Airport Security, Past and Post 9/11 Essay

Only from incidences of air piracy, terrorism, and changes in the social and political climate worldwide has airport security slowly morphed through the rulings of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). However the attacks of September 11th 2001 had changed airport security vastly in the matter of days. Michael Chertoff, the assistant attorney general in charge of the criminal division at the Justice Department during the attack of 9/11 stated, â€Å"Like many people at the time, I thought it was a pilot error. † Chertoff was the head of Homeland Security in 2005 to 2009. To his thinking, since the end of the Cold War, three developments have profoundly changed the world and therefore the world of security threats. One was that globalization radically changed the potential impact of a network or even an individual, offering the ability to travel, communicate, and exchange money. Two, the technology revolution has allowed people to cause massive destruction with just the push of a button. The third was the increase of â€Å"ungoverned space† where there is no true rule of law, has enabled terrorists to recruit, plan, and train undetected. During a discussion, Chertoff outlined the shift in the nation’s approach to security, one he argued happened before the attacks of 9/11. The actions of that day only served to highlight â€Å"something we hadn’t recognized and which the law had not adequately accounted for,† and underscored the need for a new framework aimed at combatting terrorism. What are the events that had shaped airport security before the attacks of September 11th 2001? Airline hijackings were very frequent in the mid to late 1960s. They most commonly were committed by individuals seeking transport into Cuba. This caused airlines to apply policies of screening all passengers and bags before they are to board the aircraft. The FAA applied this new policy in an effort to avert the carrying of weapons used to compel hijackings. During the mid-1970s through the early 1980s, multiple high-profile terrorist hijackings and attacks were carried out overseas and shocked the traveling public and the airlines, arising potential problems of acts of terrorism toward the airline industry within the U. S. However incidents in example of those were still perceived as an event that would never happen to or in the United States. This perfectionistic thinking was shattered in 1987 when a Pacific Southwest Airlines’ ex-employee made use of an expired identification badge to pass through security, board a company jet liner with a weapon and shoot his supervisor, the pilot and co-pilot leaving the aircraft to go down with 38 people aboard. Not only was this not a terrorist event, but it came from within the ranks of the airline industry itself. This event, attached with the 1988 bombing of PanAm Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, demanded attention to the need for additional airport security measures. This stimulated the President’s Commission on Aviation Security and Terrorism (1989) and the following passage of the Aviation Security Improvement Act of 1990. Since these incidences, the FAA has applied numerous measures to protect against this and other types of acts of air piracy and terrorism in the U. S. Some of the measurements were practical while others included physical and electronic security measures. The Abundance of the focus had been on regulating the access of persons into the operations areas at airports, therefore limiting access to aircrafts. In 1989, the Federal Aviation Regulation was written into law. It mandated that an airport must be able to implement control over an employee’s right to gain access to the airport’s operations area using an access control system. In detail, this regulation states that any airport with a regular passenger aircraft service (one flight per day) that consumes 60 seats or more must be able to; (1. Ensure that only the persons authorized to have access to the secured areas by the airport operator’s security program are able to acquire that access. (2. ) To ensure that such access is denied immediately at the access points to the individuals who do not obtain the authority of access. (3. ) Set apart persons who are authorized to have access to only particular portions of the secured areas and persons who are authorized to have access only to other portions of the secured area. (4. ) Have the capability to limit an individual’s access by time and date. This then new regulation produced an outbreak of airport access control systems. Systems in which were designed to incorporate unified access control and photo ID systems that operated as a single common database to accomplish the requirements of the Federal Aviation Regulation. Regrettably, the requirements had pushed the envelope of the technology available at the time, and many of the systems that were installed had provided less than satisfactory results. ? The FAA also is in the process of formulating a rewrite of FAR 107. A Notice of Proposed Rule Making has been issued that includes language that could significantly impact access control at airside. If passed as now proposed, the rule would require airports to be able to immediately assess alarms from monitored doors at airside and to create a log of the alarm, alarm verification and the response to each alarm. Short of placing law enforcement officers on each concourse, the solution is the installation of large numbers of CCTV cameras that are integrated with the access control system to provide automatic call-up at the monitoring location. Other future security issues being addressed with regard to airside operations security center around handling and screening of passenger baggage and air cargo. One area of major concern and concentration is on addressing the threat of unscreened/unaccompanied baggage. President Clinton created the White House Commission on Aviation Safety and Security. In the wake of the crash of TWA Flight 800 he asked the commission to focus its attention first on the issue of security, including an action plan to deploy new high-technology baggage screening and explosives detection systems. One system that will be implemented to protect aircraft against bombings is the electronic passenger/bag reconciliation system. Such systems have been in use in Europe for several years, but probably are several years from being implemented throughout the aviation system in the U. S. They utilize an electronically encoded tag or barcode that is attached to the luggage, and a magnetic strip, barcode or other scanable medium on the back of the boarding pass, to match the luggage with passengers boarding the airplane. As a passenger boards the aircraft, the boarding pass is swiped through a card reader, which supplies passenger information to the system database. If a passenger checks a bag and does not board the aircraft, a computer resolves this mismatch in the tracking database and issues an alarm indicating this disparity. The bag then is retrieved from the aircraft and scanned for content. This system prevents anyone from checking a bag with an explosive device onto a flight they do not board. The new Terminal One international facility at JFK Airport in New York will be one of the first U. S. acilities to be equipped with this type of electronic passenger/bag match system. Another area of baggage security that is changing is the screening of bags and parcels that are loaded onto aircraft. In the past, general screening of baggage for domestic flights has not been performed. Until the last several years, advanced electronic screening of international outbound baggage was limited. But an increase in terrorist acts, including the bombings of the World Trade Center and the federal building in Oklahoma City, has convinced government and industry that additional bag screening is necessary. As technology improves, this screening someday could include not only explosives, but also devices that present other types of threats. Since the machines are too expensive and large for airports/airlines to provide enough equipment to scan all bags with high-tech screening, a three-stage screening process has been established. Stage one utilizes more conventional high-speed x-ray scanners to look inside luggage and parcels. In stage two, suspect bags are routed to conveyor queues while x-ray images are re-evaluated. They then are routed either to a bypass conveyor or to third stage screening, which consists primarily of one of two types of advanced technology screening equipment. One type uses computed tomography, a scanning technology similar to a medical CAT scan. Another type uses dual-energy x-ray scanning to produce a three-dimensional image of the contents. As machines become faster and less expensive, airports will have enough machines to scan all luggage. New airport terminals under design are providing space for multiple machines and will be the first facilities to provide 100 percent screening of all bags. Since space requirements for these machines are so significant, the security consultant should be involved in new building design early on to ensure that adequate space is provided for the machines and baggage staging. One method or system being considered as a means to streamline the need for extensive bag screening is passenger profiling. This methodology utilizes a passenger profiling database containing certain passenger criteria to classify luggage for screening, thereby eliminating the need to scan all bags with high-tech screening equipment. Use of this database information could classify a passenger as low risk and may eliminate the need for advance bag screening of bags checked by that person. One major airline has developed software for this purpose which has been tested at a major hub airport location, but the system is very controversial and may or may not be implemented for general use. If and when the system is implemented, it will have extensive systems integration impacts that will require integration of airline common use erminal equipment host computers, bag handling equipment, airport security systems and explosives detection systems. This will require the security consultant to interface security systems with airline operations systems that in the past have been a non-issue when designing airport security systems. Since most of the systems mentioned above are information technology based, it will require the consultant to become increasingly knowledgeable about local area networks, wide area networks and the world wide web. Changes also are taking place with technological advances in systems utilized at the security screening checkpoint where passengers and their carry-on baggage are screened prior to boarding the aircraft. One such advance is in the method used to watch the exit lane. New systems are being developed which will assist with the arduous task of watching the exit lane in order to improve security at this portal and to decrease operating costs. Presently, this task is done manually with a posted security guard, but a person in this position is subject to distractions, can daydream or at slower nighttime periods may fall asleep for short durations. New systems use electronic detection to supervise the direction of traffic through the lane and produce alarms when a person enters the lane from the wrong direction. These systems may be used to supplement the existing guard post or may replace the guard position, thereby decreasing the operations cost. What are the major focuses of landside/non-regulated security issues at airports now and through the year 2000? A primary area of concern is parking facilities. Security concerns and public safety awareness has increased with the rise in crime over the past several years. Crime in parking facilities has risen proportional to crime rates in most cities. Parking facilities present opportunities for crime since vehicles are left for extended periods of time, and people traversing to and from their vehicles are subject to isolation and are more vulnerable. Crime concerns at parking garages include vehicle theft, vandalism, vehicle break-in and crimes against persons. Security directors at colleges, hospitals, shopping malls, manufacturing plants, sports facilities and other places with large parking facilities have been focusing on security in this area for the last few years. In order to provide increased public safety, airport operations and police departments are beginning to take a more serious look at the need for implementing additional security methods and systems in their public and employee parking facilities. What types of systems will be installed to reduce crime in airport parking facilities? Systems similar to those that have been installed at parking garages and lots associated with the other types of public and private sector facilities previously mentioned. There is and will continue to be a very heavy emphasis on CCTV systems because they act as a good deterrent to crime, as well as a tool to verify alarms. But with so many cameras required to watch large parking garages having multiple parking levels and many aisles, integration of other systems will be required to automate and simplify the process of trying to watch and utilize large numbers of cameras. Systems that already are widely used in other types of public parking are becoming more common at airport parking facilities, including emergency phones, ambient noise alarms and wireless personal assistance alarms. Additional systems including such items as intelligent video motion detection are in the process of being developed and will be used in the future to further assist with automated camera watching. Other areas of concern for improving landside security at airports include supervision of roadways, security at station platforms for automated train systems, security for vendors, protection of ATMs and guarding of toll plaza booths. In concert with both landside and airside security issues are the expansion and improvements to the communications and emergency operations centers that monitor and control most of the systems mentioned in this article. Upgrades to these facilities generally require relocation of or modifications to nearly all these systems.

