Should the use of cannabis be legalised?

Cannabis is the most commonly used illegal drug in the United Kingdom. However, more and more people are campaigning to see it legalised. These people have many arguments that could give good reason for the drug to be legalised, but these are also arguments against it being legalised because it is dangerous in many ways. Either way, there is no way to decide who is right or wrong unless the deciding party is in full awareness of the benefits and disadvantages that legalising the drug could bring. In this essay I will be putting forward why cannabis should be legalised or why it shouldn't and then say my opinion on the matter. For the past year cannabis has frequently been in the news headlines in the UK, and it was recently announced that the legal status of the drug is to be reviewed. This may come as welcome news to the many people who use the drug either for medicinal or recreational reasons. The supply and possession of cannabis is illegal in the UK and is likely to remain so for the foreseeable future. Even though the Home Secretary, David Blunkett, recently down-graded from cannabis from a ‘Class B' drug to a ‘Class C' drug. Some people believe that the legalisation of cannabis would lead to an increase in the usage of the drug among young people. They argue that if cannabis was legal, it would be easier to obtain and therefore more tempting to try. The graph above shows the percentage of cannabis use of young people around the UK in 2002. I believe this is the most reliable source for this information in 2002 as it was collected by the British Crime Survey taken by the Home Office. This chart shows the falling prices of cannabis between 1994-2004. Therefore if the prices keep on falling, more and more people will be able to buy this drug. Furthermore, If more and more people will buy and use cannabis, Most of the people will become addicted and at some point move on to stronger and more harmful drug, for example cocaine. This graph shows another reason why cannabis should be kept illegal. The graph shows just how dramatic the number of convictions there are per year and that police time could be put to better use if cannabis was legalised. I think this is a reliable source as it was published in the Home office annual statistics of 2000. Therefore, if cannabis would be legalised more people would obtain the drug and the number of cannabis offender's increase. There is also some short term effects of cannabis one of this includes Mood effects. Adverse mood effects can occur, particularly in inexperienced users (Users that do not take the drug often), after large doses of cannabis. These effects include panic, depression, delusions, and hallucinations. These effects normally disappear after a few hours after use. Some of the long term effects of cannabis include impact on the respiratory system. Cannabis smoke contains many of the same components as tobacco smoke. As much as four times the amount of tar can be deposited on the lungs of cannabis smokers as cigarette smokers. Cannabis cigarettes usually do not have filters and cannabis smokers usually develop a larger puff volume, inhale more deeply and hold their breath several times longer than tobacco smokers. This graph show, the long term effects on cannabis, which include: Your eyes, Central nervous system, respiratory system, circulatory system, stomach and intestines, pregnancy and babies and reproductive system of male and female. It also describes each one and shows some of the disadvantages of it in bullet points One of the reasons why cannabis should be legalised is that the money that is spent on attempting to decrease the number of people consuming cannabis illegally would be reduced , the police would be targeting more dangerous criminals, it would be easier for people to ask for help about their addiction because they wouldn't fear getting in trouble and also because people have the right to practise their religion ( Buddhism ) .It was reported on the BBC news website since The Netherlands legalised cannabis in the 1970 usage of heroin declined. This counters the argument that cannabis is the â€Å"gateway† to more dangerous drugs There has not been a reported death for which cannabis is directly responsible, whereas, there is always news and stories linking tobacco with cancer and high blood pressure. Yet cigarettes are available to buy to anyone in Britain over the legal age, while cannabis is a banned substance. The opportunity cost of not legalising cannabis is alcohol and cigarettes, which are consumed anyway. Alcohol is socially approved, even though people know the consequences of alcohol. Cannabis is not packed as tightly as a tobacco cigarette, and so the substances smoked is about half that in a tobacco cigarette. Also, tobacco smokers generally smoke a lot more cigarettes per day than do cannabis smokers. A question asked by many of the public is â€Å"alcohol causes more crime, abuse and costs to the NHS as well as society as a whole and it is legal, so why should cannabis be illegal?† The real answer is yet to be answered, but in my opinion, the reason why cannabis is still illegal is because people and the government are concerned that the users that will start taking cannabis and will move on to more dangerous drugs and therefore will become infected and diseased with various different diseases and illnesses. I believe cannabis shouldn't be legalised, if it was it would send the wrong message to people, that it's safe when it has negative long term effects. Also because from what I have seen people who consume cannabis, later begin to consume more dangerous drugs such as heroin. There are long term negative effects on the body from using cannabis. Buying cannabis also wastes money which could be spent on more worthwhile things such as education. There will be an increase in people using the drug so there will be more rehabilitation programs which taxpayers and the government will have to pay for. References: http://www.lca-uk.org/ http://www.drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk http://www.mapinc.org http://www.telegraph.co.uk http://www.uk.answers.yahoo.com http://www.rds.homeoffice.gov.uk RESEARCH * Even hardcore smokers can become anxious, panicky, suspicious or paranoid. * Cannabis affects your coordination, which is one of the reasons why drug driving is just as illegal as drink driving. * Some people think cannabis is harmless just because it's a plant – but it isn't harmless. Cannabis, like tobacco, has lots of chemical ‘nasties', which can cause lung disease and possibly cancer with long-term or heavy use, especially as it is often mixed with tobacco and smoked without a filter. It can also make asthma worse, and cause wheezing in non-asthma sufferers. * Cannabis itself can affect many different systems in the body, including the heart: It increases the heart rate and can affect blood pressure. * If you've a history of mental health problems, then taking cannabis is not a good idea: It can cause paranoia in the short term, but in those with a pre-existing psychotic illness, such as schizophrenia, it can contribute to relapse. * If you use cannabis and have a family background of mental illness, such as schizophrenia, you may be at increased risk of developing a psychotic illness. * It is reported that frequent use of cannabis can cut a man's sperm count, reduce sperm motility, and can suppress ovulation in women and so may affect fertility. * If you're pregnant, smoking cannabis frequently may have some association with the risk of the baby being born smaller than expected. * Regular, heavy use makes it difficult to learn and concentrate. Some people begin to feel tired all the time and can't seem to get motivated. * Some users may want to buy strong herbal cannabis to get ‘a bigger high' but unpleasant reactions can be more powerful when you use strong cannabis, and it is possible that using strong cannabis repeatedly could lead in time to more users experiencing harmful effects such as dependence or being more at risk of developing the mental health effects.

Celta Assignment 3

Reasons for choosing text Although a long piece of text, it contains an overall context of animal powers and is an interesting topic. Similar topics students have worked with include qualities of famous people and superheroes. It is an authentic text, containing a wide range of language items and so provides a challenge for intermediate students. The text could also be broken down into sections for specific tasks. Receptive language sub-skills that could be practised using this text include: reading for gist, scanning and reading for specific information.The text could also be adapted for teaching grammar and vocabulary. Match headings to text – skim reading for gist exercise ref p13-p15 Using text with headings blanked out. After pre-teaching the necessary vocabulary such as: telepathy and premonition, the teacher explains: ‘Here are some headings and here is a text. Read the text quickly. Match the correct headings to the correct paragraphs. ’ Concept check with : ‘Do you need to read every word? ’ Give time limit of 2-3 mins. Individuals read text then compare answers in their groups.Headings: Telepathic contact The common features of Animal Telepathy Explaining the Unexplained Heading for Home Premonition During feedback nominate and ask students to justify their reasons. Scanning task p13 and 14 Read the text quickly. Which person does each of these statements refer to? 1. They do not permit any other person to get close to her when she is in this condition. 2. I used to visit quite often, pop in and do all sorts of things 3. She never left my side, and during the night she slept next to my pillow 4.Jaytee started waiting at the window around the time she set off. 5. Horrified, I replaced the bottle top and, genuinely afraid of the dog, I went back into the room and sat on the sofa. 6. When we arrived home the man greeted us and said â€Å"I knew you were on your way home.. † 7. He conducted more than 100 videotaped e xperiments 8. My whole working life has been as a cabin crew member working out of Gatwick Airport True or false – scanning task ref p14. Explain task to students first before handing out handouts. ‘Here are some statements.Some are true, some are false. Read the text quickly and write down: true or false’ Give a 3 minute time limit. During feedback, nominate and get students to justify their answers. Statements Telepathy takes place between a dog and a cat? Christopher Day works in London? When Christopher Day visited as a vet, the dog would whoop with delight? P. Broccard wanted to kill herself? Pamponette is Miss Broccard’s first name? Adele McCormick owned 10 horses? William is a cat? William is 15 years old? Rupert conducted more than 100 videotaped experiments on Jaytee?Pam Smart would leave home and return at the same time each day? Pam Smart would always travel by train? Q &A for detailed comprehension ref p13-14 Perhaps a useful exercise as a foll ow up to a skimming or scanning exercise. Students will have been given the reading text from a previous exercise. Explain to students using the OHT ‘here is a list of numbers. What do they mean? ’ demo the first question. Students work individually then compare answers in pairs. Give students a 5 minute time limit. Nominate students during feedback. What is the significance of the following numbers . 50%In the UK and America 50% of dog owners had noticed their animals anticipating people arriving home. b. 30% c. 100 d. 13 e. 15 f. 50 g. 100,000 h. 18 i. 2000 Productive tasks Freer communicative practise Give students 5-10 minutes. Put background music on during the task. ‘Tell your partner about pets that you have now, had in the past or pets that belonged to friends’ your partner can ask: ‘do you think they were psychic? ’ ‘why? ’ Demo the task with: ‘My friend had a big white alsation that knew when his owner was coming ho me.Did you have any interesting pets? ’ Monitor, avoiding the centre of the room and ensure everyone gets practise speaking. For very quiet students, gently prompt with ‘what do you think? ’ During feedback ask ‘did anyone find out anything interesting? ’ Semi-controlled communicative practise (ref photo of cat p14) Allow 5-10 mins for this exercise. Put background music on during the task. Write target language as a prompt on the white board: Q. If you could have a power what wouId you choose? If I could have a power I would choose. because†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ If I could†¦(communicate telepathically)†¦It would be useful because†¦. Demo by asking a student the question. Ask students to get into pairs and ask each other what ability they would like to have and why, using the target language on the white board. Monitor, avoiding the centre of the room and ensure everyone gets practise speaking. For very quiet students, gently prompt with †˜what do you think? ’ During feedback ask ‘did anyone find out anything interesting? ’ Reference text: Kindred Spirit: Issue 50 Spring 2000 p13-16

