My Best Friend Essay

She always tells you the truth. She does not lie to you and sugar coat an answer for you. She is always direct. If you do not like the answer she gives you then you are out of luck. Our time really grew together through the years, however, our bond got closer once we got to high school. When you are in the same school with people your entire life, you seem to hate them and get tired of seeing the same people every day. We found it funny that we are complete opposites of each other. She is always late for any event or even just getting to school Giglio 2 on time. However, I am always early. She likes to get all her work done early, yet I like to procrastinate and does everything last minute. When we got to high school and both were in ROTC that’s when our bound grew. We were always placed in the same ROTC class and our other subjects as well. In ROTC, you have to choose to get along with someone even if they are your worst enemy. I remember this one time this girl, Nicole, and I were arguing, probably about something ridiculous, and I called Megan in to help. She told us straight up front to grow up and solve this problem on our own. When she was dealing with her relationship problems or just needed, someone to talk to I would be there for her and vice versa. Being in the same classes in high school defiantly grew us closer. Even though we sometimes found it annoying that every year we were placed in the same class, it was fun having the teachers call Megan and us asking which one they were talking to. We would have our fights but come on. Seriously, what friends do not fights? We would fight over the stupidest things. Usually I would be the one admitting I was wrong and be breaking down in tears and letting all my emotions out. She was always able to cheer me up when I was down. To this day when I’m upset and crying she can say the words pudding, spinach and all these ridiculous sayings and she is the only one that can do that. Now that we are out of high school, she is my only friend that I still talk to and if I have a problem, she is always a phone call away or text away. I am still in touch with her and she always responds when I need her. She always knows I will be here for her as well no matter what. She has shown me what a true friend is. Someone who will be by your side always and will always hold a special place in your heart.

Activist Judges on the American Political system

In the Kelo vs. the city of New London case the decision made was that the municipal development statute that was behind the taking of the land was correct as it was part of projects of economic development   i.e. public use of property for the best public interest.This decision is such that if it is taken as a precedent in future cases, private property can be confiscated by the government under the guise of economic development and given to other is seen as a contravention of the rights guaranteed in the American constitution which guarantee the sanctity to personal property.According to David Forte, Many problems come up in the relation of the judicial system and political system in the United States (Forte 1).  The justices who dissented to the ruling were guided by this principle concerning private one of the justices who dissented to the ruling is Justice O’Connor whose views as a Supreme Court justice have been dissented to in many circles.Her liberal views on feder alism, affirmative action gender, religion etc have been the source of controversies. Together with her were other four dissenting justices who were guided by justice for the citizens. This is partly to be found in a pragmatic approach to issues of jurisprudence.In the midst of all the controversy surrounding this decision of the Supreme Court is the fact that dissentions are done with the American dream at heart. For instance, the seizure of private land by the local government for private development can be greatly abused.A well developed neighborhood for residential houses may be demolished to create space for development of private shopping area. The justices who see the danger in the decision work towards Americas self discovery and transformation.The case has been a source of the judges who rule in disfavor of the government policies to be called activist judges. This has been a term that has grown over the years (Activist Judges.com par.5). The cause of this sort of victimiza tion is the ruling hat is not popular with the state and no doubt it is state machinery that is behind the propaganda of activist judges. In the real sense the judges perform their duties according to the law.ConclusionIt can be seen that there is blackmail on those judges who don’t toe the line of the political elite in the country; calling them political activists is one of the politician’s tactics to achieve cheap victories in courts.The freedom of the judicial system needs to be secured from such attacks like this because they may interfere with the role of the justice department of checking the other arms of the government. Those judges who are branded the name activists should not yield to this intimidation so as to keep the fire of justice burning.Works cited Forte, David. The Supreme Court in American Politics: Judicial Activism vs. Judicial Restraint, Heath, University of Michigan, 1972.http://www.google.co.ke/search?q=Activist+Judges+on+the+American+Political +system

Utilization of Wind Energy

Energy is essential in all aspects of human life, this is the main reason why scientific inventions on energy are more recognized that inventions in other spheres. Upon discovery, there must be regular innovations to spice up the invention so that it does not run out market or become inefficient. This is what has led to major improvements on development of wind energy all over the world. This has been catalyzed by global efforts to reduce emission of green house gases; a vision 2030 project that is to be implemented throughout the world. Wind energy has come in the limelight after researches noted that it is most underutilized type of energy (Henderson-2003). This is because the developers have been focusing on the wrong directives; their focus was mainly on the demand and not the supply side. Even with innovations, investors have been reluctant to in funding of wind energy researches as there are many laws and policies around this sphere that can turn the venture unproductive economically. Wind energy is one of the renewable sources of energy that is currently in practical use in the developed countries; developing countries are also picking up the momentum. Just like the hydroelectric generation of power, where enormous water currents are used to rotate the large turbines that convert potential energy to kinetic energy, strong wind currents mostly found in the deserts, along coastlines and open plain areas are used to rotate the turbines suspended in open areas. This generates electricity by converting potential energy into kinetic energy. I decided to carry out a research on wind type of energy; this was in a bid to learn the steps that have been made so far, the loopholes in the steps and factors that are impeding the implementation of the wind energy across the world. The resources I used were mainly academic journals that talk about the whole process of setting up wind energy plants, the policies around the activity and also the steps most of the developing counties are taking towards achievement of their wind energy plans. The journals and articles I used were ones written from 1988 during a United Nations Environmental meeting; Paris COP21 to the ones written in 2018 when President Donald Trump reduced the chains on Environmental Policy Act in 2017. By learning these policies and logistics around them I was able to draw my own map to the road of reliance on wind energy to help ease the stress on the hydro-electric grids we have in the country. The policies that will help in implementation of my plans were also found in the journals, the appropriate modes of transmission and the stakeholders that play a critical role in the sector. The problems I faced when finding inference to the research is that most of them either lacked proper guidelines or lacked good recommendations hence could not be so useful. The reasons behind the researches and geographical areas they were taken in rendered some of the researches impractical. The questions that guided me through that whole process are; who are the stakeholders to team up? What are the policies for the transmission? When will the implementation begin? What is the timeline for setting up and maintaining of the whole transmission process?Goals and objectivesGoalsReduce green house emission from manufacturing companies by 16%Lower the cost of power supply Make wind energy a common preferenceRemedy power interruptions in manufacturing industries. The vision 2030 states that all countries should cut their carbon emissions by 30%. In my research I realized that it's the manufacturing companies that produce a large amount of this gas. Most of these companies are directed by the federal environmental protection agency to fit sieves that will filter carbon from their chimneys; lack of proper follow up by the agency has made them relax and I discovered that most of them have diesel powered generators to supplement the power interruptions they face. My wind energy is mainly customized to target manufacturing companies as primary consumers thus hasten the achievement of vision 2030.There has overreliance on the hydroelectric plants because there is a high demand of the end product in homes. This has led to public outcry due to regular interruptions and inconsistent supply. This projects aims to fit customized turbines for specific regions and hence give them a reliable option.ObjectivesImprove the current design of wind turbinesCarry out campaigns to sensitize the public on the use of wind energyDevelop an overlapping cycle of turbines that will maximize wind farms across the countryInduce the federal government to reduce the laws on implementation of wind projectsThe major improvement I want to put on the current turbines is to reduce their mass and size but affect their performance. The reason behind this is so that they can be able to fit on rooftops or even suspended at different heights on skyscrapers. The campaigns are aimed at sensitizing the masses about the projects benefits and educating them on the importance of it. Through that we will be lowering risks that come about when the turbines fall or even vandalism. The current turbine sizes are large hence occupy lot space during installation. I have developed turbine stand that can 3 turbines of different sizes to be fitted at different heights of the towers. This state of art of art innovation will help reduce overlapping that leads underperformance and underutilization of wind farms. There so many regulations and policies for stakeholders to pass through before initiating wind projects. The many agencies that overlook all the regulations require fees; this is one issue that has scared investors away. We plan to involve the government and make it reduce the regulations, the bodies that oversee it or the fees charged for turbine set up and maintenance. Policies and Problems in the wind energy sectorMotor noise; there has been an environmental concern that the turbines produce a lot of noise thus leading to severe headaches and sometimes depression in the residents around the farm. We plan to curb this by using the latest turbine models that are noise free.Destruction of the ecology system; this is attributed to the number of birds that are chopped by the blades. Most affected birds are bats, owls and eagles. This will be combated by making the edges of the blades blunt.Congestion on wind line; this is a problem I had touched on earlier and stated that our state of equipment will be used to counter it.Policies around this project are; state permitting, this is the first step that has to be met before setting of the off shore and in land turbines. This is one of the policies we plan to counter after starting as the permitting discrepancies between organizations leads to delay of the projects. Federal permitting; this will oversee the setting up and maintenance of inland turbines to make sure they are in line with the environmental laws.We see a positive impact in the society despite the inevitable changes. There will be satisfaction as the customers will be able to get electricity when they need it most. If the implementation takes place as planned then there will be lesser electricity interruptions as time goes by. There will be lesser diseases in the community; water borne and air borne diseases caused by harmful industry emissions and disposal.Strategies and resourcesAnalytical researches have claimed that installation and maintenance of wind energy power plants is expensive than all other types of energy. This claim forgot to mention that the benefits are perpetual as wind never expires. The high cost is not only attributed to set up capital but also the high fees charged by federal agencies if the turbines underperform. The design of our turbines is expected to be so efficient that our transmission company won't have to be subjected to the underperformance fees. Only the human and financial resources are fundamental in the set up stage of the project. Due to its huge implementation budget; I plan to call on board different stakeholders after proposing a comprehensive compensation plan for the funds they are going to pour on the project. Manufacturing companies are my main investor target as the plan will mainly benefit them, reaching out will be an easy task as I will use emails as my main communication mode. Having different stakeholders with different set of contacts will help us get federal environmental permits faster than if we were to do it alone. Collective bargaining of our force will make the state see the urgency and importance of the project. This whole project will be initiated by getting the state permits and environmental agency permits before reaching out to the investors. This is a plan to keep everything in check and reduce delay once the permitting process is done. We plan to carry out a site study to know the precise location of our times and the accurate number of turbines needed per site; this will reduce excess set up costs. Off shore and on shore sites will be studied concurrently. The original plan is that we set up a collection plant for our electricity before adding it to the national grid. This will help us in the maintenance and billing process, we hope to achieve more profits from this. Buying of all the essential equipments will follow the turbines, electricity transmission cables and storage devices. My team plans to use two manufacturers for the whole process, they will partly invest in us using seed money (manwell-2010). This is a good investment plan as it has reliable end users; we hope to bring the desired people on board. Benefits of this step are stretched towards fostering partnerships towards the attainment of sustainable development goals that are envisioned in the vision 2030 blueprint.Every business has a number of risks attached to it; the risks on our court are, theft of equipment at the installation site, pulling out of partners due to uncertainty and getting under qualified stuff to install the equipments. The plans we have to counter these are; hiring of professional security services to safeguard our equipment until the installation process is done. We plan to acquire a loan to supplement the money lost if an investor pulls out in the initial stages, this plan will help motivate the remaining members and thus reduce the risk of more pulling out after the project stalls abruptly. We will be deploying the services of a hiring farm to help us get professionals that will act as the human resource. We will be sure to seal and counter all seen and unseen risks to avoid disappointments and loses.Decision making process of this whole plan factored in the time, scope and cost. I knew that by bringing in different stakeholders to partner on it will reduce the implementation timeline and the cost that will arise from it. It would be easier convincing different stakeholders to channel in small amounts than getting to convince one investor to fund the whole project. The few limitations and lack of innovation also led me to choose now as the specific time to start. There are less wind energy transmission companies than there are hydroelectric transmission plants. I will stress on the societal management level as it is through it that we can bring on board more investors, shareholders and donors. I decided on this because our expansion plan will touch on civilian lives; we plan to convince farmers with large tracts of land to allow us install the turbine towers on their properties at a fee. Incentives we plan to use to effect this are providing electricity for them at lower rates and equipping if not build social libraries as our cooperate social responsibility.Environmental protection agency will oversee all our stages of the project to make sure we comply with all the regulations. We hope to not get interferences as wind energy posses' minor and controllable risks to the environment unlike other types of energy production. Our future goal will be increasing the number of turbines across all geographical areas so as to meet the ever rising demand of electricity. I will motivate my team to come up with other innovations to boost performance and not stick our turbines along congested coastal lines and rural areas alone. This will be in a bid to lower the greenhouse emissions from companies and later reduce the electricity cost.ReferencesAR Henderson 2003Offshore wind energy in Europe; a review of the state of artJF Manwell 2010Wind energy explained; theory, design and application

