONS Systems thinking in healthcare Systems thinking are a technique to an analysis which focuses on the manner in which the constituent parts of a system interrelate. In addition, how the systems function in the context of systems that are large (De Savigny & Adam, 2009). In an organization, a system consists of parts. Every part can have an effect on the way other parts do work. In addition, the manner in which all the parts work in uniform will decide how the system will operate. The internal and external environments within which health systems function have become very complex and dynamic. Such dynamism and complexity lead to opportunities and problems and needs systems that are responsive to adapt to the changes. Systems thinking enable managers in the health system to conquer the helplessness feelings when they meet problems that are complex. It offers them with the required tools to influence, analyze, and understand the performance of the systems they are struggling to develop (Kitson, 2009). On the other hand, the systems thinking have various drawbacks. In the health system, it is frequently observed that the dynamic and complex systems are very sensitive to the commencing conditions. Therefore, the system is not likely to carry out the analysis, as it is required. The other drawback is that the systems thinking operates on the principle that one must have an idea of how the numerous components of the health care interact. In addition, one can only solve the shortcomings by looking into the relationship that exists between the elements. The problem is that most managers in the healthcare assume they are aware of the relationship of which it is not the case (Begun, Zimmerman & Dooley, 2003).ReferencesBegun, J. W., Zimmerman, B., & Dooley, K. (2003). Health care organizations as complex adaptive systems. Advances in health care organization theory, 253, 288.De Savigny, D., & Adam, T. (Eds.). (2009). Systems thinking for he alth systems strengthening. World Health Organization.Kitson, A. L. (2009). The need for systems change: reflections on knowledge translation and organizational change. Journal of advanced nursing, 65(1), 217-228.