Charles Dickens: A Christmas Carol Essay

INTRODUCTION A Christmas Carol (1843) is one of the most recognizable stories in English literature. With its numerous literary, stage, television, radio, and cinematic adaptations, the tale has become a holiday classic, and the character Ebenezer Scrooge has become a cultural icon. First published in 1843, the novella garnered immediate critical and commercial attention and is credited with reviving interest in charitable endeavors, the possible perils of economic success, and festive traditions of the Christmas season. It is the first work in Dickens’s series of Christmas stories known collectively as the Christmas Books, as well as the most popular and enduring. Plot and Major Characters Set in the 1840s on Christmas Eve, A Christmas Carol chronicles the personal transformation of the protagonist, Ebenezer Scrooge, the proprietor of a London counting house. A wealthy, elderly man, Scrooge is considered miserly and misanthropic: he has no wife or children; he throws out two men collecting for charity; he bullies and underpays his loyal clerk, Bob Cratchit; and he dismisses the Christmas dinner invitation of his kind nephew, Fred. Moreover, Scrooge is a strong supporter of the Poor Law of 1834, which allowed the poor to be interned in workhouses. As he prepares for bed on Christmas Eve in his solitary, dark chambers, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former partner, Jacob Marley. In life Marley was very similar in attitude and temperament to Scrooge: remote, cruel, and parsimonious. In death he has learned the value of compassion and warns Scrooge to reform his ways before it is too late. Marley announces that Scrooge will be visited by three more specters: the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. The Ghost of Christmas Past takes Scrooge back to his unhappy childhood, revealing that the young boy’s experiences with poverty and abandonment inspired a desire to succeed and gain material advantage. Unfortunately, Scrooge’s burgeoning ambition and greed destroyed his relationship with his fiancà ©e and his friends. The Ghost of Christmas Present is represented by a hearty, genial man who reminds Scrooge of the joy of human companionship, which he has rejected in favor of his misanthropic existence. Finally, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come appears in a dark robe and shrouded in mystery. Silently, the ghost reveals the ambivalent reaction to news of Scrooge’s own death. Scrooge realizes that he will die alone and without love, and that he has the power and money to help those around him—especially Bob Cratchit’s ailing son, Tiny Tim. Scrooge begs the ghost for another chance and wakes in his bed on Christmas morning, resolved to changing his life by being generous and loving to his family, employees, and the poor. Major Themes A Christmas Carol has been deemed a biting piece of social commentary by some. Critics have underscored the scathing criticism of 1840s London, an economically and socially stratified city that Dickens believed imprisoned its poor and oppressed its lower classes. The prevailing socio-economic theory of that time held that anyone who was in debt should be put in a poorhouse. In his story, Dickens contended that the reformation of such a materialistic, shallow society can be achieved gradually through the spiritual transformation of each individual. The story is well regarded for its expression of a fundamental faith in humanity and its unflagging censure of social injustice, which was inspired by Dickens’s troubled background and his visit to the Cornish tin mines where he observed young children laboring under appalling conditions. As Scrooge transforms from a cruel, embittered miser to a kindly philanthropist, Dickens advocates a more forgiving, generous society that values spiritual growth, not material wealth. Other major thematic concerns in A Christmas Carol include the role of memory, the importance of family, and the soul-deadening effect of greed on the human spirit. Critical Reception Upon its initial publication, A Christmas Carol was greeted with mixed reviews. Some commentators derided the tale as too sentimental and laden with exaggeration; other critics maintained that A Christmas Carol lacked the complexity of Dickens’s later work. Yet the novella remains a Christmas favorite. Commentators praise Dickens’s evocative portrayal of 1840s London and his passionate exploration of social and political issues. Dickens’s fervent belief in social justice as depicted through A Christmas Carol is credited with inspiring an outpouring of charitable endeavors during his time and a revival of Christmas spirit and traditional celebrations. Critics have also explored the fairy-tale and gothic elements in A Christmas Carol, and many praise Dickens’s use of wry humor in the story. The relevance and power of Scrooge’s transformation from forlorn old niggard to benignant philanthropist is regarded as the key to the novella’s unflagging popular appeal. Several scholars have debated the nature of Scrooge’s conversion, which is known as â€Å"the Scrooge problem.† Some critics, including Edmund Wilson, conclude that the transformation is a temporary one; others have maintained that it is total and irrevocable. Scrooge’s metanoia has also been placed within its historical and literary context, and critics have related it to the religious revival then fervent in nineteenth-century England. A few full-length studies of the novella have traced the impact of the story on English and American culture and have discussed the copious imitations, adaptations, and modernized versions of the tale.

Descriptive Writting about the Beach in summertime Essay

Descriptive Writting about the Beach in summertime - Essay Example We smiled a grateful smile and raced towards its beginning but the waave had no beginning and no ending we just jumped in with a joy that could not be out into words but could be seen written on our faces as we marched onto the reason for our supreme ectasy we were proud to be finally at our destination- heaven a place where we belonged. We could not wait to make a dash for the welcoming waters. Our intense focus on the dazzling spectacle before us was interrupted when someone shouted, â€Å"Surf’s up, its summertime!† Everyone melted into spontaneous laughter. We could not contain our bliss and so it spilled over into utter desperation to taste the freedom and the energy that was summoning us to enter. This highly charged atmosphere was filled with the joie de vivre that exudes from a bridegroom as he is finally allowed to privately touch his virgin bride. Captivating silence was interjected with a sudden, loud splash and a bang. That was the announcement of the breakers as they crashed against the beckoning shore. The sea was like a roaring lion waiting to engulf us in its powerful jaw whilst the sheer brilliance of the sun painted the waters with shiny, shimmery, golden flecks. We could wait no longer and so triumphantly began our journey to reach the epitome of ecstasy. We were ready to fly. As the waves deafeningly appeared to draw closer and closer, beckoning us to its enthralling embrace, we succumbed to its bewitching effect and dashed off to grasp a drop of majestic splendor. We smiled a lovesick smile and raced towards its beginning but the breakers had no beginning and no ending. We were engulfed into its enormous hug and as a baby to its mother’s breast we breathed a breath of pure joy that could not be put into words but could be seen written on our faces as we longingly embraced the reason for our supreme ecstasy. We were

Global Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Global Law - Essay Example Her inner thighs, buttocks, perineum, genital areas and groin were severely burned that she had to be admitted for treatment to the hospital for 8 days. While in the hospital for treatment, Liebeck went through skin grafting and debridement treatments. Liebeck filled a claim with McDonalds for $20,000.00, but McDonald refused to pay the said amount so Liebeck brought the case to court. During the discovery proceedings, McDonalds produced documents showing more than 700 claims by people burned by its coffee between 1982 and 1992 and a number of these claims were similar to that of Liebeck. The documents presented by McDonalds proved that McDonalds knows about the hazards that its coffee products have on drive-thru costumers. McDonalds’ quality assurance manager also said that based on the advice of its consultants, the company made it a policy to keep its coffee between 180 and 190 degrees Fahrenheit to keep its taste. This policy stands even though other companies serve their coffee lower temperature and coffee is normally served at home around 135 to 140 degrees. McDonalds’ quality assurance manager admitted that the company did not evaluate the safety ramifications that this practice may have on the costumers. He also acknowledged the fact that any food items served as 140 degrees or more may cause burning. He also acknowledged the fact that since McDonalds’ coffee is between 180 and 190 degrees, the coffee is not fit for consumption as it would cause burning on the mount and throat. 2. Issues to be decided by the court a. Whether or not Liebeck is entitled to compensation for the pains and sufferings that she went through after she was burned by the coffee bought from McDonalds. b. Whether or not McDonalds observed proper safety measures to protect its clients from possible harm that its products may cause. 3. Facts Relied Upon by Stella In arguing her case in court, Liebeck relied on the testimonies of a scholar in thermodynamics applie d to human skin burns. According to the expert, 180 degrees, liquids can cause third degree burns in a matter of two to seven seconds. The degree of the damage on human skin reduces exponentially as the temperature of the liquid reduces to 155 degrees and below. If Liebeck’s coffee had been around 155 degrees when it spilled on her lap, she may not suffer serious burns. 4. McDonald’s Defense McDonald claimed that its costumers buy coffee on their way to work or home with the intention of drinking the coffee once they arrive at their destination. As it is, the coffee would have enough time to cool down along the way so it will not be scalding hot when the costumers get to drink them. Another defense posed by McDonalds is that its costumers know that the coffee they buy from the drive-thru is hot and the costumers want it that way. 5. Court Decision The jury awarded Liebeck $200,000 in compensatory damages and another $2.7 million in punitive damages. The compensatory da mages were later on reduced by the jury to $160,000 since Liebeck was also at fault. The trial court, on the other hand, reduced the punitive damages to $480,000.00. 6. Opinion on the case Awarding both compensatory and punitive damages to Liebeck is only fitting in this case because McDonalds committed gross negligence in doing its job to protect its costumers. However, I do not agree with the jury’

