British Airways Essay

I remember going to parties in the late 1970s, and, if you wanted to have a civilized conversation, you didn’t actually say that you worked for British Airways, because it got you talking about people’s last travel experience, which was usually an unpleasant one. It’s staggering how much the airline’s image has changed since then, and, in comparison, how proud staff are of working for BA today. British Airways employee, Spring 1990 I recently flew business class on British Airways for the first time in about 10 years. What has happened over that time is amazing. I can’t tell you how my memory of British Airways as a company and the experience I had 10 years ago contrasts with today. The improvement in service is truly remarkable. British Airways customer, Fall 1989 In June of 1990, British Airways reported its third consecutive year of record profits,  £345 million before taxes, firmly establishing the rejuvenated carrier as one of the world’s most profitable airlines. The impressive financial results were one indication that BA had convincingly shed its historic â€Å"bloody awful† image. In October of 1989, one respected American publication referred to them as â€Å"bloody awesome,† a description most would not have thought possible after pre-tax losses totalling more than  £240 million in the years 1981 and 1982. Productivity had risen more than 67 percent over the course of the 1980s. Passengers reacted highly favorably to the changes. After suffering through years of poor market perception during the 1970s and before, BA garnered four Airline of the Year awards during the 1980s, as voted by the readers of First Executive Travel. In 1990, the leading American aviation magazine, Air Transport World, selected BA as the winner of its Passenger Service award. In the span of a decade, British Airways had radically improved its financial strength, convinced its work force of the paramount importance of customer service, and dramatically improved its perception in the market. Culminating in the privatization of 1987, the carrier had undergone fundamental change through a series of important messages and events. With unprecedented success under its belt, management faced an increasingly perplexing problem: how to maintain momentum and recapture the focus that would allow them to meet new challenges. Crisis of 1981 Record profits must have seemed distant in 1981. On September 10 of that year, then chief executive Roy Watts issued a special bulletin to British Airways staff: British Airways is facing the worst crisis in its history . . . unless we take swift and remedial action we are heading for a loss of at least  £100 million in the present financial year. We face the prospect that by next April we shall have piled up losses of close to  £250 million in two years. Even as I write to you, our money is draining at the rate of nearly  £200 a minute. No business can survive losses on this scale. Unless we take decisive action now, there is a real possibility that British Airways will go out of business for lack of money. We have to cut our costs sharply, and we have to cut them fast. We have no more choice, and no more time . Just two years earlier, an optimistic British government had announced its plan to privatize British Airways through a sale of shares to the investing public. Although airline management recognized that the 58,000 staff was too large, they expected increased passenger volumes and improved staff productivity to help them avoid complicated and costly employee reductions. While the 1978-79 plan forecasted passenger traffic growth at 8 to 10 percent, an unexpected recession left BA struggling to survive on volumes, which, instead, decreased by more that 4 percent. A diverse and aging fleet, increased fuel costs, and the high staffing costs forced the government and BA to put privatization on hold indefinitely. With the airline technically bankrupt, BA management and the government would have to wait before the public would be ready to embrace the ailing airline. The BA Culture, 1960-1980 British Airways stumbled into its 1979 state of inefficiency in large part because of its history and culture. In August 1971, the Civil Aviation Act became law, setting the stage for the British Airways Board to assume control of two state-run airlines, British European Airways (BEA) and British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC), under the name British Airways. In theory, the board was to control policy over British Airways; but, in practice, BEA and BOAC remained autonomous, each with its own chairman, board, and chief executive. In 1974, BOAC and BEA finally issued one consolidated financial report. In 1976, Sir Frank (later Lord) McFadzean replaced the group division with a structure based on functional divisions to officially integrate the divisions into one airline. Still, a distinct split within British Airways persisted throughout the 1970s and into the mid-1980s. After the Second World War, BEA helped pioneer European civil aviation. As a pioneer, it concerned itself more with building an airline infrastructure than it did with profit. As a 20-year veteran and company director noted: â€Å"The BEA culture was very much driven by building something that did not exist. They had built that in 15 years, up until 1960. Almost single-handedly they opened up air transport in Europe after the war. That had been about getting the thing established. The marketplace was taking care of itself. They wanted to get the network to work, to get stations opened up.† BOAC had also done its share of pioneering, making history on May 2, 1952, by sending its first jet airliner on a trip from London to Johannesburg, officially initiating jet passenger service. Such innovation was not without cost, however, and BOAC found itself mired in financial woes throughout the two decades following the war. As chairman Sir Matthew Slattery explained in 1962: â€Å"The Corporation has had to pay a heavy price for pioneering advanced technologies.† Success to most involved with BEA and BOAC in the 1950s and 1960s had less to do with net income and more to do with â€Å"flying the British flag.† Having inherited numerous war veterans, both airlines had been injected with a military mentality. These values combined with the years BEA and BOAC existed as government agencies to shape the way British Airways would view profit through the 1970s. As former director of human resources Nick Georgiades said of the military and civil service history: â€Å"Put those two together and you had an organization that believed its job was simply to get an aircraft into the air on time and to get it down on time.† While government support reinforced the operational culture, a deceiving string of profitable years in the 1970s made it even easier for British Airways to neglect its increasing inefficiencies. Between 1972 and 1980, BA earned a profit before interest and tax in each year except for one. â€Å"This was significant, not least because as long as the airline was returning profits, it was not easy to persuade the workforce, or the management for that matter, the fundamental changes were vital. Minimizing cost to the state became the standard by which BA measured itself. As one senior manager noted: â€Å"Productivity was not an issue. People were operating effectively, not necessarily efficiently. There were a lot of people doing other people’s jobs, and there were a lot of people checking on people doing other people’s jobs† . . . As a civil service agency, the airline was allowed to become inefficient because the thinking in state-run operations was, â€Å"If yo u’re providing service at no cost to the taxpayer, then you’re doing quite well.† A lack of economies of scale and strong residual loyalties upon the merger further complicated the historical disregard for efficiency by BEA and BOAC. Until Sir Frank McFadzean’s reorganization in 1976, British Airways had labored under several separate organizations (BOAC; BEA European, Regional, Scottish, and Channel) so the desired benefits of consolidation had been squandered. Despite operating under the same banner, the organization consisted more or less of separate airlines carrying the associated costs of such a structure. Even after the reorganization, divisional loyalties prevented the carrier from attaining a common focus. â€Å"The 1974 amalgamation of BOAC with the domestic and European divisions of BEA had produced a hybrid racked with management demarcation squabbles. The competitive advantages sought through the merger had been hopelessly defeated by the lack of a unifying corporate culture.† A BA director summed up how distracting the merger proved: â€Å"There wasn’t enough management time devoted to managing the changing environment because it was all focused inwardly on resolving industrial relations problems, on resolving organizational conflicts. How do you bring these very, very different cultures together?† Productivity at BA in the 1970s was strikingly bad, especially in contrast to other leading foreign airlines. BA’s productivity for the three years ending March 31, 1974, 1975, and 1976 had never exceeded 59 percent of that of the average of the other eight foreign airline leaders. Service suffered as well. One human resources senior manager recalled the â€Å"awful† service during her early years in passenger services: â€Å"I remember 10 years ago standing at the gate handing out boxes of food to people as they got on the aircraft. That’s how we dealt with service.† With increasing competition and rising costs of labor in Britain in the late 1970s, the lack of productivity and poor service was becoming increasingly harmful. By the summer of 1979, the number of employees had climbed to a peak of 58,000. The problems became dangerous when Britain’s worst recession in 50 years reduced passenger numbers and raised fuel costs substantially. Lord King Takes the Reins Sir John (later Lord) King was appointed chairman in February of 1981, just a half-year before Roy Watts’s unambiguously grim assessment of BA’s financial state. King brought to British Airways a successful history of business ventures and strong ties to both the government and business communities. Despite having no formal engineering qualifications, King formed Ferrybridge Industries in 1945, a company which found an unexploited niche in the ball-bearing industry. Later renamed the Pollard Ball and Roller Bearing Company, Ltd., King’s company was highly successful until he sold it in 1969. In 1970, he joined Babcock International and as chairman led it through a successful restructuring during the 1970s. King’s connections were legendary. Hand-picked by Margaret Thatcher to run BA, King’s close friends included Lord Hanson of Hanson Trust and the Princess of Wales’s family. He also knew personally Presidents Reagan and Carter. King’s respect and connections proved helpful both in recruiting and in his dealings with the British government. One director spoke of the significance of King’s appointment: â€Å"British Airways needed a chairman who didn’t need a job. We needed someone who could see that the only way to do this sort of thing was radically, and who would be aware enough of how you bring that about.† In his first annual report, King predicted hard times for the troubled carrier. â€Å"I would have been comforted by the thought that the worst was behind us. There is no certainty that this is so.