Black on Black Violence Essay

Black on black violence has been on the rise in the recent years. 1 in 146 black males are at risk of violent death, whereas the ratio for white men is 1 in 189. What do we mean by â€Å"Black on Black crime? † It may be described as anytime a Black person inflicts violent harm on another Black person. The effects of this violence in the Black community are tremendous. Violence is very much part of what it means to be Black in America. Another issue in America is putting the wrong people on death row. Most of the time it is just to a guilty verdict so the prosecutor’s family can move on. This is exactly what happened in the case of Walter McMillian who was accused and found guilty of murdering a Ronda Morrison by gunshot. In this passage I will explain some of the black on black violence seen in America, talk about some of the excerpts from Les Payne and Glenn Loury’s argument, and explain McMillians trial plus the racial inequality he experienced. Jesse Jackson once said in order to have a safer living environment you â€Å"must get the guns off the streets†. It was said that in LA County that African-Americans have a 1/29 chance of being murdered while whites are only a 1/186 chance. So why are blacks at such a greater risk than whites? One explanation can be the black on black violence that is occurring in our society today. Of the violence that blacks do use it has been reported that 94% of it is used on other black peoples. Early on in life is where the kids look up to their peers and want to do what they do and act how they act. And this sole factor is the reason the violence in communities is on the rise. The role models in these young black kids’ lives are often drug dealers or gang members and this can be attractive to the youth. They see all the material items these dealers and gang members have and they want it too. But what these children do not understand is the means that these older role models obtain these goods. A woman named Mary Ross is a member of LA County and she said you have to fight in order to make it in these poorer neighborhoods. She said that she applied for a job and so did a white woman. Mary claims that the white girl got the job just because of the color of her skin and not the skills she would bring to the job. So she feels the only way to live her life is by stealing and robbing from others. When she does fight Mary says she will not stop until she sees a lot of blood. Currents TV also interviewed her husband Anthony Carter. He says that there is anger on the streets that leads to this violence and that there is a lack of opportunity and blatant discrimination on the community’s part. The vast majority of the people living in poor neighborhoods are law abiding citizens but because of where they live they are sucked into the violence. Frankie Lee Randolph, a 24 year old, was one of these law abiding citizens who was caught in the cross fire of a violent black community. He was in the service, had a good job and a good family but one day he was just stabbed to death for no apparent reason. These families who do obey the law want police protection but not the police brutality they see often. Being poor and having low self-esteem could lead to a lot of the violence and anger in those communities. It seems the higher up you are in society the more informed decisions you make. The people in poorer black communities feel as if their lives are being attacked so they need weapons for protection. They are surrounded by violence so you need to be prepared for the unexpected. The people of these neighborhoods feel as if they need to take action before the action comes at them. Then and only then do they feel like they are in control. Experiencing violence increases the likelihood that a person will use violence against someone else later. So violence in the community is like a snowball rolling down a hill in an avalanche, getting larger as it goes along, sweeping up more and more in its path. Violence is a self-perpetuating problem. Next, the Currents TV switched into an interview with Glenn Loury and Les Payne. Loury brought up the issue of blacks choosing their own destinies while Payne brought up the issue of a psychic genocide. Loury said that blacks can educate themselves and make their own lives better; it was their personal responsibility. He says we need to give them the means but also lead them down the right path. There is more weight on protecting the majority of the law abiding citizens and more effort to help the violent minority. Loury then goes on to say that behavior and home life lead to this violence and people make their own choices, whether they be good or bad ones. He basically sums up his arguments by stating the black communities need to advance their own interests and to get their act together and take care of yourself and who you take care of. Les Payne began his argument by explaining to us that black are made to feel inferior to the white race; what he calls a psychic genocide. How are these kids going to get educated? That is an American problem. It is a public problem for this country. There isn’t any shortcut to it. There’s no easy answer to it. Payne states that black life is becoming cheapened and there is a very fine line from those who are successful and those who are not. He then says that drugs are destroying the community when they are being brought in. Drugs lead to violence, mistrust within the community, and a lack of supervision on the streets. It’s got to deal with the laws, the institutions that influence our people. We have to talk about it as an American community. Finally, I will touch upon the case involving Walter McMillian. It was alleged that McMillian went into a cleaners and robbed and murdered the clerk there, 18 year old Ronda Morrison. McMillian says he was at home doing a fish fry that day. The arrest came after seven months where police had no leads at all until Ralph Myers, a white man with a long criminal record, came forward. He was arrested for the murder of another young woman in Alabama. Meyers was interrogated about Ronda Morrison’s murder and eventually stated that Walter McMillian, a 46-year-old black man from Monroe County, had killed Ronda. Two other witnessed corroborated parts of Myerss story. Meyers described the way the body was positioned and supposedly gave strong details about the scene of the crime. But investigators said that his testimony was wrong and that the body was never moved because there was a distinct dust on the floor that was undisturbed. There were no finger prints, ballistics, and no physical evidence whatsoever. Meyers stated that he drove McMillian’s truck to the store and then began hearing popping sounds from inside. Meyers then went inside and saw McMillian over the body with money in his hands. The state needed a corroborator for Meyers’ statement to hold up by law. Bill Hooks was this man. He said he drove by and saw McMillian get in passenger side at cleaners with Meyers as driver. Hooks knew it was his truck because his truck had been lowered. McMillian said it could not have been his because he got his truck lowered six months after the murder took place. Plus McMillian and a friend both said that it could not have been his because his truck had no transmission in it, so it was not even able to start. Defense lawyers said that Hooks got assistance from the cops for the incriminating statement. This assistance included getting released from jail, having his charges dropped, and $5,000. Near the end of the trial prosecutors brought up the issue of McMillian â€Å"running around† with a white woman. McMillian was sentenced to death row for six years before being released after the truth came to light. There were many issues of racism and inequality during the investigation and trial. First of which was the false statement given by the three witnesses. Prosecutors told him his testimony would give him a reduced sentence. DA Chapman indicted Meyer’s based on perjury where he gave a false statement while being in oath. Witnesses who had testified against McMillian admitted that they had committed perjury. Next there was the fact that there was no evidence that would incriminate McMillian at all. No physical evidence, no fingerprints, and no ballistic reports. It was as if the court just wanted to find someone to place the blame. All they had was the testimony of three individuals. More often than not this would not be enough for a trial, but because of the implications, murder of white woman and alleged killing of a black man, it was enough for Alabama courts to try. McMillian later said that he was convicted because he was with a white woman and because his son also married a white woman. In addition, it became clear that the prosecution had hidden exculpatory evidence, including the existence of a witness who had seen the victim alive after the time at which the prosecution contended the crime had occurred. The defense asked that the trial be moved from Monroe County because of all the publicity surrounding the case. The judge agreed to move the trial from Monroe County to Baldwin County, which had a substantially smaller percentage of black people in its population. There was also the fact that the jury in the trial recommended a life sentence for McMillian but the judge overruled this recommendation and sentenced him to death. McMillan said he never doubted his innocence would come to light, but when asked whether he has faith in the justice system, he responded: â€Å"No. Not at all. â€Å"