To what extent does personality predicts employee performance Essay

To what extent does personality predicts employee performance - Essay Example Moreover, this practice rewards HR professionals with sustainability and confidence inside the organization as they can foresee unwanted reactions and responses. Personality analysis is crucial to use in HR practices to advance hiring practices, predict behaviours and motivate employees at work. Personality tests as a common practice in HR management were developed as a result of meta-analytic studies in 90s. According to Hakstian & Ng (2005, p. 405), initially they were appraised because their results granted predictability and validity of employees’ performance. Since then personality tests have been actively integrated in HR management. Most of these tests are based on â€Å"Big Five† personality model. According to it, there are five main personality variables which influence people’s behaviour; they include openness to experience, extraversion, neuroticism, agreeableness and consciousness (Judge et al. 1999, p. 624). HR professionals design tests in order to identify these factors in each personality. Companies tend to conceal their testing practices as they exist for internal use only. It is the reason why there are not many sources available in regard to the studied issue. At the same time, there are some surveys, publications written by HR professionals and corporate reports which reveal that personality tests are successfully integrated in HR practices all over the world. For example, according to Rothstein & Goffin (2006, p. 155), 30% of corporations in the United States used special personality tests in their hiring procedures in 2003. Personality measures can target different characteristics of current or potential employees; they can test integrity, performance effectiveness or personal expectations. Integrity tests remain the most popular and one of the most complicated to analyse. Rothstein & Goffin (2006, p. 155) state that there are around 5 million applicants who do this tests and 20% of the Human Resource

Percentage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Percentage - Essay Example Percentages are very popular in the sports world, especially in baseball. A recent sports article is entitled, â€Å"Brewers Play Percentages by Moving Infield.† The article explains that what the Brewers have done better so far than any other team is take away hits from opposing hitters (Haudricourt, 2011). The manager accomplishes this by shifting his infielders to one side of the field when a pull hitter comes up to bat. This and other similar strategies managers use is known as â€Å"playing the percentages.† As mentioned, percentages are very important in business. An example of a very important business percentage is gross profit percentage. This number is a key indicator of the current health of a business. Gross profit percentage is total revenue minus total costs divided by total revenue. This number is very useful because â€Å"comparing the company’s GPP at regular time intervals can determine how well the company is performing over time† (ehow, 2010). Percentages interest me because they can be used in virtually every facet of life.

Impact of e-commerce in Banking sector Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Impact of e-commerce in Banking sector - Essay Example The concept of electronic commerce is descriptive of the process of conducting commercial transactions of services, goods, and information by means of computer networks. In e-commerce products and services can be bought online. Due to the fact that the banking sector is probably the busiest service sector, running it efficiently usually requires more manpower. Technological innovations such as computer based commercial transactions, however, do not usually need direct supervision from workers, and thus have contributed towards banks being more efficient in their dispensation of services. In traditional banks’ manual services, consumers usually have to queues to get to the necessary services. The introduction of e-commerce brought a much needed change to combat such inconveniences (Mahdi and Mehrdad, 2010). Banks have to make use of the offerings of e –commerce so as to remain relevant while outwitting their competitors. In the banking industry, productivity is dependent on the delivery of high quality services. E-commerce in the banking sector has to do with allowing customers to be able to access their bank accounts through the internet by means of a modem. Online banking options were first provided, in a limited capacity, by baking institutions in America in 1995. It has been speculated that this was as a result of the pressure faced by American banks as a result of aggressive competition between international banking institutions across the globe (Mittal and Sanjay, 2007). At first, the ‘online services’ only had to do with providing customers with information about the various services that were being offered by different bank branches. The rapid development of communication technology witnessed in the last two decades, however, allowed for banks to start allowing their customers ways of accessing their accounts through the internet. Banks also made it possible for customers to transfer money while also being able to procure finan cial offerings on their behalf. Since then, there has been a rapid spread of the use of online banking options across the world. While, in traditional banking, workers handle all financial activities such as the provision of loans and the collection of deposits, in e-commerce in banking, a number of distribution channels are used to supply information about banking transactions. In the use of e- commerce, banks use delivery systems such as digital television, cell phones, and laptops to relay information to their consumers. In transactions conducted through the traditional system of banking, payment transactions are conducted through a bank branch. The utilisation of e-commerce in the banking system today, however, has allowed for the automated delivery of services to banking customers by use of the internet (Khalfan and Abdullah, 2006). In most banking facilities in developed nations, the electronic banking system involves the automation of factors such as ATMs, direct deposit, tel ephone banking, debit and credit cards, web-based banking, and bill payment. Most banking institutions around the world have some sort of e-commerce function. While some scholars have observed that e-commerce in the banking sector might soon be responsible for the abolition of traditional functions of banking, this is not likely unless banks begin to gain substantial profits through e-banking services (Kjell, VebjOrn and TjOstheim, 2006).

How is the UK as a whole doing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

How is the UK as a whole doing - Essay Example Similar to this is the money or cash flow for output services, (Maher and Wise, 2005, p.85). The key economic players are administration, business trade, households, and the wider international globe. Their means of interaction with one another is explained as a transaction The national statistics office offers statistics of the economy that measure the economy of the United Kingdom in various ways. For instance, there are complete United Kingdom national and economic accounts that offer an overall economic view. The accounts sequence follows the laid out accounts if the national account systems of 1993, as well as the European Account systems of 1995. Similarly, short-term economic indicators like GDP, Index of Retail Sales, Production Index and Services Index exists. Additionally, there are some statistics offered on Payments Balance and Products and Services Trade. UK economic performance The performance of economy of UK is evaluated based on attainment of goals and targets the ec onomy. The goals may be long-term like effective development and growth of the economy, or temporary like economic stabilization in following abrupt and unpredictable factors mainly known as economic shocks. To evaluate economic performance against the above goals, economists use various economic indicators. These economic indicators estimate variables of economy, which directly or indirectly allow them to determine whether the performance of economy has enhanced or declined. Tracing such economic indicators is crucial to policy makers to allow them determine whether to intervene or if the intervention activities and plans have been successful or not. According to statistics, the first quarter GDP increase was about 0.3 percent – a yearly growth rate of about 1.2 percent, (Helpman, 2008, p.12). This was 0.6 percent increased from the previous years; these growth rates are low than the set target and 3% than the growth witnessed prior to the financial crisis. The IMF asserts t hat the 2009 advanced economies GDP - that entails the United States, Japan and popular economies of Europe – will be about 3.8% higher than in the 2007 and 2008 cycles. Although, the United Kingdom GDP has not recovered its initial 2008 level, extreme slowdowns have been witnessed in various economic sectors that make up lower than 21% output and approximately 10% of employment opportunities – services of finance, construction and gas or oil, (Steil and Victor, Nelson, 2002, p.56). Apart from the sector of finance, the services activities that the key UK economic pillars are improving, this is the reason behind increased and strong employment. The informal sector accounts for approximately a million United Kingdom’s employments in the last three years. Whereas UK does not have extensive manufacturing based that maintained its economy in both 19th and 20th centuries, it has various global and prominent manufactures – in aerospace, high engineering technol ogy and health care sectors. UK care industry attained in global record export level last year. UK manufacturing is still competitive in knowledge deployment, skills, and technology and has a competitive advantage over reduced wage; labor-intensive sectors of manufacturing that have shifted to developing economies. UK has also strong and competitive business sector services

An Ethical Dilemma for a professional Nurse Research Paper

An Ethical Dilemma for a professional Nurse - Research Paper Example Mrs. A. played the role Sherwin (1992), postulated she would when facing similar troubling ethical issue, in that she displayed an emphatic form of reasoning which propel her to seek an innovative way out of the problem, so that both parties benefit. She chose not to have the child in order to please her husband, who she believed deserve the promotion, so that in the end she is happy that he is happy. They achieved what Oberle and Bouchal (2009) called mutuality, in that both receive benefits, but this was at the expense of the unborn child, the wishes of their parents and the nurse administering support to them. The expulsion or removal of the fetus from the womb of a woman or abortion has been the subject of discussion for thousands of years, especially with regard to its ethicality, and has culminated into a divide where many professes to be either pro life or pro-choice, depending on the type of moral lens they are wearing, a significant percentage of the population be hold the m iddle ground or neutral status, sometimes for political reasons. Abortion has become a troubling moral issue in the lives of people especially in America, despite the (Rowe vs. Wade 1973) landmark ruling which have women the option to be pro-choice, because of the role of members of the American Medical Association has played in the early years according to The National Abortion Federation (2011). The organization sought to lobby the government to make the practice illegal. They achieved what Oberle and Bouchal.