Assignment1+2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Assignment1+2 - Essay Example Leadership basically refers to people who have the capacity to bring about changes in other people. Organizations are characterized by the unique culture that is inherent in the overall working of the organization. The fast changing pace of the technology can be observed in the study of the organizations and the changing role of leadership within the organizations. The role of leaders, managers and the administrators of the organizations become more challenging when new strategy and policy decisions are introduced in the organizations. The good leadership ensures effective communication with the employees with shared vision of the new strategy thus promoting better understanding among the employees for easy adaptability to change. Hence, the knowledge of core psycho analytical concepts becomes important tools to the leadership for understanding the organizational behavior that significantly impact group dynamics.. The understanding of psychoanalytical concepts provides invaluable information regarding the socio-psychological factors that adversely affect the performance outcome of the workforce. Unconscious and repression, transference, envy and rivalry are few major concepts that considerably influence the human nature and consequently the behavior of the organization. Freud, the eminent socio-psychologist has contributed extensively towards understanding of these core psychoanalytical ingredients so that the one is better able to analyze human behavior within the prescribed social norms. Social scientists have corroborated that the psycho-analytical perspectives are important tools for understanding the hidden dynamics of human relationship, especially with regard to corporate culture, social defenses, leadership imperatives, motivation and other paradigms associated with organizational behavior (Levinson, 2002; Gabriel, 1999). The understanding equips the leadership with the necessary

Accounting Assumptions, Principles and Constrains Essay

Accounting Assumptions, Principles and Constrains - Essay Example n that assumes that the economic entity has a significant past and future for purposes of recording costs of assets and inventory and decision making based on those costs in the present. Additionally, there are the Monetary Unit assumptions that keeps score with money, but it typically ignores inflation and deflation of currencies; the value and unit of currency are understood to be firm; otherwise, there is transaction with global divisions that uses other currencies besides the U.S. Dollar. Finally there is an accounting Periods assumption that assumes that the periodical accounting periods is applicable and accountants can stop to analyze financial statements. Historical Costs (assets and liabilities) characteristically report on the chronological cost and then adjusted to fair market value when the needs of reporting require it. However, the cost of assets went up some years thereby did not reflect what it is worth to other buyers or the cost of replacement. (Riahi-Belkaoui, 2005).   Revenue Recognition is the recording of revenues when they are realized and earned. (Pratt, J. 2011). This is one of challenge that accrual-based accounting is trying to solve. Notably, receiving cash from a sales order doesn’t mean that everything has to earn the revenue especially when they are shipped. In other words, it is sometimes possible to sell goods or services without receiving cash. Therefore, Matching Expenses to Revenues means matching fixed cost of the revenues or recording profit in the income statement based on the best profit on revenues and expenses. This often leads to Full Disclosure where accountants record and report every bit of information in the numbers and footnotes of financial statements that fairly represent the activities of the business entity in that accounting period. This procedure is perfect; however, for decision-making it is expected to leave out or add things that are relevant to the decision being made. In most cases, Cost and Benefit is

Epic theater, a comaritive analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Epic theater, a comaritive analysis - Essay Example As he is introduced, his presence evokes an image of the fallen, a prevalent theme throughout the French Revolution. As the story of the French Revolution is told by historians and enhanced by paintings, illustrations, and live action recreations of the events, The French Revolution: Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite -A New Republic is Born in Blood, creates a film experience that breaths life into the historical figures of the French Revolution. While the causes of the French Revolution can be linked across many theoretical and philosophical constructs, the main cause was created from an economic crisis. As in most cases, the people were motivated to act because of a lack of stability which caused a lack of food. Of the many reasons that can motivate people into action, the one that denies them the basic needs of survival will most often inspire the quickest movement toward a radicalization. The film describes the events that surround the impending crisis that is setting up France for a time when flour, a staple of bread making which is a food staple for the French, prices would skyrocket, creating a circumstance where a loaf of bread becomes worth a month’s salary [1]. By using live action recreations and illustrations from the time period, a connection can be made by the audience to the impact of starvation on a people who is not properly represented or supported. Mention is made of Marie Antoinette’s â€Å"most famous line she never said . . . Let them eat cake† [2]. The line was a commentary on the feelings of the French people to their queen, and while the film mentions that she never said such a thing, it is made clear that her excesses are what led this line to be associated with her. The film displays a series of examples of the excesses in which she indulged, including illustrations of overly exaggerated hairstyles that could stand several feet tall. In the midst of a country that was

MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS - Essay Example The tools of communication include most importantly the direct marketing and public relations. These tools help the businesses in promoting and advertising themselves in a sophisticated manner depending upon their nature of products and services. Both of them are effective in enabling the businesses communicate with its customers. The concept of public relations pertains to the activity of carrying the flow of information between the public and the organization. This tactic gives the organization an opening to the audiences by utilizing the news items that do not need direct payments. The strategies of direct marketing primarily promote the products and increase their awareness amongst customers. While, the public relations activities involve making the image of the company and brand in the entire public. Direct marketing only promotes and advertises the individual products to the buyers. While, public relations is more important in the senses that it promotes the organization and product lines by building its image at the social level. The direct marketing tactics give an idea of the price at which the product can be sold by the marketers. While, the public relations person aims upon gauging the reactions and perceptions of public for the purpose of marketing the product. The tools of communication mix include advertising, personal selling, sales promotion, public relations and direct marketing. The retailers can use all this tools in an effective manner to promote their products and services. Advertising can be used by the retailers to create awareness about the store or the product for the purpose of creating a good image in the minds of customers. It convinces them by creating a desire in them to purchase the product and assists the store’s repositioning in their minds. The retailers can also utilize personal selling as one of the effective ways to deliver their products and services. A personal representative

Answer Questions Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 5

Answer Questions - Assignment Example Preventing the development of addiction in young people is essential. Family involvement is important for the families who have an addictive problem. Disclosure among a parent with an addictive problem to the child is essential as well as letting the child know that addiction is a family problem and it runs in the family, thus the child will be aware of their chances of being an addict. In schools, it is important to educate the children on the consequences that result from abusing drugs such as addiction so that the young people can be aware. Teachers and parents should be involved in childcare to discover any abnormal behaviors of the child to offer corrective measures as such behaviors result due to instances of drug abuse (Vida &Rasa, 2011). Children from alcoholic’s families have a four-ten times risk of becoming alcoholics themselves. Hereditary is a major predisposing factors to drug addiction. It is important for such parents to discuss and disclose their addiction problems to their children. Despite the problems being faced by addict parents, the child needs to be shown that they are loved. They need to know that it is not their fault that the parent has an addictive problem. The parent needs to involve the child in their own program of rehabilitation by assuring them that they will do everything to get out of the problem. It is good to discuss with the child about drug addiction as it is hereditary so that the child may avoid any instances. In so doing, young people will be aware of drug addiction thus will be very cautious not to develop an addiction problem. Often, alcoholism and other drug addictions are a family legacy. The family (parents) has the major responsibility to provide support for the alcoholic children or drug addicts. Treatment period brings the family together enhancing and opening up communication within the family structure. The parents needs to offer physical, emotional as well as