For all the Tea in China by Sarah Rose Essay

â€Å"For all the Tea in China -How England Stole the World’s Favorite Drink and Changed History † as the subtitle foreshadows the story already. Before I had even read the book I assumed it would be a journey of betrayal, action and only closed off to the events that occur re’s as Robert Fortune underhandedly takes china’s precious tea right from underneath they’re own noses. But little did I know that it Sarah Rose has incorporated all the events essential to the to cultivation of tea in the mid Nineteenth-century. In Audition to this Historical non-fiction story that may be boring to others, or as one of my fellow classmates would put it â€Å"I’ve been spacing out throughout the book† I Believe that Sarah Rose Has painted a Vivid image of the nineteenth century, with out a single page, paragraph, or sentence wasted with unnecessary knowledge to the reader’s view from how the Royal Horticultural Society of England and the Eas t India Company affected England’s economy, traditions were also created based off of tea shipment such as the Annual Tea race. And how World Changed England’s East India Company to officially close down. Robert Fortune, a Scottish gardener, botanist, and world’s best plant hunter, famously known for his The British tea Heist which Sarah Rose writes passionately and was inspired by Scott Anderson in this book, and in audition famous for bringing back and documenting new oriental plants from China to England. Such as lovely tree peonies, and the uniquely streaked ornamental plant Hosta Fortunei. which was named after Robert fortune himself along with some other oriental plants found under his own travels not during the multiple expeditions he was sent to do by the East India Company. Fortune while undergoing the process in sending India seeds that are healthy and germinated†¦.. but how?Fortune had realized that transporting the seeds in side package’s while shipped doesn’t stop the life cycle so the seeds that were in anything but soil were unsuccessful because the environment was unsuitable for the next step of its life which was the sapling. Buy having the tea seeds in the layers of soil and in the warden cases protected from sea spray forced the seeds to germinate with little watering because, of the warden cases the water that evaporated would just collect and drop back to the tea plant because of the morning due. Which has never been done before and changed the way of transporting seeds across seas for decades to come, and also solved the problem of transporting larger plants such as towering red woods and,England were now able to transport a whole species in there easy to tend to seed forms. The reason why Fortune had to take on this task of stealing China’s tea secret was because. In the early nineteenth century China and Britain had a shaky relationship of trading England’s opium that China was so addicted to for they’re finest tea which grew high among the finger like mountain karsts of Wuyi in the Fujian provenances. But it was China who Threaten to grow and sell there own opium, and Britain couldn’t let that happen because England relied on that finance to fund there tea budget And so if China wanted to play that way so will the British, therefore they sent Fortune. Poorer Qualities of tea already existed trying to compete with china’s finest tea in the Experimental grounds a part of the Himalayas in India run by the British. But could not duplicate the process of making tea itself or how its grown with out the precious knowledge china was keeping from them world. When Fortune succeeded it had Put Britain at the center of trade because there companies would produce safer qualities of tea because the Chinese where slowly killing people with dyes and pigments used in paints to color green tea, which sealed Britain’s choice with the already popular black tea. And also the hold of opium production as well as tea production, and civilization helped. Fortune’s First 12 mont h period trip was spent traveling to the Zhejiang and Anhui provenances for Green Tea. He had to disguise himself as a well paid merchant which wasn’t enough to get noticed but held enough respect he usually was given. He needed to do deceive the local Chinese and Tea producer’s in order to get the information but there was no detail in how he did it, which I thought it would be a lot more exhilarating to know the master plan of how he was able to deceive so easily and to be trusted with that much valuable information, and most importantly needed the information of how to process and grow tea or it would be useless to get the thousands of seeds and saplings necessary to start a growing tea profitably with out having a clue of doing so and let them die. Also During Fortune’s Expedition it would be impossible to travel the multiple provenances of China with out a Guide or Help to carry his Warden cases by him self hence he had to hire servants a collie whom preferred to be called that and Wang a business negotiator which served well but was easily influenced into trouble to a common trait that most Chinese did at the time it was called the â€Å"Squeeze† which was extracting mone y illegally from someone trying to earn a few bucks. And handful of trouble came from Fortune’s servants betrayal because Fortune would treat them as any regular employee as they made mistakes or bad decisions that would jeopardize his goal he would punish them fairly but backfired. Another tradition the Chinese have Is called Face which is the equivalent of dignity or prestige, but the actual way it works is still really foggy due to lack of detail about this subject. So when Fortune’s two servant were hired to serve him and he relied on them a lot which gave them a large amount of face, but because of a situation when his collie pulled a â€Å"Squeeze.† It Jeopardized his masters safety but it was fortune who settled the feud by having him return the money and apologize which humiliated Collie that caused him to lose face. During Fortune’s second expedition to retrieve black tea from the Steep mountain of Wuyi, since both teas were so different and should be treated as two different plants there for Fortune was ordered to take two separate trips. Fortune had hired another servant named Sing Hoo he wasn’t was a collie but he was strong and he was intelligent but not a businessmen man, the new loyal servant of Fortune’s â€Å" had once been in the service of a high-ranking mandarin affiliated with the imperial family at Peking.† and also bore arms of his former office of the imperial court signified as a flag and serves as a passport throughout the country, it was a gift from the a former master. And during this second trip Fortune disguised himself as a high ranking mandarin from beyond the Great Wall of China which I thought would be hasty compared to lying low on the first trip. Also I thought it was amusingly clever that he chose the people from beyond the Great wall because, they were known for being abnormally taller height than the rest of the population in china which gave an explanation for Fortune’s height while infiltrating China. If not for Fortune’s treacherous task and constant awareness no matter what might of happened to make Fortune hate the country, he could probably hate every single thing in china but I doubt he would never be able to hate China’s beauty from there great dense bamboo Forests off they’re proud mountains to the peaceful city of serenity named Zhejiang. Fortune was also a naturalist who was touched, and changed, by China and its treasures largely unseen by western eyes, in which found even more beautiful than the landscape of his own country. Green Tea was a failure because they had withered even before it had reached India of the improper shipping technique. Even though it had failed Black tea was a success which Changed history Forever in Britain’s favor Trade wise. I had also thought even though its not a picture book I would recommend a diagram of important people of the East India Company and The Royal Horticultural Society of England. And definitely a Map of Fortune’s Travel’s Both trips to India and Maybe that trip to Japan.

Corporate Social Responsibility Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 4

Corporate Social Responsibility - Essay Example f the big business enterprises, initiating litigations against irresponsible corporate behaviour, and demonstrations against big business houses either involved directly or indirectly in environmental degradation activities. The Internet provides an easy means of making people aware of irresponsible corporate behaviour either in the form of their business ethics, or in the environmental degradation activities, and the NGOs utilise this means besides the other avenues of publicity to create public awareness. Big businesses have started to feel the pinch of this. The public have started showing their concern for business ethics and the environment. Estimates from the United Kingdom have started ringing alarm bells, as it is estimated that companies have lost $72 billion every year as a result of public action. Additional data from Europe and U.S.A. demonstrate that 67% of the consumers have resorted to a boycott of a product for ethical or environmental reasons, and thus have asserted their buying preferences. Companies are beginning to realise the meaning of the famous American investor Warren Buffet’s words, â€Å"it takes 10 years to build up your company’s reputation, but 10 seconds for you to lose it†. Companies are starting to act so that they are not hit by public buying preferences, as can be seen from the publishing of Nike of the work environment audit that it had conducted on not just its working environment, but also on its supply chain. There is an increase in the number of corporate businesses that are displaying such activity. (1) NGOs have resorted to litigations in the recent past even using laws that were made more than a couple of years back. There is an increasing amount of litigation against business enterprises on ethical and environmental grounds. These litigations are having an impact on all business enterprises, as insurance companies, financial analysts, and institutional investors are making existing litigation or the possibility of

Strategies of Advertising Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Strategies of Advertising - Essay Example By this time most people carrying out the advertisements were not in apposition to pay for the media expenses. However, currently viewers are in a better position to comprehend the advertisements much more easily as almost every body can access the media. This, subsequently have made the advertisements easily visible as well as audible (Amazon.com, 2007). The ultimate outcome normally depends on the manner advertising techniques are employed. There has been, on the other hand, a wide application of what is called custom publishing which usually aims at reaching a particular community segment. This, for instance may include anti-smoking advertisements which has been employed by the cancer charities and other anti-smoking groups in collaboration with several government health departments in trial to contain the tobacco advertisement (Sheriga, 2008). They thus establish their own advertisement in order to bring to lime light the negative impacts of smoking. Initially, several commercial advertisements usually assisting cessation of smoking as well as reduce to risk posed lung cancer and its aftermath. Several advertisers employ some sneaky strategies in order to get the attention of the consumers. Generally, advertisements are expected and as well accepted in every society. They are perceived to have nothing wrong in them by most people who usually view them every day. Most people have created the notion that the products advertised are always good ones and that the products being advertised on televisions have nothing wrong in it. Convincing the consumers to buy the products being advertised came about with some strategies. Several commercials which have nothing to do with a product on the other hand have been employing certain lifestyles (Carroll, 2009). Some of the commonly used strategies include: i). Ideal Families and Kids. Research by Raylight (2007) indicate that most TV adverts targeting families usually show up perfect families that appear to be having a hip looking modern styles such as latest hair cuts, hottest fashions as well as toys. These families appearing in the adverts acts as representatives of the type of ideal families the several children viewing the commercial would prefer their families or even themselves to appear. This subsequently leads the children's families to buying the product being marketed in these commercial adverts. The fact is that buying of these products can not make them perfect families. All what the advertisers want is for you to purchase their products. ii). Star Power Some celebrity stars have been employed to market several products through advertisements. Someone's music star, for instance, convincing them to purchase the products they are advertising would make the music fan to buy the goods without realizing that they don't necessarily possess those products or even use them but they are there just for the money. Celebrity stars are used to get attention of the fans as well as watchers who acknowledge them (Raylight, 2007). iii) Sounds Good The attention of the watchers is sometimes gotten in commercial advertisement by playing some good music and sounds which can add some excitement to the viewers. This mainly applies to commercial products meant for kids.

Analysis of Michel Foucault's theories of Power, Knowledge and Essay

Analysis of Michel Foucault's theories of Power, Knowledge and Technologies of the self - Essay Example Donnie Darko, a movie which was directed by Richard Kelly back in 2001, is a cult psychological thriller film. Basically, the main characters in the movie named Donnie Darko is a troubled teenager who was searching for the real meaning of life. Paranoid schizophrenia is a common type of schizophrenia which causes a person to experience a series of paranoid, delusions, and hallucinations related to auditory sensory or hearing. Due to the fact that Donnie is suffering from the symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia, he often encounters emotional and psychological disturbances due to the presence of auditory hallucination. For this reason, his outlook in life was totally different from what other teenagers are going through in life. Not only did he get much trouble inside the school compound but also within the family circle and the community. For this study, the researcher will focus on discussing Foucault’s technologies of self, power, and theory of knowledge. To enable the readers to have a better understanding of the subject matter, the first part of study has been divided into three major sections. As part of conducting a literature review, the first section will analyse and discuss about Foucault’s technologies of self. The second section of the study will tackle Foucault’s point-of-view regarding knowledge whereas the third section will discuss about Foucault’s theories behind power. The second part of the study will provide the readers with a brief summary regarding the movie Donnie Darko. Upon analyzing the thoughts of Foucault on technologies of self, power, and theory of knowledge, the researcher will examine the main characters behind the movie entitled Donnie Darko. In the process of discussing the movie, Foucault’s technologies of self, power, and the theory of knowledge will be used in analyzing the personal attitude and social behaviour of Donnie – the main characters of the movie

Informative Speech Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Informative Speech - Essay Example Even though experimental vaccines and treatment drugs have been developed and are currently in use, the disease is yet to be contained. To limit and/or avoid catching Ebola, it is important to observe high-level hygiene and avoid contact with infected persons. This will not only ensure that people are safe from the disease, but also curb its spread from one person to another. Most importantly, every symptom related to Ebola should be taken seriously. Most infections are spread from one person to another because symptoms related to Ebola are often disregarded. It is vital to be tested for the disease as early as possible whenever the aforementioned symptoms are observed. Diagnosing the disease early increases chances of survival. The ultimate objective, however, is to avoid the disease altogether. This can be done by ensuring people with the said symptoms are quarantined for testing and treatment if applicable. When in known or potentially affected areas, avoid coming into contact with other people’s fluids such as sweat, saliva, or blood. This goes to as far as avoiding handshakes and using protective gear when in such