† Upon Watts’s announcement in September of 1981, he and King launched their Survival plan— â€Å"tough, unpalatable and immediate measures† to stem the spiraling losses and save the airline from bankruptcy. The radical steps included reducing staff numbers from 52,000 to 43,000, or 20 percent, in just nine months; freezing pay increases for a year; and closing 16 routes, eight on-line stations, and two engineering bases. It also dictated halting cargo-only services and selling the fleet, and inflicting massive cuts upon offices, administrative services, and staff clubs. In June of 1982, BA management appended the Survival plan to accommodate the reduction of another 7,000 staff, which would eventually bring the total employees down from about 42,000 to nearly 35,000. BA accomplished its reductions through voluntary measures, offering such generous severance that they ended up with more volunteers than necessary. In total, the airline dished out some  £150 million in severance pay. Between 1981 and 1983, BA reduced its staff by about a quarter. About the time of the Survival plan revision, King brought in Gordon Dunlop, a Scottish accountant described by one journalist as â€Å"imaginative, dynamic, and extremely hardworking,† euphemistically known on Fleet Street as â€Å"forceful,† and considered by King as simply â€Å"outstanding.† As CFO, Dunlop’s contribution to the recovery years was significant. When the results for the year ending March 31, 1982, were announced in October, he and the board ensured 1982 would be a watershed year in BA’s turnaround. Using creative financing, Dunlop wrote down  £100 million for redundancy costs,  £208 million for the value of the fleet (which would ease depreciation in future years), even an additional  £98 million for the 7,000 redundancies which had yet to be effected. For the year, the loss before taxes amounted to  £114 million. After taxes and extraordinary items, it totalled a staggering  £545 million. Even King might have admitted that the worst was behind them after such a report. The chairman immediately turned his attention to changing the airline’s image and further building his turnaround team. On September 13, 1982, King relieved Foote, Cone & Belding of its 36-year-old advertising account with BA, replacing it with Saatchi & Saatchi. One of the biggest account changes in British history, it was King’s way of making a clear statement that the BA direction had changed. In April of 1983, British Airways launched its â€Å"Manhattan Landing† campaign. King and his staff sent BA management personal invitations to gather employees and tune in to the inaugural six-minute commercial. Overseas, each BA office was sent a copy of the commercial on videocassette, and many held cocktail parties to celebrate the new thrust. â€Å"Manhattan Landing† dramatically portrayed the whole island of Manhattan being lifted from North America and whirled over the Atlantic before awestruck witnesses in the U.K. After the initial airing, a massive campaign was run with a 90-second version of the commercial. The ad marked the beginning of a broader campaign, â€Å"The World’s Favourite Airline,† reflective of BA’s status as carrier of the most passengers internationally. With the financial picture finally brightening, BA raised its advertising budget for 1983-84 to  £31 million, compared with  £19 million the previous year, signalling a clear commitment to changing the corporate image. Colin Marshall Becomes Chief Executive In the midst of the Saatchi & Saatchi launch, King recruited Mr. (later Sir) Colin Marshall, who proved to be perhaps the single most important person in the changes at British Airways. Appointed chief executive in February 1983, Marshall brought to he airline a unique resume. He began his career as a management trainee with Hertz in the United States. After working his way up the Hertz hierarchy in North America, Marshall accepted a job in 1964 to run rival Avis’s operations in Europe. By 1976, the British-born businessman had risen to chief executive of Avis. In 1981, he returned to the U.K. as deputy chief and board member of Sears Holdings. Fulfilling one of his ultimate career ambitions, he took over as chief executive of British Airways in early 1983. Although having no direct experience in airline management, Marshall brought with him two tremendous advantages. First, he understood customer service, and second, he had worked with a set of customers quite similar to the airline travel segment during his car rental days. Marshall made customer service a personal crusade from the day he entered BA. One executive reported: â€Å"It was really Marshall focusing on nothing else. The one thing that had overriding attention the first three years he was here was customer service, customer service, customer service—nothing else. That was the only thing he was interested in, and it’s not an exaggeration to say that was his exclusive focus.† Another senior manager added: â€Å"He has certainly put an enabling culture in place to allow customer service to come out, where, rather than people waiting to be told what to do to do things better, it’s an environment where people feel they can actually come out with ideas, that they will be listened to, and feel they are much more a part of the success of the company.† Not just a strong verbal communicator, Marshall became an active role model in the terminals, spending time with staff during morning and evenings. He combined these a ctions with a number of important events to drive home the customer service message. Corporate Celebrations, 1983-1987 If Marshall was the most important player in emphasizing customer service, then the Putting People First (PPF) program was the most important event. BA introduced PPF to the front-line staff in December of 1983 and continued it through June of 1984. Run by the Danish firm Time Manager International, each program cycle lasted two days and included 150 participants. The program was so warmly received that the non-front-line employees eventually asked to be included, and a one-day â€Å"PPF II† program facilitated the participation of all BA employees through June 1985. Approximately 40,000 BA employees went through the PPF programs. The program urged participants to examine their interactions with other people, including family, friends, and, by association, customers. Its acceptance and impact was extraordinary, due primarily to the honesty of its message, the excellence of its delivery, and the strong support of management. Employees agreed almost unanimously that the program’s message was sincere and free from manipulation, due in some measure to the fact that BA separated itself from the program’s design. The program emphasized positive relations with people in general, focusing in large part on non-work-related relationships. Implied in the positive relationship message was an emphasis on customer service, but the program was careful to aim for the benefit of employees as individuals first. Employees expressed their pleasure on being treated with respect and relief that change was on the horizon. As one frontline ticket agent veteran said: â€Å"I found it fascinating, very, very enjoyable. I thought it was very good for British Airways. It made people aware. I don’t think people give enough thought to people’s reaction to each other. . . . It was hardhitting. It was made something really special. When you were there, you were treated extremely well. You were treated as a VIP, and people really enjoyed that. It was reverse roles, really, to the job we do.† A senior manager spoke of the confidence it promoted in the changes: â€Å"It was quite a revelation, and I thought it was absolutely wonderful. I couldn’t believe BA had finally woken and realized where its bread was buttered. There were a lot of cynics at the time, but for people like myself it was really great to suddenly realize you were working for an airline that had the guts to chan ge, and that it’s probably somewhere where you want to stay.† Although occasionally an employee felt uncomfortable with the â€Å"rah-rah† nature of the program, feeling it perhaps â€Å"too American,† in general, PPF managed to eliminate cynicism. The excellence in presentation helped signify a sincerity to the message. One senior manager expressed the consistency. â€Å"There was a match between the message and the delivery. You can’t get away with saying putting people first is important, if in the process of delivering that message you don’t put people first.† Employees were sent personal invitations, thousands were flown in from around the world, and a strong effort was made to prepare tasteful meals and treat everyone with respect. Just as important, BA released every employee for the program, and expected everyone to attend. Grade differences became irrelevant during PPF, as managers and staff members were treated equally and interacted freely. Moreover, a senior director came to conclude every single PPF session with a question and answer session. Colin Marshall himself frequently attended these closing sessions, answering employee concerns in a manner most felt to be extraordinarily frank. The commitment shown by management helped BA avoid the fate suffered by British Rail in its subsequent attempt at a similar program. The British Railway program suffered a limited budget, a lack of commitment by management and interest by staff, and a high degree of cynicism. Reports surfaced that employees felt the program was a public relations exercise for the outside world, rather than a learning experience for staff. About the time PPF concluded, in 1985, BA launched a program for managers only called, appropriately, Managing People First (MPF). A five-day residential program for 25 managers at a time, MPF stressed the importance of, among other topics, trust, leadership, vision, and feedback. On a smaller scale, MPF stirred up issues long neglected at BA. One senior manager of engineering summarized his experience: â€Å"It was almost as if I were touched on the head. . . . I don’t think I even considered culture before MPF. Afterwards I began to think about what makes people tick. Why do people do what they do? Why do people come to work? Why do people do things for some people that they won’t do for others?† Some participants claimed the course led them to put more emphasis on feedback. One reported initiating regular meetings with staff every two weeks, in contrast to before the program when he met with staff members only as problems arose. As Marshall and his team challenged the way people thought at BA, they also encouraged changes in more visible ways. In December 1984, BA unveiled its new fleet livery at Heathrow airport. Preparations for the show were carefully planned and elaborate. The plane was delivered to the hangar-turned-theater under secrecy of night, after which hired audio and video technicians put together a dramatic presentation. On the first night of the show, a darkened coach brought guests from an off-site hotel to an undisclosed part of the city and through a tunnel. The guests, including dignitaries, high-ranking travel executives, and trade union representatives, were left uninformed of their whereabouts. To their surprise, as the show began an aircraft moved through the fog and laser lights decorating the stage and turned, revealing the new look of the British Airways fleet. A similar presentation continued four times a day for eight weeks for all staff to see. On its heels, in May of 1985, British Airways unveiled its new uniforms, designed by Roland Klein. With new leadership, strong communication from the top, increased acceptance by the public, and a new physical image, few on the BA staff could deny in 1985 that his or her working life had turned a new leaf from its condition in 1980. Management attempted to maintain the momentum of its successful programs. Following PPF and MPF, it put on a fairly successful corporatewide program in 1985 called â€Å"A Day in the Life† and another less significant program in 1987 called â€Å"To Be the Best.† Inevitably, interest diminished and cynicism grew with successive programs. BA also implemented an â€Å"Awards for Excellence† program to encourage employee input. Colin Marshall regularly communicated to staff through video. While the programs enjoyed some success, not many employees felt â€Å"touched on the head† by any successor program to PPF and MPF.