Music Therapy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Music Therapy - Essay Example Listening to music positively affect thoughts, behaviors and feelings of individuals (Lindquist et al101). Listening to the rhythm of music stimulates the body by enhancing the pulse rate and respiration pattern as well. Dancing to the tune of music can help in relaxing ones’ muscles, energizing and to some extent influencing individuals in personal ways. Music is not only effective in enhancing healing on the listeners, but also help in boosting the confidence and self-esteem of the writers since they express their thoughts and feelings when composing music. Different body parts resonate to different pitches and sounds. Some types of music can also affect the human soul and spirit powerfully based on their messages and rhythm as well. Music, being a worldwide therapy both in making and in listening, is critical in the spiritual life. The majority of the traditions of religions use music to enhance the mood for worship, prayer, joyful or reverence celebrations. Listening in watching TV brings about thrilling effect for instance having a great feeling of anticipation of watching next episodes in cinemas because of the preceding songs in a film (Lindquist et al105). This thrilling effect helps in boosting mood feeling in individuals. Studies show that playing some songs helps in increasing the intelligence quotient. Similarly, it has been established that children who study musical instruments are always more quick at problem-solving skills and spatial awareness development. Listening is also important in regulating feeding habits. A research study indicated that in busy restaurants, fast music makes people eat fast hence leaving spaces in the restaurant tables (Lindquist et al104). Music, other than making the mind relax, has played a significant role in the psychiatric institutions. It has shown effectiveness in the fastening of recovery to the patients suffering from mental disorders, for instance, the post-traumatic stress disorders. Coordination

Beginning of the slave trade Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Beginning of the slave trade - Essay Example Many countries such as United States, France, Britain and Germany also joined the trade as they continued colonizing Africa to expand their businesses (Rodriguez 81). The trade was massive to the extent that it was traded in a certain triangle across the world. The tremendous growth of the trade led to the emergence of various significant slave-trading routes. For instance, the growth of the trade led to the emergence of the Trans-Sahara slave trade and the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. Countries that practiced slave trade developed tremendously; their businesses boomed as they registered incredible profits from their trading activities. This is because they exploited the available cheap labor (slaves) thus significantly reducing their costs of production. However, their wealth did not only come from the slave trade but also from the resources obtained from African countries. These countries traded gold and other mineral substances, which was an extremely lucrative business at that time (Rodriguez 81). After many years passed, late in the 1800, slave trade began collapsing after the public, activists and humanitarian bodies established strong campaigns against the trade. The end of the trade slowly began by certain countries such as United States withdrawing as other countries followed. However, it took some time before European countries such as Portugal to withdraw, despite the United States having done

Favorite Food Essay Example for Free

Favorite Food Essay â€Å"so exactly where are we going again?† I asked my dad while pulling out of our driveway. â€Å"Just wait I know youll love this restaurant,† he announced. He was taking me to Espinoza’s, an authentic Mexican restaurant. There was a large window right beside the door when you pull in, with a big, orange, neon sign with the words ESPINOZAS written in capital letters. My dad opened the door and I led him in. Right when we walked, there was a young girl, about five feet and 3 inches tall, who asked us in an accent if it was just the two of us today. Behind her about eight meters away, was a bar like counter that was higher than normal, for when the chef prepared your meal, he could place it there to be brought to the table. We sat down at our table right beside the big window with the neon sign, a table for four. Two glasses of water were brought to us, by Maria, our waitress, who all the while made suggestions on their selection of other drinks. There was a glass fridge, like the ones at gas stations, directly behind where dad was sitting, and it contained all kinds of carbonated drinks. All the sodas were in glass bottles with classic looking labels, that had Pepsi, Coke, and some other ones with Spanish words on them. Right beside the fridge were two slushy machines. One slushy machine had a red drink called Aqua De Jamaica, and the other one a creamy white one, Horchata. Tamarind and infusions of hibiscus flowers are what give Jamaica its red color. My dad ordered Horchata, which is made from a combination of long grain rice, milk, and sugar. We both sipped on our ice cold drinks, while placing our orders to Maria. As we waited for our food to arrive, I headed towards a jukebox on the opposite side of where we were seated. I flipped through all the tracks of songs and in the end just chose one based on the the picture on the cover of the album. Just as I was heading back to my seat, I saw Maria with a circular tray the size of a tire filled with food. I scurried over to beat her to our table because I wanted to see why dad was so enthusiastic about bringing me to Espinozas. What happened next, I will never forget. The smell the awoke every last bit of my senses. An oval plate was placed in front of me, as if I were some royal being. Laid out in perfect layers were nacho chips that looked like a bloomed roses petals. On top of the petal-like chips were marinated chicken strips, grilled so you could see the marks on them, showing all of the effort that was put into its cooking. The chicken was seasoned with a blend of zesty Mexican spices. Hints of lemon, paprika, crushed peppers, and onion powder gave tastes of sourness to sweetness with every bite. Sauteed onions, sweet bell peppers, and tomatoes are what completed the next layer. Melted white cheese smothered the beans that were evenly distributed upon every nacho chip that existed on my dish. I took the first bite. Related by more than just the blood in our veins, my father and I are best friends. He has always known me more than Ive known myself. He brought me to Espinozas because we both share a love for Mexican dishes. The flavors of the spices remind us of the connection and joy we have in our friendship. He even called me last night to remind me about the soccer game that would be on in ten minutes between Barcelona and Real Madrid. They tied one to one.

Project Controls Essay Example for Free

Project Controls Essay I have developed a proposal that would create a secure system within our organization. Below is the outline that should help prevent disaster recovery or in the case, backup our disaster recovery procedures. Duration Critical Task Sequencing The project will detail an array of critical task sequences including: * Pre-project Envisioning – Evaluation of HR database and corporate objectives, formulation of cost/benefit analysis, establishment of project scope and major milestones, securing of executive sponsorship and buy-in * Planning Structure – Project assembly, computing and testing environments, preliminary design, system array, and maintenance orientation * System deployment – Deployment of hardware and software systems, pilot test evaluations * Post-Implementation Review – Backup/restore maintenance, performance monitoring, system re-forecasting, establishment of ongoing infrastructure team Variance Baseline Achieving the desired outcome for the HR Resource Deployment will require a stringent and concentrated focus on maintaining adherence to the project timeline. Throughout this timeline, variance data will be closely observed and documented. Capturing variance data is an adamant goal for the project managers. Variance data will help to expose possible weaknesses of the planning process, and serve as priceless information for future endeavors. The means of collecting variance data will be comprised of the following: Delegation of variance targets. Prior to the project start, prime areas of variance will be decided upon for tracking. These areas will be closely monitored and documented. Targeted variances will form the baseline of the project, and will consist of measurements of quality, project milestones achieved, performance metrics,  and budget adherence. The success versus failure Planned versus actual. Variance data will be looked at according to what is planned as opposed to what the actual outcome will be. This will largely be focused on the proposed scheduling timeline and project cost expectancies. As the project advances, variance data will be tracked according to what deviates from the planned objectives. This data will be captured in real time in order to provide insight for future milestone proceedings. Estimates versus planned. This variance metric will focus on what was estimated for project details, such as schedule and cost, prior to the approved project plan. Such data will assist in greater accuracy of project planning, and will help to eliminate the guessing game. These variance metrics will be acquired through the collaboration between all stakeholders and resources. Maintaining high quality controls is a process that includes a lot of planning but when well maintains it builds the trust in the customers and eventually helps both organization businesses. As an organization maintains a high quality control one must know that there is also other aspects which is where being innovative and keeping a reasonable price adds to the equation. As many new customers are acquired a lot of the times this might be a direct result of on customer recommending another new customer. When this statement is true the new customer expects the same treatment and if not better. Therefore, one must stay innovative and open to new ideas and changes in order to fulfill the new customers’ needs. On-Going Evaluation and Status of Project There will be a definitive checklist for who will be responsible for the development and submission of projects reports. Evaluations will be performed on an as-we-go basis as to attempt to not miss anything important along the way. If there is anything that will be confidential or require a security clearance, these things will be handled by either the Project Manager or a member of management. Any projects that require the participation of stakeholders will be documented for future use and testing. All ongoing reports will also be given to all principal stakeholders along  the way. As each goal or milestone is met, it will be tested and retested for consistency to make sure what was done will stand the test of time (until the next project or upgrade). Method Used The Method that is used for determining whether the project has met its objectives is a survey. The survey can be done to figure if everything has been a success. Riordan employees will fill a survey out to give feedback on, if they are satisfied with the projects performance or not. Surveys can only provide estimates for the population, but cannot be a true measurements. You can measure surveys by the consistency of responses to questions about the project over a long amount of time period. REFERENCE Microsoft Office. Retrieved from http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/project-help/leading-practices-for-applying-variance-data-to-future-projects-HA010174487.aspx