Legal Considerations in the Business Environment Essay Example for Free

Legal Considerations in the Business Environment Essay While there are many legal factors to consider as XYZ Construction (XYZ) transforms from a private to a publicly owned company and expands operations globally, this paper will focus on the employment and labor laws, along with legal considerations that influence company operations. It is important to keep in mind that XYZ uses a mix of manning methodologies throughout the company; a full time staff as the core of the company, while maximizing the use of contracted labor in the execution of projects. Employment Law Employment law is a broad category of law that encompasses all areas regarding employee/employer relationships except for the negotiation process and collective bargaining, which is covered by the narrower focused category of labor law. Employment laws consist of thousands of federal and state statutes, regulations, and judicial decisions that are designed to govern the rights and duties of employers and workers. The US Department of Labor (USDOL) reports that there are 180 federal laws alone managed by 28 different agencies within the department. (United States Department of Labor [USDOL], 2014) Employment laws are focused on providing a safe and fair work place for employees and employers, alike, and have their origins in the constitution. They were founded based on public outcry against oppressive practices during the industrial revolution. The first laws founded in the 1920s were focused on fair wages, compensation for injuries, a standard work week, and on eliminating child labor. In the 1960s and 70s, statutes focused on anti-discrimination and unsafe work environments. Current issues involve employee health care, equal pay for men and women and the current debate on raising the federal minimum wage. There were also several issues addressed by the US Supreme Court of great importance to employment law including workplace discrimination and retaliation (Brill et al, 2013). The predominance of employment law disputes fall into two categories: wage and hour violations and discrimination in the workplace. Federal law provides for baseline rules regarding wage and hour standards, to include a minimum wage of $7.25 per hour and 40 hours as the standard work week. Many states have passed laws that establish a higher minimum wage, which is within their constitutional right. In these situations, XYZ is compelled to pay the higher minimum wage of that state. There is an emerging effort across the United States to raise the federal minimum wage to $9.50 per hour. In some  cases, this will place the federal wage higher than some states, meaning XYZ would have to pay the federal wage as it would trump the state legislation. It is prudent for XYZ to negotiate appropriate compensation on multiyear contracts as this new legislation works through the process. The standard work week, on the other hand, is prevalent across the United States and any worker that exceeds this threshold is entitled to overtime pay compensation. These rules exist to control the work environment for employees and mandates that time and a half be paid on every hour exceeding 40 within a given work week. The law also stipulates that XYZ will maintain basic payroll records and post notices to the workers regarding changes in the work environment. As XYZ experiences delays within projects, the pressure to push the work crews to make up these delays grows. While working overtime to meet customer requirements and project timelines are acceptable, supervisors must ensure adherence to the various employment laws; not doing so could lead to unfair labor practice disputes and costly legal battles (Brill et al, 2013). Another area that is a basis of employment law disputes is discrimination in the workplace. Prohibiting discrimination based on ethnicity, religious beliefs, gender, age, or disability was established with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and refined with subsequent legislation throughout the years. The Supreme Court handed down two significant decisions in 2013 that clarify evidentiary standards for discrimination claims, both are viewed as beneficial to the employer. First, the courts ruled that retaliation with discrimination as a motivating factor was not sufficient. The plaintiff must prove that discrimination was the basis for the retaliation, making the burden of proof much greater (Brill et al, 2013). Second, the courts clarified the definition of a supervisor under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. They ruled that the title of â€Å"supervisor† is limited to those who have authority to take a tangible employment action, meaning â€Å"a significant change in employment status, such as hiring, firing, failing to promote, reassignment with significantly different responsibilities, or a decision causing a significant change in benefits.† (Brill et al, 2013, p.4). Having the authority to direct daily work was not sufficient to link the supervisor to the company in regard to damages or actions tied to a law suit or dispute. However, the company is still liable for discriminatory actions of non-supervisory employees,  especially if it was notified and failed to take action to stop the behavior. This is significant considering that the majority of XYZ’s work force is contracted labor. As such it is imperative that XYZ maintain viable and proactive policies focused on preventing workplace discrimination and include a review of these policies prior to initiating any employment agreement. Labor Law Conducting business in a union environment provides for another layer of complexity to company operations. XYZ’s leadership must be aware of and understand the basics of labor law and the collective agreements negotiated with the unions representing the workforce. Failure to operate within the parameters of the agreement will result in an unfair labor practice dispute, which affects the profit margins of the shareholders. Labor law, also governed by federal law, state law and judicial decisions, provides statutes that mediate the relationship between workers, employers, unions, and the government with the goal of equalizing the bargaining power between employers and employee (Legal Information Institute [LII], 2014). Collective labor laws focus on the rights of employees to unionize, collectively bargain, arbitrate, and strike, while individual labor law focuses on employment contracts between employers and employees (Caraway, 2009). Collective bargaining consists of negotiations between an employer and a group of employees, typically represented by a union, to determine the conditions of employment and results in a collective agreement. The main body of law governing collective bargaining is the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), which was passed in 1935 (â€Å"Executive Concepts†, 2011). It explicitly grants employees the right to collectively bargain and join trade unions. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is the entity that hears disputes between employers and employees that falls under the purview of the NLRA. The General Council, established by the NLRA, independently investigates and prosecutes cases against violators of the act before the NLRB (LII, 2014). Another aspect of labor law is the act of arbitration, a method of dispute resolution, which is commonly used as an alternative to litigation. A third party arbiter is designated and has binding decision authority for the dispute. While the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) is not applicable to employment contracts, the Uniform Arbitration Act of 1956 was  adopted by 49 states making arbitration enforceable under state and federal law (LII, 2014). There were two key decisions rendered by the Supreme Court that impact labor law, specifically arbitration clauses and class action waivers in contracts (Brill et al, 2013). The Court held that the FAA directive to arbitrate and the arbitration clauses written into employment contracts take precedence over federal requirements to prosecute disputes through the courts. Additionally, this decision strengthens the ability to enforce class waivers written into contracts. While this appears detrimental to employers, the Court balanced this decision with language further defining the rules surrounding class waivers. The court ruled that a class dispute (one brought by more than one plaintiff) can be settled if the primary plaintiff reaches settlement (Brill et al, 2013). In essence, if an XYZ employee files a dispute that is then applied to a class of employees, but a settlement is reached with the initial plaintiff, then the class action is terminated. Effectively, the Supreme Court ruling strengthens the company’s position in regard to employment contracts and protects the company from overzealous claims. As such, arbitration agreements written into XYZ employment contracts should be carefully worded in order to take full advantage of the Court’s decision. Laws specific to the construction industry Several Department of Labor agencies administer programs that are specifically related to the construction industry. Specifically, the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA), the Wage and Hour Division, and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance all have specified areas of emphasis that regulate XYZ’s primary line of business. OSHA administers all the occupational safety and health standards for the industry. Given the risk to employees across XYZ’s work sites, OSHA regulations are critical to maintain and pose a significant element of cost to the company. While it is prudent to conduct cost-benefit analysis on enacting safety and health policies, sacrificing employee welfare for the bottom line is a dangerous endeavor and can result in unfair labor practices or criminal charges in the extreme. As XYZ competes and wins government construction contracts, there are several statutes that dictate certain conditions for doing business with the federal government that are administered by the USDOL Wage and Hour  Division and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance. The Davis-Bacon Act requires that companies pay the prevailing wages and benefits of the region. Wage rates and other labor standards for employees are set by the McNamara-O-Hara Service Contract Act. The Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act requires materials and supply contractors to pay minimum wages and meet other labor standards. Executive Order 11246 requires equal employment opportunity by all construction contractor firms. Lastly, the Copeland Act’s anti-kickback section precludes any persuasion of an employee to sacrifice any part of their required compensation (USDOL, 2014). These dictated standards all affect the cost of projects and, if not accounted for in the bid and estimation process, will detrimentally impact the profit margins of the company as federal construction contracts are executed. Legal Considerations As XYZ begins the global expansion, it is important to realize that US labor laws are not binding in other countries in regard to foreign workers; the host country laws are in play (â€Å"Executive Concepts†, 2011, p.938). However, Congress expressly extended three US labor laws to expatriates working abroad for US firms. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and Title VII all extend extraterritorially (Nie, 2012). While XYZ’s staff is well versed in US employment and labor law, foreign labor law is country dependent and it is prudent to conduct targeted research on the specific country’s legal environment considered for expansion. The International Labor Organization (ILO) has drafted 182 conventions and 190 recommendations in their effort to standardize labor practices globally. Enforcement of these efforts is a country responsibility, and as such, there are still large gaps in adoption and application of the various standards (â€Å"Executive Concepts†, 2011). While it is enticing to reduce expenses by sacrificing some of the more costly US labor law practices while abroad, this practice could damage the company’s sterling reputation negatively affecting all future business ventures. As countries in Asia make the transition to democratic states, the door has been opened for improvements in collective and individual labor law, resulting in the creation of unions and the strengthening of workers’ rights. However, unions in developing counties depend upon government  support and, as such, are politically focused keeping the gap between internationally acceptable collective labor practices and reality relatively large (Caraway, 2009). Across Asia, individual labor rights are in a better position. There is a direct correlation between the wealth of a country and the enforced rights of its workers (Caraway, 2009). The most notable impact of this situation is the prevailing wage in each country and the impact on XYZ’s financial position on projects. Using the field support offices at the forward locations to gather this information is crucial to accurate project estimation and contract bidding. As the company transitions from privately owned to publicly held, there are considerations to keep in mind. First, corporate governance will adjust to account for a larger base of stockholders. There is risk that the focus of the company will also shift to a more stockholder centric view, discounting the requirements of the stakeholders (the employees) (Ecchia et al, 2012). This has the potential to lead to the creation of unfair labor practices as priority shifts from maintaining collective agreements to maintaining larger profit margins for the stockholders. Second, shareholders with large equities could pressure the company to offload portions of the workforce or reduce the employee’s benefits in order to improve profitability (Ecchia et al, 2012). As the union leadership monitors corporate business practices, this could lead to a revolt in the workforce and create an environment ripe for a strike thereby shutting down operations until resolved. Any financial gains made by the reduction would be lost to stagnated operations, and as such should be managed carefully. Conclusion Conducting business in the 21st Century is comparable to traversing the proverbial minefield. Legal missteps can cause insurmountable fines and legal fees as a company struggles to maintain good business practices. Understanding employment and labor law is paramount to maintaining a strong and viable company through transformation and expansion that produces profits for its shareholders. References Banks, K. (2011). Trade, Labor and International Governance: An Inquiry into the Potential Effectiveness of the New International Labor Law. Berkeley Journal Of Employment Labor Law, 32(1), 45-142. Business Source Complete, Accession Number: 67233021 Barnum, Darold T. (1971) From Private to Public Relations in Urban Transit. Industrial Labor Relations Review. 25(1), 95-115. Business Source Complete, Accession Number: 4459252. Brill, Edward A., Fant, Laura M., and Baddish, Noa M. (2013) U.S. Supreme Court Wrap-Up: Hot Topics in Labor and Employment Law. Employee Relations Law Journal. 39(3), 3-8. Business Source Complete, Accession Numbe:r 91640070 Caraway, Tara L. (2009). Labor Rights in East Asia: Progress or Regress?. Journal of East Asian Studies, 9(2), 153-186. ProQuest Research Library, Accession Number: 43381256 Ecchia, Giulio, Gelter, Martin, and Pasotti, Piero. (2012) Corporate Governance, Corporate and Employment Law, and the Costs of Expropriation. Review of Law Economics. 8(2), 457-486. DOI: 10.1515/1555-5879.1357 Katten, Betsy. (2013) U.S. Supreme Court to Address Labor and Employment Matters in 2013-2014 Term. Employee Relations Law Journal. 39(3), 48-51. Business Source Complete, Accession Number: 91640075 Legal Information Institute. Cornell University Law School. Retrieved from: http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/employment Nie, Carrie. (2012). Extraterritorial Application of U.S. Employment Laws: Clearing the Murky Conflicting Foreign Laws Defense. International Lawyer, 46(4), 1027-1043, OmniFile, Accession Number: 90233860 Northcentral University (2011). SKS 7000-Executive Concepts in Business Strategy. Custom edition. Retrieved from: http://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/ United States Department of Labor. (2014) Retrieved from: http://www.dol.gov/opa/aboutdol/lawsprog.htm