The Heroic Journey of Aladdin: the Diamond in the Rough

The same hero wearing a different mask appears throughout great literature and films. The â€Å"hero’s journey† motif, as Joseph Campbell, the acclaimed American mythology professor and famous author identified, has been present in all cultures since the first documented stories. From Odysseus and the other great figures of the ancient Greek myths to the more modern character of Frodo in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, the audience essentially accompanies the same hero throughout a series of stages and obstacles that compose the original heroic journey.The hero’s journey can be particularly followed in the various animated Disney films that give existence to some of the most loved heroes of all time. For instance, the successful film, Aladdin, released in 1992 and directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, brings to the public the interesting journey of a young man on a quest to find himself. The character of Aladdin fits the profile of the hero as he embarks in th e hero’s journey unintentionally but proves to have undergone a complete maturation of character while attaining valuable insight about his true nature and worth by the end of the adventure.The film Aladdin narrates the emotive love story of a poor young man who falls in love with the beautiful princess Jasmine and begins a meaningful journey to conquer her love. Aladdin, a â€Å"street rat,† as he is often called by those who know him, is a true â€Å"diamond in the rough, whose worth lies far within† that has great potential but has not been given the opportunity to shine yet (Clements, Musker). Because of this reason, he is the only one who can enter the Cave of Wonders.He does so to retrieve a magic lamp for Jafar, the Sultan’s evil vizier. This event initiates the departure of the hero’s journey as Aladdin’s encounter with Jafar disguised as an old prisoner signifies the call to adventure. Even though Aladdin is not aware that this is t he beginning of his journey, from this point on everything will change. The young man becomes trapped inside the cave with his inseparable pet monkey, Abu, where they encounter one of two supernatural aids, a magical carpet that becomes their close friend.Inside the cave they also find the lamp and its friendly magical inhabitant, the Genie, the most important supernatural aid, who also becomes Aladdin’s essential guide. The moment Aladdin makes the first wish out of the three the Genie grants him; he crosses the first threshold. Simultaneously, he enters the belly of the whale since from this point on Aladdin abandons the life of poverty and crime, which he is accustomed to for a life of wealth and royalty. This begins his adventure into new territory as playing prince becomes more complex than expected.At first Aladdin embarks in the heroic journey’s initiation merely for the material rewards and the opportunity to abandon his difficult life in the streets of Agrabah , but along the way he learns to appreciate his true self and comes to fit Campbell’s prototype of the hero. Aladdin’s objective for going on the journey is to win the heart of Jasmine, who he has deeply fallen in love with since their first encounter at the marketplace or the meeting with the goddess. The love Aladdin and Jasmine share motivates him to begin and continue on the journey in hopes of marrying her.Once Aladdin has already initiated the journey, the evil Jafar becomes â€Å"the woman as temptress† in his life. Jafar continues to place obstacles in Aladdin’s path physically by: first trying to kill him in the Cave of Wonders, then by attempting to drown him in order to stop him from courting Jasmine as Prince Ali, and finally attempting to murder him as a giant cobra. Most importantly, Jafar psychologically tempts Aladdin to give up several times and interferes with his mental quest by recurrently making degrading comments that obstruct Aladdi n’s ability to recognize his strength and value.The initiation phase in Aladdin continues with the atonement with the father. In this step, Aladdin has an argument with the Genie, who has become a mentor, much like a father figure. The Genie criticizes Aladdin’s change in character. He feels that Aladdin’s transformation into Prince Ali has altered his personality. Aladdin has become arrogant and selfish. This argument results in Aladdin’s realization and reawakening of his true self as he recognizes he must stay true to his convictions. This epiphany allows Aladdin’s true self to focus on the ultimate boon, which is marrying Princess Jasmine, what he originally begins his journey for.Aladdin concludes his journey with the return, which successfully brings him to the freedom to live. Aladdin experiences the refusal of the return earlier in the story when he lets his insecurity overcome him. After he has had the chance to experience life as Prince A li, Aladdin says, â€Å"the last thing I want to be now, is be myself† (Clements, Musker). He refuses to return to his normal life where the Genie cannot wish all his troubles away. The Genie is also an important part of the rescue form without stage in Aladdin’s journey. At this point Aladdin’s vulnerability as well as the Genie’s appreciation for him are evident.Aladdin is captured by Jafar and thrown in to the bottom of the river with a rock tied to his feet. Without the Genie’s aid this would have been the end of the hero’s journey. Most importantly soon after this incident the Genie rescues Aladdin from himself and his selfishness when he makes him realize that he is only concerned about his own well being. Finally, Aladdin’s quest ends with his attainment of the freedom to live. By this point the young hero has learned to accept himself and is willing to renounce to his own happiness for the joy of others.The protagonist of Alad din experiences the many stages of the hero’s journey in order to realize his true potential as well as come full circle in terms of character. In the beginning of the film, the viewer meets Aladdin and can immediately recognize his innate good nature. Early on in the movie, Aladdin’s generosity and compassion become evident when he gives up his only meal of the day to two poor children he finds rummaging though the garbage for something to eat. Not late after this, he saves the same two children from Prince Achmed’s whip.At this point, Aladdin does not realize his worth and this is why he must â€Å"take off on a series of adventures beyond the ordinary to discover some life giving elixir† (Campbell 127). The life giving elixir, as Campbell puts it in The Power of Myth, is Aladdin’s realization of his self worth, which becomes essential for his happiness. The journey tests Aladdin’s physical abilities numerous times, but it is from the psyc hological trials that Aladdin gains the most insight. Aladdin’s experiences along the journey affect his good character but eventually lead him to the ultimate level of maturity.Before going on the quest Aladdin does not know himself, and thus, â€Å"he is that mystery which he is seeking to know† (Campbell 15). However, Aladdin is not successful in staying true to his nature along the journey. Aladdin becomes caught up in the life of luxury and comfort that the Genie grants him. He begins to live in a lie and adopt an arrogant and selfish attitude. Aladdin had promised the Genie earlier that he would utilize his third wish to free him from his life as the lamp’s slave, however he becomes unable to stay true to that romise because of his selfishness and insecurity. He is afraid to be himself and feels he needs the Genie to maintain the fantasy life he has created. This is why the hero’s journey ultimately represents the â€Å"pattern of life, growth, and experience† (Harris) for Aladdin. The journey serves as a revelation for accepting one’s self and renouncing to one’s own satisfaction for the interest of others. As Aladdin follows the steps in Campbell’s hero’s journey, he ends the adventure by reaching the ultimate realization.The tale comes full circle as the journey polishes the diamond in the rough that embarked on the journey to produce a man who is aware of his potential and utilizes it for the benefit of others. At the end of the story, Aladdin’s complete maturation of character becomes undeniable as he gives up his happiness by renouncing his third wish to marry Jasmine for the Genie’s freedom. Of course, Disney could not end the adventure with the young man’s disillusionment, the Sultan changes the law, and Aladdin is able to marry the Princess because of his merit.