A Reflective Clinical Assignment Nursing Essay

A Reflective Clinical Assignment Nursing Essay The students questioning the practice of controlling infections in the community arise due to the infections seeming to be a less significant part in the policy formation. It is common in some hospitals for only patients in admission are thought to have MRSA are the only ones who will undergo screening. This is in the work of Simone, et al. (2005). This shows that the hospitals main concentration is on patients they see as threats to spreading the infections. I think the tests should be done for all patients in the hospital and the people who visit the hospitals as a compulsory mechanism to detect the infection early. Dobzhansky (1973, p.67) states that, Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution. Thus, they should get funds to conduct research on various infections. There are similar approaches done for other infections like the H1N1 flue. There was a case of H1N1 in 2009, in America that gave them a scare because they were not in preparation for the disease. This is in the work of Fridskin (2005). This shows that they were not ready with the right policies to eliminate the infection. The topic is indeed a continuation of the various explorations of infections in the country. This is because there are various articles and journals providing extensive information on various approaches on treating infections. Section 2 The literature does relate to the main topic of infection in a direct way by providing a method to deal with the health care infections. For example, this Antiseptic technique ensures that individuals live in an environment free of microscopic pathogens. The department of Health states that, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦healthcare professionals must apply rigorously and consistently the measures known to be effective in reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infection (HCAI) and that clinical team must demonstrate high standards of aseptic technique. The antiseptic method is made up of two methods that include surgical aseptic and aseptic non-touch technique. The two methods allow control of infection in hospitals as well as outside the hospital. There is the aspect of reducing infection by using comprehensive methods. This means that not only the hospitals should be aware of the dangers of infections but also the public at large. I think, it is possible that, patients who undergo surgery to get noscomical MRSA. This is in support of Fridiskin (2005). Thus, the diseases that cause the infection do not always originate from the hospitals but the general public is prone to the diseases as much as hospital patients. In conducting my study, it was evident that the literature does indeed consider the aspect of getting a better understanding of infection. My study does provide grounds for the statistical data in numbers those with infections. There is also the aspect of the literature emphasizing the inclusion of new agents in the process of research. This is as a result of adapting to the current change state of viruses and the discovery of more elusive viruses. There are many cases where Gram-positive species have become increasingly resistant to previously effective medicines. This is in the work of Murugan and Peter (2004). The topic understands that in turn to be able to be critical in reflecting one has to understand first that there are new methods available. According to me the literatures are in agreement with infections taking over the community and hospitals at large. This is as the following aspects of the literature speak the type of infections. This is in identifying the infection of it is MRSA (Methicillin-resistant S. aureui) or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This helps in better treatment of the infection, unlike if the knowledge on the infection was absent. There is also the aspect of understanding the gravity of the infections. That is that the statistics show that 30% of the population fall victims to the MRSA infections when they are carriers without knowing. Simone, et al. (2005, p.65) state that, During the 1950s hospital strains of S. aureus showed increasing resistance to penicillin. This showing that treatment of infections has to gain improvement by introducing new drugs and treatment methods. This could be made possible by the researchers reflecting on how the infection is able to mutate and flourish in the community. There is also the facet of having the knowledge on how to treat infections. The literature also acknowledges that not all schools of thought are on the same page. The methods that I may decide to use may be in support of one group and controversial to the other. This is in the work of Simone, et al. (2005). In this case, one school proposes that MRSA eradication should be done in terms of colonization while the other says that colonization is not an effective method. This is an essential aspect of the programs suitable to reduce the prevalence of infection. Thus, both the school of thoughts should be put into consideration, and the course of action should weigh which school they support or integration of both. In my process of removing infections in the community and hospitals, there are challenges. These are in terms of the circumstances as the literature suggests. The environment where the infection originates dictates how the methods in use will be effective. For example, if screening is at the hospital the infection will gain identification. The opinion on the literature in provision is that it tackles the main aspects of the infections providing new methods and remedies. It includes all the individuals from who are prone to infections, which is essential in the study. This is in support of Ruddy (2001). This ensures that the wealth of information is vast and highly useful in combating the diseases. There are statistical data that help in better understanding of the infections coverage. The literature covers MRSA in a broad manner from what it is to viable treatments. Thus, the literature is a valuable backbone for further research on infection and adapting better therapeutic methods. There is research done on the aseptic methods of treating infections, and it finds that, Hart (2007, p.65) states, The importance of adopting an ANTT by all healthcare workers for all patients should be emphasized. This is as a result of studies that show that aseptic non-touch techniques are viable this is because they include the househol ds. Section 3 The literature shows that the community and hospital are on the way to adopting change. Simone, et al. (2005, p.85) states that, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦only patients admitted from hospital wards where MRSA is known to be present are screened for MRSA prior to transfer. Hence the investigators were keen to study patients transferred from settings other than this. The medical system has come to the realization that other individuals outside the hospital are indeed carriers of infections. Various authors are making it known that the mutation of infections is detrimental. That the hospital needs to, set funds aside to aid, in researching on remedies to combat infections. Fedtke (2004, p.24) states that, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦the bacterium bolsters its defenses against antibacterial attack. The bacteria do evolve at a much faster rate faster than humans do. Thus, there should be constructive research progressing in order to even the odds. The techniques in use, in the literature, also encourage individuals to adapt to the new therapies and technique. For example, the Newer Treatment Options for Skin and Soft Tissue Infections. These changes can gain realization by the hospital and community. In the case of the evolution and the rapid change of the bacteria, the possibility is high. There is the availability of up to date technology that will aid in the research of the various bacteria. Nevertheless, even though the bacteria mutate fast the technology is also changing rapidly. The data will also be made out in a clear and constructive way that will allow the flow of ideas on the various methods to eradicate infections. It is true that rational antimicrobial and awareness of infection control measures is vital to avert the emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms. This is in support of Murugan and Peter (2004). The education system is also favorable as the clinical research courses are extensive thus a number of individuals can work together. Fridkin (2005, p.67) states that, In some American cities, for example, Baltimore and Atlanta, community-associated MRSA infections are now common and serious. This shows that not only the patients in the hospital but the community fall victims to infections. Thus, it is easy to change the focus of the research. The policies that hospitals use should be consistent with the severity of most infections, for example, pneumonia. Pneumonia is an infection that attacks the larger population. In the past, it was not a major threat, but today it is. Susan (2007, p.56) states that, Patients are at increased risk for either type of pneumonia. Thus, medical systems in the hospitals should not hesitate to change the way they treat, diagnose and screen patients. The three approaches in combat evolution focus change and adaptation are in the literature. Charleboiset (2004, p.89) states that, Presumably patients and visitors export MRSA from the hospital to the community and vice versa. This supports the notion that the focus should change and the community to be part of the research. Thus, new adoption of policies and medicines will be the way to go for eradication of the infections. There is an area that the literature has not put finance. In this area of finance, the figures for the adoption of the various techniques are not present. Hence, the techniques and procedures will be difficult for implementation if the researcher does not have the numerical value estimates that the management requires. The issues that arise at my level as the practitioner include the grasp of the knowledge. In the study, of the various infections, which are numerous, it is tiresome and time consuming. This may deter the morale of the practitioner to produce results correctly and quickly. The issues that may arise at the level of the organization may include efficiency. This is where the research undergoes judging according to the way it was done. That is if the research abides to the rules and if it is right. The recommendation is that the hospitals should collaborate with each other in order for the research to be fruitful. References List Aveyard, H., 2002. The requirement for informed consent prior to nursing care procedures. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 37(3), pp.243-249. Bradley, C., 2000. Control of Hospital Infection: A Practical Handbook. 4th ed. London: Arnold. Charleboiset, R. et al., 2004. Origins of community strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Clin Infect Dis 39, pp.47-54. Department of Health, 2005. Saving Lives: the Delivery Programme to Reduce Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAI) Including MRSA. London: The Stationery Office. Department of Health, 2006. Environment and Sustainability Health Technical Memorandum 07-01: Safe Management of Healthcare Waste. London: VM Stationery Office Dobzliansky, T., 1973. Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution. Ann Biol Tech 35, pp.125-9. Fridkin, H. et al., 2005. Active Bacterial Core Surveillance Program of the Emerging Infections Program Network. N Engl J Med 352, pp.1436-44. Fedtke, F. et al., 2004. Bacterial evasion of innate host defense. J Med Microbiol 294, pp. 189-94. Gakuu, N., 1997. Review of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with special reference to handling of surgical patients. East African Med, 74, pp.198-/202. Hart, S., 2007. Using an aseptic technique to reduce the risk of infection. Nursing Standard, 21(47), pp.43-8. Murugan, R. and Peter, K.L, 2004. Newer Treatment Options for Skin and Soft Tissue Infections. Drugs, 64 (15), pp.1621-42. Ruddy, M. et al., 2001. Hospital hairdresser as a potential source of cross-infection with MRSA. J Hosp Infect 49, pp.225-7. Simone, A. et al., 2005. An investigation of MRSA infection in a hospice. Palliative Medicine 19, pp.188-196. Susan, H., 2007. When your patient has pneumonia. www.Nursing2007.com. Whitney, C. et al., 1997. The role of arbitrary primed PCR in identifying the source of an outbreak of Legionnaires disease. J Clin Microbiol, 35, pp.1800-4.