Responding to Wii Essays

Responding to Wii Essays Responding to Wii Essay Responding to Wii Essay On the other hand, there are game developers, who provide the games for the specific console with which end-users play. Both end-users and game developers are customers of providers of video game consoles, namely Nintendo (WI console), Sony (Palpitation 3 console), and Microsoft (Oxbow 360 console). They are customers because providers enter into transactions with each of them and both are sources of revenue streams, end users through the purchase of video game consoles and game developers through the payment of royalties for the right to sell games for the video game console. End users and game developers also carry out transactions between them, namely through the acquisition of games offered for the console. There is a difference though in the number of relationships, as developers establish transactions with all three, while end users only with one of the three providers. The market is not only an example of a platform, but most importantly of the existence of network externalities in the market. End users find more value In their consoles as the end user base Increases, since each individual would be able to share and exchange gaming experiences with more end seers. They also find more value in their consoles as the other pool of customers, that is, game developers, increases. This is due to the fact that more game developers imply more games available to choose from. Developers also find more value in the platform as the number of end users increases, since having a sufficient number of purchasers of their games Is what determines the profitability of their software development efforts. Providers of video game consoles subsidize end users, since these customers are more price-sensitive than game developers and are the ones ho have a higher interest in obtaining high quality from the gaming experience. When a new console is launched, the price that end users pay for their consoles is generally below or at the cost of production. Prices of games, on the other hand, mainly depend on the quality of each title, on the pool of titles available for each console, and on the relative reputation of game developers and publishers. Game developers pay providers of video game consoles a fixed royalty per game produced for the console. Current competitors for Nintendo are Sony and Microsoft. Up until Wigs launch, it can be said that the three console providers competed exactly for the same end user market, namely traditional video gamers. At that point Sony, with the Play Stations 2 and 3 was a clear in the market, based on a better quality product. Nintendo, through the launch of Its WI console, Introduced a radical Innovation, which extended video gaming Into customer segments that had not been reached Deter: Tamales, women, older people, sports lovers, Ana trotter a new way AT playing with the video console much more interactive. This extension is what has given Nintendo the leadership in the market, not superior resources or capabilities that are impossible to replicate. Competition from established rivals is the most important source of competitive pressure in the industry. Being in a platform market with network externalities, the three providers battle for a broader end user base that will make their platforms even more valuable to both sides of the market. It is important to bear in mind, however, that the platform market is crossing boundaries into the broader home PC and entertainment industries, an issue that is determinant in Microsofts decision to enter the video game industry. This is important to consider when evaluating the profitability of the industry, for low or negative returns of some players do not imply that the industry is not potentially profitable. In particular, Microsofts goals are probably more related with strengthening the network effects of the platform with an eye set on offering products and services beyond gaming. Nintendo, on the other hand, is probably more focused on the development of the gaming industry only, with no view to crossing further boundaries. Additionally, both Nintendo and Sony have a portable console (Nintendo ADS and Sony SSP) which trenches their position in the market and provides a source of economies of scale. Power in the industry lies with providers of video game consoles. Game developers depend on the technological capabilities of the consoles to offer new attractive games. Console providers have the ability to determine which game developers can offer products for their platforms, and it is console providers who offer the development tools and support needed for software development efforts. End users, although highly motivated by quality, ultimately limit their choice of video game insoles to the offerings of the market, based on their price sensitivity and perceived total cost of ownership. End users clearly value the products offered in the industry, as evidenced by the fact that all latest generation consoles sold out at launch and the three companies experienced supply shortage to meet demand. They additionally face switching costs, given that their purchased games cannot be played with a competitors console. Finally, end users, independently of the console want to have access to all games, so most developers are forced to develop versions for the three insoles, and their power is therefore limited. Microchip producers (Intel, MOM, Toshiba), although supplying a product that is highly important for the technological capabilities of the consoles, lack the capacity to command power due to the fact that their business relation with their customers is not limited to console production but rather encompass the broader consumer electronics industries. In some cases, specifically with the Oxbow and Palpitations, manufacturing is not carried out by the company itself, but rather is outsourced to manufacturing companies (such as Hon. Ha Precision Industry). These do not hold, however, major power within the industry, given the importance of their major customers in their total sales. Substitutes in this industry are other home entertainment systems that are not necessarily focused on video games. PC-based video games could also be considered a substitute, as well as mobile gaming. However, none of these closely substitute console gaming. Portable consoles represent an extension, as allow end users to play in another environment. There are high barriers to entry since network effects are strong, multi-homing costs Tort Ana users lead teen to prefer navels one or two consoles, Ana current console providers enjoy market power. A highly developed technology is another barrier. For a new player to enter it would need to offer a superior console, with some sort of compatibility that allows end users to use the games they have invested in, or absorbing the cost that end users would incur when considering the switch. Console development and marketing, however, require billions of dollars, building relationships with developers, and passive response from current console providers. Envelopment from different platform markets could theoretically be possible, but existing players (mainly Microsoft and Sony) could also be in a position to counter- envelop. As a result of the key players experience and capabilities in other technology businesses broader than video gaming, the industry has evolved by including functionalities and services beyond the gaming experience. Platform envelopment attempts by another platform market could lead to price wars that reduce the attractiveness of the industry to potential entrants. Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft are all well positioned within the industry. They all have growing end user bases and relationships with game developers, leading to network externalities in their platform markets. Nintendo has always had higher operating margins, even when Sony was the leader of the industry. This is mostly, however, a result of the higher royalty fees that they extract from game developers, a distribution of power that will not necessarily hold to the future, considering that competitors have the potential to offer exciting and attractive capabilities for developers in their new consoles. Higher margins may also be the result of having a higher proportion of Ames developed in-house, which would be a sign that their expertise are in game development rather than in consoles. Sony and Microsoft, given their technological capabilities, relations with providers and marketing expertise, might be in a better position to further evolve the functionalities beyond the gaming experience as the industry crosses boundaries. Microsofts expertise in digital distribution could place it in a better position to reduce costs and expand their reach, and therefore allow them to make some strategic moves that could improve their current market position s a distant third. Strategic Resources and Capabilities of Nintendo and Competitors The video gaming industry, and specifically the provision Microsoft has distinctive capabilities in product development, marketing, and distribution. They are also famous for organizing for creativity, meaning that they encourage disagreement and criticism to spur better creative solutions. They also have strengths in the flexibility of their production, in the sense that they can respond quickly to product development opportunities (partly due to their outsourcing arrangements). Finally, Microsoft has immense financial resources. This is important when you consider that they can further develop capacities that they need through acquisitions. Sony has had a strong record in consumer electronics industry. It has strong capabilities in video technology. It has a large customer base and strong relationships with game developers. They introduced backward compatibility in their Palpitations, which shows their ability to redefine customer expectations and change industry practices. From its industry experience Sony has strong relations with movie studios and similar content providers. It also set the standard for high definition DVD format (the negative side of this is that Sony will find it difficult to price its Palpitation below stand-alone Blue-Ray players Tanat ten company NAS licenses to nutcrackers). Nintendo, on the other hand, lacks sustainable superior technological expertise. Their WI console offers considerably lower graphics processing power, no DVD compatibility, and no capability for audio surround sound. Nineteens relations with game developers were not as strong as its competitors, evidenced by the fact that they had to develop more games in-house. The products advantage was its ease of use, its innovation in motion-sensing controllers, and its appeal to a broader audience of end users, aspects that can be addressed by Microsoft and Sony to regain market share. Unlike its competitors, Nintendo relies completely on the video game industry for its revenues. The company has strong experience in cross- functional teams, important for product development. Evaluation of Strategic Alternatives Based on their strategic resources and capabilities, the recommendation is for Microsoft first to extend the WI functionalities, to retain and increase their current ease of end users. Second, they should also develop their product to target the family segment that Nintendo tapped. Microsoft needs to further strengthen the network externalities of its platform by aggressively expanding its end user base, and has the technological know-how to match and surpass the technological developments of the WI console. Its strength in product development would allow the company to bring to market a suitable solution relatively quickly, and its marketing and distribution capabilities would allow Microsoft to aggressively compete against WI. The company Leary cannot ignore Nineteens leadership, not only because of the end users that the leader is gaining but also because Sony had to attempt regaining market share through matching the WI interactive capabilities, and they have Just launched their Play Station Move in France (http://FRR. Allocation. Com/smoke/). A third step would bring additional features that would be of interest to the expanded customer segments, increasing the functionalities offered to end users (playing and downloading movies and music, playbills, internet access, e-commerce, etc). Expanding the customer base to reach individuals in the 34-65 year range means hat Microsoft could bundle some of its non-gaming software products with the console, effectively expanding the usability of the console. Alternatively, using its platform Microsoft could envelop another unrelated platform from an industry in which the companys resources and capabilities can be applied. This way the company would exponentially expand the network externalities of its multifunctional platform. For example, Microsoft could challenge incumbents dominance in mobile applications through expansion of its online gaming capabilities into the mobile device. This way, end users who value Oxbow online gaming and mobile gaming would benefit from having a mobile phone powered by Microsofts software. Another example could be using its platform, its expertise in e-commerce and its relationships with content providers to create an online store with the same scope as tunes. Currently games can be purchased online, but there is no challenger to tunes domain in digital music downloads. The objective would be to tie the store to the console, in such a way that end users find it worthwhile to switch to Microsoft as their digital music provider, and eliminating their switching costs.