Catholic School 2000 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Catholic School 2000 - Essay Example he Catholic school to develop in the school community an atmosphere animated by a spirit of liberty and charity based on the Gospel.† (Flynn & Mok, 2000, p. 21) This formally states that Catholic schools must enrich the student lives in a religious as well as academic capacity. The authors go on to quote from several other documents, most of which have the same intention regarding the leadership role that Catholic schools must take in their educational focus of religious faith. They also cite a passage from the a statement from the Australian Bishops’ Conference published in 1975: The present document is offered as a contribution to the process by which the people of God in the Australian Church will search for the most authentic way to live the faith and the most effective means of passing it on to future generations. (Flynn & Mok, 2000, p. 22) The second part of their article focuses on more recent documents further defining and delineating the role of the Catholic School, this is titled, â€Å"The Catholic School on the Threshold of the Third Millennium.† (Flynn & Mok, 2000, p. 23) In general these more recent documents slightly softened the role of religion and represent the schools as part of the cultural inheritance of society as well. For instance in the Church document, ‘Lay Catholics in Schools: Witnesses to Faith’ (1982), the mission of Catholic schools is clear that they are to add to the culture around them and not dictate religious fervour. While still focusing on the gospels, â€Å"It strives to relate all human culture to the good news of salvation.† (Flynn & Mok, 2000, p. 23) Mission is an apt conceptualisation of the Catholic schools leadership roles, they are most akin to missionaries with an evangelical purpose to help and to serve the community as well as to open them to their faith. As stated it is an integration or synthesis of culture and faith. (Flynn & Mok, 2000, p. 26) The third part of their article, ‘Australian Catholic

Genetically Modified Food Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Genetically Modified Food - Essay Example Other studies resist wide spread and implementation of the technology because of concerns that GMO foods can cross biological boundaries and cause harm to humans and the environment. Besides safety and environmental aspects, the topic draws a lot of socio-economic concerns, public knowledge and attitude, confidence in decision-making institutions and ethical concerns that shape consumer perceptions of the risks posed by GM foods. Public opinion is a force that should have been taken into account if gene engineering needed to be successful in developing new product especially the controversial GM foods. The issue of GM food is made complex by the various interested groups, the different perceptions of risk and reward as well as the conflicting perceptions regarding the benefits and costs associated with the controversial products. The answers behind the controversy are complicated ranging from ethical to religious to even potential health and safety impacts posed by the technology in GM foods. Supporters of the genetic modification in foods highlight the premise that the technology is capable of meeting not only the basic food needs of the society but also achieving nutritional, environmental and economic benefits to the consumers. Sceptics of GM foods consider this to an unnecessary interference with nature that poses unknown and potentially catastrophic consequences. According to Hossain et al (2003), regardless of the potential of GM foods, they have received mixed regulatory and public acceptance within the US and other parts of the world. Moreover, regardless of the prevailing technological challenges, consumer acceptance of GM foods remains an essential factor that determines the future of the technology. This stems from the scarcity of reliable information regarding consumer awareness and perception concerning the significant subject. Based on a sample population of students, Hossain et al (2003) found the students were reluctant to consume food with GM

Final exam Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Final exam - Assignment Example The women also fail to challenge patriarchy rule in their societies, as well to challenge men’s dominance over them. Women, according to Hooks, should be compatible with the blame of sexism and not view it as a competing ideology between men and women. Kimmel is of the view that most violent people in the industrious world are men. He sees gender inequality as a key cause of violence. According to him, women exhibit aggression in terms of gossips unlike men who are quite physically aggressive (Kimmel, chapt12). In the United States history of gender violence, gender violence by men has been termed as a proof of manhood. Men view violence as a form of communication to women. He states that images of masculinity create a violent society. Men and women are concerned with aspects that exaggerate their biological differences. Love and friendship is termed as traditionally feminine, while sexual behavior is increasingly defined as masculine. Masculinization of sexuality is as a result of transformation in sexuality and sexual revolution with the promise of sexual freedom that has fewer emotional and physical consequences (Kimmel, chapt11). Men and women have different conceptions about sex understanding and fantasies. Kimmel; hence, argues that gay men in the society have low rates of committed relationships, while lesbians have the highest rate of committed relationships. He concludes that men place sexuality at the center of their lives while women are interested in affection and care in the context of a love relationship. The â€Å"sexual peaks† difference between men and women is thought to be biological, but Kimmel argues that it is a reflection of the social organization of marriage in a society. According to Fone, the Sodom story was not a punishment to homosexuality. He states that Sodom was conflacted with varied kinds of social deviances. The sodomites were accused of being heretics, traitors, adulterers, hypocrites, idol

Molar Mass by Free

Molar Mass by Freezing Point Depression Essay Procedures: Weigh the test tube. Assemble the apparatus of thermometer, split stopper, and stirrer. Measure about eight grams of BHT into the test tube. Record the combined mass, and the mass of the BHT. Clamp the test tube in the beaker and insert the thermometer and stirring wire assembly into the test tube and clamp the assembly to the ring stand. The thermometer should on top of the solid. Add water to the beaker so that the solid is well below the level of the water. Heat the water bath to about 90Â ° Celsius. Allow the BHT in the test tube to melt. When the temperature of the BHT is 80Â ° Celsius or higher, remove the thermometer and test tube from the water bath. The thermometer should maintain position in proportion to the BHT, but the test tube should be out of the water bath beaker. Record the temperature of the BHT every 20 seconds for 30 minutes. Stir the BHT until it solidifies. Measure and record approximately one gram of cetyl alcohol. Place the cetyl alcohol in the test tube containing the BHT. Replace the test tube to the water bath. Heat the test tube until the substances are melted, and reach a temperature over 80Â ° Celsius. Once it exceeds 80Â ° C, remove the test tube from the water bath but maintain the thermometer position in proportion to the mixture. Record the temperature of the BHT every 20 seconds for 30 minutes. Stir the mixture until it solidifies. Repeat the above steps with fresh BHT and, a clean test tube, thermometer, stirrer, and approximately one gram of the unknown compound in place of the cetyl alcohol. Analysis: For the lab, the calculated percent error was 2.99%. The percent error came from the difference in the molar mass of the unknown substance as experienced in the lab, and in the accepted data. A possible point of error was in whether or not a group stirred the substance as it was cooling. This would affect the data recorded, and skew the results depending on how constant the stirring was between trials. If the lab were to be preformed again, the students would all have the same amount of stirring of the cooling substance, either none at all, or a constant stirring throughout the 30 minute cooling period. Conclusion: The purpose of this lab was to determine the molar mass of an unknown substance by measuring the freezing point depression of a solution of an unknown substance and BHT, and to compare the data collected with the accepted value for the lab. The purpose of the lab was fulfilled as the students determined the molar mass of the unknown substance, despite much struggle throughout the process of the lab. Much of the class data was extremely off of the range of acceptable margin of error, so all groups are using the data from a successful group to perform the report.