Economics Test with Multiple Choice Questions

Econ 201Name_____________________________ 1st test Sp 2012 Keith Watson 1. Economics is primarily the study of a. economists' roles in the market for stocks and bonds. `b. the problem of unlimited wants and limited resources. c. methods to eliminate scarcity. d. government programs that make the economy grow. 2. Societies in which consumers, producers, and resource suppliers determine economic outcomes are known as a. traditional economies. b. command economies. `c. market economies. d. mixed capitalistic economies. 3. The â€Å"what,† â€Å"how,† and â€Å"for whom† questions are determined by government in a. capitalistic economies. . market economies. `c. planned economies. d. traditional economies. 4. A production possibilities curve does not show `a. all the possible combinations of resources that may be used to produce a good. b. the productive capacities of a nation when resources and technology are limited. c. the opportunity costs of one good in terms of another. d. that in order to increase the production of one good some amount of another good must be foregone. 5. A production possibilities curve will shift in toward the origin if a. resources become unemployed. b. resources are shifted from consumption goods to capital goods. . national defense spending increases while spending on entertainment decreases. `d. the population and labor force decrease. 6. The economics problem is essentially one of deciding how to make the best use of a. limited resources to satisfy limited wants. b. unlimited resources to satisfy limited wants. `c. limited resources to satisfy virtually unlimited wants. d. virtually unlimited resources to satisfy virtually unlimited wants. 7. Which of the following is not a basic question that an economic system is supposed to determine? a. what and how many goods and services are produced b. hat quantities of each resource are used to produce each good `c. how to create a markets of buyers and sellers d. who rece ives the output after it is produced 8. Which of the following is not a resource? a. human capital b. physical capital c. labor ` d. money 9. Which of the following is the best definition of the demand for good â€Å"X†? Demand shows a. how much of X would be bought at the equilibrium price. b. how people's purchases of X rise and fall as their incomes rise and fall. `c. the amounts of X that would be bought at each and any price, assuming other factors (income, tastes, etc. ) remain constant. . how the amount of money people spend to purchase X changes as the price they must pay for it changes. 10. Which of the following is the best description of the law of demand? a. When supply increases, demand increases. `b. Price and quantity demanded are inversely related. c. When income increases, the demand for normal goods increases. d. When the price of A increases, the demand for B increases. 11. If the price of A falls, then ` a. the demand for complementary product B shifts to the right. b. the demand for inferior good B shifts to the right. c. the demand for substitute good B shifts to the right. . the demand for A shifts to the right. 12. An increase in the demand for A is caused by a. a decrease in the price of A. b. a decrease in the price of a substitute for A. c. an increase in the price of a complement for A. ` d. a decrease in income if A is an inferior good. 13. If hamburgers and French fries are complementary goods, a decrease in the price of French fries would `a. cause the demand curve for hamburgers to shift to the right. b. cause consumers to decrease the quantity of French fries demanded. c. cause the demand curve for hamburgers to shift to the left. d. ause consumers to decrease the quantity of hamburgers demanded. 14. Which of the following does not indicate an increase in the demand for good X? a. Consumers were purchasing 10 units of X at $3 per unit and now they are purchasing 12 units at $4. b. Consumers were purchasing 10 units of X at $3 per unit and now they are purchasing 10 units at $4 per unit. `c. Consumers were purchasing 10 units of X at $3 per unit and now they are purchasing 12 units at $2 per unit. d. The demand curve has shifted upward. 15. As Ms. Little's income decreased, she increased her purchases of peanut butter.We may conclude that for Ms. Little a. peanut butter is a normal good. b. her situation is an exception to the law of demand. c. peanut butter is not very scarce. `d. peanut butter is an inferior good. 16. If commodities x and y are close substitutes, a reduction in the price of x will `a. decrease the demand for y. c. increase the demand for x. b. increase the demand for y. d. decrease the demand for x. 17. Which of the following could not cause a shift in the demand curve for peas? a. An increase in consumers' incomes. b. An increase in the price of a complement. c. A large decrease in the price of a substitute. d. A decrease in the price of peas. e. A decrease in the price of green beans. 18. Which of the following is the best definition of the supply of good â€Å"X†? Supply shows a. how much of X would be offered at the equilibrium price. b. how people's productions of X rise and fall as their total costs of production rise and fall. c. how the amount of money people spend to purchase X changes as the price they must pay for it changes. `d. the amounts of X that would be offered at each and any price, assuming other factors (costs, prices of alternative products, etc. ) remain constant. 19.The law of supply suggests that `a. price and quantity supplied are directly related. b. price and quantity supplied are inversely related. c. if price rises supply falls. d. if demand increases then supply increases. 20. Which of the following does not indicate a decrease in the supply of X? `a. Producers were offering 500 units of X at a price of $5. 00 per unit and now they are offering 400 units at a price of $3. 00. b. Producers were offering 500 units at a pri ce of $5. 00 and now they are offering 400 units at a price of $6. 00. c. Producers were offering 500 units at a price of $5. 0 and now they are offering 500 units at a price of $6. 00. d. Producers were offering 500 units at a price of $5. 00 and now they are offering 400 units at a price of $5. 00. 21. Which of the following will increase the supply of X? a. an increase in the price of an input in the production of X b. unfavorable weather for producing X `c. an improvement in the technology used to produce X d. an increase in the price of X e. an increase in the demand for X 22. If producers must obtain a higher price than previously in order to produce same level of output, one can say that there has occurred: a. n increase in supply. `b. a decrease in supply. c. an increase in demand. d. a decrease in demand. 23. An increase in the supply of commodity X can be expected to be caused by: a. increases in the prices of other commodities. `b. decreases in the prices of inputs used t o produce this commodity. c. increases in the prices of inputs used to produce this commodity. d. a loss in technical knowledge. e. none of the above. 24. Price is at equilibrium if a. there is no shortage. b. there is no surplus. c. supply equals demand. `d. quantity supplied is equal to quantity demanded. 25. When price is below equilibrium, a. the quantity demanded is greater than the quantity supplied. b. the quantity supplied is greater than the quantity demanded. c. a surplus results. d. the demand is greater than the supply. 26. When price is above equilibrium, a. there is a tendency for buyers to bid the price down. `b. sellers bid the price down. c. the quantity bought is less than the quantity sold. d. the amount that consumers are willing and able to purchase is greater than the amount that producers are willing and able to sell. 27. If the demand for a product increases, then a. less will be purchased if it is an inferior good. b. rice must fall in order to sell the extr a amount desired by consumers. c. the supply increases as well. `d. both equilibrium price and quantity rise. 28. If the demand and the supply of a product both decrease, then a. both price and quantity must fall. b. price will rise but quantity remains constant. `c. quantity falls, but the change in price cannot be predicted. d. price and quantity rise. 29. When supply decreases, a. the amount sold increases, but the amount purchased remains constant. b. a surplus results when prices are flexible. `c. price rises and quantity falls. d. demand increases and price rises. 0. If you notice that the equilibrium quantity of X has remained constant over a period of time, but the equilibrium price has increased, then what do you know has happened in the market for X? `a. the demand has increased and the supply has decreased. b. the demand has decreased and the supply has increased c. both the demand and supply have increased d. both the demand and supply have decreased 31. In which of the following instances is the effect upon equilibrium price indeterminate? a. demand increases and supply does not change b. supply decreases and demand increases c. demand decreases and supply increases d. demand increases and supply increases 32. If the equilibrium price of good X falls and its equilibrium quantity rises, then we know that a. an increase in demand has occurred. b. a decrease in demand has occurred. ` c. an increase in supply has occurred. d. a decrease in supply has occurred. 33. Which of the following could make the equilibrium price and quantity of good X rise? a. a decrease in income if X is a normal good ` b. a decrease in the price of a complement for X c. a decrease in the cost of producing X d. an improvement in technology that lowers the cost of producing

Supply chain management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Supply chain management - Case Study Example The marketing area of Chemtech is primarily concerned with taking orders from the customer for their next month’s requirement. It then makes forecast and relays the same to the purchase department for timely delivery of the same. The department feels that lack of effective planning by supply chain management is responsible for the problems in meeting the customers’ demands. Answer 2 Chemtech needs to streamline its coordination between the departments and ensure that the logistic planning for at least three months is made in advance. This would give the suppliers more time to make arrangements for slow moving products as well as ensure availability of inventory that is often required at short notice. The company should also show more confidence on its long term suppliers and help understand their problems. Logistics and supply chain is vital part of business strategy and therefore concerted efforts for efficient receipt and delivery of goods and services need to be impl emented. Effective computerization of its various in house operations and functions would ensure smooth flow of information leading to improved performance outcome. The computerization would also help to forecast the products requirement so that it can maintain the inventory and meet the requirements of the customers at short notice. Answer 3 The suppliers like Potash should seek trust and at least three months time from its customers like Chemtech for delivery of products which are slow moving. The repeated threats of change in the suppliers by Chemtech have also significantly lowered the morale of Potash. As a result, the company has also started looking for fresh long term customers who could give them realistic time margin to meet their demands. The three months advance order would also enable the company to increase its stock of products which could be required by customers at short notice. While suppliers maintain large stock of products that are in high demand, the short supp ly of slow moving products often becomes huge liability for them. Hence, longer lead time for such products would facilitate the suppliers to coordinate its own logistics and supply chain. The linkages with external agencies are important part of logistics and supply chain management. Thus companies that are able to develop trust and mutual understanding would greatly benefit from long term relationship. (words: 500) Case study 15.1 Answer 1 There general challenges and issues

Does an individual who has no hope of recovery have the right to Essay

Does an individual who has no hope of recovery have the right to decide how and when to end their life - Essay Example The English case law clearly established that actively hastening the death of a patient by means of medical intervention is illegal and unlawful1. The United Kingdom is preparing the ground work to make assisted suicide legal. This move has been opposed by many doctors and medical practitioners. The British Medical Association opposed the government’s initiative. The proposed Assisted Dying for the Terminally Ill Bill would have permitted physicians to prescribe and administer lethal dosages of drugs to patients suffering from terminal illnesses. However, that Bill was rejected by the House of Lords. Nevertheless, Church leaders fear that this Bill could made law in the next attempt to pass it. According to Lord Joffe, only six hundred fifty people would be allowed to undergo assisted suicide, every year, but it was predicted that there would be more than fifteen thousand people seeking such a death, on an annual basis. Critics claim that the law is pushing terminally ill patients who think that they will be a burden on their family members, to seek assisted suicide. Some hospitals still employ the ruse whereby, patient s would be asked to utilise a tick a box and die scheme in the event of their becoming physically incapacitated2. Euthanasia and assisted suicide are controversial medical practices, and they are surrounded by ethical arguments. Although euthanasia is an ethical and moral issue, under certain circumstances, such as terminal illnesses, unbearable pain and other extreme conditions; physicians and medical practitioners are to be allowed to perform it on their patients, subsequent to providing the necessary information to their patients. These patients, after obtaining such information that had been provided by their doctors, can decide to die with dignity by choosing the circumstances and time of their death. In physician assisted suicide, doctors administer

Reading Responses and Replies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Reading Responses and Replies - Essay Example Workforce writing is oriented to complete a job-related task; while college writing enables students to explore their thoughts. No wonder, analysis reports at the workplace are very short since managers do not have time to read long paragraphs. However, academic reports may be lengthy depending on the lecturer instructions on word limit. Writing skills are significant in college, because what one learns in college is eventually used in the professional context to present information. In the professional context, writing is an important way of expressing ideas and information in the form of memo, research reports, presentations, and emails. In response to writing, Gareth highlights important tips that apply to both college and workforce writing. To Purdue University, grammar and vocabulary should be perfect to show intelligence. With this in mind, one is entitled to show the professionalism of the English language in writing, thus enabling one to understand the differences in workforc e writing and college writing. Writing is an important component of effective business practice because, it enables the business person to convey his ideas in various forms such as advertising and marketing to attract his target audience. ... Jae is deep in content since he has outlined how college writing tends to be structured as per professor requirement, whereas professional writing is flexible. I agree with this writer because; college students are instructed to write in various guidelines such as word length, writing styles such as MLA and APA among others. However, professional writers follow guidelines of accomplishing a job-related task that a time may be required to be in short paragraphs for easy reading. Response 2 I have chosen to apply for an administration manager post in the Walt Disney Company, the World’s leader in family entertainment. This company is well-known for the production of motion pictures, television network, and film studios amongst others. To be most appealing to this employer, I intend to present my presentation neatly and professionally. In doing this, I will emphasize on researching about the company and the job applied. I will express my interest for working in Walt Disney Compan y based on my pre-research, and put across how am impressed by the company’s success and growth. I will effectively present knowledge of the post am applying. In doing this, I will demonstrate my passion to work for Walt Disney Company. I will show my trust for this company to be the best place to exploit my skills and experiences for the gain of the company. There are various ways that I will demonstrate the skills I have that the employer is seeking. First, I will list all the requirements of an administrative manager am proficient in such as scheduling, organizing, planning, and supervising. In this case, I will customize the responsibilities as per the job post requirement to win

