I Am Hiding At The Top Of The Staircase Crying - 974 Words

I’m hiding at the top of the staircase crying to the sound of my parents fighting. It’s almost a routine now. Only this time it’s different, my mother is leaving. I uncover myself because there’s no way I’m staying home with this monster. My persistence ensures me a seat at some peace; otherwise it was chaos and imprisonment I couldn’t cease. The very next day I wake for school only this time stronger knowing school is the only positive aspect in my life. In a way it’s the only thing that’s ever been there for me because all my hard work pays off with good grades. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case when I go back home today, so I walk the halls with a smile, for no one can see the burden I carry. I will never forget the effect Mrs. Daily had on me. She was one person who truly supported and believed in me when no one else in my life thought I existed. She knew I was bright so every day she would pull me out of recess or break time and have me read higher leveled books. School was the one place I was safe from the fighting. I was good at being a student so I wanted to be the best I could be. It was also my only support system. At home my siblings and I coped with my parents arguing in different ways and mine was to focus on school because that was what I was good at. The fighting continues only now I’m no longer in elementary school but I’m 13 and trying to make a life changing decision. This new decision includes choosing between attending Henry Ford Early College andShow MoreRelatedEssay on A Not So-Perfect Pancake1723 Words   |  7 Pagessmooth, and other times I would need a steamy iron to get rid of the bunching wrinkles. Overall though, the pancakes symbolized my mothers loyalty to me and served as a bonding tool. Waking up at 6:00 was never something I enjoyed. In fact, it was more of a wrestling match between my alarm clock and me. Staggering out of bed, I would somehow manage to drag myself into the shower and progress to drying my hair and finding clothes, on a good day they would even match. Then, I would routinely plopRead MoreEssay on Fall of Asclepius95354 Words   |  382 PagesFall of Asclepius By Harm 1 and Icrick Prologue Where should I begin? The apocalypse happened so fast. In less than a month, monsters infested every part of this world. People panicked, people died. They clawed at each other just to get out of all the infested areas around the world. There was problem about fleeing from infested areas. Everywhere was infested. There was no where anyone could go without encountering the walking plague. You know that phrase War is Hell? Well... its deadRead MoreIgbo Dictionary129408 Words   |  518 Pagesmake the manuscript available, I have therefore joined together the fragments of the electronic manuscript and converted all the diacritics to a single system. I hope I have done this consistently, but errors may still remain. Where something was mistyped from the ms. the global conversion occasionally produced eccentric results. I have checked this as far as possible against the photocopy, but some inconsistencies between photocopy and electronic file may remain. I have also corrected other obviousRead MoreA Short Story11644 Words   |  47 Pagescups of tea with both hands, like children mirroring one another. â€Å"I asked who Joachim is,† Doro finally says, putting her cup on the coffee table. Helena’s pulse jumps and she glances towards the door. What if this isn’t really Doro? Does she actually know this woman, or did she somehow find out about Helena’s amnesia, and decide to use it to her advantage? Con her way into an apartment where only a defenseless invalid is home. â€Å"I heard you,† she says slowly. 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On the top step were two boys in overalls, the Rainey twins -- both of them lanky and slow, with white hair and sleepy green eyes. The other man was Henry Macy, a shy and timid person with gentle manners and nervous ways, who sat on the edge of the bottom stepRead MoreEssay Developmental Psychology and Children43507 Words   |  175 Pagespleasure, excitement, frustration or anger. ââ€"   Establish shared understandings between home and setting about ways of responding to babies’ emotions. Have resources including picture books and stories that focus on a range of emotions, such as ‘I am happy’. 16-26 months Make choices that involve challenge, when adults ensure their safety. ââ€"   Explore from the security of a close relationship with a caring and responsive adult. ââ€"   Develop confidence in own abilities. ââ€"   The challenges that

The Catastrophic Impact of Rising Oceans on the Pacific...

The Catastrophic Impact of Rising Oceans on the Pacific Islands All over the world indigenous communities are faced with an array of new problems, though the public continues to gain insight into the lives of these people they continue to be marginalized in the global arena as well. The Pacific Islands are an entity far removed from the minds of most westerners. The primary focus of any political discourse within the United States places most emphasis on Australia and New Zealand ignoring the smaller less politically salient states. However, it is these smaller islands that will bare the brunt of one huge problem in the future, global warming. For the purpose of this paper I will ignore the polemics of global warming and not†¦show more content†¦Not only have increased temperatures been noticed on dry-land but also in the oceans, which is even more frightening. It is worse because the oceans absorb a lot of the atmospheric heat if it weren’t for that the land temperatures would be even higher. And with the polar ice caps receding the mean oceanic sea level is also rising. Speaking strictly in terms of the next hundred years the islands with the lowest altitudes are of greatest concern in regard to swelling oceans. Low-lying island states and atolls are especially vulnerable to climate change and associated sea-level rise because in many cases much of the terrain rarely exceeds 3-4m above present mean sea level. This is not to say that the other higher islands will escape unscathed from rising sea levels. For them the problem isn’t necessarily complete immersion but the alteration of costal zones is of concern. It is in these regions that most of the main settlements are and a majority of the vital economic infrastructures, making them very vulnerable. The ecosystems of the ocean are particularly sensitive to slight but permanent changes in the average surface temperature of the earth. For the people of the Pacific Islands this is crucial connected to their future. First, the coral reefs that are in the shallow waters surrounding many of the pacific islands are incredibly fragile to begin with. TheShow MoreRelatedRising Temperatures Is Yet Another Effect We Can See From1453 Words   |  6 PagesRising temperatures is yet another effect we can see from global warming. Weather patterns are beginning to shift causing droughts, flooding, wildfires, and hurricanes. Dr. Piers Seller, Director of Earth Sciences Division NASA said that, â€Å"This is very important, because we think the biggest impact from climate change is the moving of the precipitation belts. From the equator they ll go further out, so we re already seeing signs of a system drought. So that causes more drought in places that areRead MoreThe Colorado River And The State Of Colorado915 Words   |  4 Pagesin China. Many scientists believe that a severe reduction in annual rainfall is due largely to the absence of adequate reforestation projects. Drier air causes water to evaporate more rapidly. Even standing water disappears in some regions. The Island of La Gonà ¢ve, one of Haiti’s largest, consists of very dry land, as if it has not rained for years. There will be no crops without rainfall. Since moisture helps dissipate heat, it should be no surprise that surface temperatures will continue to riseRead More Exemplification Essay: Why The World Is Doomed1086 Words   |  5 Pagesemits a very toxic byproduct called CO2. Carbon is incredibly dangerous to the earths atmosphere, and erodes huge holes in the ozone layer of our earth. This erosion causes global warming and climate change that is permanent and irreversible. The impact of global warming will not only effect generation to come, but present generations as well. Society is within a paradox of this issue. Governments around the world, utilize this black gold as a form of economic strength, and have generated hugeRead MoreA Report On Osaka Prefecture1928 Words   |  8 Pagescentral portion of the Japanese archipelago. It has a population of roughly 8.8 million people. Osaka used to have the second highes population of Japan but has recently dropped to third next to Tokyo and Kanagawa. It is home of several man-made islands, one of which is Kansai Inrenational Airport, and several other off-coast architectural miracles of modern day ingenuity. Osaka is a beautiful place to live and is also one of the safest places to live in the world as far as crime and pollution areRead MoreTerrigal-Coastal Management2695 Words   |  11 Pagessand bar. On calmer days, the sand is brought back to the beach. * Storm damage can affect coastal properties. This is especially made obvious when buildings are constructed on sand dunes. When the sand is taken, the result on the houses is catastrophic. * Lagoons, which are formed where sand deposits to form a baymouth barrier at the entrance to a bay, either partially or fully, blocking it off. Here, either the lagoon can access the sea during high tide or it can be closed for the majorityRead MoreThe Greenhouse Effect - Causes Impacts4209 Words   |  17 PagesThe Greenhouse Effect: Causes Impacts INTRODUCTION The greenhouse effect refers to circumstances where the short wavelengths of visible light from the sun pass through a transparent medium and are absorbed, but the longer wavelengths of the infrared re-radiation from the heated objects are unable to pass through that medium. The trapping of the long wavelength radiation leads to more heating and a higher resultant temperature. Besides the heating of an automobile by sunlight through the windshieldRead MoreEnvironmental Effects of Tourism on Thai Coral Reefs3489 Words   |  14 Pagestheir nations, and vast amounts of money have been invested set up the infrastructure to support such an industry. However, aside from the large economic advantages to the industry, there are inevitably negative impacts to the host nation and the world as a whole. These negative impacts usually materialise in the form of environmental or socio-cultural issues; and in many cases, these have all but been pushed aside, with economic advantages prevailing ov er all else. Only recently has the world startedRead MoreThe Human Web: Class Notes3179 Words   |  13 Pagesthe interior o Due to rain patterns and lack of rivers, southwestern Asia and eastern Africa benefited less from these improvements and still relied heavily on overland caravans ïÆ'Ëœ In the Pacific web, the reasons for the web were more political than commercial o Caused by the similarities between the islands, combined with the vast distances between ïÆ'Ëœ The American web stretched from the Great Lakes to the southern Andes o Encompassed anywhere from 40-60 million people o Water transport was important Read More Tacoma Narrows Bridge Essay2683 Words   |  11 Pagesfailure of the bridge, and ultimately the rebuilding project. The bridge was constructed roughly 8 miles west of downtown Tacoma and 40 miles south of Seattle. This area of Washington is a maze of waterways and islands named the Puget Sound where the Pacific Ocean meets the mainland of Washington. The original build location is known as the Tacoma Narrows, due to the proximity of Olympic Peninsula and the mainland. The Olympic Peninsula is home to beaches, the Hoh Rain Forest, the OlympicRead MoreNuclear Disasters9971 Words   |  40 Pages Introduction: One of the scariest things about nuclear power is when something goes wrong and an accident occurs. Radiation is released into the environment and people get hurt. Two of the most famous nuclear accidents occurred at the Three Mile Island reactor 2 in the United States and the Chernobyl reactor 4 in the former Soviet Union. In this text we will discuss these two disasters, along with correcting a few common misconceptions about nuclear accidents. The Myth of a Reactor Explosion:

The Old Mans Speech In Version Essay free essay sample

, Research Paper The Old Mans address in version A of The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus by Christopher Marlowe seems to be coming from a kinder, more compassionate Old Man than in version B. In version A, it seems to be coming from person who deeply attentions about Dr. Faustus, and is speaking from a friend s point of view. In version B the Old Man seems to be speaking from more of an important place. One in which the Old Man is non a friend but person assigned to censure Dr. Faustus for his errors. In version A the Old Man talks quietly and calmly of Dr. Faustus heinous offenses of flagitious wickednesss and speaks of the heavenly remainder found in Eden, a topographic point in which he can still atone and be admitted to. He speaks largely of non what he has done incorrect, but of what he needs to make in order to be saved by the savior Sweet. We will write a custom essay sample on The Old Mans Speech In Version Essay or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page To drop blood and mix it with cryings, sorry cryings of Dr. Faustus heavy caput filled with vile and nauseating foulness, cryings inquiring for forgiveness. It about seems as if in this version there is a good opportunity Dr. Faustus will atone and travel against the fait of him, foreshadowed earlier in the drama. Version B trades minute stly with the Old Man stating Dr. Faustus what non to make, if he does non desire to travel to hell. He tells Dr. Faustus to go forth this blasted art and repent before it is excessively late, and he is banished from the sight of Eden. The Old Man speaks instead bluffly and honestly about what snake pit is all about alternatively of crushing around the shrub like it seems he does in version A. The Old Man after being so blunt so goes on to state that he is non talking out of choler towards him, but out of stamp love. The Old Man besides says that this is merely a friendly reprimanding, non so much a menace. Whether or non the Old Man is being true with this is up to the reader to make up ones mind. Even through these differences the two transitions convey the same basic message, repent before it is excessively late. Therefore, my reading of the drama at this point is non effected. The fait of Dr. Faustus is told to us early in the drama through the mention to fabulous Grecian character Icarus, so there is non excessively much room for alteration in sentiment while reading the drama. This drama besides being a drama of a tragic hero exposing a common trait of these heroes, hubris, you know this trait will be his ruin and lead to his death.

Justification Byfaith Essays - Lutheran Theology, Methodism

Justification Byfaith In verse 15, Paul writes, We who are Jews by birth and not 'Gentile sinners Paul seems to be telling his gentile reader that the Torah has no bearing on their salvation. I feel that he purposely or inadvertently gives the law merit more merit than intended by suggesting that Jews are not sinners because they received the law. He draws a distinction between himself and the gentile sinners yet he is telling his audience that the ways, some of which are still a part of his own way of life, are irrelevant. He seems to almost make a separation of culture and religion. He seems to be saying that the rectitude of the Jews dates from birth, because the Jewish religion is a part of their culture. Peter claims to live up to the requirements of the Law. He had circumcision, the covenant, the promises, the apostleship. But in spite of his advantages as a Jew he still lets readers know that the law alone cannot save them. Verse 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ. this is one of the clearest definitions in Scripture regarding the way in which we can become justified. Here in Galatians 2:16, justification deals with the fact that we cannot be justifiedor given good standing before Godthrough our obedience to the Law of Moses. According to Paul, it must be given to us by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ. Verse 16 Even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by doing the works of the law, because no one will be justified by doing the works of the law. The later part of verse 16 shows how much Paul has dedicated his work to the concept of justification by faith. Some would say that the reason for his adamant insistance of faith in Christ is related to his vision on the way to Damascus. It was such an incredible experience that he felt that every one needed to know that it was by faith alone that they could be justified. As a devout Jew he had followed the Law his entire life and felt it important that people know that in spite of his doing all the works of the Torah he was not justified before his vision. Verse 17. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners; is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. Some critics of this passage would argue that there are two sets of behavior standards given for Christian and Jews. In order to obtain salvation in Jewish faith one must follow the rule of like and ceremony. In order that a Christian obtain salvation they must only believe in Christ. Some were worried that this new religion would be saturated by people who wanted to commit acts against the law and still be saved because they professed to believe in Christ. The concept of grace and mercy was a foreign one and harsh judgment was a reality of the day. The other part of this verse was, is Christ a master of sin? Paul knew that some would argue that if all Christian had to do was believe that Christ must be a proponent of sin because he didnt threaten any penalty comparable to that of the old testament. Paul inserted that Christ was certainly not a master of sin. The Martin Luther commentary of Galatians states All who say that faith alone in Christ does not justify a person, convert Christ into a minister of sin, a teacher of the Law, and a cruel tyrant who requires the impossible. All merit-seekers take Christ for a new lawgiver. Martin Luther is saying that if Christ had required more than belief he would be a Minister of sin because that much pressure on people is cruelty. He also wrote in is commentary; The Law drives us away from God, but Christ reconciles God unto us, for He is the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world. Now if the sin of

Exegesis Of Rev. 11-20 Essays - Christian Eschatology, Christology

Exegesis Of Rev. 1:1-20 Revelation as a whole is often viewed as a very hard book to understand. However, if taken in small sections and really studied closely, the meaning of the text can come through. The first step to understand the book is to understand when it was written and the occasion and purpose for which it was written. Revelation was written at a point when Christians were under great persecution by Rome. Most scholars believe it was written somewhere around A.D. 95 by the apostle John. The book was written to encourage the new Christians at the seven churches to hold fast and not give in the emperor worship that was beginning to be enforced. John had already been exiled to the island of Patmos (1:9) and others were coming under great persecution. John writes this letter to encourage the believers that Christ's return is imminent and that they should not be dispirited by the persecution they are going through now. Instead, he echoes Matthew 5:10, that ?Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.? There are many interesting things about Revelation 1. The first verse itself is somewhat interesting. It reads, ?The revelation of Jesus Christ This is intriguing in that we're not quite sure what is meant by a revelation of Jesus. The Greek word for revelation is apokalupsis, which means ?used of events by which things or states or persons hitherto withdrawn from view are made visible to all.? (Strongs Concordance) The strange thing about the use of this word is that in the context of the verse, it is not made clear whether John means that it is a revelation of Jesus Christ, or about Jesus Christ, or both. As we move on in the chapter, we come to verse 3, where it is written, ?Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy...? This verse is worthy of note because of it is the first beatitude of the seven that are contained in Revelation. By saying that the person who reads this book is blessed, John is saying that the reader is much more than happy, but he is favored by God. As the verse continues, we read that ?the time is near.? This is a reference to Christ's return and the judgment that will come with it. This is a theme that is echoed by almost all of the New Testament, as in James 5:9, which says, The Judge is standing at the door!? Revelation 1:4 provides yet another intriguing aspect of the book in general. ?John, to the seven churches in the province of Asia?from the seven spirits before his throne.? This demonstrates one of the distinctive features of Revelation, the repetitive use of the number seven. In totality, it is used 52 times throughout the entire book. There are seven churches (1:4), seven spirits (1:4), seven golden lampstands (1:12), seven stars (1:16), and many others. Verse 1:7 produces a bit of a conundrum. It states, ?all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him.? Jesus is of course the ?him? being referred to here. However, the problem at first glance is that all people ?will mourn.? Christians believe that Christ's second coming will be a time of great celebration and a time eagerly awaited. Yet this verse says that it will be a time of mourning. Upon closer inspection however, and good cross-referencing, we find that it does not mean we will mourn him coming. Instead, it can mean one of two things. First of all, it could mean that all humanity will mourn what was done to Jesus on the cross. Secondly, there could be a limitation on ?all.? In Revelation 13:8 it says, ?And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life.? This states that all means all who are not saved. This could also be what 1:7 means when it says all, instead of meaning all people on earth. Eventually, we come to find out how John had this revelation. It says that ?On the Lords Day I was in the Spirit (1:10) This terminology is somewhat interesting. As

chile essays

chile essays The country of Chile is located in western South America. The conditions vary with the mountains, deserts, and beaches. Climate The climate is one condition that may vary within different regions. The country extends a long distance from north to south. There is a lack of rainfall to the north. there the air is able to hold much of the moisture. Middle Chile has hot, dry summers and cool, moist winters. The temperatures aren't often extreme. The warmest month, January, averages 63.7 degrees Ferenheit. The coolest months, June and July, Average 53.3 F. More to the south the rain increases, and the length of the summerdry season shortens. Rainfall totals more than 200 inches per year in some places. The land Chile has the longest seacoast in the world. It stretches more than 2,600 miles from north to south. The country is about nine times longer than it is wide. It is only about 227 miles east to west at its widest point. Chile has a small piece of antarctica and some Pacific is! lands including Easter Island. The total area of Chile is 292,258 square miles. About 70% of the land is mountainous because of the mountain chain , the Andes, that runs through it. The countries that border Chile are Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina. The capital and largest city in Chile is Santiago, with a populatoin of 4,421,900 people. The highest elevation is Mount Ojos del Sabado. The lowest is at sea level. Vegetation (Flora) The vegetation also varies with region. In the far north along the coast there is seasonal desert plant life. In the desert interior there is almost no growth though. To the east a bit, on the Andean slopes, are scatterings of cacti and desert shrubs. In central Chile the plant life varies with latitude and altitude. In the lowlands blackberry thickets and scrub vegetation are most common. Along the coast grow species of palm trees. The vegetation gets heavier toward the south. The south was originally covered by tree growth, but much ...