Psychology of Body Language

Navarro, Joe. (2008, January 1). Fast forces of attraction. Retrieved from http://www. psychologytoday. com/articles/200712/fast-forces-attraction | â€Å"Pitch correlates only loosely with height, but is closely tied to hormone levels—meaning it's a good indicator of fertility or dominance, as well as health and attractiveness. â€Å"In general, people with attractive voices have attractive faces,† says David Feinberg, a psychologist at McMaster University. † (pg. )| This is interesting because well one the use of the word correlation in this statement made me think of the correlation research method. Did they do actual research? And then I continued to where David Feinberg made his statement, and I believe this is untrue because again each person’s perception is different, I then continued to think of the saying â€Å"you have a face for radio† it just seemed contradictory. | | | â€Å"Accents affect our perceptions, as do speed and pitch. We jud ge fast talkers to be more educated, and those with varied inflection to be more interesting. Men prefer higher voices in women, and women like deeper voices in men (especially when ovulating or looking for a short-term relationship)†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (pg. 1)| When the word â€Å"perception† came about I immediately thought of the Cognitive Prospective. | †¦Ã¢â‚¬ That's why our brains have set us up to draw instantaneous inferences from tiny nuances of behavior, what psychologists call â€Å"thin slices† of judgment. We form first impressions of another's attractiveness in a tenth of a second, generating a symphonic burst of desire in which everything from voice to wit plays a part†¦Ã¢â‚¬  ( pg. ). | This section made me think that they used the Biological Prospective to explain the reasoning and help make it easier to see. | â€Å"People like people whom others find attractive. You might be inclined to think it's because socializing with (or sleeping with) the It girl enhances your own status in the crowd. † (pg. 2)| Right here is a great example of the Socio-cultural Prospective. It’s all about where you stand in our society today, and by this statement it is easy to see because it is very true. Its seems most evident in college students, seeing it firsthand. | â€Å"Most of us are drawn to those who hail from our own side of the tracks, and men and women are marrying within their social class much more than ever. † (pg. 2)| Again a perfect example of Sociocultural Prospective. | â€Å"†¦But ask 5,000 people and clear patterns emerge. Some traits have universal sex appeal because they're markers of good genes, health, and fertility: a fit body, clear skin, a symmetrical face with average-sized and -shaped features, and traits that mark sex hormones†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (pg. )| Now this section exemplifies the Evolutionary Prospective because people, even unknowingly, look for these traits because they want they’re offspring to be the strongest the fittest, which made me think of Darwinism. ‘The strong will survive. † The stronger, healthier, smarter, and most attractive evolve, the stay alive and most importantly pass their genes on. | Summary: this article was quite interesting, it talked about all aspects of attraction and explained from various prospectives of psychology. It talked about physical attributes such as looks, voice, health ect, to the mental part of attraction. | |

Technology and media-should counterculture be primitive or cutting Essay

Technology and media-should counterculture be primitive or cutting edge(need to elaborate) - Essay Example It assumes that one has to give up something in order to gain another. In this case, for the artist to continue his or her work, he or she has to give up the creative independence and submit to the dictates of corporate hegemony where art lacks the originality and virtuosity that ideally characterizes art but rather seeks for mainstream validation that would make it profitable thus reducing art as a mere business endeavor. Kurt Andersen made an insigthful analysis in his thought provoking article in Vanity Fair on how business corrupts art. He argued that the contemporary artistic phenomenon and those crafted twenty years ago were basically the same in consonance to the commercial art maxim that there is nothing new or original in this universe except the artistic capacity of packaging and delivering old ideas in new forms and formats. Andersen further argued that â€Å"Lady Gaga has replaced Madonna, Adele has replaced Mariah Carey- both distinctions without a real difference†¦ (Andersen 2).† Art then as treated by mainstream media with its corporate funding is gauge not by its â€Å"soul† or social and artistic relevance and value, but rather on its economic value. Taking these arguments at its face value, it seems that these are extreme positions about art where nobody wins. Art by its purist form will inevitably die due to lack of resources or funding to even continue itself while commercializing it will deliberately sacrifice creativity for commercial acceptance and succes. This problematic situation warrants for an exploration of options whereby art can pursue itself by reconciling with mainstrain media without losing its creativity and artistic independence. All is not grim for purist art however. Despite its limited resources and its effort to insulate from the dictate of mainstream media, purist art had success in the recent decades which tells that there is a chance that purist art will be â€Å"embraced by the commercial mainstrea m to a substantial extent (King 1)†. If it does, it means that Indie art can avail of the advantages of technology and resources present in mainstream media without selling or compromising itself. Should mainstream media embrace Indie art, the latter can then capitalize on the exploiting cutting edge options to bolster its USP of creating immense spectacles, forging larger than life creations and take over the mainstream audience with its pricy awe and grandeur. Despite purist art recent success however, the nagging question still remains that art still needs resources to begin with its work. Without the preliminary funding to expose itself to the public, art will not have even a chance to be accepted and have mainstream validation which stresses further the reality if not inevitability of merging pure art with mainstream media. While this may sound advantageous to purist artist, this new position of pure art cohabiting with mainstream media breeds a new set of problem of defe ating the essence of art. Hibbert elaborated on this reservation saying that Indie culture not only offers to its adherents an aesthetic genre they could identify with, but it also facilitates them with a method, exploiting which they could socially differentiate themselves from the mainstream viewership (Hibbett 55). And this distinct aesthetic genre which differentiated purist art from commercial art may be corrupted or even ruined when too much technology is used as afforded by mainstream media in

Are women treated fairly in the workplace Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Are women treated fairly in the workplace - Essay Example No matter up to what extent the women are given freedom and the issue of gender discrimination is addressed, women will always have to face gender inequality. Women working in offices have to face a number of problems and issues particularly relating to the wages and job promotions (DeLaat, 1999). The women working in offices claimed that although they work equally as men but they were not given equal pays and privileges like their men counterparts. Many surveys have been conducted in order to find out what women feel regarding their treatment in various workplaces and the conclusion of nearly all the surveys was same, which was that the women felt that they were not being given equal rights, facilities and favors as the men in the same position were being given (Samuels, 1995). The European commission also declared that although much effort has been made to eliminate gender discrimination but women have not being given the equal status as men in the work market. It was also said that although the women work equally as the men, and in fact in some cases the women end up doing more work than men in the same positions, but women’s work is less valued and is not much appreciated. It is generally considered that women are only capable of doing jobs which are related to care, hospitality, cleaning and social working. Women are usually not hired on managerial positions and other higher posts in the office because it is a general perception that women cannot do such jobs efficiently. Although women have a number of other duties to oblige to apart from work, yet the women put in all their efforts to produce the best work but still it is thought that the women are not able to produce efficient results for the concerned companies (Bradley, 1999). It can be summed up to say that in majority of the cases the women feel that they are not being equally treated and are not being given the same accommodation and convenience as their male

Counseling Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Counseling Theory - Essay Example 177). Adlerians believe that the holistic approach automatically follows, in that if a counselor can help individuals, society as a whole will benefit. Major Concepts Holistic and Existentialist Alder’s theory will be integrated into my student counseling because it directs greater attention to the student as an individual. Alder’s approach is individualistic and as such departs from the Freudian concept that everyone can be viewed as having the same mannerisms and motivations for coping with human demands. For Alder, the individual’s response system is influenced by individual factors such as â€Å"social history† which â€Å"fashions his or her personality in a unique way† (Day 2008, p. 176). In this regard, Alerian psychology is holistic in nature and appropriate for counseling students who are developing as individuals. Students can also be influenced by peers and in this regard Alderian psychology as an integrated part of my student development counseling approaches can help the student to develop independence. Alderian psychology takes the position that â€Å"personal choice† is very important (Day 2008, p. 176). In addition to providing a potential for change, personal choice or the freedom to make choices also emphasizes that the individual is responsible for his or her own conduct although we may not always be comfortable accepting this burden. Therefore Alderian psychology is also referred to as â€Å"existential† since it targets complexities of being such as â€Å"freedom, choice, responsibility and the meaning of life† (Day 2008, p. 176). The student will therefore learn that only he/she can take responsibility for his/her conduct. Style of Life The style of life theory will be integrated into my counseling program to help the student build character. The style of life theory features prominently in Alderian psychology. It refers to those elements that direct the character and are established by the time the individual is 6 years old. These elements are virtually static and unchanging during the individual’s life time. They include the â€Å"internal sources of† an individual’s â€Å"values, beliefs, goals, and interests† (Day 2008, p. 177). Style of life will therefore play a significant role in how the individual interprets his or her own experiences. Style of life is thus not unlike the individual personality in that it is constant and influential throughout the lifespan (Day 2008, p. 177). Birth Order In order to help me understand my client student’s individual difficulties, I will integrate Alerian birth order approach to student counseling. The family’s â€Å"psychological make-up† influences the child’s style of life (Day 2008, p. 177). For Alder, birth order depicts the child’s â€Å"chronological place in the family† (Day 2008, p. 179). For instance the eldest child could be â€Å"dominantâ €  and could be the â€Å"most responsible, most conservative† and most driven to achieve (Day 2008, p. 179). This could occur as a result of feelings of inferiority after the birth of a second child. These feelings of inferiority could drive the eldest child to reassert his place throughout the lifespan. The youngest child has a tendency to be â€Å"more dependent, less responsible and socially apprehensive† (Day 2008, 179). Likewise the second eldest child is not as conservative as the eldest child this can be a result of the fact that parenting is looser upon the birth of a se