Acids' Alkalis and PH Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Acids' Alkalis and PH - Term Paper Example Cl2(aq) + H2O(l) Cl-(aq) + HOCl(aq) + H+(aq) When a dilute solution of NaOH is added to an aqueous solution of chlorine, the OH- ions will react with the H+ ions (strong acid-base reaction). This will lead to a decrease in the concentration of H+(aq). According to Le Chatelier's principle, the reaction will shift to the side that opposes this change. This means that the reaction will shift to the right. (d) the temperature of an equilibrium mixture of 1 (d) is decreased 3Fe(s) + 4H2O(g) Fe3O4(s) + 4H2(g) H = - 149 kJ mol-1 The reaction is exothermic. According to Le Chatelier's principle, a decrease in the temperature of the equilibrium mixture causes the reaction to shift to the side that opposes that change. This entails that the reaction will shift to the right. 8 marks 3. Sulphur dioxide and oxygen were allowed to reach equilibrium at 450oC in a vessel of volume 1 dm3. 2SO2(g) + O2(g) 2SO3(g) The equilibrium mixture was found to contain 2 moles of sulphur trioxide, 0.5 moles of sulphur dioxide and 0.25 moles of oxygen. (a) Write an expression for Kc including units. [SO3 (g)]2 Kc = mol-1 dm3 [SO2(g)]2 [O2(g)] (b) Calculate Kc at 450oC. 22 Kc = = 64 mol-1 dm3 0.52 x 0.25 (c) What effect would adding a catalyst have on the position of equilibrium Adding a catalyst to the above reaction causes the forward and reverse reaction rate constants to be increased by the same amount. This means that equilibrium will be reached more quickly but will...This will lead to a decrease in the concentration of H+(aq). According to Le Chatelier's principle, the reaction will shift to the side that opposes this change. This means that the reaction will shift to the right. The reaction is exothermic. According to Le Chatelier's principle, a decrease in the temperature of the equilibrium mixture causes the reaction to shift to the side that opposes that change. This entails that the reaction will shift to the right. Adding a catalyst to the above reaction causes the forward and reverse reaction rate constants to be increased by the same amount. This means that equilibrium will be reached more quickly but will have no effect of the position of equilibrium (Brown, LeMay and Bursten, 1991). Kc is the ratio of the forward and reverse reaction rate constants. As seen above, the catalyst will increase these reaction rates by the same amount. There will hence be no change in the value of Kc (Brown, LeMay and Bursten, 1991). When ammonia is dissolved in water, it accepts H+.

Why All the Management Needs to Have a Strong Strategic Preparation Research Paper

Why All the Management Needs to Have a Strong Strategic Preparation - Research Paper Example There is one constituent of an organisation’s risk management structure that includes every little aspect of a company that is Operational Risk Management. Operational risk is so important that it can demolish a business, via fiscal loss, or operating capacity or loss of repute. However, there are still some organisations where operational risk management is not taken as an important issue as it should be seen. (Kotter, 2007) The possibility of loss due to insufficient or unsuccessful internal practices, people and operations or because of exterior events is known as Operational risk. Operational risks also take in legal issues, nevertheless, they do not include strategic risk. Management of Operational risk is extremely crucial for a business. If there is no operational management, there is no surety that a business is being managed on a protected and principled basis. It is most significant for a company to manage Operational risk as both the first and last risk. (Hannagan, 2002, 18) Developing a detailed strategic plan may or may not be viable or even appropriate, depending on the size of the organisation, the size of the projects, and other factors. Nevertheless, a planning process ensures that: Each organisation needs to determine the extent to which it needs a formal strategic plan versus direct-to-implementation plans. Either way, the goal is to drive management in response to the corporate strategy, not have it be based on any "wow" factor or a perception that it will benefit the organisation. (Salisbury, 2008, 18) Business environment alters with time, hence management must acclimatize and modify incrementally too when periodic transformational change is compulsory. (Hebson, 209, 32) All strategy starts with the organisation's corporate strategic plan, which lays out the overall objectives for the organisation, including its business mix, growth goals, and risk tolerance.

Movie review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Movie review - Essay Example The movie draws Stone’s experience in the war and most of the characters in the movie were his colleagues in the Vietnam War. The movie starts with the arrival of Chris Taylor in Vietnam where he joined other U.S soldiers in the war as a volunteer with very little war experience (Platoon). Indeed, Chris Taylor was a young, innocent American college dropout who volunteered to join the Vietnam combat. Subsequently, subject to his lack of war experience, his presence in the warzone was initially insignificant and hence the feeling of loneliness. Indeed, Chris Taylor had fought for a short period and did not possess any effects of the war as compared to other soldiers. Nevertheless, the movie assets that Chris Taylor joined the Bravo Company, 25th Infantry near the Cambodian border along other seasoned soldiers. At first, the exhaustion nearly drove his enthusiasm away but the movie demonstrates his will to persevere. Indeed, the movie manifests that after witnessing combat and ge tting injuries from the war, Chris Taylor effectively integrated into the Bravo Company. The movie reflects on the role of Chris Taylor in the unit and his relationship with the fellow soldiers who lead the Bravo Company (Platoon). Actually, Sgt. Barnes as Tom Berenger and Sgt. Elias as Willem Dafoe were leading the platoon. The movie portrays Sgt. Barnes as a man who encountered violence and corruption of his soul in the war through the scars on his face. On the other hand, Sgt. Elias is a calm man who lost his belief in the war and hence continues to fight with his personal and moral courage. As such, there existed immense rivalry between the two sergeants in the leadership of the platoon. Chris Taylor was thus a victim of this rivalry. Indeed, Chris Taylor was now fighting against the enemy on one side and equally fighting the conflict within his platoon. Actually, the two sergeants out lightly conflicted during an illegal killing occur during a village raid (Platoon). Platoon gi ves a clear reflection of the war and the moral issues involved in the war. More so, the movie relevantly mixes the reality of the war with small realistic details like exhaustion and the counting of day to the end of the war. Furthermore, the platoon depicts various battles that took place in the Vietnam War during the night and village raids. Most significantly is the fact that many of the characters in the movie are symbols with a deeper meaning. For instance, Elias and Barnes reflect the good and evil in the Vietnam War though none is entirely good or evil. Notably, the platoon entails the live caption of chaos and confusion within the battle thus negating the characteristics of a traditional war movie. Moreover, the movie establishes all the details that relate to a war and the dehumanizing power of war. As a result, the platoon stands out as the most realistic movie in Vietnam (Platoon). This movie relates to the book, The Vietnam war 1945 - 1990 by Marilyn Young. The book see ks to give the conflicting sides of the war. Indeed, the book establishes the conflicts between political and American foreign policy (Young 8-15). This clearly relates to the conflict among the American soldiers as seen in the platoon especially between Sgt. Barnes and Sgt. Elias. More so, the book derives the history of the Vietnam, war just as seen in the pl

Is Coke good for our health or not Conclusion Essay

Is Coke good for our health or not Conclusion - Essay Example as a result of urbanization and globalization, which has exposed people to all sorts of processed foods with Coke beverages being number one on the list. Cancer of the esophagus is among the most dangerous types of cancer in the world, which has claimed dozens of lives in the recent years. According to health experts, this type of cancer is, in most cases caused by high intake of carbonated soft drinks. Scientific evidence claims that coke carbonated soft drinks have a PH of 2.3 (Ibiebele et al. 378), indicating that they are acidic in nature. Therefore, when taken, the fizzy drink stimulates gastric acid secretion which irritates the esophagus. Continuous irritation and erosion leads to cancer of esophagus, which is almost impossible to treat. In addition, coke drinks contain caffeine and processed colors that can have an drastic effect on the pancreas and kidneys. There is a direct connection between the increasing pancreatic cancer and kidney failure and soft drinks intake. Unethical behavior exhibited in the Coke Company can be a reason why health problems stemming from its products cannot be corrected. It is unethical for a company to continue manufacturing and distributing products that are a health hazard to consumers. Since it is a super brand, the company should consider modifying or replacing some of the ingredients in order to reduce the widespread effects. However, without blaming one huge multi-billion Coca Cola company alone, there are other companies producing carbonated fizzy drinks like Pepsi. The coke component in those drinks is a threat to human survival. Soft drinks account for the highest percentage of fast foods consumption. It is already evident that most of these companies are not legally bound to display every ingredient used in the manufacture of their beverage. Therefore, the small hidden formulas are among the causative agents of lifestyle health problems. It is almost impossible barring such companies from manufacturing these drinks

Personal Statement for Transferring to University of California

For Transferring to University of California - Personal Statement Example My belief in accomplishing lofty goals has been developed over the years through national level basketball competitions. I grew up in Guangzhou, China. My uncle was a professional basketball player in China. He began to teach me how to play basketball at a very early age. His workouts were grueling. I would run, jump and sprint for hours before I even touched a basketball. He had a very strict methodology he followed when training me. I can remember wondering, while I ran through all sorts of weather in Guangzhou Province, why I was doing all of this training. Was it worth it? I could see as I entered High School that I was worth it. We were a very successful team. We won the Guangzhou Province High School league championship. This was an amazing accomplishment considering the competition is fierce and we were not a very tall team. Our tallest player was only 6’5† and our average height was only 6’2†. Every team we played was taller than us. The difference w as no team we played was better prepared than we were. We practiced for three hours every school day and for five hours every weekend and holiday break. We were better conditioned and had developed better skills than our opponents. After winning the High School championship, I also participated in two three-on-three basketball tournaments featuring international players. Kentucky Fried Chicken sponsored one and Gatorade sponsored the other. We came in first in the tournament sponsored by Kentucky Fried Chicken and second in the one sponsored by Gatorade. As I grew older, I realized that lessons my uncle and coaches were teaching me were great for my basketball skills, but were even more important for my life. If I had not seen that hard work and superior skills bring success, I would never have developed the confidence to apply for an institution like the University of California. I am sure that I will experience challenges after I transfer colleges, but I am confident that I can ri se to meet these challenges. I am equally dedicated to realizing my academic goals as I am to by educational goals. In addition to learning from my uncle and coaches, my family has been a great inspiration to me. My parents are very wonderful role models. My father works for the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. He is very hard working and intelligent. He has the ability to look at any situation and analyze it deeply and succinctly. He is well regarded by his colleagues. He has taught me many things about life and about working with other people over the years. He is probably the smartest man I know and I have a great desire to make him proud of me. My mother is the manager of a cabin crew for South Chins Airlines. She loves me very much and has always treated me well. She has taken me on trips every summer and winter break since middle school. As a result, we have been able to see many places in China and several European countries as well. Transferring to the University of California to become an Economics major will require me to use all of these good habits I have developed over the years so I could be a successful basketball player and a good son. Economics is a challenging course of study that will require me to think about things in a way that is new. Understanding global economic systems will require the same dedication that is required in learning to sink a three-point