Writer's Choice Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Writer's Choice - Movie Review Example The result was a huge loss of public money. It appears that during the early stages of this transition financial sector was favored by politicians; however, during the times of crisis considerable pressure was exerted over political forces by the previously favored financial sector. The role of academics in this regard is also controversial since the income of many such figures is largely based on their work as consultants mainly involved in favoring the working of financial sector. In my opinion, this whole move which started taking its shape in the 80s was a very well planned action which was taken by the learned elite of the society. Their knowledge of fiscal issues coupled with the mal-intent of politicians aimed at targeting the natural greed of a common person; money was used as a tool to convert opposition into friendliness. The ultimate result was the formation of a high-rise mountain of gold which filled the pockets of those who planned it; leaving the others bankrupt and

Criminal Law & The Canadian Criminal Code Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Criminal Law & The Canadian Criminal Code - Essay Example Being found in a bawdy house is a summary offence and the offender faces a maximum term of six months in prison and/or a $2000 fine (sections 210 (2) and 211). Simply stated, prostitution crimes are mainly focused on those acts committed in public. This includes but is not limited by a prostitute stopping a car in traffic or approaching a prospective client in the street and offering sexual services. (section 213(1)). 2. Under the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act in Canada, a person commits an offence under section 4, when he fails, to exercise control properly over a person under their effective command and control or fails to effectuate authority and control over their watch and as a result that person who is supposed to be under their watch commits an offence under section 6;(b), and further, the military commander knows, or is criminally negligent in failing to know, that the person is about to commit or is committing such an offence. Thus the two elements that must be present are first that there is an active war and second that the person during this time, a person under the control or dominion of the soldier is committing a crime. 3. "Conduct is negligen

Crisis and conflict are inevitable in capitalist economies Essay Example for Free

Crisis and conflict are inevitable in capitalist economies Essay Marx believed that capitalism was doomed, and he developed an intricate analysis of the law of motion of capitalist society to prove it (Fusfeld 2002, p 50). At one level his argument had a moral basis. He argued that the inherent injustices of capitalism lead ultimately to social and economic conditions, which cannot be maintained (Fusfeld 2002, p 50). On another level his argument is sociological: class conflict- between a decreasing number of increasingly wealthy capitalists and a growing and increasingly miserable working class- will lead ultimately to a social revolution (Fusfeld 2002, p 50). To conclude his Final argument is economic, that the accumulation of capital in private hands makes possible economic abundance; yet accumulation also leads to depressions, chronic unemployment and the economic breakdown of capitalism (Fusfeld 2002, p 50). At each level the idea of conflict is emphasized: conflict between ideal reality, between capital and labor, and between stagnation (Fusfeld 2002, p 50). Out of conflict comes change, and in this respect according to Marx, capitalism must give way to another society in which conflict is replaced by ethical, social, and economic harmony. Furthermore, Marx argued that the crisis would become deeper and severe longer as capitalism developed. Student no. Z3220293 However Marxs analysis of conflict within capitalist societies was limited by his theory of the laws of motion. He argued that conflict between classes created by an unequal distribution of wealth, and would ultimately lead to an unsustainable social situation prompting the demise of the world capitalist system. Thus, he perceived class conflict as the fatal flaw of capitalism. However his detractors would argue that conflict of some form exists in all human interactions and thus has existed in all political and economic systems, concluding that capitalism addresses this inherently human conflict in order to avoid crisis. In a capitalist society according to Marx, the two great economic interests are those of a capitalist and worker. These two classes stand opposition to each other, since the capitalist can prosper only if the worker is exploited. In this respect capitalism is only the latest in series of social organizations in which one class exists at the expense of another, stated in the communist manifesto. Marxists would further argue that peoples dominated politically or economically by great capitalist nations now bear the burden of exploitation, poverty and unemployment However as a proof of Marxs errors, his detractors point to the rising living standards of modern nations. The working class has not been subjected to growing misery, and labor unions have gained economic and political power in all major industrialized countries (Fusfeld 2002, p 50). Moreover, the working class Student no. Z3220293 has shared the increased wealth, income, and economic benefits that have been spread widely throughout all social classes. In spite of all the concessions that have been made to the working class, such as social welfare legislation, union organization and higher living standards Marxists contend that the basic defects of capitalism remain, holding back economic growth and postponing the emergence of the abundant society (Fusfeld 2002, p 50). Nevertheless Marxs prediction of the triumph of socialism and the creation of democratic, egalitarian, and nonexplotive society has not proved accurate. Capitalism was placed on the defensive by the rise of communist regimes in Russia and China, and by the spread of socialism through many of the less-developed countries (Fusfeld 2002, p 60). But in most instances, these non-capitalist economies developed authoritarian political regimes, new forms of economic and social inequality, and new aspects of exploitation. Ultimately Marx argued, as Fusfeld states ( 2002) the economy could achieve widespread abundance and produce enough for all, and at that point in human history all people could be completely free, both politically and economically. Further more Marxist economics suggested that capitalism could not achieve this Student no. Z3220293 goal, as it prevented the full development of modern technology and resulted in periodic stoppage of capital accumulation. However, it is evident that under capitalism technology has flourished. More so capitalism has provided the push for new productive industries, as it is a continued to growing and change. Thus such an economy offers more opportunities then a stagnant one. For example China is the manufacturing hub of the globe. Even though China has its roots in communism it is still regarded as an extremely influential capitalist society. Its cities are booming. There are more building cranes in china than in all the United States. Chinas super-highways are filled with modern cars. Its research and development centers are state of the art. At the rate its growing, China will soon be the largest economy in the world. In these respects it is evident to conclude that under capitalism economies have grown and benefited, due to its productive nature. Further more, in a Marx perspective, labor under capitalism is exploited as it is not paid the full value of the products and services it produces. The capitalist employs workers at the current wage rate and works them for as many hours each day as possible, making sure that the value of the workers output is greater than the wage paid (Fusfeld 2002, p 61). This difference between the wage and the value added by the worker, which Marx refers to as surplus value, becomes the capitalist profit. Exploitation of the worker can be intensified, and the surplus Student no. Z3220293 value appropriated by the capitalist can be increased, by an employers efforts to achieve lower wages, longer hours and an employment of greater number of women and children. Marx was correct in some respects, for example developing countries at present are experiencing high rates of exploitation. Women and children whom work in such exploitive environments in china for example for less then a few dollars a day are the truth in Marxs theory. More so, Marx critique of capitalism included a forecast of its inevitable break down. In some instances capitalism has served as an unstable society, which has been suffocated with conflict and crisis. For example the great depression and the 1987 recession. In both instances the economy had if not almost hit bottom. In a Marxist view this could be concluded as the demise of capitalism. However his detractors would argue that conflict of some form exists in all political and economic systems, concluding that capitalism addresses this inherently human conflict in order to avoid crisis. Which in some respects is true. For example on black Monday of the October 1987 when a stock collapse of unprecedented size lopped twenty-five percent off the Dow Jones industrial average. The collapse, larger than that of 1929, was handled well by the economy and the stock market began to quickly recover. More so during the great depression certain strategies were adopted to deal with the crisis. The new deal was the name given by President Franklin D. Roosevelt of programs between 1933-1938 with the goal relief, recovery and reform of the United States Student no. Z3220293 economy during the great depression. The new deal had three components, direct relief, economic recovery and financial reform. In these respects one can observe the recovery of capitalist economies and their ability to continue to grow. To conclude it is evident that crisis and conflict is inevitable in capitalism however such an economic system is able to adapt and recover from such conflict. References student no. Z322093 Campbell, D 1996, the failure of Marxism-the concept of inversion in Marxs critique, Dartmouth Press, London Cohen, G A 1978, Karl Marx theory of history, Oxford University Press, London Culter, A, Hindess, B, Hirst, P Hussain, A 1977, marxs capital and capitalism today, Routledge Kegan Paul Ltd, London Fusfeld, D 2002, the age of the economist, 9edn, Addison Wesley Press, Harman, C 1995, how Marxism works, 5edn, Bookmarks Press, Sydney. Worsley, P 2002, Marx and Marxism, revised edn, Routledge Press, London