Budget Transmittal Letter FY 2013 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Budget Transmittal Letter FY 2013 - Assignment Example The financial constraints over the past five years have allowed us to be more disciplined while still exercising some level of prudence. This is so as we ensure that we do what we have agreed to get done in the interest of serving the community. The Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2013 which is hereby transmitted takes into consideration the fundamental needs and the priorities that will help to improve or maintain the quality of life of the people in the community. The strategies that have been employed in preparing the Fiscal Year 2013 Proposed Budget has taken the approach of reducing departmental expenditures, government reform and new sources of generating revenue to boost shortfall. Each department will receive an amount that is proportional to the expenses that are expected to be incurred. We continue our quest and commitment to sustainability and this has been demonstrated in the time that has been spent examining and assessing priorities relating to the costs and services th at can be reduced. A high level of fiscal discipline on the part of stakeholders is still encouraged as in previous years. The approach that was taken in preparing the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2013 is as follows: i. ... After all the above were accomplished, had the task of recommending the reductions that would facilitate the balancing of the budget in order to ensure its consistency with the overall goals of the City Council. There are still challenges even though we are recovering from the recession. In the previous Fiscal Year we identified structural deficits relating to that period, the current period and Fiscal Year 2014. Structural deficits have now been identified for Fiscal Year 2013 to the tune of $16.4 million. Departments are still encouraged to review their operations to determine where possible any additional cost reductions that might be possible. In taking a strategic approach which we established starting with the Fiscal Year 2012, we have been looking at the solutions that may be possible for the next three to five years. The operating budget is expected to be around $700 million and from this over $20 million is expected to be cut in order for the district to remain fiscally stab le (Puente 2012). See Appendix 1 and 2 for some of the reductions that have been proposed. The increased cost of employee retirements continues to represent a major part of the deficit and uncertainties still abound in respect of the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). The investments are not likely to recover what was expected in the initial period and so pension reforms are likely to continue until a surplus is generated. The returns on pension investments are expected to be about 7.75% and will not be able to cover the costs of pensions fully. There are continuing efforts to get employees to contribute more to their pension costs. There are some groups that have decided to increase their contributions. These include employees in the police department

Smart Phones in Todays Business Environment Research Paper

Smart Phones in Todays Business Environment - Research Paper Example Smartphones were noted to serve a multitude of purposes due to its feature of providing multi-purpose connectivity, to wit: â€Å"snap a photo, shoot (or play) a video clip, listen to the latest pop tune, perform e-commerce transactions, participate in social media, send and receive e-mails, and obtain driving directions via a satellite-based geo-positioning system (GPS)† (Barnes & Barnes, 2012, par. 3). In the business environment, smartphones provide the ability for records and information management (RIM); biometrics and even image recognition and recording (especially for law enforcement and insurance organizations). As emphasized, â€Å"smartphones, outfitted with appropriate mobile applications, can accomplish data-driven objectives, such as improving the search function within the context of a content management system or increasing sales† (Barnes & Barnes: Staying Informed, 2012, par. 3).Smartphones were noted to serve a multitude of purposes due to its feature of providing multi-purpose connectivity, to wit: â€Å"snap a photo, shoot (or play) a video clip, listen to the latest pop tune, perform e-commerce transactions, participate in social media, send and receive e-mails, and obtain driving directions via a satellite-based geo-positioning system (GPS)† (Barnes & Barnes, 2012, par. 3). In the business environment, smartphones provide the ability for records and information management (RIM); biometrics and even image recognition and recording (especially for law enforcement and insurance organizations).

Fasting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Fasting - Essay Example From the early times, fasting has been criticized due its diverse scope of practice. In modern times, fasting in the form of a hunger strike has been employed as a political weapon. Fasting is a broad term that has become a focus over various controversies in the medical, spiritual, or political arena. Since time immemorial, controversies have come out on how to properly practice fasting. As an example, a religious practice that precludes one to do any sexual activity or refrain from eating a certain type of food during fasting has become a controversy that comes together with the proper practice of fasting. Looking back to the ancient times, several reasons are presented with regards to fasting. People fasted for purity, spiritual and physical. However, a controversy came out when some of those who fast seeking for spiritual purity end up being drained. This was discounted when majority of spiritual seeker felt energized after fasting. Moreover, this account was supported by the det ox dieters noting that they feel clearer, and from one point to another, felt some form of physical purity. This research paper will open up our horizon to better understand and unfold the complexity of fasting. In the context of medicine, fasting is defined as â€Å"voluntarily not eating food for varying lengths of time† (eNotes, 2008). For many conditions, fasting is used as a medical therapy, and is utilized for various chronic medical conditions such as allergies, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, depression, diabetes, headaches, heart disease, high cholesterol, low blood sugar, digestive disorders, mental illness, and obesity. In medicine, fasting is used to refer to the state that is achieved after digestion. During fasting, it is noted that various metabolic adjustments occur and for this reason, various diagnostic tests in medicine are standardized for fasting. It is assumed that a person is fasting after 8 – 12 hours of no food

PHILOSOPHY CLASS-LONG PAPER Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

PHILOSOPHY CLASS-LONG PAPER - Essay Example The dead can bear no responsibility for their actions. At best, Smith is a zombie, under the control of the scientist. An animated corpse is simply an instrument being used to fulfill the will of the master. Within this system, the scientist is fully alive. He feels pleasure by overcoming displeasures, which in this case would be technical difficulties with his zombie and his chip that prevent Smith from carrying out his master’s will. With every victory over Smith, the master (the scientist) stimulates his will to power and therefore is fully alive. The scientist follows all the rules of Master Morality, and is able to do this with a good conscience. Smith can’t subscribe to the Slave Morality because, ostensibly, he does not know he is being subjugated. He cannot see his master as evil, because he is unaware that his mind has been manipulated by an outside person. Therefore, he bears no responsibility for his actions while under the influence of the neural chip. Holba ch: Causal Determinism: All Events are Caused Holbach states that because we are parts of the greater whole, which is nature, we cannot think, perceive or act without nature influencing us. In order to be free of nature, we would have to be free of â€Å"physical sensibility† which means coma, or death. ... Smith does not, even though it does no obvious harm. As a result, Smith, while under control of the chip, has no â€Å"actual essence† (Holbach) and is not truly alive. Under this system, a person is punished or rewarded due to his acting or not acting on his motives, which we all carry within us. Smith’s volition to act or not act is compromised by the chip, so he should not be punished or rewarded for any actions. â€Å"To be free is to yield to the necessary motives he carries within himself† (Holbach, 113). Smith’s processing of what his motives are, and what to do or not do about them, is controlled by the scientist. It is my position that the scientist alone experiences Holbach’s limited freedom. Hume: On Knowing and the Liberty of Spontaneity Hume defines the will as â€Å"when we knowingly give rise to any new motion of our body, or a new perception of our mind† (57). If Smith’s thoughts are influenced by a neural chip, then Sm ith’s actions, which are directed by this chip, are not mindful actions, but compulsions that have been generated by the chip’s impulses. Smith acts unknowingly, therefore he has no will. Hume’s main argument states that â€Å"2. All mental events (thoughts, feelings, etc.) and actions are constantly conjoined with some other (preceding) type of event, and the mind passes from a consideration of one to a consideration of the other (class notes, italics mine). Smith’s mind is altered by the chip, thus altering the process of consideration from E to F. This makes for a false causal relation in terms of the will. If causation depends on a determination of the mind, then Smith’s mind is being determined by the scientist. There ends up being a