The Good, Bad and Ugly of Fracking Essay Example for Free

The Good, Bad and Ugly of Fracking Essay There is a gold rush going on right now. Man is breaking the earth, looking for natural gas. It’s a mad scene, with hucksters on every side of the issue. There is a lot going on underground and that process is called Fracking. The word alone can stir up controversy. The process of extracting natural gas through hydraulic fracturing or â€Å"fracking,† might summon in someone’s imagination an environment and damaged communities. Natural gas hides from sight it is invisible. Perhaps envisioned a prettier picture—one that involves clean-burning fuel, job growth and affordable energy. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) states that fracking â€Å"is the process of injecting large volumes of water, sand and chemicals into the ground at high pressure to break up shale formation allowing more efficient recovery of oil and gas† (Walter). This practice has grown rapidly over the course of the last decade thanks to improved technologies, but it also has fostered debates concerning its environmental, health and safety impact along the way. The process of hydraulic fracturing – shooting water, sand, and chemicals at high pressure into underground wells to release natural gas – is a divisive issue. Some say it dumps chemicals into ground water supplies; others argue it causes earthquakes, and still others think it can revolutionize America’s energy industry. Environmentalists argue that fracking contaminates ground and surface water – a charge the gas companies deny. Here’s the problem: the fracking process begins with a well drilled deep underground. Horizontal passages are then drilled outward from the bottom of the well. Water, sand and chemicals are pumped at high pressure through the water is insignificant, and it has never been proven that those chemicals rise ground water supplies. On the other hand, environmentalists say the downward drilling process, if done poorly, releases chemicals into both ground and surface water. Both arguments are strong, which is why no one can agree whether fracking is a good or bad thing. The science is not settled; arguments are hurled back and forth by both gas companies and environmentalists. On the earthquake issue, seismologists say it is possible fracking can cause small earthquakes. The British Geological Survey researched the Blackpool earthquakes, and the conclusion was reasonable. However, they did come back and say, â€Å"the chances of getting a very large earthquake are insignificant† (Walter). Meanwhile, a contaminated water supply is a hotly-debated issue: there have been cases where fracking has polluted water supplies as a result of poor oversight and procedures, but it does seem that if done correctly, fracking is not nearly as environmentally disruptive as traditional oil and gas extraction. One thing that is settled are the benefits homegrown natural gas adds to the US energy industry. As chemist and author rich Trzupek wrote recently: â€Å"America has become, in the eyes of energy professions, the Saudi Arabia of natural gas thanks to shale gas. The doe estimates that shale gas reserves alone are 750 trillion cubic feet. (McGraw). Combines with other domestic sources of natural gas, the United States has enough natural gas to last for over a century, and the numbers continue to climb. In areas where shale gas drilling is happening, the good times are rolling. Not only are people making money from the energy sales, jobs are created down the line, from the companies who support drilling operations down to the service industries that provide workers with food and shelter† (McGraw). According to Carlton Carroll, American Petroleum Institute (API) the oil and natural gas industry’s number one priority is safety. It is very important to maintain a perfect safety record but even one incident is way too many. In a December 2012 press release, API called the extraction from natural gas from shale â€Å"the most important domestic energy development in the last fifty years†¦poised to reshape American manufacturing. † And Chevron’s web site touts the practice for â€Å"providing the United States with reliable, affordable, cleaner and responsibly produced energy† (Walter). Developing these natural gas resources can help enhance the country’s energy security, strengthen local and state economies, and fuel job growth. Many Americans, oppose any kind of pollution. However, here are reasons to support fracking: 1. It can lead to our nation becoming energy independent 2. It will provide an enormous boost to our state and local economies 3. It has already driven down natural gas prices to the point where utilities are replacing dirty coal-fired power plants with cleaner natural gas-burning plans and increasingly vehicles are burning natural gas instead of dirtier gasoline 4. It will provide many well-paying jobs to geologists, well drillers, office workers, truck drivers, construction workers, and many more. So what is the snag—and how serious is it? Communities where fracking has taken place, notably in Ohio and Pennsylvania, protest the noise and scarring of the landscaping during the initial explorations. Restoration and compensation can better those concerns. The most significant fear is that the wastewater with chemicals from the fracking process, called, flowback, can contaminate the aquifers and drinking water. State regulators in Alaska, Colorado, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Oklahoma, Pennslvania, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming have stated that there have been no verified or documented cases of groundwater contamination as a result of hydraulic fracking (Zuckerman). The process uses about 99 percent water and sand, the rest being a solution of a few chemicals (Zuckerman). Most drilling experts have asserted that it is highly improbable that fracking liquids will contaminate drinking water. Fortunately, no cases exist in which the fracking process itself has caused drilling liquids to contaminate drinking water. The issue then is whether the flowback hazard can remain at acceptable levels. The real risk of water contamination comes from these flowback fluids leaking into streams or seeping down into groundwater after reaching the surface. This can be caused by leaky wellheads, holding tanks or blowouts. Wellheads are made sufficiently safe to prevent this eventuality; holding tanks can be made secure; and blowouts, while problematic, are like all accidents caused by human error. The energy industry has long stressed that fracking and water contamination has never been definitibely linked.