Mcdonalds Corporation Is The Worlds Largest Chain Marketing Essay

Mcdonalds Corporation Is The Worlds Largest Chain Marketing Essay McDonalds Corporation is the worlds largest chain of fast food restaurants, serving nearly 47 million customers daily through more than 31,000 restaurants in 119 countries worldwide. McDonalds sells various fast food items and soft drinks including, burgers, chicken, salads, fries, and ice cream. Many McDonalds restaurants have included a playground for children and advertising geared toward children, and some have been redesigned in a more natural style, with a particular emphasis on comfort: introducing lounge areas and fireplaces, and eliminating hard plastic chairs and tables. Each McDonalds restaurant is operated by a franchisee, an affiliate, or the corporation itself. The corporations revenues come from the rent, royalties and fees paid by the franchisees, as well as sales in company-operated restaurants. McDonalds revenues grew 27% over the three years ending in 2007 to $22.8 billion, and 9% growth in operating income to $3.9 billion.  [1]   History analysis: The business began in 1940, with a restaurant opened by brothers Dick and Mac McDonald in San Bernardino, California. Their introduction of the Speedee Service System in 1948 established the principles of the modern fast-food restaurant. The original mascot of McDonalds was a man with a chefs hat on top of a hamburger shaped head whose name was Speedee. Speedee was eventually replaced with Ronald McDonald in 1963. The present corporation dates its founding to the opening of a franchised restaurant by Ray Kroc, in Des Plaines, Illinois on April 15, 1955 , the ninth McDonalds restaurant overall. Kroc later purchased the McDonald brothers equity in the company and led its worldwide expansion and the company became listed on the public stock markets in 1965. With the expansion of McDonalds into many international markets, the company has become a symbol of globalization and the spread of the American way of life. Its prominence has also made it a frequent topic of public debates about obesity, corporate ethics and consumer responsibility.  [2]   Vision To be the best and leading fast food provider around the globe Mission McDonalds brand mission is to be our customers favorite place and way to eat, and improve our operations to provide the most delicious fast food that meet our customers expectations. Values Our values summarized in Q.S.C. V.. Provide good quality, services to customer. Have a cleanliness environment when customer enjoys their meal. The value of food product makes every customer is smiling. Suppliers Substitutes Buyers Potential entrants Competitive rivalryThe Five Forces Framework The Threat of Entrants Large established companies with strong brand identities such as McDonalds BKC, YUM, and WEN do make it more difficult to enter and succeed within the marketplace; new entrants find that they are faced with price competition from existing chain restaurants. Bargaining Power of Buyers Low bargaining power of buyers. Bargaining power of suppliers Bargaining power of suppliers within the fast food industry would be relatively small, unless the main ingredient of the product is not readily available. Threat of Substitutes This could range from a competitive fast food restaurant to family restaurant to a home cooked meal. Competitive Rivalry The strength of competition in this industry is very high; the main rivals are BKC, YUM, and WEN. They compete with international, national, regional, local, retailers of food products (restaurants, quick service, pizza, coffee shops, and supermarkets). PESTEL Framework: Political: The international operations of McDonalds are highly influenced by the individual state policies enforced by each government. Economic: McDonalds has the tendency to experience hardship in instances where the economy of the respective states is hit by inflation and changes in the exchange rates. Market leader. Very high target market. Low cost and more incomes. The rate at which the economy of that particular state grows determines the purchasing power of the consumers in that country. Social: Working within many social groups. Increase employments. Technological Advanced technology development. Quality standards. Environmental: Quality packing. Local manufacture using foreign supplies. Legal: Legislation for product. Sustained logo. SWOT ANALYSIS Opportunities Threats Growing health trends among consumers Globalization, expansion in other countries (especially in China India). Diversification and acquisition of other quick-service restaurants. Growth of the fast-food industry. Worldwide deregulation. Low cost menu that will attract the customers. Freebies and discounts. Health professionals and consumer activists accuse McDonalds of contributing to the countrys health issue of high cholesterol, heart attacks, diabetes, and obesity. The relationship between corporate level McDonalds and its franchise dealers. McDonalds competitors threatened market share of the company both internationally and domestically. Anti-American sentiments. Global recession and fluctuating foreign currencies. Fast-food chain industry is expected to struggle to meet the expectations of the customers towards health and environmental issues. Strength Weakness Strong brand name, image and reputation. Large market share. Strong global presence. Specialized training for managers known as the Hamburger University. McDonalds Plan to win focuses on people, products, place, price and promotion. Strong financial performance and position. Unhealthy food image. High Staff Turnover including Top management Customer losses due to fierce competition. Legal actions related to health issues; use of trans fat beef oil. Uses HCFC-22 to make polystyrene that is contributing to ozone depletion. Ignoring breakfast from the menu. COMPARISION McDonalds Burger King Yum Brands Wendys Critical Success Factors Weight Rating Weighted Score Rating Weighted Score Rating Weighted Score Rating Weighted Score Price 0.15 4 0.60 3 0.45 3 0.45 3 0.45 Financial Position 0.08 4 0.32 3 0.32 3 0.24 2 0.16 Consumer Loyalty 0.10 4 0.40 3 0.40 3 0.30 2 0.20 Advertising 0.10 3 0.30 3 0.30 4 0.40 2 0.20 Product Quality 0.10 4 0.40 3 0.40 4 0.40 2 0.20 Innovation 0.15 3 0.45 3 0.45 3 0.45 2 0.30 Market Share 0.10 4 0.40 2 0.20 3 0.30 2 0.20 Management 0.07 4 0.28 3 0.21 3 0.21 3 0.21 Global Expansion 0.15 4 0.60 2 0.30 3 0.45 1 0.15 Total 1 3.75 3.03 3.20 2.07 External Factor Evaluation (EFE) Matrix Key External Factors Weight Rating Weighted Score Opportunities Growing health trends among consumers 0.08 3 0.24 Globalization, expansion in other countries (especially in China India). 0.12 4 0.48 Diversification and acquisition of other quick-service restaurants. .04 3 0.12 Growth of the fast-food industry. .10 3 0.30 Worldwide deregulation .04 2 0.08 Low cost menu that will attract the customers. .08 2 0.16 Freebies and discounts. .08 1 0.08 Threats Health professionals and consumer activists accuse McDonalds of contributing to the countrys health issue of high cholesterol, heart attacks, diabetes, and obesity. 0.10 3 0.30 The relationship between corporate level McDonalds and its franchise dealers. 0.09 3 0.27 McDonalds competitors threatened market share of the company both internationally and domestically. 0.12 4 0.48 Anti-American sentiments. .07 2 .14 Global recession and fluctuating foreign currencies. .04 3 .12 Fast-food chain industry is expected to struggle to meet the expectations of the customers towards health and environmental issues. .04 2 .08 Total 1.00 2.85 Financial Ratio Analysis 12/2007 Growth Rates % McDonalds Industry SP 500 Sales (Qtr vs year ago qtr) -3.30 4.20 -3.80 Net Income (YTD vs YTD) 84.70 47.90 8.40 Net Income (Qtr vs year ago qtr) -22.60 -59.90 -94.80 Sales (5-Year Annual Avg.) 6.53 8.14 13.26 Net Income (5-Year Annual Avg.) 23.39 15.30 14.45 Dividends (5-Year Annual Avg.) 32.36 22.36 12.30 Price Ratios Current P/E Ratio 14.7 14.2 13.0 P/E Ratio 5-Year High N/A 9.5 12.5 P/E Ratio 5-Year Low N/A 4.7 2.0 Price/Sales Ratio 2.62 1.88 1.47 Price/Book Value 4.62 3.54 3.00 Price/Cash Flow Ratio 11.20 10.00 9.00 Profit Margins % Gross Margin 36.7 32.1 39.4 Pre-Tax Margin 26.2 17.2 13.2 Net Profit Margin 18.3 12.0 9.1 5Yr Gross Margin (5-Year Avg.) 33.9 33.3 39.1 5Yr PreTax Margin (5-Year Avg.) 19.8 14.2 16.6 5Yr Net Profit Margin (5-Year Avg.) 13.7 9.8 11.45 Financial Condition Debt/Equity Ratio 0.76 .80 1.03 Current Ratio 1.4 1.2 1.4 Quick Ratio 1.3 1.1 1.1 Interest Coverage N/A 1.2 29.9 Leverage Ratio 2.1 -5.3 1.9 Book Value/Share 12.00 10.00 19.75 Investment Returns % Return On Equity 32.2 44.4 27.9 Return On Assets 14.9 11.3 8.1 Return On Capital 17.0 13.7 11.2 Return On Equity (5-Year Avg.) 19.7 22.8 20.6 Return On Assets (5-Year Avg.) 10.0 8.98 8.5 Return On Capital (5-Year Avg.) 11.4 11.0 11.5 Management Efficiency Income/Employee 10,783 9,401 91,499 Revenue/Employee 58,806 98,207 1,000,000 Receivable Turnover 23.7 44.7 15.8 Inventory Turnover 125.7 98.7 12.3 Asset Turnover 0.8 1.1 1.0 Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) Matrix Key Internal Factors Weight Rating Weighted Score Strengths Strong brand name, image and reputation. 0.12 4 0.48 Large market share. 0.10 4 0.40 Strong global presence. 0.04 3 0.12 Specialized training for managers known as the Hamburger University. 0.04 3 0.12 McDonalds Plan to Win focuses on people, products, place, price and promotion 0.12 4 0.48 Strong financial performance and position. 0.08 4 0.32 Introduction of new products. 0.06 4 0.24 Customer focus (centric). 0.06 4 0.24 Strong performance in the global marketplace. 0.08 4 0.32 Weaknesses Unhealthy food image. 0.08 1 0.08 High Staff Turnover including Top management 0.04 1 0.10 Customer losses due to fierce competition. 0.04 1 0.04 Legal actions related to health issues; use of trans fat beef oil. 0.04 2 0.08 McDonalds uses HCFC-22 to make polystyrene that is contributing to ozone depletion. 0.04 2 0.08 Ignoring breakfast from the menu. 0.06 1 0.06 Total 1.00 3.16 SPACE Matrix Financial Strength Rating Environmental Stability Rating Return on investment 4 Rate of inflation -3 Leverage 4 Demand Changes -3 Net Income 6 Price Elasticity of demand -1 EPS 5 Competitive pressure -3 ROE 5 Barriers to entry new markets -3 Cash Flow 4 Risk involved in business -2 Average 4.67 Average -2.5 Y-axis 2.17 Competitive Advantage Rating Industry Strength Rating Market share -1.00 Growth potential 5 Product Quality -1.00 Financial stability 5 Customer Loyalty -1.00 Ease of entry new markets 4 Control over other parties -2.00 Resources utilization 4 Profit potential 5 Demand variability 3 Average -1.25 Average 4.33 X-axis 3.08 Directional vector point is 🙠 3.08, 2.17) Conservative Aggressive Competitive Defensive FS IS CA ES Grand Strategy Matrix Quadrant II Quadrant I Quadrant IV Quadrant III Rapid Market Growth Strong Competitive Position Weak Competitive Position Slow Market Growth The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Matrix Question Marks Cash Cows Dogs Relative Market Share Position Industry Sales Growth Rate Stars MCD The Internal-External (IE) Matrix The IFE Total Weighted Score Strong Average Weak 3.0 to 4.0 2.0 to 2.99 1.0 to 1.99 III II I High 3.0 to 3.99 VI V IV The EFE Total Weighted Score McDonaldsMedium 2.0 to 2.99 IX VIII VII Low 1.0 to 1.99 The Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) Strategy 1 Expand further in Asia by adding 500 restaurants Strategy 2 Applying 0 grams Trans fat in all worldwide McDonalds restaurants Key Internal Factors Weight AS TAS AS TAS Strengths   Strong brand name, image and reputation 0.12 4 0.48 4 0.48 Large market share 0.10 4 0.40 2 0.20 Strong global presence 0.04 4 0.12 2 0.08 Specialized training for managers known as the Hamburger University 0.04 McDonalds Plan to Win focuses on people, products, place, price and promotion 0.12 4 0.48 4 0.48 Strong financial performance and position 0.08 4 0.32 4 0.32 Introduction of new products 0.06 Customer focus (centric) 0.06 1 0.06 4 0.24 Strong performance in the global marketplace 0.08 3 0.24 1 0.08 Weaknesses Unhealthy food image 0.08 1 0.08 4 0.32 High Staff Turnover including Top management 0.10 Customer losses due to fierce competition 0.04 3 0.12 1 0.04 Legal actions related to health issues; use of trans fat beef oil 0.04 1 0.04 4 0.16 Uses HCFC-22 to make polystyrene that is contributing to ozone depletion 0.04 SUBTOTAL 1.00 2.34 2.40 Strategy 1 Expand further in Asia by adding 500 restaurants Strategy 2 Applying 0 grams Trans fat in all worldwide McDonalds restaurants Key External Factors Weight AS TAS AS TAS Opportunities Growing health trends among consumers 0.08 1 0.08 4 0.32 Globalization, expansion in other countries (especially in China India) 0.12 4 0.48 1 0.12 Diversification and acquisition of other quick-service restaurants 0.04 Growth of the fast-food industry 0.10 4 0.40 4 0.40 Worldwide deregulation 0.04 4 0.16 1 0.04 Low cost menu that will attract the customers 0.08 Freebies and discounts 0.08 Threats Health professionals and consumer activists accuse McDonalds of contributing to the countrys health issue of high cholesterol, heart attacks, diabetes, and obesity 0.10 1 0.10 4 0.40 The relationship between corporate level McDonalds and its franchise dealers 0.09 4 0.36 1 0.09 McDonalds competitors threatened market share of the company both internationally and domestically 0.12 4 0.48 4 0.48 Anti-American sentiments 0.07 Global recession and fluctuating foreign currencies 0.04 Fast-food chain industry is expected to struggle to meet the expectations of the customers towards health and environmental issues 0.04 1 0.04 4 0.16 SUBTOTAL 1.00 2.10 2.01 SUM TOTAL ATTRACTIVENESS SCORE 4.44 4.41 . Conclusion McDonalds faces some difficult challenges. Key to its future success will be maintaining its core strengths-an unwavering focus on quality and consistency-while carefully experimenting with new options. These innovative initiatives could include launching higher-end restaurants under new brands that wouldnt be saddled with McDonalds fast-food image. The company could also look into expanding more aggressively abroad where the prospects for significant growth are greater.   The companys environment efforts, while important, should not overshadow its marketing initiatives, which are what the company is all about. Recommendations Expand further into Asia markets over a 2-year period by adding 500 restaurants per year at a cost of $4 billion annually, and applying 0 grams Trans fat in all worldwide McDonalds restaurants.