Did Germany Cause World War I Essay -- essays research papers fc

Did Germany cause World War 1?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Although in the Treaty of Versailles Germany was to accept full responsibility for World War 1 this in not necessarily the case. Many factors have to be taken into account when considering the cause of World War 1. Germany may have been primarily responsible for the war but the other major powers must accept some of the blame for failing to prevent it. The conflict resulting from the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinard should have been local and confined but due to a series of factors, militarism, the alliance system, nationalism, this one incident led to the greatest war Europe had ever seen. As a result of underlying hostilities the assassination led to a chain of events that ensured war on a wide scale.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The alliance system developed by Bismarck for defensive purposes was one of the major causes of the war. These alliances however took a more aggressive tone in the hands of Bismarck’s successors. Also Bismarck’s alliance system was too intricate for anybody other than himself to maintain. While he was alive the alliances preserved peace but in the hands of William the 2nd these alliance were destroyed. Bismarck’s policy was to keep France isolated however with William refusing to renew the Reinsurance Treaty with Russia. France now had an ally thus resulting in the signing of the Franco-Russian Entente in 1891. In 1904 Britain and France formed a non-military alliance called the Entente Cordial. As a result at the outbreak of war Europe was divided into two armed camps, the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente. The Triple Alliance consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungry and Italy and the Triple Entente was made up of Britain, France, and Russia . These alliances facilitated a political assassination sparking a World War.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Along with the hostile divisions in Europe came the expansion of armies and navies thus leading to an arms race. This arms race was also precipitated by the increase in war budgets after 1900. Attempts to restrict the arms race, like The Hague conference in 1899 and 1907 failed due to mutual suspicion. The great powers also elaborated plans for mass mobilisation. It was thought that a war would be decided in the opening phases and therefore who ever got into the field first and assembled the largest army in the sh... ...;By 1914 the system of diplomacy in Europe had broken down. Statesmen were thinking of war as a preventative measure rather than a last resort. Lloyd George remarked that Europe â€Å"stumbled and staggered into war† (Reasons for War 3). World War 1 was a result of aggression and tension in Europe; all of Europe played a part in the outbreak of war not just Germany. World War 1 had many complex causes rather than one main one. Bibliography Delap, S. The Reasons for War. Dublin: The Institute, 1996. Gardner, D. The Origins of War. New York: YTM Archive, 1998. MacDonald, L. 1914. London: Michael Joseph, 1987. Tierney, M. Europe Since 1870. Dublin: CJ Fallon, 1993. Terraine, J. The First World War 1914-18. London: Secker & Warburg, 1965. Terraine, J. White Heat. London: Lee Cooper, 1992. Wohl, R. The Generation of 1914. London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 1980. Work Cited Delap, S. The Reasons for War. Dublin: The Institute, 1996. Gardner, D. The Origins of War. New York: YTM Archive, 1998. MacDonald, L. 1914. London: Michael Joseph, 1987. Tierney, M. Europe Since 1870. Dublin: CJ Fallon, 1993. Terraine, J. White Heat. London: Lee Cooper, 1992

Goldenrod :: essays research papers

Goldenrod is common name for certain related plants of the composite family. The Canada goldenrod is really â€Å"Solidago canadensis†. They are typical autumn flowers of the United States that grow in a great variety of habitats: woods, meadows, hills, and rocky ground. For many years goldenrod was considered a major cause of hay fever, but experiments with goldenrod pollen have indicated that it is virtually harmless. It is so heavy that certain types of bugs actually have to lift it out. It is the state flower of Kentucky and Nebraska. Goldenrods are perennial herbs with wand like stems and stalk-less leaves. They usually grow to a height of 1.2 m (4 ft), but environmental conditions and species variations give them a range of 30 cm to 2 m (1 to 7 ft). Their yellow flowers are in graceful clusters. The genus goldenrods contain about 100 species, most of which are North American in origin. The Canada goldenrod, one of the commonest species, is of average height and has large panicles of small yellow flowers. The smaller sweet goldenrod has anise-scented leaves used to make herb tea. The wreath goldenrod, a low-growing species, is found in shady places. The November goldenrod is the tallest and bears large hairy panicles of flowers. Only one goldenrod species, the European goldenrod, is native to Europe. Several species of goldenrod that have white ray flowers are commonly called silverrod. Goldenrods make up the genus Solidago of the family Compositae. The Canada goldenrod is classified as Solidago canadensis, the sweet goldenrod as Solidago odora, the wreath goldenrod as Solidago caesia, and the November goldenrod as Solidago serotina. The European goldenrod is classified as Solidago virgaurea and the silverrod as Solidago bicolor. Goldenrods attracted short-lived commercial attention when Thomas Edison found that certain species contain latex. Some species (sometimes called dyer's-weed) have yielded a dye, and the leaves of many species have long been used for medicinal preparations and teas.

Aspects of Probation Essay -- essays research papers fc

There are times when almost everyone wonders exactly what the purpose of probation is, what kinds of conditions can be imposed if someone is put on probation, and what roles the probation officer and the court systems play in the scheme of things. If you know someone that is on probation it may not hurt to know a little bit about the way it works and that is exactly what we will be talking about here. Probation is one of the least restrictive penalties among the alternatives confronting a sentencing judge. Probation is the conditional release of an individual by the court after he has been found guilty of the crime charged. In the case of probation then, the individual has not been sentenced to prison, although he may, in fact, have been incarcerated in jail following his arrest and awaiting trial. Probation is in fact a charge and not a dismissal of charges, as many people believe. Many people believe that putting a person on probation is just a â€Å"slap on the wrist† and that it will not stop the person from committing further crimes but the term of probation is supervision and if it is broken punishment will follow for the probationer. Probation is a basic tool of rehabilitation for first time offenders and very few if any person who has more than one offense will receive probation. These offenders are more likely to receive jail or prison time for their offenses. Even first time offenders revert to crime during probation, which in turn embarrasses the court that gave that person probation rather than a jail or prison sentence. One helpful aspect of probation is the indication of a certain trust and confidence placed in the offender by the judicial order or probation officer. Another helpful aspect of probation is that there is actual supervision and guidance by a probation officer.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Probation is an extension of powers of the court over the future behavior and destiny of the convicted person by showing them ways to keep themselves out of trouble later and hope that they will learn their lesson the first time. It helps to avoid the shattering effect upon the individual’s personality which so frequently follows imprisonment. Probation manages to keep the person in his old moorings: it makes no sudden and violent wrench in his daily habits; it does not destroy his family relations, his contact... ...the probationer has not broken his probation. After researching probation to a fairly good extent in my opinion, I believe that it really is an easy way out of being in trouble. This is especially true if the convicted person’s offense was not something that was done intentionally. I feel that probation is also a better way to handle people who are mentally unstable or people that have a drug or alcohol problem rather than just throwing them into the frying pan for a mistake.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Bibliography Weston, Paul B. 1977. Administration of Justice. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice Hall. xiv. 337 pages Pursley, Robert D. 1977. Introduction to Criminal Justice. Encino, California: Glencoe Press. vi. 553 pages Rubin, Sol. 1963. The Law of Criminal Correction. St. Paul, Minnesota: West Publishing Company. xxv. 728 pages United States, Wickersham Commission. 1968. No. 9 Report on Penal Institutions, Probation, and Parole. Montclair, New Jersey: Patterson Smith Publishing Corporation. United States Sentencing Commission. 1990. Policy Statements for Violations of Probation and Supervised Release. Washington, D.C.: The Commission. i. 40 pages

Summarise the Key Aspects of Current Legistative Requirements and Codes of Practice

PREPARING TO TEACH IN THE LIFE LONG LEARNING SECTOR CITY AND GUILDS, LEVEL 4, 7303 Q2; SUMMARISE THE KEY ASPECTS OF CURRENT LEGISTATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND CODES OF PRACTICE RELEVANT TO YOUR SUBJECT AND THE TYPE OF ORGANISATION WITHIN WHICH YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK. I work within the Private Security Industry for a medium sized company and am employed as a Training Manager. The company mainly provides Retail Security; this includes Uniformed Officers, Store Detectives and providing Loss Prevention Training.As a company we also cater for Commercial and Industrial work. There is currently a team of three trainers that operate throughout the UK. We can be called on to train in many subjects the core of our work is classroom based with the Basic Job Training relevant to the field the Officer may go into. We also provide training for up-skilling the Officers and for Management and Supervisors in their roles and responsibilities. The Security Industry is overseen and regulated by The Security I ndustry Authority (SIA) and the Private security Industry Act 2001 (PSIA).PSIA is the overriding legislation which states that anyone employed within the private contract security field will have to hold a currant Security licence, Front Line Operational Staff, None Front Line Company directors, Part of the requirement laid down by this legislation is that for an individual to gain a front line licence they must attend and pass the basic job programme for the sector they wish to work in. â€Å"It is essential that individuals working in the private security industry undergo a structured training programme that results in a recognised qualification†. SIA website on training 13th November 2009) This is being redefined in 2010 and becoming a basic programme with core modules on sector specifics. However as a company we also cover parts of the United Kingdom and as such we have to comply with the different requirements for example, PSIA 2001 (Designated Activities) (Scotland) Ord er 2007. PSIA 2001 (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2009. Codes of practice have been adopted by the SIA in regards to these individual sectors and have been derived from the relevant British standards which can be found in appendix 1.When looking to teach in an security environment it soon becomes clear that there are many other things to consider other than just taking a group of students for a lesson, not least the â€Å"The Health and safety at work act 1974† protecting others against risks to health and safety in connection with the activities taking place. Taking into account one’s own behaviour and responsibilities as a teacher, ensuring the safety of the students within the classroom or work place. See appendix 2 The Data Protection Act 1998 also has an impact on working life and habits within the security sector.In your role in lifelong learning you will therefore need to adhere to legislation outlined above. There are many more legislations that I have to be aware of while teaching. It is important that I keep up to date with these legislations and part of my responsibility is to make sure that they are been adhered to and I know what procedure to follow if this is not the case. REFERENCE LIST www. sia. homeoffice. gov. uk/home www. shop. bsigroup. com/ Word count not including question and bibliography 487 Appendix 1BS 7499:2007 Code of Practice for Static Site Guarding, Mobile Patrol Services Recommendations for the management, staffing and operation of an organisation providing manned guarding services on a static and/or mobile patrol basis. (http://shop. bsigroup. com/en/ProductDetail/? pid=000000000030147282) BS 7984:2008 Code of Practice for Keyholding and Response Services Recommendations for the management, staffing and operation of an organisation providing keyholding and response services on a contracted basis.