Elective Cesarean Section Procedure Health And Social Care Essay

Elective Cesarean Section Procedure Health And Social Care Essay Cesarean sections, once performed to save the life of mother or baby, are now offered as an elective procedure. Women choose elective cesarean sections in the belief that the surgery is safe and vaginal birth poses risk of harm to themselves or their child. A look at studies and literature shows that these unwanted consequences of vaginal delivery result from the aggressive management of labor by obstetricians. Rather than resorting to major surgery, a return to the midwifery model of care will benefit mother and babies in low-risk pregnancies. Elective Cesarean Section Once reserved as a procedure of last resort to save the life of mother or baby, cesarean section (CS) surgery is now offered as an elective procedure to mothers who wish to avoid the experience of labor and delivery. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) published a committee opinion in November 2003 supporting the permissibility of elective cesarean delivery in a normal pregnancy, after adequate informed consent(American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [ACOG], p. 1101). Women may choose this option in the belief that circumventing vaginal delivery preserves the integrity of their pelvic floor, or provides better outcomes for their children. Although some believe birth by elective cesarean section (ECS) is preferable to vaginal birth, it can be shown that in low-risk pregnancies, vaginal birth is safer for both mother and baby. Supporters of ECS believe vaginal delivery results in damage to the pelvic floor, which may lead to urinary incontinence (UI), anal incontinence, sexual dysfunction, or pelvic organ prolapsed (Nygaard Cruikshank, 2003). There are studies that support this belief. In one study of primiparous women twenty-six percent had incontinence at six months postpartum, the rate being lowest with elective cesarean (five percent), higher with cesarean during labour (twelve percent), higher still following a spontaneous vaginal birth (twenty-two percent) and highest following a vaginal forceps delivery (thirty-three percent) (Hannah, 2004, p. 813). The physicians that champion the cause of ECS and the women who buy into their sales pitch for ECS believe they are preventing this damage. However, an ECS may not guarantee prevention of pelvic floor damage, and its benefits are at best short-term. Some women who undergo ECS suffer from incontinence, suggesting pregnancy itself, along with hereditary indications, are risk factors (Leeman, 2005; Nygaard Cruikshank, 2003). Other studies indicate there are no significant differences between the vaginal birth and CS groups at two years postpartum (Goer, 2001). Buschsbaum, Chin, Glantz, and Guzick (2002) found no significant differences exist in the prevalence of UI between nulliparous and parous women after menopause. Before we point the finger at the natural process of vaginal delivery as the cause of this pelvic floor damage, we should look at the interventions that may cause these problems. Goer (2001) suggests obstetric interventions of second stage labor, not vaginal birth, causes damage to the pelvic floor. Obstetric management such as episiotomies, forceps and vacuum extractions, dorsal lithotomy position, and the Valsalva maneuver may be the cause of the pelvic floor compromise the ECS supporters are concerned about. Goer suggests using upright positions for pushing, following the patients natural urges to push, and elimination of routine episiotomies to decrease the damage to the pelvic floor. If she is correct, and alterations in routine obstetric care remove the concern of pelvic floor damage, then the safety of the baby becomes the cry of ECS supporters. The ECS supporters argue the safety issue with multiple claims for the protective value of skipping labor and vaginal delivery. They claim we can preemptively protect the fetus by CS prior to the onset of labor. This protection can include: the reduction of stillbirth related to post-maturity, damage from oxygen deprivation secondary to cord compression during labor and delivery, and birth trauma related to use of forceps or vacuum extraction (Armson, 2007). For mothers with medical conditions or the compromised fetus, a scheduled CS is a valid option. However, labor and vaginal delivery is a natural, generally safe, process, not something from which the low-risk fetus needs protection. Those opposed to ECS believe risks to the infant from vaginal birth are minimal and adverse fetal outcomes rare, however, we may be increasing risks due to unnecessary obstetrical interventions during labor and birth. For the low-risk patient, the increase in maternal morbidity and mortality (Armson, 2007) resulting from major surgery does not justify the possibility of preventing the rare adverse fetal outcome. Better screening of those patients at risk will properly identify those patients who would legitimately benefit from surgery. Similar to the suggestion that obstetric management causes damage to the mothers pelvic floor, Goer (2001) argues that obstetric interventions also put the baby at risk. In first stage labor these interventions include pitocin augmentation and artificial rupture of membranes. In second stage labor, the same interventions that injure the mother, such as forceps, vacuum extraction, and sustained Valsalva maneuver, cause trauma for the infant. She suggest s patience, gentle management of labor and delivery, and respect for mothers natural pushing ability to reduce injury to the infant. Vaginal delivery with minimal interventions does not need to be feared. Despite improvements in the safety of CS over the years, vaginal birth remains safer than a CS for both mother and baby in low-risk pregnancies. In contrast to ACOGs committee opinion, The American College of Nurse-Midwives Identifies vaginal birth as the optimal mode of birth for women and their babies and this practice [cesarean section] is not supported by scientific evidence (American College of Nurse-Midwives, 2005). Cesarean sections carry significant risks to mother, baby, and interfere with the mother-baby dyad. Short term, vaginal birth is the safest choice for low-risk women, eliminating many of the complications inherent to a CS as listed by Armson (2007): The overall risk of severe maternal morbidity was 3.1 times that in the planned vaginal delivery group, including increased risks of postpartum cardiac arrest, wound hematoma, hysterectomy, major puerperal infection, anesthetic complications, venous thromboembolism and hemorrhage requiring hysterectomy . . . hemorrhage requiring transfusion, hysterectomy and uterine rupture; intensive care admission; and postpartum readmission to hospital (p. 475). Women who birth vaginally face fewer complications, leave the hospital quicker, and have a shorter recovery time (Hannah, 2004). The benefits of vaginal birth are not limited to the immediate period of birth and postpartum. The choice between vaginal and CS impact the entire range of a womans childbearing years. Future labors tend to be shorter for women who birth vaginally. Their deliveries are quicker, and they are less likely to need a CS in the future. In comparison, internal scar tissue and adhesions following a CS increases risk factors for future pregnancies, independent of the future method of delivery (Leeman, 2006). These risks include: infertility; ectopic pregnancy; miscarriage; placenta abnormalities such as placenta previa or placenta acretia; [and] complications of repeat cesarean birth (Armson, 2007, p. 475). Women with placental abnormities face higher maternal mortality and morbidity rates (Lyerly Schwartz, 2004), as well as an increased need for hysterectomies (Armson, 2007). Primary cesarean birth is also associated with increased risks in subsequent pregnancies of preterm delivery, low birth weight, stillbirth and neonatal death (Armson, 2007, p. 476). The mothers choices regarding mode of delivery have long reaching effects for herself, as well as the child that she carries. Vaginal birth is also the safest choice for babies, as they avoid many of the neonatal complications which follow pre-labor CS. These risks include: respiratory problems, persistent pulmonary hypertension, asphyxia, delayed neurologic adaptation and neonatal intensive care admission (Armson, 2007, p. 476). Many et al. (2006) suggest that the mechanism of labor benefits the babys respiratory system. Other complications CS babies face are iatrogenic prematurity (Lyerly Schwartz, 2004), and lacerations or other neonatal trauma during surgery (Armson, 2007). Babies born by CS also face long term health risks; they are more likely to develop asthma, diabetes, food allergies and obesity than vaginally born children (Steer, 2009). The benefits to the mother and the baby as individuals also benefit the mother-baby unit. Finally, mother-baby couplets benefit from a vaginal birth in multiple ways. The natural hormonal rush which occurs in labor prepares a woman for breastfeeding and facilitates bonding. Women who birth vaginally have less discomfort and shorter recovery times following birth and are thus better able to care for, and bond with, their babies. This enhances mother-baby interaction and supports babys emotional development. Breastfeeding rates are higher and depression rates are lower following vaginal birth (International Cesarean Awareness Network, 2008). These benefits extend long term; they establish the foundation of the lifetime mother-child relationship. The decision to give birth by CS greatly affects mother, baby, and future pregnancies and should not be offered electively as if it were a minor cosmetic surgery. The benefits of ECS compared to vaginal birth have not been proven, and the risks are substantial to not just one, but two (or more) patients. Women may fear labor. Birth attendants may fear legal risks from adverse fetal outcomes. These fears do not indicate that womens bodies are incapable of birthing; rather, they indicate the failure of obstetric management of labor. We should not base our decisions on fear or faulty research. We should address the concerns of ECS proponents raise. We need to conduct more research into prevention of pelvic floor damage. The American College of Nurse-Midwives (2005) offers the follow guidelines: Supports womens right to accurate, balanced and complete information regarding the risks and benefits of both vaginal birth and cesarean section. Promotes decision-making about mode of delivery that is evidence based and not unduly influenced by factors such as liability, convenience or economics. Supports further research to evaluate the short and long-term medical, psychosocial, economic and cultural sequelae for mothers, babies, including future pregnancies associated with elective primary cesarean section. As birth attendants follow these guidelines, women will be empowered to make informed decisions about their care. These decisions affect the physical and emotional health of these women and their children for a lifetime. We have an obligation to manage birth in a manner that causes the least harm to mother while providing the best outcome for babies.