Domestic Partnership Essay Example for Free

Domestic Partnership Essay The advantages gained by providing benefits to domestic partners can outweigh the costs. This report will define domestic partnerships, outline the various benefits available for dependants, provide analysis related to the cost of providing benefits to dependants of domestic partnerships, discuss various benefit package options and related costs, and provide details related to the value the company stands to gain by offering such benefits. Domestic Partnership Domestic partnerships are generally thought of as a relationship between two members of the same sex. While same sex relationships garner most of the attention, domestic partnerships are not always between members of the same sex. California Family Code Section 297 defines domestic partners as â€Å"two adults who have chosen to share one another’s lives in an intimate and committed relationship of mutual caring. To establish a domestic partnership in California, a couple must file a Declaration of Domestic Partnership with the Secretary of the State, share a common residence, not be married or in a domestic partnership with someone else, not be related by blood, both are over the age of 18, both are the same sex, or opposite sex over the age of 62 and meet the eligibility criteria under the Social Security Act. Legal Issues Currently, 18 states offer domestic partner benefits for same-sex partners of state employees. Several state and local governments that offer health insurance and other benefits to employees’ unmarried domestic partners are currently facing lawsuits. Proponents of the Defense of Marriage Acts (DOMA) claim these constitutional amendments prohibit governments from offering such benefits to any dependent of a relationship that does not fit the state’s constitutional definition of marriage. Both gay-rights advocates and the American Civil Liberties Union dispute such amendments and are currently engaging DOMA proponents in courts across America in attempts to resolve their differences (Gentile, 2006). The costs associated with defending such legal matters can prove to be very cumbersome. Types of Employer Benefits When seeking employment, benefit packages play a major role in attracting and keeping employees. Employer benefits consist of more than the basic medical, dental, and vision plans. A variety of additional benefits being sought after by potential employees include, but are not limited to, retirement plans, life insurance and the family medical leave act. To qualify for domestic partner benefits, employees may be asked to sign a statement or submit an affidavit asserting they live with a domestic partner and are financially interdependent† (Greenwald, 2003). Health Insurance â€Å"For most nonelderly people in the United States, health insurance and access to health care derive from one’s own or a family member’s employment† (Ash and Badgett, 2006). In all fairness, these types of benefits should be offered to these types of families under the cu rrent guidelines of Domestic Partnership. Two levels of benefits are offered by employers, single coverage and family coverage. Single employees are at a disadvantage when it comes to compensation because some employers offer their employees a flexible benefit to assist with costs. These benefits will include all the same privileges that legally recognized families are currently receiving. The entitlement shall consist of doctor’s visits, prescription drug coverage, hospitalization, and eye exams (Briggs, 1994). Dental Benefits Dental care is an essential benefit which should be available to all family members. Preventive dental care could significantly reduce loss of productivity and catch problems before they become chronic or severe† (Gustin, 2003). Dental benefits are very affordable and valuable. One available option is for this company to offer dental as a voluntary option. This would enable the employees and their domestic partner to take advantage of the dental plan at a group rate, but the employee woul d be responsible for the cost (Gustin, 2003). Retirement/401K Retirement Plans and 401K’s are benefits that are only available to employees; however, choosing beneficiaries is a very important detail to these plans. Although domestic partners cannot be given all of the rights of spouses, plans can be structured to provide them with many of the benefits available for spouses† (Davis, 2007). In addition to being named as beneficiary, a hardship withdrawal can be taken based on the need of the domestic partner, and domestic partners will have the right to rollover death benefits (Davis, 2007). Life Insurance Employee life insurance is available at a more affordable rate through employer plans. Adding family members is an optional benefit. Under this plan, domestic partners and children would be entitled to life insurance coverage for just pennies a day. This would incur no expense for the employer and the employee would benefit from a group rate. Cost to Employees and Employers The cost of healthcare is on the rise and no end to this crisis is in sight. Most people believe all employers should offer health insurance to its employees; however, with the cost of healthcare so high companies who offer these benefits are trying to find ways to offset costs. If all employers did offer health, dental, and life insurance, who would cover the cost? A survey administered by the Commonwealth Fund titled The Public’s Views on Healthcare Reform in the 2008 Presidential Election asked that question to 3,500 randomly selected adults. 70% of people surveyed thought the cost should be shared equally between the employer, employees, and the government. 80% of the people surveyed also thought that if an employer did not offer health insurance they should contribute to the cost of coverage (Lubell, 2008). Tax Equity The Tax Equity for Domestic Partner and Health Plan Beneficiaries Act of 2007 was introduced March 29, 2007. The act states employers offering healthcare insurance have to provide healthcare coverage to domestic partners, same-sex or opposite sex. This law has been added to stop federal tax inequalities same-sex couples currently face when receiving healthcare benefits offered by their employers (Postal, 2007). The new law significantly affected employers in the Northeast and Western states because 42% of larger companies in the Northeast, and 38% of companies in the West have same-sex domestic partner healthcare coverage. Only 14% of large companies in the Midwest and 10% of companies in the south have this type of coverage (Cohen, 2004). Dual Coverage Because the cost of healthcare has increased 15% since 2003, some states in the U. S. have prohibited employees from claiming their spouses/domestic partners as dependents; thus, prohibiting dual coverage in the workforce. Banning dual coverage for these employees saves the state tax payers several million dollars per year while the employees and their families have suitable health insurance coverage. Employees rely on dual health insurance coverage to cover out of pocket costs resulting from procedures which are not fully covered by their primary carrier. Dual coverage insurance can save families hundreds, if not thousands of dollars per year, but can potentially cost the employer hundreds or thousands more (Employer-Sponsored, 2004). Annual Cost According to a research study performed by The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research and Education Trust in 2006, private employers nationwide spend an average of $4,242 for single coverage and $11,480 for family coverage on employer sponsored health insurance coverage annually (Employer Health, 2006). Whether the employee is a single hetero-sexual or homo-sexual the rate for single coverage remains the same. The same for family coverage, the married hetero-sexual couple and the same-sex or opposite-sex domestic partners family coverage cost also remains the same. Employees are paying an average of $1,860 for single coverage and $4,848 for family coverage annually. These costs are causing employers to raise workers’ insurance premiums or reduce coverage. Some companies perform internal audits to eliminate ineligible dependents, older children, and ex-spouses/ex-domestic partners. If an employer finds dependents on an employees’ insurance that should not have been covered, the employee is required to pay back medical bills and insurance premiums through payroll deductions (Employer-Sponsored, 2004). Using information from these internal audits employers may notice a slight domestic partner enrollment increase: 0. 1%-0. 3% for gay and lesbian partners and 1. 3%-1. 8% for heterosexual partners. The increase in enrollment does not significantly affect the annual cost to the employer for employer-sponsored benefits provided to domestic partners and their families (Ash and Badgett, 2006). Benefits to the Company Healthcare continues to be a concern to both employees and employers. Employers are developing and offering programs and incentives to attract various types of workers, including those in domestic partner relationships, to attract more qualified candidates. Making benefits available to an employee’s domestic partner, a company is likely to hire and retain an employee whose work output is optimal. Employees in a domestic partner relationship appreciate their employer considering their particular need which results in a higher production rate. Davis 2007). Increased Productivity An employee who is healthy and has a healthy family is less likely to call in sick and take unnecessary time off to care for his or her family. In a study conducted by Ipsos-Reid (2004), two main contributors to employee absenteeism are depression and stress. Health benefits made available to an employee and his or her domestic partner can help reduce these factors. Mark Cauthen, benefit manager for the city of Colorado Springs, believes if one’s dependents feel better, the employee is more productive and focused at work (Wojcik, 2007). Preventative Measures Many companies have recognized the importance of helping employees manage their work and personal lives. Some of the more common preventive measure benefits currently being offered to employees, their domestic partners, and other immediate family members residing in the home are: wellness, flu shots, and fitness programs. Offering these various programs help the employee feel the employer cares for the health of his or her family resulting in increased productivity (Meghji 2007). Lower attrition rates An employer must also be concerned with the effect of employee retention. Currently 50% of Fortune 500 companies are providing benefits to employees involved in same sex domestic partnerships and heterosexual partnerships. Conclusion Offering benefits to domestic partners makes good business sense. While providing benefits to domestic partners may slightly increase employer cost, the benefits will prove profitable. As the research has indicated, enrollment will increase slightly which will not pose a financial hardship to any corporation.