The Impact of Digital TV on audiences and TV companies Essay Example for Free

The Impact of Digital TV on audiences and TV companies Essay Fifty years ago, TV was the new thing that would enhance our lives. Even up to this day, we still captivate ourselves to this evolving culture which has had such an impact to us. Just imagine if one of the worlds greatest events would not have been shown in TV (imagine people across America not watching the twin towers fall-what impact would it have on other people?). But these recent times, the advent of Digital Television is another step towards the progression of television itself. It opens a whole window of possibilities- more channels, more choices, better interactivity. Even the television companies itself will be given a new challenge by introducing this new technology to its current and future customers. It is up to them however to find the gap in the market to gain full advantage of Digital TV. When there is progression, so will be regression. Digital TV will not just catch on and be the next best thing instantly. There will be some people who will oppose to the idea and the companies will try and fight over viewing rights of channels. A recent Ofcom report said more than 60% of UK households now receive digital TV. With a digital switchover planned to take place from 2008-2012, should the government say yay or nay? Let us imagine ourselves when the digital switchover has taken place. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? First off, let us discuss the advantages of digital TV. It has a great appeal to the majority of people. Even though the cost of gaining access to one is still expensive experts say that the price of present digital subscriptions and hardware will drop dramatically after a few years. However, the cheapest free view set-top-box presently is as low as à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½25.00. Another advantage is that digital TV could allow the audience to pause record their programmes without the use of tapes. It is also said to be quicker and simpler process than the old VCR. In line with digital TV, the actual television set is changing. There are now ones that are called HDTV (high definition TV). This technology coupled with digital TV provides us with high quality video and sound that is dramatically noticeable. In more simple terms, pictures and sound will have more consistency and less interference. Digital TV has also embraced the convergence of interactivity. Extra information and interactive features now accompany most programmes. Compared to analogue TVs teletext, digital TVs interactivity takes it to a new level. It is more user-friendly and makes the viewer more involved. There is even an electronic programme guide which gives you far more information about programmes content. This hands-on approach is what makes digital TV unique. Of course, these advantages over the audiences equate to the benefits that companies and the government get. At the moment, there are 3 main ways to go digital: Satellite (SKY, Canal +, RAI, etc.), Cable (NTL and Telewest) and Freeview. At the moment, Satellite access is ahead in terms of market share with 7.1 million subscribers (Sky subscribers), followed by 3.9 million homes supplied by freeview and 2.5 million subscribers get their digital TV through cable. These statistics suggest that competition is fierce at the moment. It said up to 1.5 million boxes had been sold in the lead-up to Christmas, with 190,000 sold in each of the two weeks before the holidays. There might be fierce competition, but this is deemed to be a healthy competition. There will be a time when existing sales are starting to tail off. The introduction of the switch off will be a seizing opportunity for them to increase their sales. These opportunities are enhanced services-which adds value to a subscription (or in the case of freeviews, a sharp increase in set-top boxes and HDTVs-which is already happening). Recently, Sky has recently offered a new free satellite service called Sky FreeSat. It allows access to 140 non-subscription channels for a one-off fee. Even the likes of BBC and ITV are to launch a free-to-view satellite TV service to cater for viewers unable to receive Freeview digital coverage-and to rival the monopoly that Sky has. Also, in line with the HDTV technology, the BBC aims to produce 100% HD programmes by 2010. The government will also have some advantages over the switch off. When all the analogue signals have been switched off, those signals could be sold to telephone, communications or aerospace companies to make use of the cleaned up space. The countrys image is also on the line. It essentially propels the country into the digital age in order to gain a more competitive advantage. Furthermore, there are more opportunities for a better efficiency of the operation of government services reducing costs and keeping down taxes. I have used the word majority because there are people who are not in full favour of digital TV. There are also drawbacks for the companies and the government. Digital is an all or nothing technology. The pictures are either crystal clear or absent. In heavy rain or snow an analogue signal might give a grainy but watchable picture. Digital signals are more robust and will tolerate a high level of interference but, when conditions become too bad, both the picture and the sound will vanish. In addition, because all the work is done by an internal computer, it sometimes makes mistakes and the picture can disappear in a maze of coloured squares or simply freeze on the screen. However, this trade off between pictures which might always be grainy and crystal-clear pictures which occasionally disappear will be preferable to most people. Digital provides just one channel from the set top box at a time (the same as existing satellite TV receivers). You cant watch one digital channel and record another unless you: 1. Have more than one set top box 2. Keep your existing analogue satellite receiver 3. Continue to use analogue terrestrial TV (as long as the transmissions last about 5 10 years is anticipated) In a survey, when asked to identify the disadvantages of digital television, a third (32%) state that it is too expensive, 9% that you have to pay for a subscription, and 8% that there are too many channels and choice. Also, the 40% who do not have digital television yet will discover that the present cost of service is not attainable in their opinion. Of course, without the funding that the BBC get from the TV license lowered, they would obviously look to increase the cost threefold. The increase in the number of channels isnt without disadvantages. For viewers, the absence of original programming can lead to a feeling of nothing being on across hundreds of channels. Event programmes are also under threat; virtually gone are the days when 30 million people tuned into the same programme. For channel owners selling advertising time is increasingly difficult. Niche broadcasters may be advantageous in terms of reaching a specific target audience but many have official audience shares of 0%. There was even a study made by Dr Jeremy Klein claiming that Millions of people are not using digital TV because they find it too confusing. He says that Elderly and short-sighted people find it laborious and demanding changing channels. It is said that two million people are affected by this problem. As a result, the elderly and people with low-income will be put off with this news. They feel that it will be better to stick with the old and what they are used to. Companies are also having trouble with the changes.