Corporate Governance Benchmarking

Running head: CORPORATE GOVERNANCE BENCHMARKING Corporate Governance Benchmarking University of Phoenix Corporate Governance MMPBL 570 November 30, 2009 Corporate Governance Benchmarking McBride Financial Services Inc. is a low cost mortgage provider located in Boise, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, as well as North and South Dakota. Recently, Beltway Investments became the majority investor in McBride Financial Services, Inc. As a result, McBride’s CEO needs the board of directors’ collaboration while setting up internal governance controls and ensuring proper auditing. To secure that corporate governance benefits the company and investors, McBride’s CEO needs to consider benchmarking. Thus, the authors of this paper examine the benchmarking of Adelphia Communications, Tyco, Calpine Corporation, and Tyson Foods to help develop best practices for McBride Financial Services, Inc. Accordingly, Chew and Gillan (2005) state, â€Å"The role of top management is no longer just control and coordination; it is anticipating, leading, and managing change and articulating the rationale for such change to employees† (p. ). Hence, the lack of corporate governance could not be demonstrated better than the rise and fall of Adelphia Communications. Adelphia Communications was at one time the fifth largest cable provider in the United States. The company was controlled by John Rigas, the founder of Adelphia, and his family; they controlled 60 percent of the total voting shares. The family considered Adelphia funds their own personal funds and spent them lavishly on everything from airplanes to professional sports teams. When all was finally revealed, the Rigas family received $3. 4 billion in loans from Adelphia. The company eventually filed for bankruptcy and was split up in a buyout by Time Warner Cable and Comcast (Comcast, 2006). McBride Financial Services, Inc. (MFSI) is a small company controlled by McBride, the CEO. He is looking to move to the next level, like Adelphia. MFSI has recently formed a partnership with Beltway Investments to allow growth into a regional financial services provider and form a board of directors. It is not a partnership. It is a corporation and owned by Hugh and Beltway. They are not partners which is a different legal form of business. The company needs to embrace the board of directors as an independent oversight committee and not as rubber stamp committee, yet this is the initial direction the CEO wants the board to take (University of Phoenix, 2009). Adelphia Communications failed because the board was part of the corruption and independent from the daily operations of the company. The CEO needs to also allow an external accounting firm to conduct regular audits, regardless of the results, of the company to ensure the corruption of Adelphia is not duplicated because â€Å"The way boards are structured, meeting every other month, they have to rely on outside advisers† (Patsuris, 2002). Another situation to consider is the decline of the stock prices for Tyco, turning out to be quite detrimental because of the same actions of Kozlowski, the former CEO; he failed to lead the company affectively. Kozlowski was found guilty of using company funds for his personal expenses (Cummins, 2006). Even though he was found guilty, the company’s image is still flawed and questioned, the same as the value of company stock prices. Nevertheless, Eric Pillmore is in the process of reclaiming the company’s image by reconstructing and communicating a well built ethical atmosphere. Pillmore may be strict and enforce control to help the company; perhaps if the control had been maintained through corporate governance in the past, and if employees had been at ease in bringing issues to the fore front, Kozlowski would not have been able to send the company into the tailspin it has experienced (Cummins, 2006). MFSI can learn valuable lessons from Tyco; in conjunction with legal action and a marred company because of inadequate corporate governance, Tyco has made strides in changing its business environment. Tyco has managed to make improvements, from restructuring the company ethics statement, to meeting each employee personally, supplying them with a company ethics statement, and publishing a quarterly report on any problems employees brought to the company’s attention, and compiling the findings and disciplinary actions (Cummins, 2006, para. 3). Pillmore may be strict and controlling but he has turned Tyco around by improving employee behavior, creating a trustful environment and communicating with Tyco employees. MFSI’s CEO needs to consider such changes as Tyco has implemented, to be in compliance with federal guidelines, build trusting relationships with his employees and change the tone of MFSI’s corporate culture by adhering to a new corporate governance plan. Basically, in critiquing and analyzing the roles of the key leaders of corporate governance to assess the function of ethics in compliance, key concepts and the best practices of Calpine Corporation have also been considered to help MFSI. According to Chew and Gillan (2005), â€Å"During the past decade many CEOs of large companies have become highly visible public figures,† and while MFSI is still evolving, pressure to act appropriately exists (p. 1). This visibility increases accountability for leaders’ corporate governance. In the case of MFSI, the CEO is faced with critical decision making. MFSI’s CEO’s corporate governance has the potential of creating undesirable outcomes. However, to help MFSI, the best practices of Calpine demonstrate how decision making can be executed through the code of conduct guidelines. Calpine is a successful company that despite its business strategies, it was challenged with uncontrollable environmental forces. In 1998, Calpine experienced the effects of deregulation; yet leadership followed the company’s good corporate governance to address the issue. Hence, in comparing MFSI with Calpine, it is noted that Calpine’s leadership is committed to act with integrity and transparency while MFSI’s CEO is behaving unethically by disregarding the board of directors’ and shareholders’ input. Chew and Gillan (2005) declare, â€Å"The performance of companies, good or bad, is often attributed—not only by the press, but by the directors and shareholders of the companies—to the CEO’s personal business savvy and leadership† (p. 2). Therefore, in providing MFSI with good corporate governance best practices, Tyson Foods is also considered. Tyson is a company from which MFSI can learn. MFSI’s CEO wants to control the board of directors. He tells them not to worry about doing any work or meeting more than a few times a year; â€Å"I will handle the real work,† exclaims the CEO (University of Phoenix, 2009). Tyson entered into a settlement agreement that not only cost them a considerable amount of money but also required them to practice proper corporate governance. By trying to control the board of directors, and by not offering incentive compensation and stock options, MFSI’s CEO may soon find that investors do not appreciate his self serving financial gain at the cost of their right to a good return n investment. MFSI’s CEO must take seriously, as Tyson now takes seriously, the need to allow the board of directors to be active in the business of the company and to carry out their duty to protect shareholders’ interests (Friedlander, 2008). Also, MFSI’s CEO must set up proper audit procedures, using an impartial outside aud itor while setting up internal controls. MFSI’s CEO needs to understand that corporate governance procedures are not only for his benefit but also for every investor’s welfare. The CEO needs to include others in the decision making, helping to enhance every stakeholder’s benefits. By creating transparency in their procedures and corporate governance, MFSI can help encourage the board of directors to work collaboratively to provide a good return to investors while creating long term gains that will keep the company running strong. If MFSI’s CEO continues to try to circumvent the company’s processes and make the board of directors a powerless figurehead, his investors might soon become disgruntled and take their investments elsewhere. Conclusion Maintaining state and federal guidelines and staying within the company’s code of conduct can be challenging. Thus, top leaders need to delineate the roles of each person in charge of decision making and correct any incompatible behaviors contrary to good corporate governance. In the case of McBride Financial Services, Inc. , for instance, corporate governance was identified as incongruent with the overall ethical code of conduct and responsibility of top leadership. While the best practices of the companies mentioned in this paper offer fundamental principles to executing decision making in managing the interests of stakeholders, it is also critical to adhere to all Federal ethical guidelines to help mitigate any potential undesired outcomes. Synopsis of Adelphia Communication by Michael Gillespie Issue in the Scenario that is facing the company Adelphia Communications was a publicly held company owned mostly by the founder John Rigas and his family. Adelphia had a board of directors the consisted of nine people, five of them appointed by the Rigas. Over a five year period of time the Rigas family â€Å"loaned† $3. 1 billion dollars from Adelphia. This was $800 million more than what was initially reported during an SEC investigation (Patsuris, 2002). These â€Å"loans† financed everything rom real estate ventures, airplanes, country club memberships, and operating the Buffalo Sabres hockey team. The Board of Directors fired the auditor of the company, Deloitte & Touche, when they began to question some inconsistencies found during an audit (Farrell, 2002). Ironically, Adelphia sued Deloitte & Touche for incompetence. If Adelphia’s board of directors had been independent, the board would have had to r ely on reports from management, external auditors and consultants, in order to determine the company’s status. Unfortunately, Adelphia’s board was so packed with insiders it was hardly in this position. Company response to the issue Soon after the termination of Deloitte, PriceWaterhouseCoopers was selected as the new auditor for Adelphia. The first step for PWC was to re-audit previous year’s financial statements. Two weeks after the hiring of PWC, Adelphia filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection and was able to secure $1. 5 billion in debt to continue operating. The company hired a new board of directors. To fill these positions the firm went outside the Adelphia umbrella and searched for ethical industry veterans to become board members. John Rigas was sentenced to 12 years in prison and his sons were sentenced to 17 years. Outcomes from the company’s response Adelphia Communications was never able to recover from the lack of corporate governance and the corrupt management of the company. In 2006, Time Warner Cable and Comcast Cable purchased Adelphia for $12. 7 billion in cash and stock options (Comcast, 2006). This deal took over 40 months to complete due to fraud and security investigations and the fact that Adelphia was operating under bankruptcy protection. Synopsis of Tyco by Colleen Holdahl Issue in the Scenario that is facing the company Tyco faced major legal issues in 2002 and was responsible to pay a â€Å"$50 million fine to settle claims that it inflated profits from 1996 through 2002† (Cummins, 2006, para. 3). Dennis Kozlowski, the company’s CEO, was found guilty of embezzling funds to such extravagance as reporting he purchased â€Å"a $6,000 shower curtain† (Cummins, 2006, para. 2) and hosting a â€Å"$2 million birthday party for his wife† (Cummins, 2006, para. 2). With all the turbulence Tyco has gone through, the present leadership is making progress to clean-up the company’s reputation. Eric Pillmore, the current senior vice president of corporate governance, has been the leader of the clean-up. Outcomes from the company’s response Pillmore started ‘cleaning-up’ Tyco by implementing a new corporate governance plan; starting with the replacement of the previous board of directors, developing, and forming a new ethics code. The newly implemented governance plan â€Å"first principle calls for strong leaders who see themselves as stewards of the company and mentors for its future leaders† (Cummins, 2006, para. 9). Pillmore is of the conclusion that some of the former leaders have more concern with their own self significance; seeing themselves as ‘wheeler dealers,’ instead of being responsible and looking out for the best interests of the company. Pillmore also believes one of the most critical functions of his job as chief financial officer is to monitor the finances and act as a mentor to everyone in the company (Cummins, 2006). Among Pillmore’s other philosophies is ‘a web of accountability’ and ‘a robust process to understand why people behave the way they do’. He believes every employee has something to contribute to maintain an ethical business environment and leaders should not be intimidating. Employees should be free to approach their company leaders on ethics and company values issues. Outcomes from the company’s response Eric Pillmore takes the time to meet each employee, supplying them with the company’s ethics statement, and to discuss concerns or issues they may encounter. Tyco â€Å"publishes a quarterly report on any problems employees brought to the company’s attention, then the company’s findings and any disciplinary action- leaving out all employees’ names† (Cummins, 2006, para. 3). After the turbulence and with the help of Pillmore, Tyco has turned around and once again has a positive company image and the stock has recovered most of its value. Tyco received a rating by the Governance Metrics International as â€Å"one of the most improved companies globally; on a scale of one to te n, Tyco rose from a 1. 5 at the end of 2002 to 8. 5† (Cummins, 2006, para. 13). Synopsis of Calpine Corporation by Marisela Jimenez Issue in the Scenario that is facing the company Calpine Corporation is a successful independent power company that has strived to improve its business operations to help it advance its mission, values, and vision. While Calpine has managed to sustain its record high profits, the company, nevertheless, has faced changes in the business environment, particularly in deregulation. In 1998, a national movement, led by state legislation across the country, passed a U. S. Congress bill to accelerate and spread nationwide electric deregulation (FindingUniverse, 2009). This issue affected Calpine’s overall business functioning. Company response to the issue However, Calpine responded to the issue by focusing on the opportunities presented by deregulation. In other words, â€Å"The company’s foundation as a service provider to power plant operators and its subsequent development into a power plant operator itself engendered a vertically integrated enterprise primed for the new competitive era† (FundingUniverse, 2009). Calpine synergized its operations and focused on developing systems to maximize resources by improving conceptual designs, financing, construction, operation, fuel management, and power marketing. Through the synergistic approach to the business of producing electricity, Calpine managed to remain competitive in the market by strategically preserving profits without cutting the highly aggressive rates. The changes in deregulation helped Calpine’s leadership take immediate action by addressing the uncontrollable forces affecting the company. Leadership realized the potential for deregulation and its implications in the company; therefore, when Congress passed the deregulation bill, Calpine’s leadership was competently prepared. Outcomes from the company’s response Calpine’s outcome of the company’s response to the issue helped expedite the acquisition of 46 gas-fired turbines produced by Siemens Westinghouse. This acquisition radically enhanced Calpine’s market presence; leadership identified the opportunity of expansion as a result of deregulation. Basically, â€Å"The combination of Calpine management’s intuitive powers in foreseeing a growing demand for capacity and its willingness to gamble heavily paid handsome dividends,† enabling Calpine to grow into a successful company (FundingUniverse, 2009). Calpine’s leadership, however, ensures that their commitment to good corporate governance adheres to the highest ethical standards; thus, leadership behaves with integrity and transparency while maintaining strong levels of communication with stakeholders, including the board of directors, employees, and the community. Calpine’s leadership decision making is guided by the company’s code of conduct, helping to discourage any illegal and unethical behavior (Calpine, 2009). Synopsis of Tyson Foods by Carole Kindt Issue in the Scenario that is facing the company Over the years Tyson Foods has handled controversial issues concerning their business practices. They have been questioned over their ties to former President Clinton, unsanitary and dangerous conditions in their plants, plants staffed by low-paid workers, and even questionable campaign contributions (Unknown 1, 2009). In 2008, Tyson entered into a settlement with its investors over questionable practices in a case that named Don Tyson, members of his family, and the Board of Directors. The case alleged misconduct in connection with related party transactions and granting stock options to officers and directors of Tyson (Chase, 2008). The settlement agreement approved by the judge in the case ordered Tyson to pay $4. 5 million to their largest shareholders and forced improvements to Tyson’s corporate governance policies (Chase, 2008). As part of the settlement agreement, Tyson agreed not to engage in any new related party transactions without the approval of the Board and also to hire a consultant to evaluate its internal audit and control processes (Chase, 2008). Company response to the issue Tyson’s Board of Directors immediately began fulfilling the terms of the settlement agreement and they have worked to create a strong corporate governance structure. In 2008, the Board appointed a lead independent director and a new chairman of its compensation committee as well as establishing a nominating committee (Unknown 2, 2008). By focusing on their internal controls and corporate governance, Tyson’s board of directors has returned to their fundamental task, to work in good faith to assure they are upholding their fiduciary duties to the stockholders. Outcomes from the company’s response Tyson’s board of directors received a wake-up call that shook them out of their lassitude and encouraged them to make changes that enhance the long term goals of Tyson Foods as well as the return for their investors (Friedlander, 2008). In this way, Tyson will rebuild its reputation and trust with investors as well as fulfill the company’s long-term goals. By creating committees made up of independent, non-biased members, Tyson will create the transparency necessary to rebuild investor trust and build their company for the future. Good choice of companies and relating some of the take-a-ways to McB. Paper easy to read and follow but you could have worked the lesson into McB in more detail. Grade 96 References Calpine. (2009). Corporate Governance. [Online]. Available: http://www. calpine. com/ About/oc_corpgov. asp (2009, November 25). (Chase R 2008 Judge Approves $4. 5M Settlement Against Tyson Foods Directors. )Chase, R. (2008). Judge Approves $4. 5M Settlement Against Tyson Foods Directors. CNA Insurance Journal. Retrieved from http://www. insurancejournal. com /news/national /2008. thm? print=1 database. Chew, D. H. , Gillan, S. L. (2005). Corporate Governance at the Crossroads: A book of readings. 1 ed. ). New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Comcast Press Release. (2006). Comcast and Time Warner Complete Adelphia Acquisitions. July 31, 2006. Retrieved on November 26, 2009 from http://www. comcast. com/About/PressRelease/PressReleaseDetail. ashx? PRID=55. ComcaCCummins, H. J. (2006). Tyco exec makes the rounds spreading the word on corporate ethics. Star Tribune, p. 1D . Retrieved November 23, 2009, from ProQuest database. Farrell, M. (2002). Deloitte Blasts Adelphia on Audit. Multi Channel News. July 8, 2002. Retrieved on November 25, 2009 from http://www. allbusiness. om/company-activities-management/company-structures-ownership/6355799-1. html. (Friedlander J 2008 Overturn Time-Warner Three Different Ways)Friedlander, J. (2008). Overturn Time-Warner Three Different Ways. Delaware Journal of Corporate Law, 33(3), 631-649. Retrieved November 24, 2009, from Business Source Complete database Web Site: http://support. ebsco. com. FundingUniverse. (2009). Calpine Corporation. [Online]. Available: http://www. fundinguniverse. com/company-histories/Calpine-Corporation-Company- History. html (2009, November 25). Patsuris, Patricia (2009). Adelphia Hypocrisy. Forbes. om. Retrieved on November 25, 2009, from http://www. forbes. com/2002/06/10/0610adelphia. html. (Unknown 2 2008)Unknown 2. (2008). Retrieved November 23, 2009, from http://www. tyson. com//C orporate/PressRoom/ViewArticle. aspx? id-2879 Web Site: http://www. tyson. com. (Unknown 2009 Tyson Foods, Inc. )Unknown 1. (2009). Tyson Foods, Inc. Retrieved November 24, 2009, from http://www. fundinguniverse. com/company-histories. /Tyson-Foods-Inc-Company-History Web Site: http://www. fundi nguniverse. com. University of Phoenix (2009). McBride Financial Scenario. Retrieved November 16, 2009 from rEsource student website.