Jan Van Eyck Art History English Literature Essay

Jan Van Eyck Art History English Literature Essay Jan Van Eyck was born somewhere around 1390 in the village of Maaseyck, near Maastricht (Belgium). His early life is somewhat of a mystery. Between 1422 and 1424 he was employed as a painter by John of Bavaria, Count of Holland. One year later he entered the service of Philip the Good, Duke of Burgandy. There he became court artist and equerry. Van Eyck was held in high esteem by the Duke and was not only Godfather to the Dukes son, but was also paid a salary by him instead of working on commission (which was typical for artists of this time period). He worked for the Duke for 16 years (his lifetime) and also for wealthy Italians resident in the Netherlands, such as Giovanni Arnolfini. Jan Van Eyck was a Flemish Realist active in Bruges, who was considered by some as the first master of oil painting. His use of oil paints in his detailed panel paintings resulted in him being known as the father of oil painting. He was credited with originating a style of painting characterized by minutely realistic depictions of surface effects and natural light. He accomplished this by using an oil medium, which allowed the building up of paint in translucent layers, or glazes. By creating these layers he was able to capture objects in the minutest detail. This also gave him the ability to preserve his colors. Due to Van Eycks social position with Philip the Good as a diplomat (negotiating marriage for the Duke); he was able to travel extensively. He had a great visual memory and eye for detail. Van Eyck was unique in his ability to accurately record historical style. No painter has ever been more preoccupied with artifacts and with the exact way something looks. In his paintings, he extends detailed information about things far past ordinary detail. Instead of doing as artists before him and suggesting areas and ideas, Van Eyck has left us with too much detail. No detail is left unexplored. He painted the world as if everything in it were both knowable and perfectly known. Van Eycks artwork is also charged with symbolism. This attitude toward nature was one that Van Eyck seems to have regarded each created thing as a symbol of the workings of Gods mind, and the universe as an immense structure of metaphors (artchive.com). He has so many things packed into each painting that it is hard to find all of the symbols and we are often left to speculate what things might mean. Take for instance in The Virgin of Chancellor Rolin, there are two rabbits holding up a pillar in the center of the painting, close to the book of hours. We are only left to speculate the meaning of this. Is it purely as a piece of conversation, or has the artist placed them there to symbolize true love overcoming carnal desire? Also in the same piece, two mockingbirds are shown in the garden just beyond the pillar. Are these put there to symbolize death, as the peacocks symbolize eternal life, or are they placed in the garden for balance and interest only? Although we are left to specul ate about some symbols, others are pulled from classic symbols of the past that are commonly used as representations by many artists, such as the lilies in the garden being used to symbolize The Virgin Marys purity, or the cross being held in the baby Jesus hand. I think the thing that makes this artist stand out the most to me is the interest he creates by combining the very heavy use of symbols, with the miniature detail. He carries his symbolism even into the deep background of his paintings. This gives the effect of excitement whenever finding one of Jan Van Eycks pieces of art. We as viewers of the scene before us, become detectives. We hungrily look for things that maybe we have overlooked. This not only brings us into the painting, but fosters thinking and debate! Every expression by the figures and even every creation itself seem to carry two meaningsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦its own and a symbolic one. Jan Van Eyck made both religious and secular images. His most well known religious work is The Ghent Altarpiece. This painting was originally started by his brother Hubert. Jan completed the work in 1432, six years after his brothers death. It is unclear how many of the twenty four panels Van Eyck finished or changed after his brother passed away. One of his most studied secular images is The Arnolfini Portrait made in 1434. Both of these paintings were oil on panel. Some of his other most popular paintings are: Portrait of a Man in a Turban (1433), The Virgin of Chancellor Rolin (1435), Portrait of Margareta van Eyck (1439), and Madonna in the Church (c. 1425). Of the some twenty six main works documented, all seem to be either oil on panel or oil on canvas. Several of Jan Van Eycks works were signed and dated, which allowed historians to correctly identify other works of his that were either left unsigned or had signed frames which were removed at some point in time. On a few of his works he has signed ALS ICH KAN (As I can or As best I can). In the Arnolfini Portrait he even signed on the wall in the picture itself Jan Van Eyck was here. He painstakingly made his paintings the most interesting I have seen. His eye was at one and the same time a microscope and a telescope Erwin Panofsky. The Betrothal of the Arnolfini Considered perhaps Jan Van Eycks greatest triumph in the painting of portraits is The Betrothal of the Arnolfini or The Arnolfini Portrait (1434). This portrait is an oil on wood (32  ¼ x 23  ½), and is one of his most famous portraits. This painting represents an Italian merchant, Giovanni Arnolfini, who had come to the Netherlands on business, with is bride Jeanne de Chenany. This was a new and revolutionary way of painting portraits in its portrayal of a piece of the real world. The meticulous way the entire room was painted in every detail from carpet, slippers, drapery, chandelier and pet. It is as if we have stepped into their home. It is speculated that this picture represents the moment of the couples betrothal. The young woman is clothed in a vibrant green gown lined with fur and blue undergarment. The weight of the garment is apparent in the deep folds it creates. Her head covering is white with delicate laced edging. Even a gold necklace and brown leather belt are show n. She tilts her head forward, eyes slightly down showing modesty. Her dainty build shown in her hands contrast the heavy material of her robe. She is shown just after placing her hand lightly in her husbands. Her left hand holds up the folds of her dress, possibly symbolizing fertility or her wish for children. Her husband is shown in a large black hat, black collared shirt and  ¾ lengths brown, fur lined coat. His left hand rests under her right and his right hand is raised as in an oath. In the foreground a pair of traditional wooden shoes are shown on the floor. The wood planking and detailed rug are shown on the floor as well. There is a dog shown in between the couple on the foreground floor, possibly a family pet or to symbolize loyalty. Behind them on the floor were another pair of shoes (possibly the wifes) at the base of the seat. The couples shoes being removed could represent custom or the reference to being on holy ground. Going up the scene from the shoes, the seat i s shown in detail with squared wooden posts, ornate caps and fluffed pillow. The mirror at center and focal point of the painting shows the backs of the betrothed and also two more people (possibly Van Eyck and a witness or father). The ten small circles surrounding the mirror each contain a tiny scene from the passion of Christ. This technique is called miniaturist. To the left of the mirror hangs rosary beads, and to the right a hard bristled broom. Above the mirror is an inscription reading Johannes de Eyck fuit hic 1434, or Jan Van Eyck was here 1434. Above the mirror hangs an ornately decorated chandelier with a single candle placed in it (the candle is lit even though it is daytime). A window to the left of Arnolfini is open, and the light from the room comes in from this point. Fruit lays on a wooden table top and windowsill, possibly symbolizing the couples wealth or the temptation of Adam and Eve. The red draped bed to the right behind the young woman leads to the belief th at the picture was of the couples bridal chamber. The painting seems to be recording an event of the betrothal between the Arnolfini couple. The figures look serious and somber. Both faces of the figures are without expression. The line quality is beautifully precise. Every detail is shown. The brushwork is tight. All of the details, large and small, help to draw us further into the painting. The focal point of the painting is the mirror between the couple in the painting. Jewel toned colors are used in this painting. The husband is painted in browns and blacks, the wife in cool colors, and the bed and seat are done in warm colors of rust. The painting is very appealing to me because it is so detailed and because there are so many items that are interesting to look at. The viewer becomes the witness and we could imagine that if we looked to our side we might see Van Eyck standing with us. The function of this work might be as a recording of events or merely as a gift for the couple shown here. I think the technique is more a reflection of the artists personal style than a reflection of the subject shown. The elements in the painting are expertly painted and arranged in beautiful detail, accurately portraying the meaning of the painting. He also puts many things in the painting that would make our minds engage and think about the artwork in depth. The Virgin of Chancellor Rolin Jan Van Eycks painting of The Virgin of Chancellor Rolin (1435) is 66 x 62 cm oil on panel. The painting was originally made of the Saint Sebastian chapel in the church of Notre-Dame-du-Chantel, Autun. The central figures shown in the painting are Nicolas Rolin (1376/1380-1462), the Virgin Mary, and Christ as an infant. Nicolas Rolin was chancellor to Philip the Good. He commissioned this painting to decorate the chapel, and as the donor, he was painted very realistically. Van Eyck paints the chancellor kneeling before the Virgin and Child. The chancellor is shown on the left side of the loggia, dressed in gold brocade and furs (like a prince) betraying his desire to be viewed as a high ranking court dignitary. His patron saint is not shown beside him, as is custom. Just as oddly out of custom is his representation of being at the same height as the Virgin Mary. He is wearing a black silk belt decorated with gold studs. Infrared reflectography shows that Van Eyck had originally painted the Chancellor with a large purse on his side (representing his substantial wealth) which was probably covered up at the request of the Chancellor. On the cushion of the prayer stool beside the Chancellor is a book of hours, with a red fabric slip cover beneath it. The book seems to be open to the beginning of the liturgy for the service of Matins as suggested by the large letter D on the page. The painting suggests that the Chancellor is preparing to recite this prayer from his book. The portrait of the Chancellor is highly realistic and has been compared with Rogier van der Weydens portrait of the Chancellor on his altarpiece of the Last Judgment at Baume (it is very similar). His nose is strong and prominent, his chin is wide, and his hair is cut into a neat cap style. His eyes are set in concentration, but not looking directly at either the Christ child or Virgin. Across from him the Virgin Mary sits in  ¾ pose upon a brocade cushion, placed on a marble seat inlaid with designs. Her large red robe is edged with jewels, pearls, and braiding. The cloaks edging also has an inscription in gold taken from the Christian liturgy of Matins. The prayer focuses on the magnificence of creation. This theme is carried out by the background scenery and the globe in the infant Jesus hand (symbolizing that he is the creator of all things). She is looking at the cross on top of the globe, as a precursor to her sons crucifixion. An angel holds a highly detailed crown over the virgins head, as a reference to her coronation in the heavenly city of Jerusalem. The angels rainbow colored wings represent the pact set between God and his creation. The naked infant Christ sits on a small piece of linen, a reference to his funeral shroud. The infant holds an ornate gold cross mounted atop a crystal globe. The globe symbolizes Christs earthly power and the cross symbol izes his spiritual dominion. The crystal is said to symbolize Marys virginity. The infant is raising his right hand toward the Chancellor in a gesture of blessing. The infant is not gazing at the Chancellor directly, and infrared reflectography shows that the infants hand was originally painted pointing downward. The architecture of the two large figures are in symmetrical composition that opposes the divine world with that of the human world. The three arches in the background of the loggia represent the Holy Trinity. The arched pillars to each side of the loggia lead to colonnades. Most of the pillars are capped with decorative motifs. However, directly above the Chancellor we see carvings illustrating the Book of Genesis in several scenes (mans original sins and their consequences). This crown of stone above the Chancellors head directly counterbalances the crown above Marys head. Flowers in the garden beyond the pillars are all symbols representing the Virgin Mary (lilies, peony, wild rose, irises, and daisies). The peacock symbolizes immortality or the pride of Nicolas Rolin. The two small figures in the center might very well be Van Eyck and his assistant. The landscape on the left behind the Chancellor represents the earthly world and on the right behind Mary, the heavenly world. The river of life flows between both land masses and a bridge connects them together. The tiny cross on the bridge might represent the crucifixion of Christ to bridge the gap between heaven and earth. I am in awe of Jan Van Eycks attention to detail and creativity. He cleverly uses the lines on the floor tiles and winding river in the distance to establish depth. Also the use of atmospheric perspective and lighting adds to the realism of this painting. I believe the focal point of the painting is the two small figures in the center of the painting (much as in the Arnolfini Portrait) and might in fact be Jan Van Eyck and his apprentice. The portrait is again done in rich jewel tones with crisp line work and incredible detail, as is Van Eycks style. This painting is full of religious symbolism everywhere we look. However, Van Eyck seems to be portraying Nicolas Rolin as a wealthy and conceited man who sought to be on the same level as the Virgin herself. The rich gold brocade of his clothing, the money purse that has since been painted over, and the Chancellor being the same height as the Virgin all give evidence to this theory. I think it was rather daring of Van Eyck to paint the patron of the picture in a not so nice light. This painting is similar to many other works Van Eyck has created in the detail he used (The Virgin with Canon van der Paele, Virgin and Child with Saints and Donor). Most of his work can be easily interpreted, as most of the symbolism is uniform. I would buy this type of artwork because I find the detail and symbolism very appealing.