Causes and Effects of the Persian Gulf War Essay -- Operation Desert S

Causes and Effects of the Persian Gulf War The Persian Gulf War, often referred to as Operation Desert Storm, was perhaps one of the most successful war campaigns in the history of warfare. Saddam Hussein, leader of Iraq, invaded Kuwait in 1990. In 1991, after weeks of air strikes, US ground forces entered Iraq and Kuwait and eliminated Iraqi presence in 60 hours. Why Would Iraq invade Kuwait? Kuwait supplies much of the world’s oil supplies, and when Hussein invaded Kuwait, he controlled 24% of the world’s oil supplies (O’Hara). Though this is a good reason, it is not the only one. Iraq’s real excuse for annexing Kuwait was that he believed that Kuwait was producing more oil than it was supposed to, taking out of Iraq’s profits. Also, Iraq was $80 billion in debt to Kuwait, and Iraq thought that the debt should be forgiven (Brown). After Iraq attacked Kuwait, the United States and other countries feared that Saudi Arabia would be next and that the world’s oil supply was in jeopardy. This was the spark that leads to the Persian Gulf War. There was also controversy with Iraq even before the invasion of Kuwait. Iraq was suspected of developing chemical weapons. The United Nations had often asked to check their weapons supplies to prevent Iraq from gaining great military power. When Iraq refused to let the UN inspectors into the country, suspicion was raised. One final thing that began the Persian Gulf War was Iraq’s development of the SCUD Missile. Though n...

Racism in Literature Essay -- Literary Analysis

Literature Analysis Most literature authors write stories on different genres like poems, stories, and plays. These works are written using a variety of elements of literature for instance setting, themes, conflict, and characters. The following essay discusses the element of racism as a theme in Margaret Laurence’s short story â€Å"The Loons,† Langston Hughes’ poem, I Too, Sing America, and W.E.B Du Bois’ book, â€Å"The Souls of Black Folk.† â€Å"The Loons† is a short story that was done by Margaret Laurence together with other stories in the sequence â€Å"A bird in the House† and was published in 1970. The story centers on the narrator and the main character Vanessa McLeod, a white girl and her youth days in a fictional town known as Manawaka, Manitoba in Canada (Laurence, 2001). From Vanessa’s eyes, the audience is able to see the alienation and racism that Piquette Tonerre, a girl of Mà ©tis origin faces in society. The story has been set just before Vanessa’s father passes on and it helps her to open her eyes and see the suffering, cultural alienation, and racial discrimination of the Mà ©tis people a subgroup of the Canadian Aborigines. In the first part, Vanessa finds the Mà ©tis to be people who do not fit in the society due to their unknown descent. Her grandmother describes the Mà ©tis to be people of â€Å"†¦neither flesh, fowl nor good salt herring† (Laurence, 2001). This statement describes the people who are French half-breeds and their language is neither French nor Cree. These people do not belong to the Creoles who live on the mountains and neither to the French. They are a people who society alienates and discriminates because they do not belong. Grandmother McLeod does not want anything to do with Piquette. At one point, the McLe... ...r ideals. Fredrick insisted on â€Å"total assimilation through self assertion and nothing more.† Du Bois argued that the Negro could not progress if he is not educated, given freedom to vote, economically empowered and legal superiority (Du Bois, 1996). This book highlights the problem of racism in America in the 20th and 21st century. Du Bois set the pace for other black writers and civil rights activists like Dr Martin Luther King. This may not have been exactly out of the book, but it was the best that I could come up with and still make everything work the way I wanted it too. References Du Bois, W.E.B. (1996). The Souls of Black Folk. New York: Penguin Books. Langston H. (1932). The Dream Keeper and Other Poems. New York: Knopf Publishers. Laurence, M (2001). â€Å"The Loons.† Literature: An Introduction to Writing. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2001.

Essay on Hardships Expressed in Hughes On the Road and Mother to Son

Hardships Expressed in Hughes On the Road and Mother to Son African-American citizens who live in the United States have experienced a tough life through personal experiences. They have struggled to obtain basic civil rights--a struggle that has spanned many centuries (Mabunda 311). Langston Hughes, author of the short story "On the Road" and the poem "Mother to Son," often illustrated in his writing the hardships experienced by the characters--products of African American life in the United States. While Hughes and other young African-American authors wanted to define and celebrate black art and culture, they were also responsible for changing the preconceived notions of most Americans' erroneous ideas of black life (Mabunda 696). The cultural aspects of Hughes' poems exhibited life as an African-American in the late 1910s to the early 1960s. His views, like many writers in his era, came directly from personal experience, which provided the reader with a sense of communication that illustrated--with art rather than essay--the ills of the racist world. L. Mpho Mabunda proclaims that the issues and grim realities of the African-American "could be experienced through the lives of characters and in verse, and the message delivered more subtly and effectively" (696) . The overall theme and purpose of "On the Road" and "Mother to Son" are centered around an illustration of the hardships experienced by most African-American citizens in the early part of the century. Both genres graphically detail the lifestyle and environment in which the African-American lived. In the 20th century, many of the black communities in America have existed in a perpetual state of crisis ("Black American"). According to Kenneth Clark in his add... ... Robinson. The Condition, Elevation, Emigration, and Destiny of the Colored People of the United States. New York: Arno P, 1968. "Henry McNeal Turner." Online. Internet. 24 Apr. 1998. Hughes, Langston. "Mother to Son." Bridges: Literature across Cultures. Eds. Gilbert H. Muller and John A. Williams. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1994. 52. ---. "On the Road." Bridges: Literature across Cultures. Eds. Gilbert H. Muller and John A.Williams. New York: McGRaw-Hill, 1994. 845-8. Mabunda, L. Mpho, ed. The African American Almanac. 7th ed. Detroit, MI: Gale Research Inc., 1997. Miller, R. Baxter, and Evelyn Nettles. "Langston Hughes." Concise Dictionary of American Literary Biography: The Age of Maturity, 1929-1941. Detroit,  Ã‚  Ã‚   MI: Gale Research Inc., 1989. 150-71. Quarles, Benjamin. The Negro in the Making of America. London: Collier-Macmillan Ltd., 1969.