Macbeth was doomed by fate or by a flaw in his character Essay

In the play â€Å"Macbeth† by William Shakespeare, it is very controversial whether or not Macbeth was doomed by fate or by a flaw in his character. It could be argued that Macbeth was doomed both by fate and by a flaw in his character. On one hand, the role of the witches influence could be regarded as a major external force that exploited Macbeth’s character flaws. However, on the other hand, Macbeth’s ambitious nature and greed for power was the flaw in his character that ultimately led to his downfall. The extent to which Macbeths downfall is determined by fate or a flaw in his character will be discussed. It could be argued that it was fate that lead Macbeth to his doom. The role of his chance meeting with the witches was instrumental in influencing Macbeth’s decision making. On a eerie night, Macbeth was told three prophesies by the witches, â€Å"_All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis! All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor! All hail, Macbeth, thou shalt be king hereafter.†_ Macbeth did not question the accuracy of the prophecies, which he believed were preordained because in Elizabethan times, it was believed that witches could see into the future, kill their enemies and make themselves invisible. Everyone believed that the witches could see the future, and this led Macbeth to the idea of killing Duncan once he had listened to the prophecy that he would become King of Scotland. Macbeth thought, _†If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me without my stir.†_ An interpretation of this quote according to Macbeth could be, if fate wanted him to be king, perhaps fate would just make it happen and he wouldn’t have to do anything. Consequently, Macbeth was lead to fate through the prophecies of the witches, but by trying to master fate, his ambitious nature and greed for power was the flaw in his character that ultimately led to his downfall. Macbeth is not doomed by fate, but by a flaw in his character. This flaw can be viewed as the way he let his ambitions take over and cloud his morality. At his first taste of power, his ambition takes over and he is craving for more. Since Duncan is already King, the only way for Macbeth to fulfil his  desire is to kill him. Macbeth admits that he has to kill Duncan and ultimately his own ambition drives him to decide to kill the King. _†I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself and falls on the other.†_ This is proving that Macbeth was prepared to kill anyone who was at risk to undermine his seat on Scotland’s throne. Macbeth blurred his good judgement and sacrificed his morals to achieve his goal, to become king. Macbeth put his own desire before the good of his country and in the end it is destroyed by his ambition. Therefore, Macbeth’s ambition and greed for power was not caused by fate, b ut by a flaw in his character that he is responsible due to his corrupt actions. Macbeth’s ambition went to all lengths to become kind of Scotland, that despite the influences, Macbeth was still responsible for his own actions. The witches told Macbeth his three prophecies; they forced nothing, just simply presented facts that influenced Macbeth to act. Macbeth interpreted the words and actions to make the prophecies come true. The witches gave Macbeth a fake sense of security and it is his tragic flaws that brought him upon his downfall. After Macbeth was told the prophecies, he said to himself _†My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, Shakes so my single state of man that function.Is smother’d in surmise, and nothing is. But what is not.†_ The witches’ prophesy awakens within Macbeth a murderous ambition that was there all along. Lady Macbeth is the driving force that encourages Macbeth to overcome his sense of guilt and take action on the prophecies. Lady Macbeth manipulated Macbeth into murder by saying _†When you durst do it, then you were a man†_ An interpretation of this quote according to Lady Macbeth could be, he was more of a man when he dared to commit the murder, and recognizes that his ambition to commit the murder and claim the throne are attractive and manly to her. Lady Macbeth was a huge influence to Macbeths corruptions, for instance she says, † A little water clears us of this deed.† Meaning she is literally washing her hands of with murder. Even though Lady Macbeth was a huge influence, Macbeth was the one who held the dagger. As a consequence of Macbeth’s actions, it was his ambition and greed for power that ultimately led to his downfall. Even in consideration of external forces such as manipulations of Lady  Macbeth and prophecies of the witches, Macbeth decided his own fate through his actions. His morality was weak and he was self-centered. Consequently, Macbeth ambition and greed for power was the flaw in his character that ultimately led to his downfall.