The Life And Issues Of The Corinthian Community Religion Essay

The Life And Issues Of The Corinthian Community Religion Essay Paul wrote to Corinth, a community plagued by internal divisions, social and ethnic distinction, and a diversity of congregations. Regardless of whatever the circumstances may be, the apostle confronts the problematic issues boldly and with authority. Nevertheless, controversy still burns brightly today, on these issues just as they did in the early church, rendering it ideal subject matter for theological and hermeneutical consideration. Accordingly, the purpose of this essay is to reconstruct the life and issues of the fledgling Corinthian church and to determine firstly, whether Paul really understood the issues at hand, and secondly the effective of Pauls response in the Corinthian community to his call at the time. This essay will address the life and issues of the Corinthian community as recorded in the book of I Corinthians. This book narrates how the apostle Paul heard of the Corinthian Christian communitys troubles and responded with this letter to remedy their situation, heal their divisions, and answer their questions. Paul confronted them with their sin and need for corrective action and clear commitment to Christ. The stance taken here is that Paul did understand the life and issues of the Corinthian community and the effectiveness of his response was positive and appropriate for the time. The reconstruction of the life and issues of Corinth are assessed here through the three major problems facing the community, and one specific issue for each of those problems. The three major problems facing the church in Corinth related to the church, the members and the authority. Of the numerous issues within these three groupings the specific issues addressed here are the Lords Supper, marriage and women. Corinthian church was founded by Saint Paul approximately twenty years after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The apostle loved the Corinthian community with fervour and frustration for it was a vibrant and confused church. An extensive description of its establishment is recorded in Acts 18. Moreover, two of the longest letters in the New Testament, 1 and 2 Corinthian, are specifically addressed to it.  [1]   The first epistle written to the Corinthians was penned by Paul from Ephesus in reply to reports brought to him by two emissaries, and possibly Apollos (16:12). The arrangement of the letter indicates a response determined by the issues put to Paul (7:1). The correspondences content is acquired via the subject matter being introduced through a formula (peri de), latter repeated in (7:25; 8:1; 12:1; 16:1; 12). Notably, Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to address exceptional issues, rather than to demonstrate common principles, or to give an expose of Christian practice.  [2]   Neyrey states: By his own admission, Paul thought and behaved like a typical, first-century Jew in the Eastern Mediterranean (Phil. 3:4b-6). à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Paul was clearly socialized into a Jewish and Pharisaic world. On the micro level, his cosmos consisted of biblical, temple, and pharisaic tradition. On the macro level, Paul shared with other first-century Mediterranean Jews certain cultural perceptions about the cosmos, a symbolic universe (Berger Luckmann1966). These perceptions inform all of his letters, colour the way he experienced reality, and structure the way he behaved. Those who would understand Paul ought also to share his perception, both on the micro and macro level.  [3]   There were various issues related to the community in Corinth. The three main problem areas were: a) the church, b) the members and c) authority. Problems within the church were notably related to mission, baptism, the Lords Supper, body life, love, worship and prophecy. Problems with members related to intellect, freedom, giving, sex, suffering and death. Problems with authority related to leaders, women and apostles.  [4]  Of these aforementioned problems and issues three are dealt with here. They are problems relating to the life and issues of the Corinthian Christian community at the time relative to (1) the Lords Supper, (2) sexual morality and (3) the role of women. (1) Problems within the church notably the Lords Supper. (1 Cor. 11:17-34) Paul had heard of scandalous behaviour in the Corinthian community worship relative to the Eucharist. The purpose of the Eucharistic gathering was to take part in the Lords Supper, as enacted by Jesus with the disciples. Regrettably, some of the Corinthian Christians were behaving in a way which denigrated the significance of the event.  [5]   This was as a result of class feelings and distinctions manifesting in the community (cf. James 2:1-4) with private cliques and affluent individuals initiating proceedings without waiting for others to eat. Gluttony, unsociable behaviour and drunkenness were becoming a familiar occurrence. To rebut this Paul reminds them that such conduct makes the professed reason for their joining in communion invalid and pointless.  [6]  Their actions constituted a contradiction to Church meaning and jeopardised the welfare of all. As such, Paul clearly perceived and understood this issue in the Corinthian community at the time. Furthermore, the intention of the Lords Supper was as a common meal, and Pauls condemnation relates to the Corinthians contradicting this principle (11:20-21). Thus, the Christians of Corinth would be better served by eating in their own homes rather than feigning a pretentious a unity repudiated by their behaviour. Pauls intention is not to censure gluttony and drunkenness, but to emphasize an egocentric apathy which is the antithesis of love.  [7]   Pauls denunciation is explicit as the Corinthians behaviour held communion in contempt (v.22) and could not being allowed to persist. Pauls remedial approach is by way of an explanation of the Eucharist. Paul showed how love is necessary for the Eucharist to have meaning and this love commences in their personal community relationships with one another, particularly the poor.  [8]   Relevant to this point, Murphy OConner notes that: The unity for the church is something more than physical juxtaposition in a determined space. It is a vital sharing of life and the Corinthians cannot deceive themselves that they enjoy this if the physical life of the poor is endangered because they do not have enough to eat.  [9]   (2) Problems with members notably sex. Pauls severe reprimand on sexual immorality defiling the church is presented in (5:1-6). From the start the Christian stance to the widespread unseemly Corinthian sexual practices and thought was one of uncompromising opposition, for sexual negligence was endemic with first-century Greeks. However, the Corinthians view of their emancipation in Christ was such that they felt inclined towards a different approach to other Christians, yet this was one which permitted even worse evils than the Greeks.  [10]   Paul condemns such sexual sin in the strongest of terms (6:9-20) because the troubles in the Corinthian church were basically related to sexual conduct.  [11]  Moreover, prostitution and immorality were invasive with marriages in Corinth in a dilemma and Christians unsure how to respond. Accordingly, Paul gave meaningful and practical solutions.  [12]   Pauls instruction can be separated into heterosexual and homosexual activity outside of marriage. Paul refuted the argument assuming that as Christians were not bound by food laws then the same applied to sexual laws (6:13). Pauls unyielding and persuasive argument said that it is fundamentally impossible to compare the two, as in Christian terms the word body means much more than animal tissue. Paul maintained that body is the self and he marshalled numerous arguments to sustain this position.  [13]   Pauls argument is bases on six facts: (a) that our body matters to God (1:63), (b) our body will be raised (6:14), (c) our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (6:19), (d) our body is harmed by immorality(6:18), (e) fornication for a Christian is a rebellious act of independence, and most importantly (f) that our body belongs to Christ (6:19-20). Paul concludes by counselling to shun immorality (6:18) and emphasising that the body is for the Lord and should be kept that way, with this possibility only accessible through the power of the Holy Spirit.  [14]   Relative to homosexuality, Paul gives scant attention to the issue however he makes the point that it is basically unacceptable for Christian practice (6:9-11) and that it can be changed (6:9-11). His premise is that homosexuality is immoral and an unattainable avenue to Heaven. Paul refers to Genesis and the image of God residing mutually in the male and female (Gen.1:27).  [15]   (3) Problems relating to authority and women. Paul is considered by many to be a misogynist (a man who hates women). Nevertheless, Pauls overall attitude to women was reflective of the time and culture. However, Jesus teachings were revolutionary relative to the role and rights of women, and Paul embraced this new perception afforded to women.  [16]   The situation of women in Corinthian society indicates that women were held in low esteem in Hebrew, Greek and Roman culture. A womens authority was severely limited in that she was subject to the authority of her father or husband, could not inherit property, could not testify in a court of law, or claim right to education. Moreover, the temple of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, prostituted a thousand women in its service further demeaning their social status. Such was the state of affairs of women in Corinth at that time and the problem faced by Saint Paul.  [17]   Conversely, Christianity engaged women in church and community work, women such as Mary, Tryphaena and Tryphosa who worked hard in the Lord (Rom.16:12). They are found labouring with Paul in spreading the gospel (Phil.4:3) and supporting in various ways. For women both to pray and prophecy during public worship (1 Cor.11:5) was acceptable by Paul, despite being a contradiction to the customs of the time.  [18]   The fact that Paul was clear on the position of women in the church and that they were equal with all others is clarified in Galatians (3:28). For Paul men and women had complete equality of standing before God (1 Cor. 11:11). Unquestionably, the revolutionary teaching of Jesus had systematically permeated into the heart of Paul, the rabbi and apostle of Jesus. However, an issue on which Paul disagreed with women was regarding womens headdress (11:5). By dispensing with the customary covering for their heads many of women within the Corinthian church were defying tradition. It appears they viewed their action as having religious importance as the particular circumstance on which they chose to exhibit their uncovered heads was at worship. Their unconventional behaviour was obviously an expression of a new found freedom related to the Christian faith.  [19]   Undoubtedly, this was an assertion of feminine freedom found within the context of the new faith. To these women the covered head was symbolical of their subordination to men, and ceased to be acknowledged by them under conditions of worship. Paul differed with them on this point of headdress despite acknowledging womens right to speak in church under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This Paul ruled as an exception to the silence he otherwise imposed on them (ch.14:34), nevertheless he considered it did not excuse them from covering their heads.  [20]   Having considered problems within the church relating to the Lords Supper, sex and women there is, however, a further dynamic for reflection when appreciating the circumstances that occasioned I Corinthians. That dynamic is a developing conflict between the church in Corinth and Paul himself. Watson notes Gordon Fees observation that the language and style of I Corinthians are especially rhetorical and combative. Paul is taking them on at every turn à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ he is attacking and challenging with all the weapons in his literary arsenal.  [21]   While Paul is undoubtedly seeking to right both their theology and practices in a comprehensive way, it is clear that Paul needs to defend his apostolate. Moreover, the fact remains that the Corinthians had written to the apostle seeking his advice. This proves that he remains an authority figure in their eyes, understanding and appreciating their lives and issues. Hermeneutically, Corinth reflects realistically on our contemporary Christian community situation. The problems and issues addressed by St.Paul are still relevant to society and the church today. The text offers a splendid observation of Paul the church cultivator and pastor utilizing his theology for the service of the church. Green notes: The spread of abuses and problems at Corinth enable us to share the apostles perspective on a large number of issues of contemporary importance to the church. The whole correspondence throbs with life and love. However, there are difficulties associated with Corinthians that keep it a closed book to most church members today. The Corinthian issues are considered too awkward to tackle, such as tongues, prophecy and veiled women.  [22]   Naturally, this appraisal would be stalled at the outset if Pauls solutions to these problems relate simply to antiquated issues, For example, if First Corinthians rests on the necessity of the Lords Supper, sexual practices or the wearing veils to worship then the ethical instruction of Paul may well be relegated to archaic morality. Fortunately, however, the ethic of Paul is a protest against that very kind of literalistic and legalistic teaching. His concern with the practical should not be construed as a banal particularise. Rather, the concern with particulars rests on the conviction that basic ethical concerns are relevant o every aspect of human conduct.  [23]   Providentially, however, Pauls ethic is an objection to such literalistic and legalistic teaching. His concern with the practical should not be negatively construed but rather his concern with facts supports his conviction that fundamental ethical issues are pertinent to all facets of human behaviour. Pauls analysis and response to these commonplace issues offer theological considerations of merit. Repeatedly throughout First Corinthians Paul commences with a common concern, probes its depth for theological understanding, and applies theological principles for the practical application Christian life.  [24]   Pauls theological ethic can only be fully understood in relation to its application and relevance. First Corinthians may be applied as here as a fundamental source for investigation because the tension between the practical and theological are constantly sustain. Here the Christocentric character of Pauls thought is clearly expressed with Pauls answers founded on the rock of Christ. In conclusion it has been seen how Paul confronted the Corinthians Christians regarding their sins and shortcomings, exhorting them not to merge with the world or accept its false values and erroneous lifestyles. The root causes of these errors may be seen in an assimilation of the gospel to Hellenism however a more plausible reason is the human inclination to reshape God in our own image. Paul was well aware of what and why he was doing it when he wrote to the church of God at Corinth (1:2). The apostles purpose in writing to the Corinthians is clearly reproving. Paul wants them to know that he is concerned with the assembly and tells them what they should and not do in explicit terms. In addressing the issues relating to the Lords Supper, marriage and women (as with the other issues) Paul exhibits a clear understanding of the facts. This is received through the reliability of the sources and Pauls own background and worldly experiences. His adroit and forthright response addresss the situation squarely and accurately warranting an effective outcome. Paul makes it clear that his actions have no self advantage but that his writing is a command of the Lord (14:37). Pauls letter to the Corinthians offers the contemporary reader a window into a real and struggling early Christian community that challenged the Corinthians to allow the gospel to engage them in the reality of their daily lives. Likewise, the contemporary reader is challenged to allow the gospel message to engage them in the very realities of daily life and to celebrate their oneness in Christ when the church gathers for Eucharist and spiritual communication.