Human Resources Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words - 1

Human Resources Management - Essay Example Although there has been quite a lot of negative feedbacks with regards to PETernity leave in other countries, it remains a fact that the benefits of implementing five days unpaid leave to VMA employees who wishes to adopt a new dog or cat less than 10 months old. There are many people who would give extra time and care for their pets. In line with this, VMA HR manager should take advantage of this sentiment in order to keep more employees feel more accepted and motivated to work better and stay longer with the company. Likewise, HR manager can make use of this option as a way of attracting new employees other than the typical HR strategies like offering of flexible working approach like part-time job, flexy time at work, job sharing, unpaid leaves, and industry pay standards. Since VMA’s PETernity leave does not apply to employees with pets more than 10 months old, the HR manager is adviced to improve this HR policy by extending the PETernity leave benefits to its employees who have pets like dogs and cats regardless of the pets’ age, breed, and gender. Established back in October 2000, Virgin Mobile Australia (VMA) is a telecommunications company that offers a wide-range of mobile communication products and services including the access to mobile broadband through its 3,500 retail store outlets nationwide (Virgin Mobile, 2009a; van der Walt, Morris, & Simsek, 2007). As of 2008, VMA was considered the 4th telecommunication company in Australia that was given the authority to sell Apple iPhone 3G (MacBlogz, 2008). Serving more than 400,000 customers in Australia (van der Walt, Morris, & Simsek, 2007), the company is challenged to improve and maintain the quality service that is given to its customers. Because of the continuous business expansion and tight market competition within the telecommunication industry, the HR manager of VMA should continuously improve the employment benefit packages not only to attract competitive

Digital Channels and Social Media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Digital Channels and Social Media - Essay Example The most important part of business is advertising your products and services and social networks have made it very easy. The success of your business depends on more public relations you make. This was not easy some years back but now the world has shrunk into a global village and making social relations is easier than ever before. Finding your target market and serving them, sharing of information and ideas, updating your data details of sales and taxes, and following the market trends; these all tasks are now just as easy as that. Getting the feedback from your customers is of vital importance in every type of business. This job can be done through communicating with your customers; social media and digital channels provides us this valuable facility and use of this facility can take your organization to the height of success. Use of digital channels and social media in marketing: Digital marketing is a term defining upraise of your business by the use of different digital tools l ike emails, social networks and cellular services. The marketing of your business can be done very effectively by using digital technology and internet services. There are many uses of digital channels in marketing field some of them are discussed here. There are wide uses of digital marketing and social media networking. The most important use is your direct link with your customers this facility is provided to business organization and they can use it to increase their sales. The records of your customer and deals with them can be saved and reviewed at any time. You can save your time and efforts by addressing many of your customers at same time. The level of ease will increase and you... This essay approves that social media is another mean of interaction between people; social media is defined formally as the set of different online technology implements that make people to communicate easily through internet and share their information, ideas, views and resources with people of interest. It includes text, audio, video, images, podcasts, and some others. Different social networks like Facebook, twitter, and blogs are used presently for the convenience in every aspect of life. Social media are differentiated from other old fashioned media in many ways frequency, reach, quality, immediacy, usability, and permanence. The most appropriate use of social media is in the field of marketing, advertisement and public relations. Social media has affected the businesses; it has taken them from ground to higher levels. Social media is used as powerful tool for marketing of different products and services, different people have started their own small business and marketed their products of Facebook, tweeter, and other internet based social media. This report makes a cocnlusion that the first and top most ethical issue that can badly affect the repute of any business is use of social media and digital channels for customers’ feedback. When you place your product on a social media website for sake of market it may harm your business. Many people will comment and claim negatively and your product will lose the market. To build trust and credibility regarding the use of social networks and digital channels certain steps must be taken. Avoiding spam emails, popup windows, deceptive marketing and advertising to keep the trustworthy relationship with your consumers and satisfy their needs.