Developing a Nursery That Meets the Needs of a Child

Developing a Nursery That Meets the Needs of a Child Foundations to Psychology This essay will look into how the designs of nurseries, in light of relevant research will contribute to meeting the cognitive, social, emotional and physical needs of children aged three to five years old. The aim of this essay will be to provide a range of activities that nurseries could in cooperate into their timetable to meet these needs. Cognitive The key elements of the cognitive theory is to try and explain the method and processes by which an infant, and then a child will develop into an adult, who can think and reason using hypotheses (simplypsychology.2009.) Cognition consists of the development of perception, attention, language, memory and thinking. As children develop they acquire the cognitive structures that stay with them throughout their lives. Psychologist Jean Piaget viewed cognitive development as maturational process which focuses on childrens interactions with the physical word, and how they view it in their mind. He suggested that children think differently than adults and that they actively try to explore and make an understanding of the world. (simplypsychology, ND.) There are four stages to Piagets cognitive theory, but the one that is most relevant to a nursery caring for three to five year olds is the preoperational stage. This is the idea that children cannot conserve because they like to please people (psychologyabout,  ND.) To test if children were egocentric, Piaget used the three mountain tasks, where children were shown a mountain that had snow on it and a hut on the other side, they were then asked what could be seen from a different perspective (simplypsychology,  ND.) A child of age three to five is beginning to think with numbers and symbols and develop memory strategies. An activity relevant to developing this would be placing counters in front of a child and asking them how many counters they have, this is encouraging them to think logically. Piaget believed that each child moves from stage to stage at their own pace, and that in the classroom you have to look at what stage each child is, to move them forward. So ones who are at a further stage would be able to do more complicated counting tasks. Another activity would be mouse trap, children would have to work together to keep the mouse from being trapped, making the children having to see someone elses point of view and developing their inability to conserve according to Piaget. (littlechildren,  ND.) Lev Vygotskys theory for cognitive development relies on the zone of proximal development. The three different levels are what I cant do, what I can do with help and what I can do. This is known as Vygotskys scaffolding theory and it was to try and explain that social interaction is important for cognitive development. (simplypsychology,  2007.) Vygotsky suggested that having interaction with older people would be an effective way to develop skills. So nurseries could pair up a five year old child with a three year old child and they could work together to complete a puzzle, this would give the three year old the help from an older peer which could help them to complete the puzzle on their own eventually (simplypsychology,  2007.) Piagets contributions to cognitive development in children are not flawless. Piaget didnt take into account who he was talking to, children of that age like to say whatever would please someone, so if a child is asked what is two add two, the child will answer four, but then if they are asked now what is two add two the child will think that they have answered the question incorrectly and will give a different answer. Physical The key elements of physical development in children is the physical maturation of an individuals body up until it reaches the adult stage. A childs physical and measurable growth such as weight and height are taking place. Physical development concerns the development of our bodys structure and processes during life and how these developments help of hold back how we think and behave socially and emotionally. Everyone develops physically at roughly the same age but the physical changes that occur may vary from one person to another. (psychologyabout,  ND.) According to theorist Mary Sheridan, at three years old, a child will be able to walk up the stairs, cut with scissors and turn while running and pulling toys, so they are able to multi task. At four years old, a child can turn sharp corners, they can run, push and pull, and they can hop and climb. Then at five years old, they can skip and dance and hop (childdevelopmentchart,  2013.) Sheridan also suggests that in terms of other physical developments a child of aged three to five years would be able to give their name and address, they can help with dressing themselves, use their fork and spoon, be able to draw a person and be able to speak roughly 1500 words. (childdevelopmentchart,  2013.) Sheridan says that children between aged three and five should be able to draw figures, so nurseries could cater for this type of physical development by having art sessions where children can draw or paint family portraits. This would also improve their fine motor skills such as fingers and hands. Another theorist Arnold Gesell identified the importance of the role of nature and heredity in childrens development. There is a psychology debate about whether our nature (biological heritage ) or our nurture (the environment we are brought up in.) Gesell believed that a timetable could be used to outline the developmental growth of every child. (ehow,  ND.) Gesell indentified the typical behaviours of children through their childhood. He categorized these behaviours into different areas which he called the gradients of growth. The ones that would be mostly used at a nursery would personal hygiene, motor characteristics, school life and play and pastimes. (education,  ND.) In terms of physical activities to help a childs development and to help work on their gross motor skills (arms and legs,) nurseries could provide a playtime, where children have the chance to interact with each other, play games and have a run around. This would be part of the play and pastimes section on Gesells timetable. (developmentalpsychology,  ND.) Gesells theory of development has been accepted as it is still used today, however there are criticisms of his theory because his timetable only went up to the ages of five, so there is no developmental stages for the childhood beyond that age (ehow,  ND.) Emotional Emotional development is how an individual develops emotional competence, for example how they deal with emotions and how their identities develop. For a child, hints of their personalities will start to show, so if they are upset of angry they may kick and scream as a way of dealing with that emotion. How a child is treated and their relationships contribute to their emotional development. Psychologist Wolcott believed that if a child brings in a toy that reminds them of home and their mother they will still have this attachment. This toy would be the mother substitute because they are recognising it as something from being at home. So if the child became upset from missing home which children tend to do when they are going to nursery for the first time, they have something to remind them of home. (psychologytoday,  ND.) A more interactive activity that would strengthen a childs emotional development would be a persona doll. A persona doll is a puppet and could be used at nurseries to put on a show where different situations are created and the children would be asked how they would feel if such a situation happened to them. This would help a child to understand emotions and how they might feel. (personadolltraining,  ND.) Michael Rutter believed that you have to have a mother or a mother substitute in the first five years of life. Rutter conducted a study on children at an orphanage of whom had suffered emotional deprivation. He looked at adopted children and how when they were adopted into families their weight and their IQs had improved dramatically (pbworks,  ND.) Michael concluded that if a child doesnt develop an emotional attachment this is privation whereas deprivation is the loss of an attachment. (simplypsychology,  ND.) John Bowlbys attachment theory looked at the attachment relationship between parents and their children. Bowlby believed that if an infant was unable to develop a warm relationship with their mother, the child would have difficulty forming relationships with other people (bowlbyattachmenttheory,  ND.) Bowlby was convinced that the mother and baby bond was formed on a biological basis and that the baby is born with the need to form their bond and the mother has the instinct to form this bond. Bowlby suggested that a child would form only one attachment, normally their mother and this figure would act as their secure base when they explore the world. This one attachment acts as a starting relationship for future relationships that the child may have. (simplypsychology,  ND.) In light of what Bowlby and Rutter say about the importance of having the mother of the mother substitute, nurseries could assign carers or teaching assistants to groups of children or to each child if there is enough. Bowlby in particular said that consistency is important, so by assigning a carer to each child, there would be the mother substitute always there for that child. (littlechildren,  ND.) The implications of Bowlbys theory are that he suggested that the mother should be the constant carer therefore implying that the mother should not go out to work as she should be at home looking after the children and keeping this consistent bond (simplypsychology,  ND.) Social The key element of social development is socialisation, how individuals develop social abilities by building relationships and how they form friendships. For a child they will develop same sex relationships known as vertical relationships, and they will form friendships by playing with other children. Social development looks into our moral development, groups and peer group influences. Theorist Erik Erikson developed the psychosocial theory. Erikson had eight development stages, but the one that applies to a child of aged three to five is initiative vs guilt, this is where children start to understand purpose and the meaning of different things (currentnursing,  ND.) During the initiative vs guilt stage, conscience and imagination develops, children begin to understand what people expect of them whether it be at home or at school. Children can begin to assert some kind of power and control through direction of play which can include fantasies. (childdevelopmentchart,  2013.) The best way to in cooperate Eriksons psychosocial theory would be with indoor activities. At a certain time of day at a nursery, children could have the chance to have a play time indoors where there are sandpits, a play kitchen and a play house. The children would be in groups and they would rotate so that they could have the chance to play with each thing. This would give the children a chance to interact with each other and use their imagination to play restaurants or mummys and daddys with the play house or kitchen (jubed,  ND.) Albert Banduras social learning theory emphasized the importance of observing behaviour. Most human behaviour is learned through modelling by observation. The social learning theory explains that human behaviour is interaction of different influences; behavioural and environmental. Bandura believed that an individual is more likely to adopt behaviour if it results in outcomes that are valuable to them. (instructionaldesign.ND.) Banduras theory is supported by the bobo doll experiment. Children observed an adult attacking a bobo doll to try and knock it down, the children then imitated this behaviour (simplypsychology,  ND.) When meeting childrens social needs in light of Banduras experiment on the bobo doll in which behaviours are learned, a nursery would ensure that children behave correctly, and that no violent or aggressive behaviour is tolerated. Also children would learn to put their hand up when they want to speak. This way they are learning how to behave when they are at school. Criticisms of the social learning theory are that they rejecting the differences in individuals such as genetics, brain and learning differences which could affect how they perceive and respond to behaviour. With the bobo doll experiment, critics have argued against saying that children manipulated into responding to the attack on the doll. Children were further teased because they could not knock the doll down (criminology,  ND.) This is the way to go about creating a nursery that would meet the cognitive, social, emotional and physical needs of children aged three to five years old. There is a lot of evidence from doing experiments such as Piagets three mountains experiments and observations like Rutters orphanage study that supports the theorists and their theories, therefore strengthening the ideas on how a child develops in each criteria. Essentially every child develops differently and at a different pace, but looking collectively at children aged three to five years, there are certain activities that nurseries could use to help children thrive emotionally, socially, physically and cognitively. Reference List bowlbyattachmenttheory.(ND). Retrieved from http://explorable.com/bowlby-attachment-theory instructional design. (ND). Retrieved from http://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/social-development.html childdevelopmentchart.(2013). Retrieved from http://pgcegroup3.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/child-development-chart.pdf psychologyabout.(ND). Retrieved from http://psychology.about.com/od/developmentalpsychology/ss/early-childhood-development_2.htm jubed.(ND). Retrieved from http://www.jubed.com/youth_ministry/view/Animal-Farm/?s=106 simplypsychology.(ND). Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/bowlby.html simplypsychology.(2009). Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/piaget.html developmentalpsychology.(ND). Retrieved from http://psychology.about.com/od/developmentalpsychology/ss/early-childhood-development_2.htm littlechildren.(ND). Retrieved from http://littlechildren.wordpress.com/2007/11/29/cognitive-development-activities-for-3-to-5-year-olds/ irrpublic.(ND). Retrieved from http://lrrpublic.cli.det.nsw.edu.au/lrrSecure/Sites/LRRView/7401/documents/theories_outline.pdf simplypsychology.(2007). Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/vygotsky.html pbworks.(ND). Retrieved from http://as-psychology.pbworks.com/w/page/9174253/DeprivationPrivation currentnursing.(ND). Retrieved from http://currentnursing.com/nursing_theory/theory_of_psychosocial_development.html psychologytoday.(ND). Retrieved from http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/state/VT/Wolcott.html personadolltraining.(ND). Retrieved from http://www.persona-doll-training.org/ukhome.html education.(ND). Retrieved from http://www.education.com/reference/article/arnold-gesell-child-learning-development-theory/ ehow.(ND). Retrieved from http://www.ehow.co.uk/info_8593772_criticisms-gesells-maturation-theory.html childdevelopmentchart.(2013). Retrieved from http://pgcegroup3.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/child-development-chart.pdf criminology.(ND). Retrieved from http://www.criminology.fsu.edu/crimtheory/bandura.htm