Seaweeds :: Biology, Biodiversity, Marine Food

Seaweeds belong to a group of organisms that has enormous ecological importance and represent a significant proportion of the world’s biodiversity. Seaweeds have always been of great interest in Asian culture as marine food sources (Rioux et al., 2009). In contrast, Seaweeds represent an important economical resource mostly in the countries of East and south Asia where they are not only largely harvested but also intensively and largely employed in the human nutrition (Caliceti et al., 2002). They can be classified as green algae (Chlorophyta), red algae (Rhodophyta) and brown algae (Phaeophyta) depending on their nutrient and chemical composition (Dawczynski et al., 2007). In addition, the seaweed industry uses tones of wet seaweeds annually, either from the wild or from cultivated crop (Dhargalkar and Verlecar, 2009). Seaweeds or marine macroalgae are potential renewable resource in the marine environment and known to be extremely rich source of bioactive compounds (Chandini et al., 2008). Therefore, algae can be a very interesting natural source of new metabolites with various biological activities that could be used as functional ingredients (Plaza et al., 2008). Biological activities are correlated to the presence of chemical compounds, particularly secondary metabolites. The presence of these compounds may assist in predicting some traditional uses of medicinal plants (Kamatou et al, 2008). However, novel potential areas have to be explored in order to maximize the effective utilization of seaweeds. The Phaeophyceae or brown seaweeds are a large group of multicellular algae, and they play an important role in marine environments both as food, and for the habitats they form. Most brown seaweeds contain the pigment fucoxanthin and various pheophycean tannins which are responsible for the distinctive greenish-brown color as the name indicated. Worldwide there are about 1500 species of brown seaweeds and they produce vast numbers of useful secondary metabolites (Davis et al., 2003, Reddy and Urban, 2009). Some species are of sufficient commercial importance, such that they have become subjects of extensive research in their own right. The term cosmeceutical is now commonly used to describe a cosmetic product that exerts a pharmaceutical therapeutic benefit (Choi and Berson, 2006). Therefore, cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products with biologically active ingredients purporting to have medical or drug-like benefits. Dermatological research suggests that the bioactive ingredients used in cosmeceuticals do indeed have benefits beyond the traditional cosmetics such as creams, lotions, and ointments (Chen et al., 2005). There are number of synthetic components have been extensively used as ingredients for cosmetics. Seaweeds :: Biology, Biodiversity, Marine Food Seaweeds belong to a group of organisms that has enormous ecological importance and represent a significant proportion of the world’s biodiversity. Seaweeds have always been of great interest in Asian culture as marine food sources (Rioux et al., 2009). In contrast, Seaweeds represent an important economical resource mostly in the countries of East and south Asia where they are not only largely harvested but also intensively and largely employed in the human nutrition (Caliceti et al., 2002). They can be classified as green algae (Chlorophyta), red algae (Rhodophyta) and brown algae (Phaeophyta) depending on their nutrient and chemical composition (Dawczynski et al., 2007). In addition, the seaweed industry uses tones of wet seaweeds annually, either from the wild or from cultivated crop (Dhargalkar and Verlecar, 2009). Seaweeds or marine macroalgae are potential renewable resource in the marine environment and known to be extremely rich source of bioactive compounds (Chandini et al., 2008). Therefore, algae can be a very interesting natural source of new metabolites with various biological activities that could be used as functional ingredients (Plaza et al., 2008). Biological activities are correlated to the presence of chemical compounds, particularly secondary metabolites. The presence of these compounds may assist in predicting some traditional uses of medicinal plants (Kamatou et al, 2008). However, novel potential areas have to be explored in order to maximize the effective utilization of seaweeds. The Phaeophyceae or brown seaweeds are a large group of multicellular algae, and they play an important role in marine environments both as food, and for the habitats they form. Most brown seaweeds contain the pigment fucoxanthin and various pheophycean tannins which are responsible for the distinctive greenish-brown color as the name indicated. Worldwide there are about 1500 species of brown seaweeds and they produce vast numbers of useful secondary metabolites (Davis et al., 2003, Reddy and Urban, 2009). Some species are of sufficient commercial importance, such that they have become subjects of extensive research in their own right. The term cosmeceutical is now commonly used to describe a cosmetic product that exerts a pharmaceutical therapeutic benefit (Choi and Berson, 2006). Therefore, cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products with biologically active ingredients purporting to have medical or drug-like benefits. Dermatological research suggests that the bioactive ingredients used in cosmeceuticals do indeed have benefits beyond the traditional cosmetics such as creams, lotions, and ointments (Chen et al., 2005). There are number of synthetic components have been extensively used as ingredients for cosmetics.

Cox Enterprises Essay -- GCSE Business Marketing Coursework

Cox Enterprises Media Corporations in the Global Marketplace Cox Enterprises, Inc. (CEI) is an Atlanta-based media conglomerate that has ties into nearly all media forms today. Since the founding of Cox Enterprises by James M. Cox in 1898, CEI has been established as a media staple through newspapers, radio, television, cable, telephone, and Internet communications . As of 2000, Cox Enterprises was ranked seventh in AdAge’s â€Å"100 Leading Media Companies† . Cox Enterprises is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is currently being led by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer James C. Kennedy, the grandson of James M. Cox. Cox Enterprises ,Inc. is the parent company for Cox Communications, Inc., Cox Interactive Media, Inc., Cox Newspapers, Inc., Cox Radio, Inc., Cox Television, and Manheim Auctions, Inc . Since James Kennedy became the CEO for Cox Enterprises in 1988, revenues have increased from $1.8 billion to more than $7.8 billion in 2000 . The public trading of both Cox Communications and Cox Radio since the company takeover by Kennedy has resulted in a respectable market capitalization of $27 billion and $2.4 billion. The establishment of Cox Enterprises began in 1898 when James M. Cox purchased the Dayton Evening News in Ohio . Prior to the success of Cox’s media career, he ran and lost against Warren G. Harding in the 1920 Presidential election. Upon losing the election, Cox decided to return to Ohio and focus on his media business. In 1934, he...

Essay --

The Time Is Now To Remove Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Scope of Practice Barriers As Americans enter into the dawn of the Affordable Care Act of 2014; and the open enrollment period has begun to allow access to the Health Insurance Marketplace as part of the U.S. healthcare reform 32 million Americans are expected to become newly insured. It is now the time that Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRNs) scope of practice barriers is abolished to allow APRNs the right to practice within the full extent of their education and training. APRNs include nurse practitioners; certified nurse midwives, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists (Luterek, 2013). The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has encouraged the removal of the APRN scope of practice barriers, to legally permit the unrestricted ability to practice within the full degree of their education and training. The IOM noted that as millions of Americans are predicted to access healthcare services under the federal Affordable Care Act, APRNs should be in the forefront to provide that car e (ANA, 2011). Not surprisingly, Nurse Practitioners (NPs) have been providing exceptional health care since 1965 (NPWH). Today, over 125 thousand NPs practice nationwide (NPWH), and see greater than 600 million patient visits each year (ANA, 2011, p. 1). They are legally authorized to practice in all 50 states. NPs are regulated through their state's nurse practice act. They undergo extensive training and national board certification within a population specialty such as family, adult, gerontology, pediatrics, neonatal, acute care, women's health or psychiatric health demonstrating their expert knowledge and continued competence (NPWH). The national shortage of p... ...ope of Practice Barriers for Illinois Advanced Practice Nurses. Health and Medicine Policy Research Group. Chicago: Health and Medicine Policy Research Group. Retrieved February 8, 2014, from http://hmprg.org/assets/root/PDFs/2013/01/Nurse-Practice-Act-Position-Paper-Final.pdf NPWH. (n.d.). NP Facts. Retrieved February 10, 2014, from Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health Caring for Women: http://www.npwh.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3339 RWJF. (2013). Putting the Skills, Knowledge, and Experience of APRNs to Full Use Latest Charting Nursing's Future brief focuses on barriers to practice and how some institutions are overcoming them. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Retrieved February 10, 2014, from http://www.rwjf.org/en/about-rwjf/newsroom/newsroom-content/2013/07/putting-the-skills--knowledge--and-experience-of-aprns-to-full-u.html

Four foods common throughout Mexico Essay

Corn, and corn tortillas in particular, are common throughout all of Mexico. Corn tortillas are considered the â€Å"bread† of Mexican culture. Beans are almost always served as a side dish with all meals. Chilies, squash and tomatoes are all indigenous foods that thrive in the arid regions and are used for flavoring and as side dishes throughout the country. Chilies are also often integrated into main dishes. B. Comparison and Contrast of foods from three regions of Mexico Food from the Mexican plains region is typically more heavy with fats and starches. The region’s cuisine relies on meat and dairy products (most notably beef and cheese) in addition to the traditional beans and corn found elsewhere throughout the country. Tropical Mexico relies heavily on the fish and seafood that are abundant along the coast for its main dishes. It also incorporates food locally grown on plantations such as coffee, bananas, avocado, limes, tomatoes and tropical fruits such as mango, tamarind and coconut. Ceviche, a blend of raw fish, lime juice and vegetables, is very popular. Southern Mexican cuisine uses chayotes and cactus and relies heavily on chicken dishes, often marinated. Mole sauce, using chilies and chocolate originated in Southern Mexico and is used as a ceremonial dish at baptisms, weddings, and the Day of the Dead festivals. Even grasshoppers, which are quite abundant, are often eaten fried. Beans and avocados are also used in many dishes. Meat from goats and pork along with chilies and tortillas are often found in dishes from all regions. Chocolate and vanilla are two items that put Mexico on the map and quite popular throughout the country as flavorings. Chocolate is used in sauces as well as for drinking and often infused with cinnamon. Mexican cuisine is very reliant on the food sources most abundant in the region and so range the gamut from seafood to cactus. 6. Comparison and Contrast of food and customs of India’s Northern and Southern regions In Northern India wheat, tea, masala, pickled fruits and vegetables, garlic and eggs are commonly used. Most dishes are prepared by boiling, stewing or frying. Unleavened bread and a vegetable dish are served at breakfast and lunch. Dinner is the same with the additional of a few extra dishes. All meals are served with tea and lemonade in the summer. Hydrogenated oils are used for cooking. In Southern India, banana leaves serve as plates and boiled rice comes with every course. Vegetables and lentils make up the first two courses while rice and yogurt are in the third course. All are accompanied by pickles, chutney and fried wafers. Dessert is only served on special occasions. Coconut, plantain and fish are often used and tend to be spicy. They use peanut and sesame oil in addition to hydrogenated vegetable oil and prepare dishes by steaming. Rice, coffee, chutney fruits and vegetables are integral to the cuisine. Grains cooked into cereals are popular. Chickpeas and lentils are used in nearly every meal. Spicy vegetable curries, deep-fried, salty foods and sweets are popular as snacks. The foods of both regions are highly vegetarian, per religious beliefs. Neither region eats beef nor traditionally drinks alcohol. The spices and condiments heavy in Southern Indian cuisine are the influence of Jews and Christians. In the North, wheat is the staple food while rice reigns in the South. Northern Indians drink tea with their meals while Southern Indians prefer coffee. Since Pakistan was once part of India, the cuisine of the Northern region is very similar to that of Pakistani food. The foods of both regions are influenced heavily by their respective religions as well as the influx of foreign traders in earlier centuries. 7. A. Five foods indigenous to Caribbean In Jamaica, dukunnu is made with cornmeal, sugar, raisins spices and coconut and wrapped in banana leaves and boiled or baked. Jamaica also uses turn cornmeal made of cornmeal blended with peas, spices, coconut milk, saltfish and sometimes other ingredients. Peppers are indigenous all over the Caribbean and are commonly used to spice up dishes such as marinated â€Å"jerk† meats. Manioc, sweet potatoes and yams are served as a side dish or deep fried. There is heavy reliance on fish, including conch and shellfish. B. Identify the Caribbean country or island: 1. Sofrito – Cuba and Puerto Rico 2. Picadillo – Cuba 3. Jerk Foods – Jamaica 4. Sancocho – Dominican Republic 5. Moros y Cristianos – Cuba 6. Habichuelas con Dulce – Dominican Republic.