Nestle Strategic Management Essay

I. INTRODUCTION Background of the Case Nestle came to the Philippine as a trading company . They are the largest producer and marketer of food products in the world who merged with San Miguel Corporation.Nestle is the only multinational enterprise that produced coffee in the Philippines and no other foreign brand names produced under license. Nestle was also the most transitional company in the world with billions of sales, assets and profits. Although coffee consumption in the Philippines has increased double so as the market share gaining from 52% to 66% .Their position in the market has been rising and falling due to the continuous entry of foreign competitor and the increasing production cost of raw materials. Statement of the Problem Over the past years, market share of Nestle in terms of coffee products has been fluctuating due to the new entry of branded and non-branded products. Although Nescafe has a strong brand name still the management is concern on how they can strategically maintain and improve the performance of their product from a globally competitive world. Moreover, an increasing dilemma of Nescafe emerges from the entries of foreign investors who caters a lower price of their coffee brand and are aggressively competing with them in Philippine market. Objectives of the Case Study The objectives of this study is to know (1) what are the threats that affect Nestlà ©Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s pose in the market and (2) the strategies and tactics to maintain a high market share despite a globally competitive world. II. FACTS OF THE CASE In 1905 Nestlà © was created after a merger between the Farine Lactee Henri Nestlà © Company and Anglo Swiss Milk and was diversified into a wide range of products during the post war period. And in 1930’s, Nestle came to the Philippines as a trading company joining San Miguel Corporation who was at time the largest brewer in the country associated with different diversified products. By venturing with San Miguel Corporation, Nestle had given then 45 percent equity share while the rest sixty five percent was owned by Nestle AA of Switzerland. Nestle Switzerland was the largest producer and marketer of food products in the world wherein it ranked ninth based on its asset and twenty fifth on the sales. In terms of employment, Nestle ranked as tenth and was brand as the most transitional company in the world. Nestle Philippines has produce and sold products from ice cream to tetra pack juices, pastas and sauces, seasonings and dressings, candies and condense milks. Moreover, th ey also sold Nescafe, Nestea, Milo, Coffee mate and other powdered milk. Together, these products represented seventy five percent of Nestle Sales. Meanwhile, Nescafe alone has represented fifty three percent of the department sales making the Nestle Philippines ranked tenth among Nestle subsidiaries worldwide and 3rd in the Asia Pacific region. In early 1990’s the government had greatly liberalized its regulations on foreign direct investment. Most FDI with sales directed to the domestic markets had to be at least 40% Filipino Owned. Laws were change in 1992 wherein 100 % foreign ownership was allowed in most industries, thus, wholesale distribution was opened to foreign investors. Because if the smooth transition from President Aquino to President Ramos in 1992, economic growth had begun to accelerate expecting to reach 7% in 1996 Nescafe was viewed as premium product yet many people tend to shop in a small store despite the price difference 20% lower price. According the r esearch that they have conducted its market was highest in a small stores, amongst this, market share was highest outside the big cities Historically, Nescafe had been a major producer of coffee in the Philippines. In 1996, Nescafe commanded a 66 percent of the coffee market in the Philippines. Nescafe had a very strong image and became the household brand when ordering in a restaurant. However, Great Taste who was founded by Gokongwei Group and other producers who were entering in the market was offering a big discount over Nestlà ©Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s price has given Nestle a loss of market share from 75% in 1965, 60% until 55% on the proceeding years. With this, Nestle had to reduce its price within 5% of its competitors but still preserving the margins. This starts for Nestle to regain its market share. Prior to 1996, imports of coffee beans, processed coffee in bulk, and package coffee had been prohibited. All coffee sold in the Philippines had to be produce in the Philippines And all coffee produced in the Philippines had to be made and grown in the Philippines. But in January 1996, the situation had changed radically. The Philippines government had committed under GATT and WTO to remove many of its import prohibitions generally in agricultural products. Overtime the government had committed to increase Minimum access volume (MAV), reduce tariff on imports within MAV, and reduce tariff on import outside MAV. This has given Nestle a dilemma on facing a threat of imports especially that awareness of foreign brand was very high in the Philippines With the objective of Nestle of selling coffee at best p rice, size and taste in all segments of market, they have took several initiatives to retain and reinforce their market position. Basically, Nestle never believed in price competition because they can withstand others and retain their position in the market through their strong brand name and reputation. III. ANALYSIS OF THE PROBLEM Strength Nestle is the largest producer and marketer of food products with over 100 factories operating in the world. In addition, Nestle was named as transitional company in the world. Furthermore, Nestle provides quality brands and products and line extensions that are well-known, top-selling international brands. Weakness They have less customers as per research in few areas. They do not have direct market outlets and this can be one of the weaknesses as it can cause difference in profit made. Moreover, their weakness is not having enough raw material production units; they depend on either local raw material producers or through other trade channels. Also, the branding and promotion of Nestle is not extensive, therefore competitors get chance to penetrate in the market by fetching substantial share of the market Opportunities Nestlà ©Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s weakness of not having a direct outlet can be converted as an opportunity by introduction of new direct outlets. Merging of Nestle with San Miguel Corporation, is an example of opportunity through this merging nestle can enter the new market, which is easy because of the existing companies. Threats Nestles threat would be the fast growing international brand of its competitors who are now entering in the coffee market and are capturing the curiosity of consumers. This affects the market of Nestle since Nescafe struck as a local brand and Filipinos are more likely to have this â€Å"imported mentality† that prefer imported products than those of Filipino made. Another threat would be the increasing price of raw materials. IV ALTERNATIVE COURSE OF ACTION. 1. Invest in Research and Development. Through Research and Development they could come up with a more innovative ways on how to improve their products according to the needs and wants of their customers. 2. Produce more effective promotions. This marketing strategy will help Nestle to outwit their competitors and capture the heart of consumers. Promotion is one of the best ways to keep the familiarity of their consumers on brands. Promotion can be though TV and Radio advertisements, Print ads, social networking site and sampling of products to target customers. 3. Rehabilitation of facilities, factories and local farms. Since one of the factors that affect the market share of Nestle is the lack of direct outlets they might as well invest in installing more factories to cater customers on outskirts places. Local Farms on the other hand will help produce more raw materials and will result to reduce their cost and improve profit. V. CONCLUSIONS On the alternative course of action given, research and development stands as the highest ranked amongst the alternatives. Investing with Research and Development will guide Nestle to bring innovations and renovations of product that will give them a competitive advantage over other foreign and domestic rivals. As they encounter a high level of competition especially in the globally challenged environment. Any increase in the competitive environment may have an unfavorable effect in their business, earnings and growth. Through competitive intelligence, the company gain insight needed to create a competitive advantage and come up with strategic decisions on how to compete against their rivals to maintain their position as the number one producer of food products. VI. CHANGE MANAGEMENT Once Nestle exercise the concluded option, they will able to deliver product that would create value and appeal to their consumers. Renovation of existing product will keep their pace in the industry and will help them meet consumers’ expectations. Innovation of products on the other hand will help them maintain their position in the market. They will able to reach and go beyond what the consumers expect about the product. Through continuous renovations and innovations they will able to rise and compete in a globally challenge environment. VII. RECOMMENDATIONS: Monitoring and evaluating their products and market continuously gives Nestle a clear vision of their market position and it will help them to shape a proper competition to take advantage over their competitors and also to set up a better brand image. Nestle can improve its profit margin further by establishing their own retail outlets, thus, ensure availability of products to the hand reach of the customers. On the other hand, the cost of raw materials has been on a rise over the past few years which have caused an increase in the production costs. Local farms that will produce their raw materials will reduce their cost and hence, improve their profit.

Comparison between smokers and non-smokers Essay

Smokers and non-smokers have many differences, and very few similarities. I am one of those people who have been subject to addiction and got into the habit of smoking even though I do realize that us smokers are looked down upon by many people. Many restaurants and public places have become non-smoking, which prevents smokers from going certain places. Most people who smoke realize the harmful affects, but addiction is too strong to overcome that most of the time. For me I don’t think it’s as much the addiction, but how cigarettes help me relax and relieve stress. One of the main reasons non-smokers look down on smokers is because most of them realize the harmful affects, but continue to smoke because they are addicted. People who smoke tend to spend a lot of money on cigarettes that they could be spending on something that is more necessary than cigarettes. People who smoke generally have a yellowish tint on their fingernails and teeth from the tar in the cigarettes. Bad breath is also a common trait to people who smoke, which could be helped by breath mints or gum, but most people who smoke don’t carry those items around with them. Many people who smoke would like to quite smoking to prevent certain future health problems, but can’t because they are addicted. Non-smokers, however, do not understand us smokers because they have never experienced addiction for themselves. Non-smokers do not have to waste their money on cigarettes because they do not smoke. Non-smokers do not have to worry about stained fingernails or teeth either, which helps them have a somewhat cleaner appearance. They could, however, have bad breath depending on what kind of food they eat and how often they brush their teeth. In general non-smokers are healthier because they do not have that tar clogging up their lungs.