Biomolecules Notes

Carbohydrates, lipids and proteins 3. 2. 1 Distinguish between organic and inorganic compounds (2). Distinguish means to give the differences between two or more different items. ?Organic compounds are based on carbon and are found in living things. There are a number of exceptions including hydrogen carbonate (HCO3- ), carbon dioxide (CO2 )and Carbon monoxide (CO). ?Inorganic compounds are by default all the molecules other than those in the category above. Identify amino acids, glucose, ribose and fatty acids from diagrams showing their structure(2). Identify means to find an answer from a given number of possibilities. The following are examples of the most common organic molecules in living things: Monosaccharide sugars. These are the monomers from which larger polymer molecules are constructed. Molecules like glucose and fructose are metabolically active molecules usually stored in an inactive, insoluble polysaccharide form. ?Glucose: C6H12O6 this is a hexose sugar (six carbons) most commonly found in this ring structure. ?Glucose will be known to most students as a product of photosynthesis or the substrate molecule for respiration. Glucose is also found in a polymer as starch, glycogen or cellulose. ?All bonds are covalent. ?Glucose is a reducing sugar and will give positive (Brick red) precipitate in a Benedicts test. ?Glucose is metabolically active compound Glucose is soluble and has osmotic effects when in solution This is an alternative diagram of glucose where the carbons are assumed to be at each of the corners or end s of the lines (bonds). In this image the carbons are numbered so you can compare to the diagram above. Normally such numbers would be omitted form a diagram. These shorthand diagrams allow organic molecules to be drawn faster. There are examples further down the page of this type of diagram. ?Ribose: Pentose (5 carbon sugar). ?Ribose is part of one the important organic molecules in photosynthesis, ribulose bisphosphate. (RUBP) ? A modified version of ribose, deoxyribose is perhaps best known for its role in Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA where it forms part of the sugar phosphate backbone. The chemical properties of deoxyribose are very different from the properties of ribulose ? Both Ribose and Glucose will attract water molecules (hydrogen bonding ) to form solutions. Amino Acids: There are 20 common amino acids found in the protein structures of living things. Amino acids are monomers which combine to form the larger polypeptides. In turn polypeptides combine to form proteins. Proteins molecules are the basis of enzymes and many cellular and extra cellular components. ? This model shows the structure of the general amino acid. If you build one in a molecular kit you will appreciate better the 3D structure. Each of the common amino acids has the same structure as the one shown except that the R group is different. ?Amino acids are soluble ? This is an alternative way to draw the general amino acid structure. ?This diagram illustrates the ‘amino' group which is -NH2 ? There is also the acidic group -COOH which ionizes in solution to form an -COO-and H+groups ? This acid group is known as a carboxylic acid group. ? This is an illustration of the smalles t of the amino acids, Glycine. ?Notice that Glycine has an amino group, carboxylic acid group and a R group = H ? A common source of glycine is sugar cane. This image shows a common amino acids, Alanine ?Note the similarity in structure with glycine but this time the R group is -CH3 ? Students are not required to know the structure of all 20 common amino acids Fatty Acids: These molecules are the basis of triglycerides and many other types of lipid. These molecules are also the basis of the phospholipid molecules that form the bilayer of the cell membrane. ? The image shows a basic saturated (no double bonds) fatty acid. ?There is a methyl group (-CH3) at one end of the chain. Chain is the formed from a series of covalently bonded carbons saturated with hydrogens. ?The chain is non-polar and hydrophobic ?The carbonyl group is polar making this ends of the molecule hydrophilic. ? The complex diagram of the fatty acid can be abbreviated to this simpler diagram. ? This image show the unsaturated double bond which is characteristic of animal fats. ?If there are many double bonds the fatty acid is kn own as polyunsaturated. Micelle ?In water fatty acid molecules arrange themselves into spheres called micelles. The polar carbonyl groups on the outside in contact with water molecules. ?The non-polar tail sections are in the centre away from water. ?This is an important aspect of fat digestion and membrane structure. List three examples each of monosaccharide, disaccharides and polysaccharides (1) List means to Give a sequence of names or other brief answers with no explanation. State one function of glucose, lactose and glycogen in animals, and of fructose, sucrose and cellulose in plants(1) State means to give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation.

The Microenvironment Essay

The Company Nike is the predecessor of Blue Ribbon Sports company, founded by Phil Knight in 1964, for the purpose of importing sports shoes cheap Japanese brand in the U.S. market Onizuka. Knight is teamed with Bill Bowerman, a running coach of the University of Oregon, later to become experts designing the most innovative sports shoes of Nike, the Nike contributed to a global brand production in the market of sports shoes. 1950’s Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman meet 1960’s Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS) was made and founded by Phil Knight The popular Cortez aka â€Å"Dope Mans† are made in Japan 1970’s The Swoosh logo is created by Carolyn Davidson for $35.00 The first Nike model shoe to hit the retail market is a soccer/football shoe A Promo Nike Tee becomes the first apparel item The famous Waffle Trainer is introduced, which becomes the best selling shoe in the US Nike’s racing and training spiked shoe is made called the â€Å"Elite† Factories for manufacturing are set up in Korea and Taiwan For the first time Nike shoes are sold in Asia Blue Ribbon Sports changes their company name to Nike Inc. The first Nike running shoe with a air sole system to come out is the â€Å"Tailwind† World Headquarters are opened in Beaverton, Oregon 1980’s Nike talks with the P.R. of China so they can produce shoes there Nike shoes become Canada’s top seller Nike shoes are now produced in 11 countries The famous â€Å"NIKE AIR† Air Force 1 and Air Ace make their introduction Over 200 shoes are now in Nike’s footwear line The first high performance kid’s running shoe is called the â€Å"Destiny† The Air Jordan makes it’s way to Nike footwear line up The Sock Racer comes out and is part of the Dynamic-Fit technology The first Air Max The first Cross Trainer The famous â€Å"Just Do It† slogan comes to life The first model to combine the footbridge device and Air Sole is the Air Stab Spike Lee’s â€Å"Mars Blackmon† character helps promote the third style of Air Jordan Bo Jackson’s â€Å"Bo Knows† commercials include the â€Å"Just Do It† slogan Nike moves to a new World Campus in Beaverton 1990’s The new World Campus sits on 74 acres with 570,000 square feet. In Portland, Oregon the first Nike Town opens The intro of the Air Huarache running shoe The intro of the Air Mowabb Nike Town opens in Chicago Charles Barkley first signature shoe is introduced The intro of the Run Walk shoe Nike Town opens in Atlanta and Orange County The intro of dual pressure cushioning in the Air Max Nike gets distribution rights in Korea and Japan The intro of Zoom Air technology Nike Town New York opens The Air Penny comes to life 2000’s 2000: The National Football League declines to renew its exclusive apparel licensing arrangement with Nike. 2001: Nike opens its first Nike Goddess store, a unit targeting women, in Newport Beach, CA. 2003: Nike purchases Converse Inc. for $ 305 million. 2008 :Nike acquired sports apparel supplier Umbro, 2009: Air Jordan Shoe 2010: Nike Future Sole Design Competition Suppliers The major supplier of Nike put on 10 countries: China, Indonesia, VN, Thailand, India, Turkey, Morocco, Mexico, Honduras, and Brazil Nike signed contract with factories producing over 40 national, the majority of Nike shoes are manufactured in China (35%); Vietnam (29%), Indonesia (21%); and Thailand (13%) Nike just put a business relationship with the factory when they reach the standards of product quality, price, delivery time and the CSR standards. Deals with plants through Coc Nike will refuse orders if the manufacturer does not show cooperative attitude in the selection process LOGO Company . Collaboration with established carriers â€Å"Clean Cargo Group† Nike has set a policy not enter the skin of cattle raised in the Amazon rainforest. Nike contract factories manufacturing overseas to outsourcing shoe production to reduce production costs Nike launched this Code of Conduct, the monitoring tool developed comprehensive LOGO Company Manufacturers independent of contract manufacturing in 49 countries Most of the garment factories located in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Turkey. Marketing Intermediaries Flyknit were promised will bring many benefits to the company than just 1 huge success single products with distribution of goods are diverse Reseller: at the present in the Vietnam, Nike products are distributed to many stores in the shopping mall as Parkson, Vincom, Cresent mall†¦ or open own shop and have more branches across the country that are convenient for customers. The consumers can consult Nike Flyknit at home by online and then just one click they can choose whatever they want or they can go any store in the nearest for trying, which helps them to save a lot of money and time . Physical distribution firms: Nike use all three forms of transportation, including air like a plane, road and waterway as the container and ships. However the main vehicles transportation uses to distribute the Nike Flyknit stores everywhere is the container Marketing services agencies: advertising contributes in no small part to the success of a product and the Nike Flyknit too. customers want to know the new products, the Nike has stepped up advertising in different ways with the aim to know customers as quickly as possible. at the Nike store in Hong Kong, they established sports club for people who love jogging and is recommended by the Nike sports shoes then  they talk to each other about the quality of the Nike products, which is also one of the way are the most successful help Nike to be easy to penetrate into market. Beside that, Nike understands the influence of athletes with customers so they cooperate with athletes in many different sports that attracted more attention of customers. Not only that, Nike interested in popularity of the internet should have used a number of social networking sites to promote their prod ucts because this is one of the most convenient and fastest. Customers: Consumer markets: Nike customer is the directed to athletes with different genres, students or individuals who have favorite sports as jogging or hiking. With prices around $ 80 accordance with those with high income or affluent Business markets: this is also a potential market for Nike. Centers and sports training professional athletes and famous football clubs have the ability to buy Nike products for use in the process of training for their athletes. Competitors: In recent years, as the needs of advanced consumer products cater to sports as they used many brands of sports was born. besides, there are many other products similar to Nike Flyknit, so they are facing many challenges with other brands. in fact, Nike does not compete with the well-known foreign brands such as Adidas or Puma but also face to domestic goods or counterfeit Nike products imported from China Publics: This part plays a significant role in the development and maintenance of the brand. A few years ago, the media reported the scandal about business ethic, which was not good for Nike’s images in the public heart. According to Braddock (2011), the factories that Nike has signed a contract with have the poor working conditions for workers, exploit and pay them a pittance wages. Nike’s leaders ignored this fact and claimed that it is beyond their competence, because the factories they contract with are not formally part of the company. Nike started entering Vietnam market since 1995 and retains its position in the community until now. However, the unfortunate scandal has damaged the reputation of Nike in the world as well as in Vietnam.