Genetically Modified Foods Essay -- GMOs, Genetically Modified Crops

Public cities around the world are becoming more involved with a wide array of new technologies without realizing it. From super computers that calculate the movement of satellites without human involvement, to handheld personal computers. Consumers abide with an egregious array of brand new scientific advances that are accompanied by confusing new terms. The food and drug administration, commonly known as the F.D.A, is focusing much of their time with food biotechnology. The all-encompassing use of biotechnology when applied to agriculture and food production increases the deeply felt environmental, economic and ethical concern. The liberation of genetically engineered organisms into the environment poses apprehensive questions regarding the serious promising risk to human health. Genetic engineering or genetic modification is a procedure that requires direct human manipulation of organism’s genetic makeup, altering their DNA that would not commonly happen under natural circumstances. Such applications include the implementation of human genes into animals as well as animal genes into other animals and plants. The industry which practices this gene modification is commonly known as biotechnology. In the next few years this industry has plans to release genetically engineered bacteria, viruses as well as transgenic animals into the environment. With the release of engineered organisms, many feel apprehensive and concerned with the potential harm it may cause to human health. Because the modified organisms are living, they are more likely to be unpredictable than chemicals. Jeremy Rifkin suggests, â€Å"the long-term cumulative environmental impact of releasing thousands of genetically engineered organisms could be equally destruc... ... Fry-Revere, Sigrid. "Cloning Animals for Food Is Morally Permissible." Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2009. At Issue. Gale Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 1 Dec. 2010. Pollack, Andrew. "F.D.A. hearing focuses on the labeling of genetically engineered salmon." New York Times 22 Sept. 2010: B3 (L). Gale Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 1 Dec. 2010. Pollack, Andrew. "Rules near for animals' engineering." New York Times 18 Sept. 2008: C15(L). Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 3 Dec. 2010. Phillips, Susan C. "Genetically Engineered Foods." CQ Researcher 4.29 (1994): 673-696. CQ Researcher. Web. 1 Dec. 2010. Entine, Jon. "Genetically Modified Foods Are Safe." Ethical Corporation (Apr. 2006). Rpt. in Genetically Engineered Foods. Ed. Nancy Harris. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2003. At Issue. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 5 Dec. 2010

Ruined Maid and To His Coy Mistress Essay -- Love Relationships Thomas

Ruined Maid and To His Coy Mistress Both the â€Å"Ruined Maid† and â€Å"To His Coy Mistress† provide us with disturbing images / pictures of love, sex and relationships as I am about to explain. The â€Å"Ruined Maid† was written by Thomas Hardy in 1866, during the time when women didn’t have sex before marriage and they were thrown out of their village for being â€Å"ruined†. The public at that point in history had a very strict view of sex and marriage. They thought that women in particular should never have sex before marriage and they should have everything taken off them for being â€Å"ruined†. They were looked upon as a disgrace to society. The â€Å"Ruined Maid† provides us with disturbing images and pictures of love and relationships because the poem is about a woman who has become â€Å"ruined† which means that she’s had sex before marriage. She’s turned the meaning of this into a good thing while most people thought that it was a bad thing because it meant that the woman had no self-respect and that they were looked upon as prostitutes in a sense. The poem starts with Melia and a...

Our Environment :: essays research papers

Our environment faces many problems today, and as we advance into the 21st century the problems that we face become more and more evident. Inflation on luxuries that we house today like gasoline and electricity have increased dramatically over the past half century. Other problems faced such as population and hunger, not only in 3rd world countries, but right here in the United States as well, have struck hard as the population of people have increased so greatly that our world cannot control the lower class people of the world. As the population increases, the need for land has increased as well, clearly if there is more people on the earth more land will definitely be consumed. Our society today is depending more and more automobile transportation. Our country has the capability to decrease the prices of gasoline to a more socially acceptable level but we choose not to tap into our oil reserves and as our foreign relations are not becoming any friendlier, our prices at the gas pump are increasing at record levels. Some professionals estimate that, in five years, prices per gallon will reach up to five dollars per gallon. This shows the attempt of the government to make mass transportation be a more practical choice. Another economical issue that our society shows concern towards is that of our present utility crisis. Situations like the one currently happening in California could be one faced by more Americans in the near future. Our country believes that the bigger and brighter it is, the better. In reflection of these actions is shown by the shortage of electricity in California. As our country grows we simply are having a problem keeping up, this usage of electricity is also a reflection of another problem faced worldwide, population. We strive and strive for medical advantages and ways to stay alive but we obviously do not put enough emphasis on over population prevention or birth control. The knowledge of how to prevent pregnancy in the third world countries and even the younger generations of people in our own country is one main reason why we are faced with this problem. Until we find a way to make our society understand the world does not expand with the population this problem will increase more and more. As the population grows, so does the consumption of food. Our country, although faced hunger problems within, work together with other countries to try to distribute food to over populated areas in poorer countries, but as their population grows, so does the need for help. Our Environment :: essays research papers Our environment faces many problems today, and as we advance into the 21st century the problems that we face become more and more evident. Inflation on luxuries that we house today like gasoline and electricity have increased dramatically over the past half century. Other problems faced such as population and hunger, not only in 3rd world countries, but right here in the United States as well, have struck hard as the population of people have increased so greatly that our world cannot control the lower class people of the world. As the population increases, the need for land has increased as well, clearly if there is more people on the earth more land will definitely be consumed. Our society today is depending more and more automobile transportation. Our country has the capability to decrease the prices of gasoline to a more socially acceptable level but we choose not to tap into our oil reserves and as our foreign relations are not becoming any friendlier, our prices at the gas pump are increasing at record levels. Some professionals estimate that, in five years, prices per gallon will reach up to five dollars per gallon. This shows the attempt of the government to make mass transportation be a more practical choice. Another economical issue that our society shows concern towards is that of our present utility crisis. Situations like the one currently happening in California could be one faced by more Americans in the near future. Our country believes that the bigger and brighter it is, the better. In reflection of these actions is shown by the shortage of electricity in California. As our country grows we simply are having a problem keeping up, this usage of electricity is also a reflection of another problem faced worldwide, population. We strive and strive for medical advantages and ways to stay alive but we obviously do not put enough emphasis on over population prevention or birth control. The knowledge of how to prevent pregnancy in the third world countries and even the younger generations of people in our own country is one main reason why we are faced with this problem. Until we find a way to make our society understand the world does not expand with the population this problem will increase more and more. As the population grows, so does the consumption of food. Our country, although faced hunger problems within, work together with other countries to try to distribute food to over populated areas in poorer countries, but as their population grows, so does the need for help.

“the Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Self expression is one of humanity’s greatest gifts. It is very important that humans express themselves in many different ways, whether it is writing in a journal, painting, singing, or just speaking with someone. Holding in one’s feelings can be unhealthy and it can lead to depression, anxiety, or insanity. In â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, the narrator, an upper-class woman rebels against her husband’s â€Å"cure† for her depression, which forbade her to exercise her imagination. She keeps a secret journal in which she records her thoughts and fascination about the yellow wallpaper. As a result of the mental restrictions placed upon her, she loses control over reality. Writing in a journal can be used as a tool to express oneself. A journal can become a safe space to help release anxious thoughts and negative feelings. In â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper, the narrator writes in her journal, â€Å"I cry at nothing, and cry most of the time. Of course I don’t when John is here, or anybody else, but when I am alone. And I am alone a good deal just now (Gilman 428). One may suggest that the narrator is a very lonely person who hides her true feelings from her husband and everyone else. Her husband shows no interest of her thoughts or concerns for the conditions she is living under. So she continues to hide her depression and uses a journal as her emotional outlet, but her imagination gets the best of her. Not expressing oneself can consequently lead to depression, anxiety, or insanity. For this reason it is important to exercise one’s imagination. In â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper†, the narrator is forbidden to do anything active and to not exercise her mind in any way. She directs her attention towards the yellow wallpaper and becomes obsessive over it. â€Å"All night in any kind of light, in twilight, candlelight, lamplight, and worst of all by moonlight it becomes bars! The outside pattern I mean, and the women behind it is as plain as can be† (431). The narrator feels enclosed in her room and thinks the patterns in the wallpaper are bars of a cage. She stares at the wallpaper for long periods of time and discovers a woman behind the pattern. One may suggest that she is the women behind the patterns trying to break free. In her last journal entry, she stated, â€Å"I pulled and she shook, I shook and she pulled, and before morning we had peeled yards of that paper† (433). Peeling off â€Å"that paper† on could suggest that she is unraveling the pattern of her domesticated life. Furthermore, in order for the narrator to understand herself, she loses her sanity.