Effect of DDT on the Environment

Effect of DDT on the Environment Effect of DDT to This Environment Pesticides became a bad forebode in agriculture since mid-twentieth century. In agriculture, pesticides are an important element to control the major vector-borne diseases such as malaria and visceral leishmaniasis. There are 4 major groups of pesticides: insecticides, rodenticides, herbicides and fungicides. Although pesticides are vital to protect the crop and also human health in the whole world, but due to their detrimental effects on natural ecosystems more deaths are cause by the pesticide poisoning than infectious diseases. Hence, we should focus more on the short and long term harms of pesticides on the environment. Most of the pesticides are highly toxic and will have immediate adverse effects on human health and also wildlife. Besides that, pesticides which spray on the plant at ground will easily contaminate the soil, water and air. The chronic consequences cause by pesticide including neurotoxic, carcinogenic, immunotoxic, hormonal and reproductive effects. One of the hig hly problematic pesticides is the insecticide dichlorodiphenlytrichoroethane also known as DDT. 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis-(p-chlorophenyl)ethane is the scientific name of DDT and the chemical formula is C14H9Cl5. DDT is build up by 14 carbon, 9 hydrogen and 5 chlorine atoms (Figure 1). Figure 1. Molecular structure of DDT. In its nature form, DDT is crystalline powder with odorless to slightly fragrant in white color. The melting point is at 108.5ËÅ ¡C, and boiling point at 185ËÅ ¡C. DDT is highly insoluble in water but is soluble in most organic solvents. This molecule is lipophilic and partitions readily into the fat of all living organisms. Biomagnification and bioaccumulation in the food web make this molecule become more negative impact to the organisms. When the DDT break down the product will be 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDD or TDE) and 1,1-dichloro-2,2bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethylene)(DDE). These two compounds are actually also present everywhere in the environment and are more persistent than the parent compound (Ritter, Solomon, Forget, 1996). DDT is an organochlorine insecticide and is considered a persistent organic pollutant (POP) (PAN Germany for PAN International, 2009). According to Turusov et al. (2002), in year 1874, DDT was first synthesized but until year 1943 its insecticidal properties just discovered and in 1943 large-scale industrial production are started. DDT is contributed to worldwide use and widely accepted by people because of its low price and effectiveness to control malaria and typhus during and immediately after World War II. In order to control the agriculture and forest pests, much more DDT was used after 1945. About 400,000 tons of DDTs were used yearly in this world at 1960s, and 70 – 80% was used for agriculture (Turusov et al., 2002). DDT is a persistent, widespread environmental contaminant that causes significant anatomical, behavioral abnormalities and physiological in humans and also wildlife (Iwaniuk, et al., 2006). In January 1970, the first country – Sweden had banned the use of DDT. In the same year, the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R) was prohibited all DDT and DDT-based products for use as pesticides because of their destruction and persistence effect by bioaccumulation and the carcinogenicity. The production and use of DDT in agriculture were banned too in 1981, but the use for public health purposed was still allowed. In year 1972, most uses of DDT were banned in other countries. The use of DDT has been banned in 34 countries and severely restricted in 34 other countries. Argentina, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Finland, Hong Kong, Japan, Mozambique, Lebanon, Switzerland, Norway, and USA are the countries that have banned DDT. The countries that have severely restricted its use include Thailand, Israel, Panama, Kenya, Mexico, Belize, India, Ecuador and the EU (Ritter, Solomon, Forget, 1996). DDT is not very strong toxic like most of the organochlorine insecticides, but this chemical is widely use and spread (Ritter, Solomon, Forget, 1996). In Turusov et al. (2001) study showed that the process of biodegradation of this chemical is very slow and it will persists for a long time in the environment. DDT will likely to accumulate in the food chain and in the tissues of living organisms. When expose to DDT and digest it, this molecule will store in all the tissues, especially in fat. Bioaccumulation occurred by accumulate the DDT from small concentration to high concentration in the food web. Due to it widespread, uncontrolled, and intensive use, this chemical has resulted in worldwide pollution. In the body of all birds and fishes analyzed in the study of Turusov et al. (2001), DDT residues are found even in those living in desert areas or in the depths of the oceans. Human are most likely to be exposed to DDT from the food they eat. Almost all the meat, fish, and dairy products are contaminating with DDT. Hence, by eating, breathing or touching the products which contaminated with DDT, this chemical will easily absorbed into our body. After ingested, DDT will convert into several breakdown products called metabolites that included DDE and stored in the fatty tissues. For the pregnant women, DDT and DDE can be passed to the fetus by breast feeding (Centers for Disease Control and Preventation, 2009). If human expose to high concentration of DDT, the symptoms like vomiting, tremors or shakiness, and seizures will occur. Besides that, DDT also considered a possible human carcinogen. Birds usually played a major role in creating awareness of pollution problems. Birds are most probably believed to expose to DDT by ingestion (Enrlich, et al. 1988). The pesticide can be swallowing by the birds directly or the birds eat the contaminated prey. Besides that, they may also ingest pesticide residues off feathers while preening, or they may drink or bathe in contaminated water. When the birds expose to aerially spread DDT, the chemical will absorbed through the skin or inhaled into the body (Edwards, 2004). DDT and DDE are persistent as they tend to concentrate as they move through the food chain (Figure 2). In the marine communities, the contaminated planktons are eaten by small fishes, and then bigger fishes will consume small fishes. DDTs are passing from a small concentration in planktons to bigger fish. DDT will store in the fatty acid of fishes, when fish-eating birds consume the fish, all the bio accumulated DDT will pass into the bird’s body. Most of the DD T from numerous fishes ends up in the body of few birds. Bioaccumulation of DDT in birds high on food chains occurs not only because there is usually reduced biomass at each step in those chains, but also because predatory birds tend to live a long time. DDT take in only a little per day, but when they keep most of what they get and they live many days (Deinlein, n.d.). Figure 2. Bioaccumulation of DDT. DDT with high concentration does not usually kill the bird outright. However, DDT and its relatives will alter the bird’s calcium metabolism in a way that results in thin eggshells (Edwards, 2004). Since the eggshells are too thin and are unable to support the weight of the embryo of bird, heavily DDT-infested Brown Pelicans and Bald Eagles tend to find omelets in their nests. DDT resulted in the decimation of the Brown Pelican populations in much of North America and the extermination the Peregrine Falcon in the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. Shell-thinning caused lesser declines in populations of Golden and Bald Eagles and White Pelicans, among others (Enrlich, et al. 1988). Fortunately, the scientists are able to figure out the cause of the breeding failures in time, and the use of DDT was banned almost completely in the US at 1972. The Arctic, polar bears also become one of the victims of DDT. Chemical pollutants are carried towards the Arctic Ocean by the great continental rivers of Russia and Canada. DDT that in the sea are wafted northwards by the currents. Even the DDT molecule in the air will be carry by winds to the Arctic, where they condense in the cold and fall to the ground in snow or hail. The most direct and effective way to bring DDT that will cause an effect to polar bear and its offspring is biomagnification. DDTs are biomagnify as they move up the food chain from the small plankton to polar bear. As polar bear is the carnivores, it accumulates the most concentrated amounts of them. Before the hibernation, polar bear will consume large amount of fish to store as fat. DDT which accumulates in the fish will then store in the fatty tissues. When the polar bear start to use the fat during hibernation, DDT is being release and causes the death. In addition, DDT will also reduce the polar bear capacity to bread and lower their immune system (Polar bears: Walking on thin ice, 2006). The available epidemiologic and scientific data indicate that the presence and persistence of DDT and its metabolites worldwide are still problems of great relevance to public health. It has been debated at the United Nations Environment Program whether DDT should have been totally banned together with 11 other persistent organic pollutants. However, the total ban of DDT was sharply criticized in South Africa. This is because, a temporary total ban on the use of DDT for indoor spraying resulted in a sudden increase in malaria. Now, 11 countries in Africa, 7 in Asia, and 5 in Latin America still use DDT for vector disease control (Turusov et al., 2002). There is a general consensus that limited and strictly controlled use of DDT should be allowed for public health purposes, in particular where other effective, safe, and affordable alternatives are not available, and the benefits are clearly far superior to possible risks. In conclusion, to solve the problem of DDT an efficient pestici des that do not have the negative properties of DDT and its metabolites should be sought with the goal of replacing DDT completely. References Centers for Disease Control and Preventation (CDC), (2009). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/pdf/DDT_FactSheet.pdf Deinlein, M. (n.d.). Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center. When it comes to pesticides, birds are sitting ducks. Retrieved from http://nationalzoo.si.edu/scbi/migratorybirds/fact_sheets/fxsht8.pdf Edwards, J. G. (2004). DDT: A case study in scientific fraud. Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons, 9, 3, 83-88. Ehrlich, P. R., Dobkin, D. S., Wheye, D. (1988). DDT and birds. Retrieved from https://web.stanford.edu/group/stanfordbirds/text/essays/DDT_and_Birds.html Iwaniuk, A. N., Koperski, D. T., Cheng, K. M., Elliott, J. E., Smith, L. K., †¦, Wylie, D. R. W. (2006). The effects of environmental exposure to DDT on the brain of a songbird: Changes in structures associated with mating and song. Behavioural BrainResearch, 173, 1-10. Polar bears: Walking on thin ice. (2006). Retrieved from http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/polar-bears-walking-on-thin-ice-523207.html Ritter, L., Solomon, K. R., Forget, J. (1996). Persistent organic pollutants. Retrieved from http://www.chem.unep.ch/pops/ritter/en/ritteren.pdf Turusov, V., Rakitsky, V. Tomatis, L. (2002). DIchlorodiphenytrichloroethane (DDT): Ubiquity, persistence, and risks. Environmental Health Perspectives, 110, 2, 125-128.

Morals of The Milagro Beanfield War :: Milagro Beanfield War Essays

Morals of The Milagro Beanfield War The Milagro Beanfield War, written by John Nichols, demonstrates several themes on life. They range from the interactions of the rich and the poor to the hot arid farming climate in New Mexico. All of which have significant importances in this famous novel. Perhaps the most important theme that is represented in this novel is the idea that people should do what is wright no matter the consequences. People are constantly faced with the choice of right and wrong. What they choose not only effects themselves, but everyone else involved. That is why being true to yourself is being true to everyone. "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? Yet if I am for myself only, what am I?"(p. 1). This theme carries the plot throughout the book. Milagro is a small agricultural town located in the hot arid state of New Mexico. Joe Mondragon, a man of his mid 30's, provided for his wife and two kids. He was a farmer, but a farmer with no fields. During the 1935 Interstate Water Compact, much of the water was transferred to big-time farmer's fields, like Ladd Devine. This would not have been a problem except for the fact that Joe's field was located on the west side of Milagro and all of the water flowed to the southeast side. All of the people of Milagro were unhappy about this change, but no one would say or do anything that would oppose the Devines. One day, Joe had had enough and tapped into the water supply. He knew that watering his father's field would cause problems, but he didn't care. Day after day Joe worked in his fields, preparing them for harvest. People from all the town gathered each day to watch Joe work. While Joe worked on his fields, the Devines worked on a plan to get rid of him. They did not like the idea that Joe Mondragon, a simple farmer, had not conformed to their ways. The Devines involved several various people in order to get rid of Joe, but all of these people could not stop Joe from obeying his morals. Bernabe Montoya, the Milagro town sheriff, and Sheriff Kyril Montana, a government officer, were assigned the duty of arresting Joe. They worked hard and diligently to arrest him, but time after time, they failed.