Muhammad The Prophet Essay

Muhammad is considered in Islam to be a messenger and prophet sent by God to guide humanity to the right way. He is considered as the last in a series of prophets sent by God. The Quran is believed to have been presented to Muhammad by God. Muhammad is know as the greatest of all prophets to the Muslims, and his religion as the only accepted religion of God. He is seen by Muslims as a possessor of all virtues. The scattered verses of the Prophet had been inscribed not only on date leaves and shreds of leather but on â€Å"the hearts of men.† Muller says, â€Å"Now Muhammad had certainly not lived like an angel† referring to how Muhammad had raided one of their caravans in the holy month of pilgrimage. He also says this because in 632 Muhammad confused his followers by dying. In war Muhammad lied to his men promising them that if they were to die in battle that they would marry seventy dark-eyed virgins. Muhammad also had preached gospels that where unholy. I his gospels he encouraged war and had no message of peace. He also had eleven wives making him unholy, but this had to do with the time and place that he lived in. to everyone but strong Muslims Muhammad was a bad person and a mortal. But to the Muslims he was a descendent of God. Yet Muhammad was a great man, superior to his time and place. He not only preached but practiced a morality that was superior to his era. If he could be ruthless, he was more often gentle, kind, generous. He could be Christ like in his sympathy for the weak and poor. Through the fog of tradition one can see an attractive humanity, as in his unfailing courtesy touched by shyness. His humble sharing of the household chores. You can understand why he was so deeply loved by those around him. Muhammad is like Jesus in the sense that he showed complete dedication to his God. He also had a power of personality that had as deep of an impression on his followers as Jesus made on his. His basic teaching is clearer and more nearly uniform than that attributed to Jesus. The theme of more than half of the Koran is about an absolutely pure monotheism. â€Å"There is no god but God.† Allah is the God preached by the prophets, from Abraham and Ishmael through Moses to Jesus, and revealed in the Scriptures of the Jews and the Christians. Abraham was the true founder of the faith, Muhammad the last prophet, and the Koran the final perfect revelation

Health promotion Essay

Diversity among individuals, as well as cultures, provides a challenge for nurses when it comes to delivering meaningful health promotion and illness prevention-based education. How do teaching principles, varied learning styles (for both nurses and patients), and teaching methodologies impact the approach to education? How do health care providers overcome differing points of view regarding health promotion and disease prevention? Provide an exampleAccess to health care to obtain a complete physical examination before starting to exercise and the quality of the work or neighborhood environment available for exercise can contribute to success or failure of this objective. This objective is related to other objectives such as nutrition, obesity, and stroke prevention. Additionally, current knowledge about physical activity and specific populations was considered when creating the Healthy People 2020 objectives. Women, low-income populations, Black and Hispanic people, people with disabilities, and those older than age 75 exercise less than do White men with moderate-to-high incomes (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2012). These health disparities can influence the number of people in these groups who develop high cholesterol or high blood pressure measurements, which further increases their risk of heart disease and stroke. Although this objective addresses adults, other objectives address the need for beginning exercise activities at an early age and encouraging young adults to be actively engaged in exercise. How might this objective be adjusted to the needs of an older adult population? (Edelman 7) Edelman, Carole, Elizabeth Kudzma, Carol Mandle. Health Promotion Throughout the Life Span, 8th Edition. Mosby, 2014. VitalBook file.

Analytical report of a case study-Operation Management Essay

Analytical report of a case study-Operation Management - Essay Example rt has successfully come up with suggestions as to how Grandiose must streamline its operations in order to minimise the requirement of disposable funds and at the time optimise the available space. Tenets of inventory management have been cited throughout the report in order to reinforce the recommendations. It has been suggested that Grandiose should undertake an extensive consumer research in order to envision the demands that it may face in the near future and hence plan its inventory accordingly. Simultaneously, it should also create long lasting associations with the automobile manufacturers and make use of the fact that manufacturers are enhancing their participation in supply chain relationships with dealers and customers. Grandiose Motors have turned a new leaf in its corporate history by becoming an auto supermarket wherein it will sell multiple brands of automobiles at the same location. The new dealership will be selling a line of Nissans, Toyotas and Volkswagens – premium cars that have been luring customers for years. However, it has been observed that the company is strained by woes pertaining mostly to operational constraints such as deployable funds, space and seasonality of purchase items. Based on a case study that describes the operations management at Grandiose, this report will aim at recommending to its CEO, Mr. Felix Fabulous the structural aspects that will help in bettering the purchasing as well as inventory functions in the context of the company’s dealership network. The report will also make attempts to outline the differences that may arise between policies and procedures pertaining to purchasing as well as inventory management. This area is found to be vital becau se automobile dealers characteristically purchase different types of materials and service parts. Finally, the report will try to throw light upon the areas of inventory management and supply chain management to evaluate how these may reduce the investment as well as

Uses Cases Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Uses Cases - Assignment Example The withdrawal transaction begins by a customer inserting his or her Bank Card into the card slot of the ATM. Then a user validation process is performed on the basis of the card ID and the customer’s PIN. After validation, the a display screen is provided containing the available set of operations. In this scenario, the customer has directly selects â€Å"Withdraw Cash†. The ATM screen displays prompts for an account type. The selects the desired account type from the available Menu. This is immediately followed by screen for the user to input the required amount of money. All this information falls under the withdrawal use case. That is, the Bankcard ID, PIN (Personal Identification Number), account type and amount, which is then sent to the Bank as a requested transaction. The Bank then replies with a go-ahead or not reply. Upon successful approval the customer’s money is made available by the dispenser. The ATM then ejects the card and Prints a receipt. It is essential to indicate that this use case is based on the assumption that a user makes a direct and successful withdrawal. However, there are some alternative flows caused by conditions such as Wrong PIN, Invalid or Expired Card, Invalid Account type and Excess withdrawal Amount. The second diagram is a use case dependency for making an account deposit. As indicated in the use case diagram below, this is another highly technical procedure in the design of an ATM service machine. The preconditions are same as for withdrawal, which is a customer and Bank. The following is involved in the execution of an account deposit transaction. The transaction initiates by a Bank Customer inserting his or her card. This is then followed a provision of display screen by the ATM prompting a user PIN, which is integrated as the validation use case. It uses the card ID and PIN to authenticate its use. The machine displays a screen

Bmw Company Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Bmw Company Analysis - Essay Example BMW is and always will be looking for new and innovative vehicles to develop in accordance with the needs and wants of the customers while keeping the environment and safety precautious as number one on the priority list. The all-hybrid vehicle is just one example of such a strategy that is in store for the customers. The other important step that BMW would be taking is to increase value for the customers while achieving higher profitability and growth targets with the programme to tap 6 billion Euros in efficiency potential by 2012. Furthermore the shareholders would benefit from company success to a greater extent and their confidence will be regained. New targets set by the CEO in September, 2007 to regaining the sales target of 8% to 10% in the Automobile segment will quieten down the non-ambitious target critics. Also, to solve its declining Dollar problem, BMW will use natural hedging and increase its purchases primarily in US dollars. Specialized Competitors exist in the industry. Luxury vehicles Mercedes and Audi and Lexus compete directly with some of the classes of BMW. It is tougher for BMW to compete than other premium car makers because it lacks the competition’s economies of scale. Audi uses components and engines from its huge Volkswagen owner just like Lexus uses many crucia l from Toyota’s while Mercedes trucks and smaller cars can provide hidden content for more luxurious models.

The novel The Awakening by Kate Chopin Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The novel The Awakening by Kate Chopin - Essay Example The novel "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin Thus, in the novel, the author portrays the character of Edna who suffers from gender inequality, isolation, suppressed sexuality, racial discrimination, marital problems, motherhood and social customs. The reader can analyze various topics such as gender crises between Edna and her husband, Edna’s attitude towards motherhood, suppressed sexuality in Edna’s character, marital problems between Edna and her husband, social systems and racial issues that are depicted in the story in a structured way from a feminist perspective. Literary critics have often remarked that Kate Chopin’s novels have inspired the readers to find the glimpses of early feminism in 19th century American society. The whole novel describes the survival of Edna in a male dominating society that never admits women as equal to men. Feminist ideologies and theories always argue for female existence and survival. As Brown comments; â€Å"Some feminist argue that the sociology learnt today is socio logy of men stating men point of view and therefore the theories and ideas given are biased with the absence of women based theories and ideas† (Brown, 2011). Kate Chopin’s The Awakening provides some elements of feminism through the afflictions and awakening of the protagonist Edna. The story is based on the Pontellier family who come vacationing on Grand isle near Gulf Mexico. The Pontellier family includes Leonce Pontellier, a businessman, his wife Edna and their two sons. Considering the identity crises faced by Edna in the novel The Awakening one can clearly identify the underlying elements of feminism and feminist perspectives in the novel. Edna’s cry for independence and her fight towards male dominating society for existence always inspire the reader to create a feminist perspective. The protagonist Edna Pontellier is struggling to reconcile her ongoing unorthodox concepts on femininity and motherhood with the background of prevailing social attitudes. Th e problem of gender in equality is visible in Kate Chopin’snovel. Gender and awakening sexuality have shown their importance as underlying themes in the novel The Awakening. In Launce’s opinion women have no independence, no personal self realization, and she must live only for men. He complains that Edna is not well in her womanly duties and act as an irresponsible mother. Here the man shows extreme male chauvinism in its zenith. His never ending frustration and anger against Edna reveals his intolerance. During the time of 1800s, American society had believed that there was a definite disparity between the sexes. In this historical perspective one can see that man is considered as active, dominant, assertive and materialistic than women. Expected to act their personal duties and responsibilities for the health and happiness of their family members, the women in 18th and 19th century American society were blocked from searching the satisfaction of their own personal n eeds and desires. The eighteenth century American society, on the other hand, attributed its willingness to consider women as individuals who have some domestic duties and responsibilities. In Kate Chopin’s novel reader can find a shift in Edna’s character and attitudes; however, the society often fails to admit her new status. Edna creates an image in her mind about her freedom. Analyzing her conversation between Edna and Mademoiselle Reisz reveals this idea. Mademoiselle Reis