Global Exchage In Domestic Service Essays

Global Exchage In Domestic Service Essays Global Exchage In Domestic Service Paper Global Exchage In Domestic Service Paper The various ways in which domestic service, home care and nursing are structured and performed are well accounted in Global Exchange by Grace Chang and Diverted Mothering by Sau-Ling C. Wong. These two articles give indeapth analysis of how migrant and immigrant workers are treated by not only their employers but in certain instances by their own government. I will try to give you an analysis of the two articles and sight examples from the articles that reflect how these workers are treated in the domestic, home care, and the nursing industry. First in Global Exchage we see that more and more people and mostly women from 3rd world countries are leaving their families to go and work abroad for menial wages in the hopes of a better life for children and families. The article deals with the Filipina women and how they have and are brought into the country and how they are treated. I was very surprised to read that the president of the Philippines himself stating that â€Å"migrant women the new heroes of the Philippine economy† . : The even more surprising thing is that the government itself has more women working outside the country than it does within the country. This is evident all over the health and home care industry, if you walk into any hospital you can see the amount of Filippina women wokig as nurses and in other health care professions. Also these women are working as nannies and home care givers to the families of middle-class and upper-class people. The wages that these women get are soo absurd that any person living in the country would never ever work for those wages and if they did, the law would do everything to protect that person. The migrants are afforded the same rights and therefore are paid low wages, the conditions that they live in are mediocre. But will the employers ever say that the wages should be raised or the conditions made better? We all know that if this was a Citizen treated in the same manner, things would be very different. In all countries Fillippina women are imported with the Philippine government benefiting from the money the women send back home. The government you can is gathering women and sending them out on contracts to other countries to work, but they fail to protect the women when it is necessary or provide any kind of care. It seems to me that once they are receiving money not only from the migrant workers, but the host country, they forget about the women and start to recruit now women. The case of Sarah Balabagan is the perfect example of the govt. forgetting about its citizen that it sent out to work for them. Sarah was raped by knifepoint by her employer, she stabbed her employer and then was jailed for murder. The first trial she was sentenced to 7 years in Jail. This case outraged women everywhere espically the migrant Filippina women who protested and blamed it’s own govt. for not doing anything to protect it’s citizen. The 2nd trial led to a sentence of death for Sarah and again brought about more and more protest. After protests the sentence was finally revised to a 100 lashes and to pay restatution to the murdered man’s family. From this article I can see that the Philippines govt. looks at its women as a cash cow to send out to other countries and reap the benefits from the money they send back as well the good relations it builds with the host country. The host country benefits from cheap labor and not having to provide any kind of health care or other benefits that it’s citizens get. In Diverted Mothering the people are different yet the work is the same. The role of the, caregiver is taken on by minorities males and females. The males and females featured in the article are Afro-American, and Chinese. The stories featured here are all that most of us have seen on the Big Screen and how can relate with. The old chauffeur, the con artist medium, the tow-truck driver. These people are substituting for the parent’s not being around for their children. Some of the people are there more for the employers children rather than their own. We seldom hear of theor families and of their lives outside work. The employers are too busy working and chasing the all mighty dollar that they forget that they have a famaliy. The caregivers are seen as protectors, sympthyizers, and helpers. They are expected to be there for the employers at all times. Even when a member of the family is forgotten, the caregivers never forget them and help them in everyway. We see an example of this in the movie â€Å"Driving Miss Daisy† here the chauffeur has been with the employer for 30 years, but she knows nothing about his life of his family. In the end we see that she tells him that she never knew that he had a daughter or a granddaughter. This shows us that the no matter how long you may work for someone you will never be a real part of the family. You are there for the employer to help them as needed. Even after all this the chauffeur goes to see his employer when her own son has put her in a rest home and then spoon feeds her. She is pretty much forgotten about by her real family. This also goes to show that the caregivers are not only there for monetary gain, but take a real interest in the lives of their rmployers. In Diverted Mothering the focus is on the male gender as being the caregiver rather than a female. Although caregivers are almost always seen as women, in this article we see that in almost every story the male character is acting like a mother and taking care of others however it is necessary. Take the example of Mack going to Simon to discuss his emotional problems and Simon takes time out of his job to help his new friend work through his feelings. If the situation was reversed, how many of us think that Mack would take time out of his job to help Simon? Simon being a tow-truck driver is shown as that his time is not as important as Mack’s is and Mack can call on him at anytime. In both Diverted Mothering and Global Exchange we see that minorities are shown to be there to help and take care of white employers and be at there beck and call. Although in Diverted Mothering the stories are set in different times, they all follow the same theme. This theme being of whites being in charge or needing help and the minorties providing the help and being employed by the whites. The structure in both articles seems to be that minorities and people from the 3rd world are here to take care of not only the houses of the 1st world countries but also their families and be there whenever needed. Does class, race, and gender play a part in determinig who will perform the above mentioned duties for peoples homes and taking care of their children? After reading these articles I can see how all three play a part in shaping a person. Class first of all can inhibit a person in more ways than anything. Being of lower class in some countries does nto even qualify you to attend school or work in some areas. So when there are limitataion on what you can do and without an education, you are setup to fail no matter how you try to reach a higher class. Also if you do not have an education, you are not able to get a job that will allow you to move up and have a better life, therefore you are in some ways going to have to follow in the steps of your parents, whatever those steps maybe. I believe this is what leads to a lot of crime in the world, if we had no classes to put people into, they would have all the opportunities available to them and be able to decide for themselves on what course thier lives should take. Race can hinder your growth not only financially but also lead to emotional conflicts and cause life threatening situations. Race can become a problem for a person even if he/she is qualified in every way to perform a job. I am sure we all have been or know someone who has experienced this in someway. Race can limit your advancement in almost every field and every aspect of your life. Race again in some countries can pre-determine what you will be when you grow up. It can keep you from opportunities that are wide open, but because of your race you may not be able to take advantage of them. Gender can shape you as well as Class and Race. Gender more than anything can hinder you and set a course for your life. It can do this because regardless or Class or Race depending on the gender you belong to, you are either high or low on the todem pole. If you look at women as far back as you want to, you can see how they were and are still limited today. Especially women in some countries are the first to be taken out of school and put to work as the son is seen more important even though the girl may be the smarter of the two. Women are looked at as the caregivers, the soft-hearted and the ones that comfort us and wipe our tears. In the same sense, they are not looked at as the bread-winners or the strong, protecters and supporters of families. All three (class, race, and gender) hinder people in one way or another, but if you are a female and a minority and of a lower class, the course of your life is very limited and what you want to do with your life and what you are able to do are two very different things. The ideal family. How does one define an ideal family and who can decide whether one family or another is better? From the articles I have read it is very hard to say if the conditions of domestic and home-care service disrupt the model of the ideal family. What I believe is that in some ways it can hurt and also in many ways help the family to have someone there to take care of the kids and take care of the house. But we much remember that the caregiver is not the mother or father. The parents cannot let the caregiver be the only one to be involved with the kids and they must take an active part in their clildren lives. The caregivers being in the family allows the parents to be able to spend more time with the clildren rather than woeking and then coming home and doing house work. It hurts when the parents leave the children in the care of the caregiver and assume that the child is well and happy. Of all the love that a child may get from a caregiver, it can never be the same love that he/she will get from the parent. Over all I think that if you can afford to have domestic and home-care services to help you, you should take advantage of it. But you should also remember that with this help, you time should be spent with the family and not forgetting that the caregiver is there to help your  burden and not there to do everything that you are suppose to do. These articles make anyone that reads them take a look at the roles we all have in this world a little differently, I know it made me think about the people that clean the offices and the maids people have and how they may be treated. After reading these articles it can be seen what kind of plight the people in these stories go through for the betterment of their children and their families, and also what kind of hardship they put themselves through to achive their goals.

Social Science Data Essays - Education Reform, Homework, Free Essays

Social Science Data Essays - Education Reform, Homework, Free Essays This graph displays the numerous amounts of hours of homework that a student has to go through on weekly basis. It can range anywhere from 6-12 hours after a full day of school. This displays the amount of time and how unethical to give substantial amounts of homework to student in which they are unable to go about and enjoy their extracurricular activities. This graph shows the percentage of high school seniors, in their last year of high school, doing 6 or more hours of homework a week. The percentage is high in 2012 for majority of students already accepted into college. Some students stop stressing over school because they already took their SAT and are already accepted into the desired college, and they still have several hours of homework a week. This pie chart displays the 8.6 hours in a day are consumed by school, and club associated with it and of course home work. 1.8 hours in the other category can be spent doing homework and studying for upcoming exams. And only 1.2 hours in a day are spent with family or friends due to the excessive amount of work. Students are receiving 7.6 hours of sleep, in some cases even less, which is under the 8 hour requirement to maintain healthy lifestyle. Overall, this graph shows on average how much time goes where, and how homework can take a toll. This graph supports the argument that homework some sort has a negative impact on students personal life, no matter small or large impact. Personal life is pertaining to family time, leisure activities, sleep, and so on. A student can feel deprived of enjoyment in their day to day life, which is showcased in the graph above. If a student feels that he or she cannot have time to oneself, they are unable to focus in school, and leads to a failing cycle.

How to be an effective team Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

How to be an effective team - Research Proposal Example a)For an adult learner, effective team work is crucial for learning and knowledge acquisition process. For this age group, team communication is one of the main elements which help the organization to create high performance teams and achieve further growth and development. In general, a learning team can be defined as a group of individuals working together to solve problems or accomplish tasks. It is the ever-changing collective feelings, hopes, problems and pains of the community. Rather than simply "tell" students that a certain situation or problem is interesting or important, researchers suggest that the teacher try to arouse their sense of curiosity (Bruner, 2007). Once aroused, it will carry the students through the planned course of study. Learners must get involved with whatever topic or problem they select and must learn its characteristics as well as the general skills of problem solving. In short, we learn by doing. The traditional, logical method of pedagogy presents a systematic, organized body of material. The psychological method links the subject to the learners life situation and then lets him or her work through it in initially chaotic form until a clearer understanding emerges (Dickson and Hargie, 2003). For an adult learner, learning teams are a powerful design option that hopes to meet the challenges of increased knowledge demands, improve output quality, and address the social needs of the ever-changing global workforce. However, the success or failure of work teams will depend largely on communication. Effective communication requires that HR practitioners adapt key assumptions about motivation, structure, and accountability. Adapted assumptions must support lateral thinking, collaboration, interdependence, a focus on process, permeable boundaries, and mutual responsibility. Learning teams are most effective when there is high task interdependence

Critical thinking- Critically discuss whether slum-upgrading projects Essay

Critical thinking- Critically discuss whether slum-upgrading projects have been a success or failure - Essay Example aces, health problems have led to the emergence of water borne diseases that have claimed the lives of many who resides in these areas (Katukiza 2014 Pg. 17). Poor sanitary services that cause the epidemic of diseases crops in when absentee tenants build overcrowded semi-permanent houses with a single toilet to be shared by a multitude. The slum- upgrading projects in many parts of the world face various set- backs such as lack of affordability to the poor to build better and many toilets. In addition, the slum- upgrading projects intended to relocate the displaced poor people to their own land found their way to the exploitative political figures. Since 2000, the government of many countries harboring slum dwellers and UNCHS (Habitat) has worked closely to help resolve the sanitary dilemma that has affected the health of many residents. Informal settlement has greatly affected the environment in substantial levels through its dense populated nature. Slum dwellers may engage in sporadic dumping tendencies that affect the environment. Slum- upgrading projects works towards identifying the best localities to build toilets and dumping sites. In its effort to locate these environments, the programs face challenges from the local authorities and political figures that may interfere with land tenure. When the slum- upgrading projects fails to secure land that it can build toilets and dumping site, residents of the slum engages in toilet and dumping behaviors that destroy the environment, which may cause health related issues to crop up. Slum- upgrading projects embarks on soliciting government figures and donors to facilitate the conservation of the environment (Snell- Rood 2013 Pg. 21). Its failure may arise when the project lacks a formidable source of the donation to take it through the entire program. Environmental challenges that face slum- upgrading projects in some slums involve steep terrain and rivers that borders the slum. The problem hinders the slum from