Ecotourism in Malaysia

G. DEVELOPMENT OF ECOTOURISM IN MALAYSIA -Mohd Director, Nawayai Zoo Park Yasak Melaka Malaysia Department of Wildlife and National 1. Historical Background Until the 1970s, tourism was not regarded as an important economic activity in Malaysia. The Tourism Development Corporation of Malaysia (TDC) was set up in 1972, with the responsibility to act as a development authority, but the sector was given a low priority. Dut partly to limited financial allocations, TDC faced constraints in the effective performance of its catalytic role. As a result, Malaysia remained a relatively unknown destination, while other countries in the region such asSingapore, Thailand and Indonesia built on their established reputations as mass tourism destinations. During the 1980s, tourism became an increasingly important industry worldwide. Investment in new facilities and capital equipment reached around $US 350 million per year, representing 7. 3 per cent of total worldwide capital investments. Almost 6. 5 per cent of the world's workforce were employed by the industry. Among the main reasons for this growth were increased personal income and leisure time, improvement in international transportation systems and greater public awareness of other parts of the world due to improved communications. These developments were felt by Malaysia as well as other countries. Recognizing that tourism can playa role in economic and social development, as well as in fostering national integration and unity, the Malaysian government undertook a series of positive initiatives to stimulate the development of the tourism sector. These included the following: (a) The government established the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (which became the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism in 1990). This provided an institutional framework for the planning, coordination, and regulation of tourism, and for the first time tourism was accounted for within the framework of recognized economic activities; By virtue of the Tourism Industry Act of 1992 and the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Act of 1992, the new Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism took over from TOC the function of formulation and implementation of policies, licensing and enforcement aspects of the tourism industry. TOC thereafter became known as the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (or Tourism Malaysia for short), with a role concentrated on marketing and promotion; The Investment Incentives Act was revised in 1986 to include the tourism sector, thereby giving additional stimulus to tourism investment, such as the Pioneer Status Investment Tax Allowance, Industrial Building Allowances, and tax exemption for large foreign group tours; In 1990, the federal government set up a Ringgit Malaysia (RM) 120 million special fund for tourism to stimulate its development, including small and medium scale enterprise. b) (c) (d) During the Fourth and Fifth Malaysia Plans (1981-1985 and 1986-1990) significant attention was given to the tourism sector, with increased public allocations for marketing and promotional activities, infrastructure and product development. Expenditure was RM 125. 5 million under the Fourth Plan and RM 132. 1 million under Fifth Plan. The Fifth Plan period culminated in Visit Malaysi a Year 1990, which generated a high international profile for Malaysia and attracted 7. 4 million tourists as well as revenues of RM 4. 5 billion. Under the Sixth Malaysia Plan (1991-1995), the government therefore increased the public allocation for tourism development to RM 533. 9 million. This allocation has been used to provide and expand the physical and social infrastructure, facilities and services required to support the future growth of the tourism sector. (See Table 1. ) Visitors have come to Malaysia for many years to see wildlife, scenery, forests and beaches. The numbers are very difficult to assess, except at a few sites such as Taman Negara and Kinabalu Park. There, the numbers have climbed steadily over the past 30 years. The well-known sites are mainly large with multiple attractions, but they also include one or two places with a single major attraction, notably Rantan Abang in Terengganu with its turtles, or Rafflesia sites in Sabah. Some smaller sites have attracted fewer visitors, but are known internationally among a sector of the potential market. Examples include Fraser's Hill and Kuala Selangor, both of which are of particular interest for birdwatchers and are now on the regular itineraries of some specialist and general tour companies. 84 1. Development allocation for tourism under the Fifth and Sixth Malaysia Plans (AM million. ) Fifth Plan (1986-1990) Sixth Plan (1991-1995) Allocation Preservation Beautification of national/historical and environmental heritage protection Tourist accommodation Cultural product development Facilities and infrastructure OtherTotal 1. 5 2. 0 2. 5 2. 5 79. 2 52. 8140. 5 0. 7 0. 0 2. 5 2. 5 76. 7 49. 7 132. 1 *$US = AM 2. 5 4. 1 171. 7 43. 6 112. 9 157. 4 7. 2 533. 9 The market in specialist adventure activities (four-wheel drive, microlight, whitewater rafting, etc. is more recent but is rapidly expanding. Most of these activities only marginally qualify as ecotourism when practiced in parucularly careful ways, and some are harmful to the environment. They are indicative of the conflicts that can arise between adventure tourism, nature-based tourism and ecotourism, both in objectives and practice. Despite the fact that some tourists have pursued activities that could be defined as ecotouri sm for manyyears, attention to this market component from the tourism sector itself has been slight. Only a few tour operators have long and consistent records in ecotourism. Many others have sporadically explored this sector with varyingsuccess, low investment, and low expertise. Various reasons could be cited for their lack of success. Among the tour operators leading groups to Taman Negara are several very big companies, but as this is only a tiny part of theirtotal business and income, client dissatisfaction may have little influence upon the companies. Many ecotourism businesses remain small, or face difficulties in obtaining clientele and close down. The sit~ation for ecotourism in Malaysia is, therefore, very similar to the experience in many other countries. One difficulty in assessing progress in ecotourism is the shortage of reliable data. Tourist numbers as a whole are not easy to analyse and not much effort has yet been made to look at the ecotourism or nature-based tourism sector in particular. In 1994/95, for the first time Tourism Malaysia questionnaires included questions about whether tourist had visited Taman Negara, Bako National Park, Gunung Mulu National Park, the Niah Caves r Kinabalu Park. No statistics exist on how many visitors like to go fishing, mountain climbing or walking in the forest, nor are there detailed visitor profiles of different nationalities in relation to nature. Nevertheless, the number of tour operators interested in ecotourism or nature tourism and the number of individuals hoping to be ecotour or nature tour guides are increasing. Interest is also expressed through a number of workshop and s eminars relating to ecotourism. Recent examples are the Institute for Development Studies (Sabah) Seminar on Nature Tourism as a Tool for Development and Conservation (Sabah, Malaysia, March 1994), the Seventh PATA Adventure Travel and Ecotourism Conference (Balikpapan, Indonesia, January 1995) the ESCAP Expert Group Meeting on Ecotourism and Development in Asia and the Pacific (Bali, Indonesia, March 1995) and the PATA Heritage Conference on Tourism: A Force for Conservation of Nature and Culture (Phuket, Thailand, September 1995). Two public exhibitions on nature-based and adventure tourism have been held in Kuala Lumpur. A pilot training course for nature guides has been established, and the Malaysian Tourist Guides Council has arranged a tour guide refresher course with components on ecotourism and agrotourism. If as has been suggested, 7 per cent of travel worldwide is nature-related, then in 1994 Malaysia probably attracted 505,000 ecotourists from overseas. If, however, half of all non-ASEAN visitors to Sabah and Sarawak carry out some nature- or culture-related activity, there may have been as many as 571,000 ecotourist visiting Malaysia in 1994. Revenue would have been about RM 655 million. Current Situation The main thrust of governmental policy on tourism is contained in the Tourism Policy Study by Peat Marwick(1992), together with materials in the Sixth Malaysia Plan, Mid-Term Review and the forthcoming Seventh MalaysiaPlan. Sarawak has a Second State Tourism Master Plan (1993) and the Sabah State Tourism Master Plan was completed in early 1996. 85 2. Expenditure Allocation Programme Table There are about 2,000 registered tour and travel agencies in Malaysia, and it is estimated that about 800 take bookings for travel to nature-related destinations. However, many of these act only as intermediaries and pass on these bookings to a relatively small number of companies which deal with particular destinations. There are thought to be about 30 companies specialising in nature and ecotourism. There are about 3,500 registered tour guides, of whom the majority have full (general) guiding licences. A smaller number are specialized in specific skills. There is no detailed breakdown of the number of guides with guiding skills for each ecotourism activity, but a basic pool of resources is available in most fields. Some Malaysian specialist guides are of international repute. Participation by non-government organisations in ecotourism is limited but increasing. There are a number of state, regional and national trade organisations and tourist guides' associations which are beginning to investigate ecotourism and to provide training. So far, training courses have not been formalised. About 20 sites in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak account for the vast majority of ecotourism by overseas tourists. The same sites are visited by many Malaysian tourists. Recreation by Malaysians in Peninsular Malaysia takes place in a network of Recreational (Amenity) Forests and a number of sites elsewhere in the forests. It is estimated that about 7 to 10 per cent of all overseas tourists are involved in ecotourism activities, while up to 14 per cent express an interest in walking, hiking and trekking. This amounts to about 512,000 to 1,024,000 overseas tourists per year. The number of Malaysians visiting the same sites is close to or exceeds the number of overseas tourists. The involvement of individuals from local communities is uneven. At some sites (for example, Kinabalu Park) local residents are closely involved in guiding, staffing and gaining financial benefits from the park's operation. Sites exist in which the local community forms a passive component of the tourism product. Sites also exist in which the local community has, in effect, been excluded from tourism development, but these are none of ecotourism developments. Where local residents are involved in ecotourism, there tends to be a shortage of training and management opportunities for them. National Ecotourism Policy The National Ecotourism Plan was developed to provide a more integrated approach to achieve specific national objectives, such as those contained in the Five Year Plans and other documents, within the field of ecotourism. It should contribute towards producing a more distinctive Malaysian tourism image and identity and contribute towards direct involvement of local populations, enhanced training, interagency and inter-sectoral cooperationand, most importantly, fostering environmental protection and preservation. This plan is in the process of adoption by the federal government. The National Ecotourism Plan will include the following elements of implementation: (a) adopt and promote a clear definition of ecotourism; (b) adopt and promote a clear policy on developing ecotourism; (c) strengthen the Ecoand Agro-Tourism Implementation Committee; (d) implement legal changes to support implementation of the Plan; and (e) establish a monitoring and evaluation programme. The National Ecotourism Plan will include site planning and management. This includes actions to: (a) (b) (c) Establish Establish planning procedures application for ecotourism developments; development; system of ecotourism areas; areas; rocedures management for ecotourism Expand and improve Elaborate Implement Establish Establish Establish of a nationwide (d) (e) (f) (9) (h) (i) development guidelines and management for ecotourism; plans for ecotourism a series of pilot ecotourism additional ecotourism projects; products at Taman Negara and other sites; and promote a consistent marketing strategy; and ecotourism. Identify and promote fiscal measures to encourage Actions to strengthen institutions and build capacity under the National Ecotourism Plan include: (a) (b) Establish a Human Resources Development Plan; Ensure local community participation in ecotourism; 6 3. (c) (d) (e) (f) Investigate Establish the feasibility of an accreditation scheme for ecotourism; and promote ecotourism product development; for ecotourism guides; and Establish training and promote certification Upgrade standards of tourist literature. REFERENCES Economic Planning Unit for the Prime Minister of Malaysia. Sustainable Development, 1993. Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism of Malaysia. Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism of Malaysia. Malaysian Malaysian National ConselVation Strategy: Towards Tourism Policy Study; 1991. Plan, Malaysia, 1996. National Ecotourism 87