Certification in sustainable tourism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words - 1

Certification in sustainable tourism - Essay Example The paper will also deal with the actual implication and meaning of the sustainable tourism along with the evidences through certain case examples that will explain the applicability of the certification in sustainable tourism (Certification for Sustainable Tourism, 2010). In the research paper, the entire aspects which are essential in the certification of the sustainable tourism will be taken up and the objectives defined will be fulfilled. The growing trend of the tourism industry all over the world has initiated the undertaking or conduction of survey in this perspective. The recent prospect of the tourism industry contributes to country’s development in terms of creating new jobs and adding revenue to the country’s GDP. Thus, considering the growing importance of the sector, this research study has been carried out. The most widely accepted definition of the sustainable tourism has been provided by the World Tourism Organisation. According to them, sustainable tourism is â€Å"the tourism which leads to the management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic need can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity and life support systems† (United Nations Foundation, 2002). Thus, the World Tourism Organisation describes the sustainable tourism as a process that satisfies the demands of the tourists and host communities and at the same time protects and enhances the future needs and demands of the tourists (United Nations Foundation, 2002). Tourism, over the years, has evolved as one of the largest industries in the world. However, the huge resource and infrastructural demands of tourism, for example, usage of energy, waste generation and water consumption can have an adverse effect on the environment and local communities if proper management plan is not taken up. The various regions all over the

Who Killed the Electric Car Essay Example for Free

Who Killed the Electric Car Essay In 1996, electric cars began to appear on roads all over California. They were quiet and fast, produced no exhaust and ran without gasoline.. Ten years later, these futuristic cars were almost completely gone. Who Killed the Electric Car is a documentary which unfolds a complex set of events around the development and demise of the modern electric car. The story stems from California from the early 1990s to 2006. Chris Paine, the film maker has woven together interviews and archival footage of over 65 people involved with the events. The narrative begins to unfold with a brief history of the first electric cars created in the early twentieth century. These electric vehicles were killed off nearly 100 years ago as gas/petroleum powered internal combustion engine (ICE) cars became cheaper. The worsening problems of gas/petrol cars are illustrated: smog, high child asthma rates, CO2 emissions and global warming. [Later we also see the use of the US Military in the Middle East. The loss of life and financial cost of war are not mentioned]. The film then commences the story of the modern EV in 1987 when General Motors and the SunRaycer, won the World Solar Challenge, a solar electric car race in Australia. General Motors CEO, Roger Smith challenged the same design team to build a prototype practical electric car which became known as the Impact when announced in 1990. The project expanded to small scale production vehicles with the aim that it would give GM several years lead over any competitor car companies. The Californian Air Resources Board (CARB) saw this as a way to solve their air quality problem and in 1990 passed the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate. The ZEV Mandate specified increasing numbers of vehicles sold would have to be Zero Emission Vehicles. For the car companies, there was only two options: Comply with the law or fight it. In then end, they would do both. The movie continues to reveal what the various suspects did to kill the reality of the electric car, and the efforts of EV supporters to save them. Oil companies stood to lose enormous profits if EV sales took off and they colluded with others to kill the electric car. To comply with the ZEV Mandate, in 1996, GM started leasing small numbers of the production car, called the EV1. Other car companies also produced electric vehicles by converting existing production models and leased them to drivers. But the GM board of directors never really wanted the car to succeed as they didnt think they would make profit from the car. They saw losses from development costs and the virtual absence of maintenance and replacement parts which, for gas cars, bring ongoing profits. They were worried that the popularity of the car was growing and that other US states were considering ZEV Mandate laws which meant that they may have to convert all their cars to electric drives which represented even bigger losses.