Adidas Csr

PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT Corporate Social Responsibility CASE STUDY: THE ADIDAS GROUP. SUPPLIER TRAINING PROGRAMMES 1. Provide the STO. ADIDAS Group is so well-known in the world that there is a huge pressure from stakeholders to ensure that all employees and their companies have the same ethics and working conditions, properly licensed and operating. To meet the demands of stakeholders, they want to educate the workers that are not from Germany to work as the Germans people works so that the brand does not lose the identity. The training focuses on aspects such as improving human resources managers to educate and care for the environment, health and safety. Thanks to these programs, the ADIDAS Group commitment to the working conditions, the company has already been recognized internationally, as well as improves the well-being of current workers and educates them to properly use company resources. 2. Who are the 2 main stakeholders management is trying to reach with their CRS initiatives? What are the key programs being delivered to these stakeholders? The two main stakeholders are the workers and the community. The idea is to put the workers to be as efficient as possible, and, about the community, put them in programs which are also accessible to others even if they are not workers. For example in China, they managed to create a diploma for those who do this program. The five programs are: ? Fair factories Clearinghouse (2006) is an information platform that encourages members to share information and collaborate to increase productivity, leading to even greater ease in security and working conditions. Human Resources Management Systems (2006) they create this department to have a control over who is hired for the company. Each new employee must correspond to each parameter. It also serves to better manage employees' careers and their pay, creating premiums and benefits. Better Work Program (2007) consists on training programs involving, among others, labor standards, workers rights, human resource management, supervisory skills, and occupational health and safety. Environment, Health & Safety academy (2009) is to improve an existing health and safety training program in the supply chain and get the rate of high skills officers up among the ancient officers. Occupational Health and Safety Officer Programs (2010) is a three-year program designed for the local Health and Safety officers across a range of management levels in accordance with pre-existing skills and local requirements. 3. What are the short-term benefits of the programs? What are the long-term benefits of the programs? Thanks to these programs, ADIDAS group, in a short-term, has been able to focus on its supply chain proactively and make significant changes witch benefit the well-being of current suppliers employees as well as their financial bottom line. In a long-term, the programs allow for increasing employee and customer retention as well as a significant increase in highlyskilled workers, thereby providing the ADIDAS group with increased productivity as well as high quality products. 4. What are some of the key challenges with the initiatives? What recommendations will you provide to management on how to address these challenges? These programs try to spread a professional trend concerned on the safety working conditions born in Europe. The key challenge ADIDAS Group can find on that is the different cultural basis of workers around the world. As the main part of supply chain is located in Asia, this challenge become more relevant in terms of actually poor working conditions. As a manager, we would recommend taking into account the different trends and historical background when setting up these training programs. Despite all this, the aim is to be always open, transparent and accountable when managing abroad, in order to satisfy stakeholders.

Mexican Drug War Essay

Mexican Drug War Introduction The Mexican Drug War is perhaps the deadliest and most devastating battle this country has encountered in it’s history. Its’ violence affects both civilians and its’ very culture. Since 2006, the border of Mexico has been a place of hostility, turmoil, and outright warfare which has transitioned throughout the countryside. Unlike traditional military solutions, Mexico and the United States must work together to quell the hostility by creating economic opportunities for those in Mexico, stop the flow of drugs into the US, and stop the feed of guns into Mexico. Background The Mexican Drug War is based in Mexico, although the United States can be blamed for making a large contribution to it. Mexican organizations that deal in illegal activities started during the US prohibition of alcohol in the 1920s. It seems that when there is a demand for an item in the US and no supply, Mexico has always been there to supplement our â€Å"needs†. A Mexican Cartel is a criminal organization developed with the main purpose of promoting and controlling drug trafficking operations both interstate and intrastate. They range from loosely managed business agreements among various drug traffickers to formal commercial enterprises. The main Mexican Cartels consist of the Sinaloa, Gulf, La Familia, Tijuana, Beltran, and Juarez cartels. These cartels cover the majority of the territory in Mexico. There are two main cartels that control most of the market, the Sinaloa Cartel and the Gulf Cartel. The Sinaloa Cartel is led by a man nicknamed â€Å"El Chapo†. He was in jail in 2001 but escaped allegedly in a laundry basket. He is the most wanted man in the world with a bounty of eighty-seven million dollars. No one has drawn so much law enforcement attention since Al Capone. He and the Sinaloa Cartel are so successful that he has his own Forbes profile, he is estimated to be worth one billion dollars, making him the 1140th richest man in the world and the 55th most powerful. There are also allegations that the Sinaloa Cartels teamed up with the the Mexican government to take out other cartels. The Gulf Cartel is reknowned for hiring a private mercenary army of corrupt elite military soldiers to work for them in 2001. The Sinaloa and Gulf Cartels worked together as partners up until February 2010, when their partnership dissolved. The dissolution  was so involved and violent that it turned some border towns into ghost towns. (Mexico’s Drug Wars). Most recreational drugs are outlawed in the United States and the main ones Mexico supplies are marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, and heroin. Marijuana has accounted for 858,408 arrests in 2009 in the US. It can have a lasting effect on young people with effects such as â€Å"structural and functional deficits of the brain†. Cocaine is a very dangerous drug, due to its power to get people hooked very quickly. The effects are scabs on mucus membrane, damage to the nasal septum, and eventually make your nose collapse. Heroin is a very addictive drug, in fact, one fourth of the people who try it, become addicts. The effects are infection of the heart lining and the valves, liver disease, lung disease, hepatitis and HIV/AIDS from needle use. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug that can cause loss of weight, teeth, the development of scabs and open sores on the face. It can also cause psycotic behaviors, such as paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions. ( Above the Influe nce) Defining the Problem In the city Juarez, a border city next to El Paso, violence has escalated to a point that people are actually moving their businesses to El Paso for safety precautions. The Mexican National death toll for the month of January 2013 was issued and it had 1104 related to the Mexican Drug War, that is an average of 34.45 deaths per day during that month. Juarez is the best example of how the Mexican drug war can ruin a town. The deaths in Mexico from the drug war amount to about 60,000 since 2006; 67 reporters, 3,500 officers, and over 1000 children. It has displaced over 1.6 million people, many of whom were forced to leave their possessions behind. The violence is astounding and is the main problem in this war. ( Mexico’s Drug War Violence and the Role the United States Plays) and (An Uneasy CoExistence: Security and Migration Along the El Paso-Ciudad Juarez Border) Causes There may be corruption in the Mexican government, and there is no way to be sure. They have denied everything, but claims say otherwise. If this is true, there has to be a new power in the Mexican government. Certain allegations say that the government has been turning a blind eye towards the  activities of the cartels or have taken bribes. When the cartels are allowed to run free, lives are lost. (Key issues on Obama’s Mexico trip: Trade, immigration, and drug war) The demand for drugs seems to be ingrained in the American culture. There are movies that portray the taking of drugs as a very cool, and natural thing to do, when really it can destroy lives. As long as we accept drugs as the thing to do, we will keep relying on the drugs that come from Mexico. Positions/Perspectives People all see the Mexican drug war with different views, and many want to approach it different ways. The world leaders are the people with the most influential views. United States President Barack Obama has said that the US will try to prevent demand for drugs and stop the illegal sale of guns but legalizing drugs is not our best choice. â€Å" I personally, and my administration’s position is, that legalization is not the answer†. (Key issues on Obama’s Mexico trip: Trade, immigration, and drug war) Pena Nieto, the current president of Mexico, has said that creating more economic opportunities for the citizens of Mexico will turn out to be Mexico’s greatest solution. Countrymen and others have to go to the drug cartels to make money and pay the bills, but when there are more choices for people, they don’t give the drug cartels life.( Key issues on Obama’s Mexico trip: Trade, immigration, and drug war) Another top Mexican official has said â€Å" Economically, there is no argument or solution other than legalization, at least of marijuana.† . He said that it would move nearly all production of marijuana to California. He also said â€Å" Mexico’s objective should be to make the US self sufficient in marijuana.† Also three former Latin American presidents have said that governments should very seriously consider the legalization of marijuana. (Saving Mexico) Solutions Overview of the US and Mexico working together efficiently means the US doing its part in stopping illegal gun sales and trying to douse the demand for drugs by its citizens while Mexico must attempt to stop the violence, and create more economic opportunities for people. Analysis of Solutions The US needs to regulate its gun laws. The Mexican authorities have seized 70,000 weapons of US origin from 2007 to 2011. When there are no guns, there  are no fire fights in the streets of Mexico. The guns going to Mexico are just gasoline on the fire. ( Mexico’s Drug War Violence and the Role the United States Plays) The countrymen of Mexico are subjected to producing for the cartels, and have no where else to go, but with more jobs and choices they are able to avoid this dirty work and go do anything else. (Mexico’s Drug War and the Role the United States Plays) If you can clear the drug cartel out of one town, you save that town. There may be other towns that need to be saved, but if you can make a difference in that one town, the difference will mean the world to them. Locally Mexico needs to try and fix a town at a time. Legalization of marijuana could be the best option, but according to the president, that cannot happen, off the table, not possible. The most efficient and effective solution is that Mexico and America work together by stopping the guns coming coming in and increasing the job diversity in Mexico. Conclusion