Post-Soviet Demographic Paradoxes: Ethnic Differences in Marriage and Fertility in Kazakhstan Essay

The goal of this research is to analyze the minority group status hypothesis regarding specific stages of the family-building process for different kind of countries, but they had stopped on the Middle East and Central Asia. These countries has been considered by Agadjanian in 1999 years, Gore & Carlson in 2008. The hypothesis posits an interaction effect between ethnicity on the one hand and education or other measures of socioeconomic status on the other hand. And also they respect to the timing and intensity of each stage of the reproductive cycle – first marriage, first birth interval, second birth interval and so on and ultimately completed family size. This interaction between ethnicity and education can appear in one or both of two partial forms. First, disadvantaged minority groups within a society may exhibit earlier marriage, shorter birth intervals, and subsequent higher levels of fertility than the majority population. This higher fertility at the â€Å"bottom† of the society has been interpreted variously as the result of blocked alternate opportunities, or as persistence of a separate minority group subculture emphasizing pronatalist norms. Second, elites among such minority groups may exhibit later marriage, longer birth intervals, and subsequently lower levels of fertility than the majority population. This has been interpreted as status anxiety of these minority elites in the face of potential discrimination from the majority. The minority group status hypothesis was first developed with respect to race/ethnic identity within the United States but has subsequently been applied to a wide range of ethnic minorities within national populations in many parts of the world. With respect to Central Asia, Agadjanian has explored this hypothesis in Kazakhstan and concluded that patterns of childbearing there do not fit the hypothesis well. On the other hand, Gore and Carlson have recently demonstrated that the hypothesis describes marriage patterns of ethnic Kurds compared to the majority population in nearby Turkey extremely well, with both forms of the effect clearly identifiable. This paper uses evidence from the 1995 and 1999 Kazakh Demographic and Health Surveys to examine the timing of marriage for two distinctive groups within the population of Kazakhstan. We follow Agadjanian in combining ethnic Russians with other European groups and comparing them to the ethnic Kazakh population in the country, and also in excluding small ethnic splinter groups from other Central Asian countries (Uzbeks, Kyrgyz, etc) from the analysis[1]. We concentrate on marriage timing in order to most closely replicate the work of Gore and Carlson for Turkey, and also because Agadjanian has demonstrated that virtually all births in Kazakhstan for these samples of women occurred within and shortly after marriage. Since marriage thus constitutes a reliable marker for the timing of the first step along the path of reproduction, it makes sense to begin analysis at that point. Agadjanian (1999) has treated this issue of marriage timing in Kazakhstan in a previous article, but that analysis completed some years ago did not involve event history analysis, and also did not specifically examine the hypothesized interaction effect between education and ethnicity[2]. Kazakhstan uniquely raises an unusual theoretical issue about the minority group status hypothesis, because it is not immediately obvious which of the ethnic populations in the country should be regarded as the â€Å"disadvantaged minority† in terms of expected consequences for timing of reproductive behavior. Some evidence shows that the ethnic Russian and more generally, the European segment of the population historically appropriated a disproportionate share of the higher-status occupations after immigrating into Kazakhstan in response to Russian/Soviet resettlement initiatives. However, other research has demonstrated a concentration of ethnic Kazakhs in higher education and some other fields. Similarly, the numerical balance of these groups in the population has shifted in recent decades, and has always been near parity in terms of dominance by sheer numbers. For these reasons we do not assume at the outset which group should be regarded as the â€Å"minority† group for evaluating the hypothesis, but rather examine the empirical results for clues on this question. Agadjanian has proposed and utilized in several studies a useful division of the ethnic Kazakh population into two groups described as more or less â€Å"russified† based on selection of interview language by these respondents at the time of each survey those who chose to be interviewed in Russian are compared to those who chose the Kazakh language for the survey interviews. 3] These groups allow further tests of the minority group status hypothesis, specifically for the most disadvantaged members of the population, in terms of evaluating the alternative hypotheses of blocked opportunities versus persistence of prontalist subcultures as explanations for higher fertility. Although the correspondence between ethnic and religious self-identification is extremely strong in these surveys nearly all Russians identify themselves as Orthodox and nearly all Kazakhs identify themselves as Moslem, regardless of language or other differences the correspondence is not perfect and we also examine religious identity as an alternative way of operationalizing ethnicity in examining the minority group status hypothesis. And at the end of my critical essay I would like to tell some interesting facts that happened in my country. The Kazakhs attach great significance to the birth and raising of children. A Kazakh family is not considered happy without children, especially sons—the continuers of the clan. There are many customs and ceremonies associated with birth and raising of children. These customs arose from centuries of experiences and from the Kazakh worldview. Thus, they protected a pregnant woman from the evil eye with the aid of amulets and did not allow her to leave the house alone at night; weapons, wolves’ teeth, eagles’ bills, and owl talons were forbidden wherever she lived. All this was necessary to protect her from impure forces. The pregnant woman herself had to observe a multitude of taboos. In order not to tangle the child’s umbilical cord, for example, she could not step over the staff for raising the dome of the yurt (bakan) , the device for catching horses (kuruk), rope (arkan) , and many other items. She was also forbidden to eat camel meat because it was thought that, were she to do so, she would carry her child for twelve months, like a she-camel. Kazakhs protect pregnant women from heavy labor, especially in the later months. Kazakhs carefully guard the woman and child during the actual birth and the first forty days thereafter, which are regarded as especially dangerous for the baby. Various rituals are followed—placing the child in the cradle on the seventh day, for example: the fortieth day after birth is seen as especially festive because the danger is deemed to have passed. Only women gather at this celebration. Kazakhs accustom children to work from an early age. They teach a boy to ride a horse at age 3 and to tend it and other livestock at age 5 or 6. The shaving ceremony, strongly upheld in modern times, is conducted when a boy has reached age 3 to 10. Girls are taught to sew, embroider, and carry out other household activities. In the past, Kazakhs believed that at age 13 to 15 they were ready for independent life and could have their own family; at present girls marry at age 16 to 18. The brief ceremony at the registration office is called a AHAZH. The AHAZH also features a procession of cars decorated in ribbons, which stops to take pictures along the way. In the city of Turkistan in southern Kazakhstan, the photos must include one of the couple at the Yasawi Shrine. For many progressive families the AHAZH has almost replaced both the Neke Qiyu and the betashar. The religious part of the Kazakh wedding ceremony is called Neke Qiyu. The wedding process may take many weeks and even months to complete. This is because a Kazakh marriage, like marriages in most Muslim societies, involves a contract between families which requires negotiation. The Neke Qiyu is a small portion of the whole, and usually takes about a half an hour to complete. The Neke Qiyu usually takes place on the evening of the day the bride is revealed to her groom’s family. This festive ceremony is calledbetashar or â€Å"revealing of the face. After she shows respect to her groom’s family, the veil is lifted and the bride receives a kiss from her mother-in-law[4]. The mother-in-law then puts a white scarf on her head to symbolize her marital status and then welcomes her into the groom’s family. After several hours a feasting, a mullah arrives. A mullah is a teacher of Islam who knows how to recite the Quran[5]. He performs the Neke Qiyu. Even though the betashar is performed outside in the garden in the presence of many relatives and friends, the Neke Qiyu is performed inside with close relatives only. The mullah and the couple sit facing one another. He briefly recites some verses from the Quran and asks the couple to confess the faith of Islam. When this ceremony is done, the couple must go and register their marriage at the state registry office, a practice introduced in the Soviet period. Among nomadic Kazakhs the small, individual family predominated, consisting, as a rule, of a married couple, their unmarried children, and elderly parents. In accordance with custom, the oldest son was able to marry first, followed by the other sons in descending order of age. The father allotted livestock to the married son and in this way created a new household. According to the ancient customs of the minorat, the youngest son was not allotted a household, even after marriage. He remained the heir to the ancestral hearth. Among the seminomadic and settled Kazakhs, there were extended families in which several closely related families lived in one household. Usually this was the family of the head of the household, as well as his married sons, and, after his death, the families of his married brothers. As a rule, however, after the death of the household master, the married brothers parted company. The daughters went to live with the families of their husbands after marriage. Elements of patriarchal relations were preserved in certain ways, however. Married sons, even when they had their own individual households, did not break ties with the paternal household completely. Many labor-intensive tasks, such as pasturing of livestock, shearing of sheep, preparation of felt, and so on, were accomplished through the efforts of several households with close relations along paternal lines. This was especially important in defending livestock and pastures from the encroachment of others. Such a unification of families, the basis of kinship ties, is called in the literature a â€Å"family-kin† group. In Kazakh, these groupings are called bir ata baralary (children of one father). If a family-kin group was called Koshenbaralary, for example, then their ancestor was called Koshen, and the families of this group had heads who were grandsons and great-grandsons of Koshen. Among the Kazakhs, such family-kin groups formed communities. The heads of families were considered close relatives up to the fourth or fifth generation.