Sales force management

Transactional sales promotion involves the exchange of goods and service at a cost between the seller and buyer. The relational promotion of sales entails the creation of conducive sales environment between the sales promoter and the consumer that attracts the interest of the consumer to use the particular product. The creation of hospitality is very important in sales promotion. In history, the literature of marketing theories has been known to operate on transactional exchange orientation. This has been so in both business- business transactions as well as the consumer to marketer exchange. The theory of classical economics is credited for having led to the development of ‘law of exchange’ by Alderson in 1965. Transactional orientation can further be traced form the development of neoclassical economics which has had formulated assumptions towards maximization of utility and the nature of man in economics. According to research studies, both the relational and transactional marketing strategies have been found to coexist. This means that a consumer may choose on whether to engage a new business relationship with a supplier, try to nourish it and come up with a relationship that is valuable or choose to manage low value- business relationship (Honeycutt, Ford, 2003). However, it is valued to have strong business relationship in any transaction. The ultimate business performance can be achieved through an effective integration of business relationships managements balanced on the framework of transactional economics costs. The interaction of either level is optimized through testing models in the environment, business transaction exchanges, networking and relational governance with a track of its performance. Sales promotion in America is historically not only as old as mankind, but also as old as the art of giving. When a gift is offered to some one, it does not only create a good relationship but also generate a desire for a purchase of the same or similar commodity to offer it as gift to other friends. The art has grown over ages through drastic changes in the media level, personal contact, billboards, and currently the gift sales promotion. The promotional accessories, by the use of branded commodities as well as commercial gifts are the most preferred promotional method currently. This is outweighing the popular traditional means of media broadcast in many ways. People want tangible goods or services brought to their door step. They also want to have an experience on it before purchasing. Therefore, it is good for sales promoters to adjust with quality and give more gifts to consumers as a sales promotion exercise. Some commodities for promotion include biro pens, school bags, mugs, capes and flash drives (USB) which bear the company brand names or promotional tags. Other ways of sales promotion include face to face sales, publicity and media advertisement. Whatever kind of sales promotion if directed to the retailer or wholesaler, then it is referred to as ‘trade sales promotion,’ while when the sales promotion is directed to the consumer, then it is called ‘consumer sales promotion’. The use of reliable packaging method can be a means of attracting consumers in large numbers. This is called ‘price pack deal’ and it is bound to increase sales by more than 25%. Standardized coupons are used in sales promotion. They are either placed on the daily news papers, in phone texts, on the shelf or even as online. When consumers come across these, they tend to be attracted and may end up purchasing the items (Honeycutt, Ford, 2003). Finally, price adjustment strategy also does well in sales promotion. Lowering product price attracts higher demand from consumers.

Ecoterrorist Groups in the United States Essay

Terrorism, in any form, is frowned upon by many people. However, when it is related to taking care of our environment, it could be quite controversial because environmentalism is embraced across all political spectrums. Like the right wing or left wing extremists, violent ecologists and animal rights advocates have caused some scare among people in the United States. This called ecoterrorism and some of these groups often destroy properties that they perceive beneficial to the environment and animals. As Laquer (1999) informed, the word ecoterrorism has been coined to name violent environmentalists (also called â€Å"greens† and other names) that push their ideologies and beliefs to the extreme. Their complaints are as just as those of Christians, Muslims, Jews, Socialists, Anarchists, and indeed most other ideologies and religions of our time, who cannot possibly be made responsible for the actions of the extremists within their ranks. However, in all these value systems, there are beliefs that, if carried to an extreme, may provide inspiration for acts of violence (p. 99). William Dyson (2000), a retired FBI agent who spent nearly 30 years working on domestic terrorism, says it is necessary to look at the way police officers classify crimes and the economic impact of violent ecological extremism to understand the full scope of ecoterrorism. Dyson contends most of the crimes are reported as localized vandalism. The significance of the total destruction is missed. Dyson says when the total economic impact of ecoterrorism is calculated, it demonstrates that the United States has been victimized by a long term terrorist campaign. In fact, in the testimony of FBI Director Louis Freeh (10 May 2001) about the terrorist threats in the United States, he classified ecoterrorism as â€Å"special interest terrorism†. He reasoned out that this is different â€Å"from traditional right-wing and left-wing terrorism in that extremist special interest groups seek to resolve specific issues, rather than effect more widespread political change. Special interest extremists continue to conduct acts of politically motivated violence to force segments of society, including, the general public, to change attitudes about issues considered important to their causes†. These â€Å"special interest† terrorist groups could support their belief in â€Å"extreme fringes of animal rights, pro-life, environmental, anti-nuclear, and other political and social movements†. Moreover, these groups can belong animal rights and environmental movements and â€Å"they have turned increasingly toward vandalism and terrorist activity in attempts to further their causes†. Bryan Denson and James Long (1999) have conducted a detailed study of ecological violence. They found that damage from ecoterrorism have already reached millions of dollars. They conducted a 10-month review and considered crime only in excess of $50,000. Cases that could not be linked to environmental groups were eliminated. They found 100 cases with very few successful law enforcement investigations. According to Denson and Long (1999), most violence has taken place in the American West. From 1995 to 1999, damages totaled $28. 8 million. Crimes included raids against farms; destruction of animal research laboratories at the University of California in Davis and Michigan State University, threats to individuals, sabotage against industrial equipment and even arson. History of Ecoterrorism in the United States The history of radical ecoterrorism goes back to 1980 when a group of five militants belonging to mainstream organizations such as the Sierra Club and Friends of the Earth decided, at the end of a hike, that far more drastic action was needed in view of the imminent destruction of nature, or what remained of it. To them it seemed pointless to work within the system, and thus Earth First was born (Laquer, 1999). Many Earth First activists argue that ecotage (ecologic sabotage) â€Å"can actually prevent destructive activity underway—driving the worst Earth destroyers right out of business— erasing their profits by slowing their work and destroying their tools† (Taylor 1991, p. 263). Despite the fact that ecoterrorism in the US sparked in the 1980s,, two of the most influential books for ecoterrorists were published in the 1970s. These books are Robert Townsend’s Ecotage (1972) and Edward Abbey’s The Monkey Wrench Gang (1975). Edward Abbey’s novel told the story of a group of ecologists who were fed up with industrial development in the West. Abbey is an environmental activist and not a hate-filled ideologue like William Pierce. His novel is a fictional account that has inspired others. In The Monkey Wrench Gang, the heroes drive through the Western states sabotaging bulldozers, burning billboards, and damaging the property of people they deem to be destroying the environment. Incidentally, this is the same type of low-level terrorism German leftists used in the mid-1990s. ) The term â€Å"monkey wrenching† has since became synonymous to ecoterrorism. Laquer (1999) thought that environment radicalism in the United States might have been connected with general political developments. The Carter administration in the 1970s initially was thought to sympathize with the aims of the ecologists, but these hopes proved false. The government neglected more forests to be put at the disposal of the timber industry. Environmentalists reacted in anger, which only increased as more deregulation occurred under President Reagan in the 1980s. The language of the radicals became more violent, as did the character of their actions. As one of the more radical thinkers maintained, the salvation of the earth required an end to civilization and to the vast majority of mankind. They saw human beings as no more important than any other member of the biological community, and with no more rights than animals–or, indeed, than inanimate objects such as forests, rivers, and mountains. Seen in this light, they felt it had been wrong for modern medicine to combat infectious diseases, for bacteria and viruses also had rights–as one of the ecological thinkers put it, eradicating smallpox had been immoral inasmuch as it had been an unwarranted interference with the balance of the ecosystem. Ecoterrorist Groups in the United States In the United States, the most prominent ecoterrorist groups are the Earth Liberation Front (ELF), Earth First, and the Justice Department are interested in environmental preservation. The Animal Liberation Front (ALF), Animal Rights Militia, Band of Mercy, and Paint Panthers champion animal rights. However, it is the violent groups like the ELF and ALF that advocate and engage in economic damage. The rhetorical groups, such as the Church of Euthanasia, simply border on the bizarre, advocating suicide, sodomy, and cannibalism to voluntarily eliminate the earth’s human population (White, 2003). In fact, FBI now ranks both ALF and ELF as the leading domestic terrorism groups that threaten United States, surpassing the Timothy McVeigh-style militia extremists who dominated the terrorism scene during much of the 1990s. James Jarboe, FBI domestic-terrorism section chief said that they estimated that the ALF/ ELF have committed more than 600 criminal acts in the United States since 1996, resulting in damages in excess of $43 million. Worse, the threat is growing because animal and environmental activists are turning increasingly toward vandalism and terrorism to further their causes (Richardson, 2002). According to Atkins (2004), ELF was originally formed by the dissident members of Earth First! in Great Britain in the early 1990s, an American version started operation in 1996 and allied with the Animal Liberation Front (ALF). The group took aim at targets it perceived as causing or promoting harm to the environment, from biotechnology research laboratories to automobile dealerships. In the US, they first made the national news with the arson of five buildings and four ski lifts in Vail, Colorado, on October 17, 1998. Environmentalists had been fighting the Vail Resorts over an area that was wintering grounds for elk and a habitat for the endangered lynx. Since 1997 the Southern Poverty Law Center has attributed ELF with dozens of terrorist attacks and $30 million in damages (p. 91). The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said the group had claimed credit for bombings and arson that had caused some $40 million in damage since the mid-1990s, when the group began its campaign in North America. Although no one had been injured in any of the bombings and fires, the FBI considered the ELF one of the most dangerous organizations in the country. Among the acts of vandalism and arson that the group had claimed responsibility for in 2001 were: †¢ An August 21 vandalism attack on a Long Island, New York cancer research laboratory. †¢ Coordinated June 12 vandalism attacks on five Bank of New York branches in Suffolk County, New York. †¢ A June 10 vandalism attack on the University of Idaho’s biotechnology building. †¢ A June 1 fire in Eagle Creek, Oregon, near a timber sale site in a federal forest. Two separate May 21 arson attacks, the first at a poplar tree farm in Clatskanie, Oregon, the second at the Center for Urban Horticulture at the University of Washington in Seattle. †¢ A March 30 fire at an auto dealership in Eugene. †¢ A January 2 fire at the offices of a lumber company in Glendale, Oregon (â€Å"Law Catches Up to,† 2002, p. A01). Because of ELF’s decentralized structure, this allowed separate cells to act independently of each other and its reliance on the Internet computer network to communicate, made it difficult to capture culprits. Typically, the group would claim responsibility for an act through its press office in Portland, Oregon Despite probes of the press office and the people who ran it, authorities had made little progress in seizing members guilty of sabotage. Knickerbocker (2005) presented salient proof that ELF has â€Å"guidelines† that prove their ecoterroristic activities. These include taking â€Å"all necessary precautions against harming any animal, human and non-human. † But they also include a call to â€Å"inflict economic damage on those profiting from the destruction and exploitation of the natural environment. An ELF â€Å"communique† taking responsibility for a 2002 firebombing of a US Forest Service research station in Pennsylvania declared: â€Å"While innocent life will never be harmed in any action we undertake, where it is necessary, we will no longer hesitate to pick up the gun to implement justice, and provide the needed protection for our planet that decades of legal battles, pleading, protest, and economic sabotage have failed †¦ to achieve. † Moreover, the group’s website includes a 37-page how-to manual titled â€Å"Setting Fires With Electrical Timers. † As a cousin of ELF, the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) has been described as the most militant of the American animal rights groups. It has its roots in Great Britain where a small body of activists, the Hunt Saboteurs, opposed hunting and hunters by resorting to disruptive tactics. Two activists, Ronald Lee and Clifford Goodman, decided in 1972 to resurrect a nineteenth-century antivivisection group, the Band of Mercy. After a series of anti-hunting incidents, this group changed its tactics to direct action on animal rights issues and renamed itself the Animal Liberation Front. When the group used violence against animal research facilities, furriers, and farming, Scotland Yard classified the ALF as a terrorist organization. The ALF is organized into two segments—a public organization for publicity, fund-raising, and propaganda, and a covert wing of tightly organized cells of activists willing to carry out attacks on property and rescue animals. The British group has around 2,500 active members, but only about 50 members are radical enough to carry out violent attacks. Because of the success of the British ALF operations, American animal rights supporters formed a branch in the United States (Atkins, 2004, p. 0). According to ALF’s website, animal rights criminals have a system to publicize their activities. Like all terrorists, ecoterrorists try to create an aura of power through publicity. ALF takes it further, using the Web site as a training device. For example, tactics for raiding mink farms are given in great detail. Utilizing a four-part series, an ALF member tells readers the methods for establishing and operating a cell, procedures for obtaining funds, and directions for planning and carrying out operations. However, like all extremists, their positions are full of contradictions and virtual absurdities. For example, the Web site for the â€Å"we-use-no-animal-products† ALF tells people to use leather gloves when raiding a mink farm. It also compares people who eat meat with Nazis and describes farms as concentration camps. Apparently, ALF members are unaware that Adolf Hitler was a vegetarian. Atkins (2004) reported the firebombing of the unfinished Animal Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of California at Davis on April 16, 1987, which resulted in 4. million in damages, was the most destructive operation of ALF. Representatives of the ALF never claimed responsibility for this act, but police officials have been able to uncover evidence of its involvement. Despite numerous violent operations, only two individuals, Roger Thoen and Virginia Bollinger, have been arrested and convicted for activities involving the ALF. Conclusion Ecoterrorists are uncompromising, illogical extremists just like their right-wing counterparts. A review of their ideological literature shows they use ecology as a surrogate religion (White, 2000). While not one action of ELF or ALF so far comes close to the magnitude of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the government should not ignore the threats posed by these groups. With few arrests or prosecutions have followed from the violent actions of environmentalists or animal-rights advocates, these groups may become more violent and bolder in the future. Thus, it is recommended that the US government should monitor the activities of these ecoterrorist groups and apply harsher sanctions for offenders.