Empires, Product Lines, Stewart Brand and Kevin Kelly Essay

Empires, Product Lines, Stewart Brand and Kevin Kelly - Essay Example What made the British Empire great was the fact that it formed the backbone of industrialization in this world. They were the cornerstone of industrial towns, developed cities and advanced water transport (Black, 2001). Everything the empire’s regime did was stored secretly not wanting any other empire to steal their secrets, which they did extremely well. The Japan Empire The Empire of Japan also known as the Empire of the Rising Sun was both an empire and world power, which existed from the Meiji reinstatement on January 3rd, 1868, to the endorsement of the post-Second World War Charter of Japan on May 3rd, 1947. Colonial Japan's fast militarization and industrialization under the slogan Fukoku Kyohei led to its surfacing as a world power, ultimately culminating in its association in the Axis alliance, as well as the subjugation of a large fraction of the Asia-Pacific expanse. At the summit of its authority, in 1942, the Japanese Empire administered over a land spanning 2,85 7,000 sq mi (7,400,000 square kilometers), which made it one of the leading marine empires in history. The Japan Empire was known mostly for its telecommunication advancement (Black, 2001). The Empire of Japan had a remarkable tally of technological accomplishments, and a remarkably well-equipped military. The army was advanced, but extremely oriental and traditional beyond the rank of other top rated empires. Even though, instead of having bullets, ballistic shells, missiles, warheads and other more straight based weapons, they created hi-tech arms, which armed the Imperial Japanese Forces technical fighting skills needed to defeat any superpower... Empires, Product Lines, Stewart Brand and Kevin Kelly Apple Inc., ever since it started its operation in the 70s, has had a magnificent timeline, which people could consider as a success to the company (Isaacson, 2011). In the 70s, the company produced numerous computing machines such as the Apple I, Apple II, Disk II, which was a driver, and Apple Writer computer software. In the 80s, the firm launched the Apple III computer. It also launched the IB modems, Monitor III, IIA printers, Apple Image writer, Macintosh (128K), AppleColor Composite Monitor and AppleShare Server 1.0. The firm also launched, in the 80s, Macintosh Portable, Apple FDHD SuperDrive and Apple Scanner. In the 90s, the firm launched Macintosh IIfx, Macintosh Classic II, the PowerBook series from 100 to G3, Apple Design Powered Speakers and the Workgroup Server series from 60 to 8550 (Isaacson, 2011). Also, they came up with the Apple Network Server 700/200, eMate 300, Power Macintosh G3 desktop, Power Macintosh G3 minitower, Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh, iMac G3, i Book, iMac (slot loading), Cinema Display (22"), as well as the Power Macintosh G4 Graphite. All these were inventions that took place before the new millennium. They were considered as landmark inventions to such a small established company in the field of IT. However, the 2000s has seen the popularity of Apple Inc. rise to another level. The Big-Kids computing world managed to arbitrate between the numerous computational roles, which could not be reconciled in a more direct manner through making the Apple’s materials a must-have item.

Causes Of Corruption Essay Example for Free

Causes Of Corruption Essay The paper stresses the need to keep the issue of corruption squarely in view in the development agenda. It discusses the causes and consequences of corruption, especially in the context of a least developed country with considerable regulation and central direction. Lack of transparency, accountability and consistency, as well as institutional weaknesses such as in the legislative and judicial systems, provide fertile ground for growth of rent seeking activities in such a country. In addition to the rise of an underground economy and the high social costs associated with corruption, its adverse consequences on income distribution, consumption patterns, investment, the government budget and on economic reforms are highlighted in the paper. The paper also touches upon the supply side of bribery and its international dimensions and presents some thoughts on how to address the corruption issue and to try and bring it under control. There is a growing worldwide concern over corruption at the present time. Several factors are responsible for this. First, a consensus has now been reached that corruption is universal. It exists in all countries, both developed and developing, in the public and private sectors, as well as in non-profit and charitable organizations. Second, allegations and charges of corruption now play a more central role in politics than at any other time. Governments have fallen, careers of world renowned public figures ruined, and reputations of well-respected organizations and business firms badly tarnished on account of it. The international mass media feeds on it and scandals and improper conduct, especially of those in high places, are looked upon as extremely newsworthy, and to be investigated with zeal and vigour. The rising trend in the use of corruption as a tool to discredit political opponents, the media’s preoccupation with it as a highly marketable commodity, and the general pu blic’s fascination with seeing prominent personalities in embarrassing situations have brought scandalous and corrupt behaviour, a common human frailty, into the limelight of international attention. Third – and the main issue taken up in this paper – is that corruption can be a major obstacle in the process of economic development and in modernizing a country. Many now feel that it should receive priority attention in a country’s development agenda. This greater recognition that corruption can have a serious adverse impact on development has been a cause for concern among developing countries. In a recent survey of 150 high level officials from 60 third world countries, the respondents ranked public sector corruption as the most severe obstacle confronting their development process (Gray and Kaufmann 1998). Countries in the Asia and Pacific region are also very worried about this problem and they are in substantial agreement that corruption is a major constraint that is hindering their economic, political and social development, and hence view it as a problem requiring urgent attention at the highest level. Increasing public interest and concern over corruption have resulted in a large amount of scholarly research on the subject. Admittedly, there are still wide gaps in the current state of information and knowledge on the matter and much more remains to be done. Nevertheless, theoretical and empirical research that has been conducted thus far has yielded fresh insights into the problem. We now have a clearer understanding of the underlying causes of corruption, its consequences, and ideas and approaches on possible measures to combat it. At the same time, a better perspective has been obtained on the reasons why corruption persists in so many countries, and why it is difficult to deal with, although people throughout the world view it with disfavour. This paper presents some ideas and issues that have emerged from the current discussion and ongoing debate on the corruption question in the region and around the world. It considers the causes, consequences and international dimensions of corruption, which seem to have generated a lot of public attention in many countries. Thoughts and suggestions on possible remedial measures have also been included as it would not be a fruitful exercise to only discuss issues and problems, without coming forward with some solutions as well. The aim of the paper is to create greater awareness of the subject and to highlight the desirability to keep it in view in thinking about development issues, especially in the context of a least developed country. I. DEFINITION AND CONCEPTS Definition In this paper, corruption is defined as the use of public office for private gain, or in other words, use of official position, rank or status by an office bearer for his own personal benefit. Following from this definition, examples of corrupt behaviour would include: (a) bribery, (b) extortion, (c) fraud, (d) embezzlement, (e) nepotism, (f) cronyism, (g) appropriation of public assets and property for private use, and (h) influence peddling. In this list of corrupt behaviour, activities such as fraud and embezzlement can be undertaken by an official alone and without involvement of a second party. While others such as bribery, extortion and influence peddling involve two parties – the giver and taker in a corrupt deal. The two party type of corruption can arise under a variety of circumstances. Often mentioned are concerned with the following: (i) Government contracts: bribes can influence who gets the contract, the terms of the contract, as well as terms of subcontracts when the project is implemented. Government benefits: bribes can influence the allocation of monetary benefits such as credit subsidies and favoured prices and exchange rates where price controls and multiple exchange rates exist. Bribes can also be important in obtaining licenses and permits to engage in lucrative economic activities such as importing certain goods in high demand and in short supply. Moreover, bribes can be employed to acquire in-kind benefits such as access to privileged schools, subsidized medical care, subsidized housing and real estate, and attractive ownership stakes in enterprises that are being privatized. Government revenue: bribes can be used to reduce the amount of taxes, fees, dues, custom duties, and electricity and other public utility charges collected from business firms and private individuals. Time savings and regulatory avoidance: bribes can speed up the granting of permission, licenses and permits to carry out activities that are perfectly legal. This is the so-called â€Å"grease money† to turn the wheels of bureaucracy more smoothly, speedily and hopefully in the right direction. It is also not difficult to think of a really awful situation where rules and regulations, and the way they are applied, are so complex and burdensome that the only way left to get things done is to pay money to avoid them. Influencing outcomes of legal and regulatory processes: bribes can be used to provide incentives to regulatory authorities to refrain from taking action, and to look the other way, when private parties engage in activities that are in violation of existing laws, rules and regulations such as those relating to controlling pollution, preventing health hazards, or promoting public safety as in the case of building codes and traffic regulations. Similarly, bribes can be given to favour one party over another in court cases or in other legal and regulatory proceedings. Economic rent The concept of economic rent (or monopoly profit) occupies a central place in the literature on the subject of corruption. Economic rent arises when a person has something unique or special in his possession. This something special can be a luxury condominium in a posh neighbourhood, a plot of land in the central business district of the city, a natural resource like an oil well, or even some pleasing personal traits such as beauty and charm. A person who owns such a special asset can charge a more than normal price for its use and earn economic rent or monopoly profit. To illustrate, suppose there is a young lady who has breathtakingly good looks, a charming personality, and exceptional acting, singing and dancing skills. Due to these special personal assets, she becomes a superstar and a heartthrob of teenagers all over the country and thus commands a princely sum for her appearances. But what exactly is her economic rent? To determine this, it is necessary to know the next best thing she can do to earn a living if she is not a superstar. Suppose she has a law degree so the next best occupation she can take up is to become a lawyer. Then the difference between her income as a superstar and the earnings she can obtain from her next best occupation (as a lawyer), is her economic rent for having an unusually pretty face, charm, and superb singing, dancing and acting talents – a winning combination which no other young lady in the country can match. A similar line of reasoning can be applied to a minor bureaucrat working in the business license issuing office of a government ministry. Suppose this bureaucrat has the responsibility of typing, stamping the official seal, getting the appropriate signatures and delivering the authorization letter that grants permission to business enterprises to engage in a certain line of economic activity. Business executives are anxious to have the letter typed expeditiously and correctly, and have it properly stamped, signed, sealed and delivered and are willing to pay a price for this special service. Hence the bureaucrat who has a monopoly of typing, stamping and processing the letter can use his official position to acquire economic rent from his clients. A useful approach to find out the amount of his economic rent is to think of what he can earn if he is fired from the licensing office.