Functional Immunity

This type of immunity arises from  customary international law  and  treaty law  and confers immunities on those performing acts of state (usually a foreign official). Any person who in performing an act of state commits a criminal offence is immune from prosecution. This is so even after the person ceases to perform acts of state. Thus it is a type of immunity limited in the acts to which it attaches (acts of state) but will only end if the state itself ceases to exist.This type of immunity is based on respect for sovereign equality and state dignity. The offices usually recognised as attracting this immunity are Head of State or Head of Government, senior cabinet members, Foreign Minister, and Minister for Defence: see the  Arrest Warrant Case,Pinochet Case  (R v Bow Street Magistrates; ex parte Pinochet Ugarte (No 3)  [2000] 1 AC 147, House of Lords).Such officers are immune from prosecution for everything they do during their time in office. For example, an English court held that a warrant could not be issued for the arrest of  Robert Mugabe  on charges of international crimes on the basis that he was a presently serving Head of State at the time the proceedings were brought:  Mugabe, reported at (2004) 53 ICLQ 789. Other examples are the attempts to prosecute  Fidel Castro  in Spain and  Jiang Zemin  in the USA.However, the moment accused leaves office, they are liable to be prosecuted for crimes committed before or after their term in office, or for crimes committed whilst in office in a personal capacity (subject to jurisdictional requirements and local law). Pinochet  was only able to come to trial because Chile and the UK had both signed and ratified the UN Convention Against Torture through which such immunities were waived. It may be the case that personal immunity is itself being eroded.In 2004 the Appeals Chamber of the  Special Court for Sierra Leone  held that indicted Liberian president  Charles Taylor  cou ld not invoke his Head of State immunity to resist the charges against him, even though he was an incumbent Head of State at the time of his indictment. However, this reasoning was based on the construction of the court's constituent statute, that dealt with the matter of indicting state officials. In any case, Taylor had ceased to be an incumbent Head of State by the time of the court's decision so the arresting authorities would have een free to issue a fresh warrant had the initial warrant been overturned. Nevertheless, this decision may signal a changing direction in international law on this issue. Recent developments in international law suggest that this type of immunity, whilst it may be available as a defence to prosecution for local or domestic crimes or civil liability, is not a defence to an international crime. (International crimes include  crimes against humanity,  war crimes, and  genocide).This has developed in the jurisprudence of the International Criminal T ribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, particularly in the  Karadzic,  Milosevic, and  Furundzija  cases (though care should be taken when considering ICTY jurisprudence due to its  Ad-hoc  nature). This was also the agreed position as between the parties in their pleadings in the  International Court of Justice  Case Concerning the Arrest Warrant of 11 April 2000 (Democratic Republic of the Congo v. Belgium).The reasons commonly given for why this immunity is not available as a defense to international crimes is straight forward: (1) that is genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity are not acts of state. Criminal acts of the type in question are committed by human actors, not states; and (2) we cannot allow the  jus cogens  nature of international crimes, i. e. the fact that they are  non-derogable  norms, to be eroded by immunities. However, the final judgment of the ICJ regarding immunity may have thrown the existence of such a rule limiting functional immunities into doubt.See in this respect the criticism of the ICJ's approach by Wouters, Cassese and Wirth among others, though some such as Bassiouni claim that the ICJ affirmed the existence of the rule. Regarding claims based on the idea that a senior state official committing International crimes can never be said to be acting officially, as Wouters notes â€Å"This argument, however, is not waterproof since it ignores the sad reality that in most cases those crimes are precisely committed by or with the support of high-ranking officials as part of a state’s policy, and thus can fall within the scope of official acts. Academic opinion on the matter is divided and indeed only the future development of International Customary law, possibly accelerated by states exercising  universal jurisdiction  over retired senior state officials, will be able to confirm whether state sovereignty has now yielded partially to internationally held human rights values.In November 2007 , French prosecutors refused to press charges against former US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld for torture and other alleged crimes committed during the course of the US invasion of Iraq, on the grounds that heads of state enjoyed official immunity under customary international law, and they further claimed that the immunity exists after the official has left office. [1]

The thought after read the economic book Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The thought after read the economic book - Essay Example Beside this book, Schafer has published other books on economics and culture. In this book, Schafer has primarily based on two major aspects, which he believed have a great influence on the world today. These are culture and economics. He therefore, has analyzed these two important factors and evaluated their influence on the world through the historical lenses. His main argument is that the world has been existing in the economic age, since Adam Smith’s work on the Wealth of Nations in 1776. Schafer argues that this economic age has had negative influence in society, and is the source of most of the economic and cultural problems experienced in the world today. Schafer however, makes it clear that the economic age has had considerable positive effects in society, but the negative influence supercedes its positive effects. Although the economic age has led to increased production, economic power, and wealth, to a greater extent, this has resulted in considerable social and eco nomic problems, as some of its effects. In addition, economics has failed to address these negative effects of the economic age. In this book, Schafer has explained the development of the economic age, tracing it from the 1776 work of Adam Smith on The Wealth of Nations to the present century. ... Nonetheless, this work of Schafer leads to the conclusion that the economic age has failed to realize the desired economic, social, and cultural development and sustainability. Therefore, Schafer recommends that society needs to shift from the economic age, and embrace culture as its main force and source of development and sustainability. Schafer, who is knowledgeable in economics, and author of this book, has his own personal views about this book, which he shared with different people in interviews, and other channels through which he was asked to comment on them. In August 2009, the Upper Case, of the University of Ottawa, held an interview with Schafer, about this book, and about what influenced him to write the book. Upper Case is affiliated with UOP, which publishes Canadian and other books by international scholars in both English and French languages, and these books are peer-reviewed. This has been publishing since 1936. However, Upper Case mainly performs interviews on aut hors, writing biographies of authors, writing book reviews, and posting notifications about book launches and related events (Upper Case WEB). During the interview with Upper Case, Schafer was expected to discuss his career, and how it influenced the ideas expressed in this book. He explained that he originally trained in economics and international development, before undertaking another different training in the field of culture. Therefore, his knowledge in these two areas of economics and culture, laid the foundation for the ideas in this book. He was particularly influenced by Adam Smith’s work of The Wealth of Nations, which made him study culture too. In economics, he had the conviction that it was wrong for society to base on economics and economies as