An investigation into operations management issues within the Essay

An investigation into operations management issues within the hospitality industry - Essay Example With improved productivity and operations, the cost decreases and quality is improved. Since the above mentioned activities are integrated with each other closely in a operations chain, it I important for any company to control and manage these activities to boost its performance and profits. This article will concentrate upon the productivity improvement concerns for a restaurant  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Good Foods Restaurant. Aim The various productivity concerns that the company faces in its daily operations and how these operations can be optimized to increase the production efficiency will the topic of study of this paper. Methodology    The preferred methodology in this case was to study a number of case studies in the hospitality sector that implement any kind of production improvement techniques and then study their previous conditions and the results after the recommendations were executed. Also other forms of literature available from books, online were studied. Company Introduction T he company is involved in the restaurant business to its customers across 17 outlets. Good Foods has been known in the market for its consistent quality of the food being served and a strong focus upon the business. With several dishes being served to its customers, and also catered in some cases, on a regular basis, the company has received the constant positive reviews from its clients. The hotel company was formed in the year 1975 and has built a strong tradition of hard work and faith. The hotel specializes mainly in the sauces, soups and flavor bases that are also marketed under a number of brand names by the hotel company. With more than 3 production units in the region, Good Foods Ltd. is trying hard to make higher margin profits for itself. In the food sector and hospitality service industry, it  is important that in order to remain competitive, Good Foods maintain efficient operations in production and marketing. At present the company own three plants which are not being operated in a desired optimized manner. Therefore, to achieve targets, the company decided to implement some operations management techniques to improve productivity and its hospitality services.    Current Production Phases  Ã‚      The operational methods that are being used by Good Foods to manufacture products that are marketed by the company are quite complex in nature and comprise of a number of multifaceted operations that are spread across the 3 production units. The initial phases that are a part of this operational chain at Good Food are the detailed  scheduling which is done by the management to decrease the down time for each of the three production units. The production scheduling is done manually by the company managers. The production scheduling phase is followed by the resource planning and procurement phase in which the managers decide the quality, quantity of resources that are to be allocated to each line and at what time. The quantity, quality and time o f resource procurement are very important at this point in order to maintain a steady flow of production and product quality. At many instances, the managers noticed that since the resources need to be often shared at many points and levels in the production chain, there existed some sharing concerns. There were variability and waste concerns that were pointed out by the managers. The last step of the production line consisted of cleaning and preparing the line for a new batch of production. It is to be noted here that due to the

Womens Attitudes towards Online Shopping Dissertation

Womens Attitudes towards Online Shopping - Dissertation Example This essay discusses that women are traditionally responsible for household shopping. And according to several studies, shopping is a task more preferred by women and they express more favourable attitudes towards catalogue shopping and ‘brick-and-mortar’ store than men. Nevertheless, the innovative shopping medium presented by the Internet has been discovered to lead to an unusual, if not reverse, buying behaviour between women and men. Even though some studies have discovered that there is no significant disparity between non-shoppers and online shoppers as regards to gender, males were discovered to buy more online than females. According to Alreck and Settle, the attitudes of men towards online shopping were roughly similar to or even more positive than females’ perceptions. The Internet was previously designed mostly for men and for a purposeful assessment intended for the product information and price comparison. In the recent decades online shopping has tur ned out to be more pleasant, with customer evaluations and testimonials and a richer array of products/services and online experience. This development has encouraged women, as well. Furthermore, it appears that most people no longer find any considerable shortcomings of online shopping. A decade ago people were in the habit of worrying about the safety or trustworthiness of making payments online and the guarantee of delivery. These issues are no longer a problem today, with innovative means like secure online money transfers and a record of encouraging experiences (Park & Stoel 2002). As stated by Khosrowpour (2004), the progress of online shopping is distinguished by the finding that people have been allotting much more time for online activities since 1998. In general, there are dissimilarities between the buying behaviour of men and women. Women would prefer, more than men, to look for relevant information on products/services and to be encouraged; this is the same behaviour ob served in traditional shopping. Men would prefer to decide quickly. It is the shopping

IT questions Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

IT questions - Coursework Example Cookies are usually associated with four main vulnerabilities; the first one is ‘cross-site cooking’. This entails the existence of browser flows that create loop-holes for malicious attack. Another vulnerability associated with cookies is cookie inaccuracies; these are instances where cookies may indicate inaccurate data. In addition, there is the vulnerability of cookie poisoning. This occurs when web attackers modify the content of cookies before re-sending to the server. Consequently, cookies are usually ascribed to cookie theft where: Cookies sent through ordinary HTTP are accessible to anyone. However, these vulnerabilities can be reduced through web vulnerability detection code review. One of the Document Object Model that can be used to make web pages dynamic is the use of JavaScript. This can be used in combination with W3C and may entail the use of array objects, number object, math object, date object et cetera. Moreover, HTML DOM is another method used to create dynamic web pages it entails the use of objects such as: HTML elements, HTML document, HTML attributes et cetera. Image caching is an aspect of ICT that has not been applied in many web development processes; however, computer experts have asserted that this is an imperative aspect of web design that ought to be taken into consideration. Image caching is basically a duplication of the original data for ease of retrieval. Image cache facilitates increasing the speed with, which a web functions. Lack of implementing the use of image cache basically reduces the speed of one’s computer usage. Detecting Web Application Security Vulnerabilities - OReilly Media. (n.d.). Detecting Web Application Security Vulnerabilities - OReilly Media. Retrieved March 2, 2014, from

Politics and the English Language Essay Example for Free

Politics and the English Language Essay Politics and the English Language is an essay by George Orwell published in 1946 where he criticizes the way written English language has evolved. Orwell uses five texts from various contemporary authors to identify in them the perversions in the evolution of the language. He then classifies these into four main fallacies: dying metaphors or cliches, operators or verbal false limbs or the elimination of simple verbs and the use of passive voice rather than active, pretentious diction or terms used to impress rather than to convey meaning, and meaningless words or paragraphs that usually do not give much meaning. Moreover, the author emphasizes and criticizes the use of foreign languages amongst the English for useless sophistication. The writers main purpose is to reflect this decadence of the English language to the general decline in contemporary society and to relate it to Politics. In fact, according to Orwell, language is used for political purposes to transform it into a vague and meaningless set of prose phrases in order to conceal truths rather than express thoughts. This is exemplified with the case of political speeches, articles, and propagandas. Finally, he suggests a set of simple rules that could contribute to the reversability of the decay of English. Orwell seems to be quite objective since –for instance- he involves the reader in his text and even invites him to find some of the faults criticized, in it. Also, the six rules that the auhtor suggests to simplify English, could be very beneficial even for contemporary students in their writings. However, it seems that Orwell has used a prescriptive and quite subjective approach in his essay by which he finds what he is looking for based on the ideology he already believes in, that tends to be emerging from deep-rooted conspiracy theories.

Academic Skills Plus Essay Example for Free

Academic Skills Plus Essay Atwood writes: â€Å"What I mean by ‘science fiction’ is those books that descend from H. G. Wells’s The War of the Worlds, which treats of an invasion by tentacled, blood-sucking Martians shot to Earth in metal canisters – things that could not possibly happen – whereas, for me, â€Å"speculative fiction† means plots that descend from Jules Verne’s books about submarines and balloon travel and such – things that really could happen but just hadn’t completely happened when the authors wrote the books. I would place my own books in this second category: no Martians.† (From In other worlds, p.6) With these remarks in mind, is it useful to distinguish between science fiction and speculative fiction? In answering this question you might consider Le Guin’s suggestion that people who refer to their works as ‘speculative fiction’ rather than ‘science fiction’ are simply trying to protect themselves from some of the negative connotations associated with science fiction (see In other worlds)? Discuss in relation to at least two works. ‘Science fiction’ is often defined as a wide literary genre related to fictional stories. It contains many subgenres, such as space opera, cyberpunk, utopia, dystopia, alternative histories and speculative fiction. Although there are an extensive number of subgenres, some writers, as Margaret Atwood, have been trying to differentiate ‘speculative fiction’ from ‘science fiction’. Maybe this wideness of subgenres existing under the genre ‘science fiction’ is exactly the reason why Atwood found interesting to present this differentiation. When we consider science fiction stories, many different things can came up to our mind, such as aliens, intergalactic travel, artificial intelligence and utopian (or dystopian) societies. Considering that, as we can notice in these examples, these topics can differ a lot from each other and it might be understandable that Atwood  wanted to differentiate (more than just defining different subgenres) the kind of fiction related to more ‘plausible’ things (things that could really happen, as she says). Definitely, ‘speculative fiction’ books have a completely different scenario from cyberpunk, aliens or space opera works and this could awake a desire to disconnect them in a more significantly manner. However, it is possible to affirm that this distinction between ‘science’ and ‘speculative fiction’ is not useful and that there is no reason for making it, especially considering that speculative fiction is just one more subgenre of science fiction. This thesis will be supported by a number of points presented throughout this essay. Firstly, it will be argued that the subgenre ‘speculative fiction’ fits perfectly into the definitions and requisites related to ‘science fiction’. Secondly, it will be discussed that Atwood’s definition of ‘speculative fiction’ is vague and can change according to interpretation, and also that it can be used to define as speculative fiction other books that she clearly had classified as belonging to ‘science fiction’. Thereby, her definition can be seen as not clear, which makes it not useful at all. Finally, it will be presented that Atwood seems to reinforce this division specially because distinguishing ‘speculative fiction’ from ‘science fiction’ is convenient for her. There are some evidences for that, for example, Le Guin once said Atwood was trying to protect herself from negative connotations associated with ‘science fiction’. This is even noticeable considering that many of her attempts to define the genre contained irony and clichà ©s. Firstly, it will be discussed that ‘speculative fiction’ fits perfectly into the definitions and requisites related to the ‘science fiction’ subgenres, which makes unnecessary and not useful the distinction between them. It was stated before that ‘science fiction’ has a big number of subgenres and it is clear that they differ considerably from each other. However, despite their singularities, all of them have one kind of cohesive element in common, which brings each subgenre to be defined as part of the genre ‘science fiction’. To define this common element noticed in all the science fiction subgenres, it is useful to consider two Suvin’s definitions about science fiction: SF is, then, a literary genre whose necessary and sufficient conditions are the presence and interaction of estrangement and cognition,  and whose main formal device is an imaginative framework alternative to the authors empirical environment (Suvin 1979, p. 7) and â€Å"Science Fiction is distinguished by the narrative dominance or hegemony of a fictional novum (novelty, innovation) validated by cognitive logic† (Suvin 1979, p. 63). Considering these two definitions, it is possible to affirm then that the necessary and sufficient conditions to identify one science fiction work are: the presence of a ‘novum’ and the presence of a ‘cognitive logic’, the logical consistency which makes the ‘novum’ become part of our knowledge about real things. With this in mind, we can analyse the book The Handmaid’s Tale from Atwood. She clearly have classified this book as not being ‘science fiction’, however, it is easy to identify the ‘novum’ and also the ‘cognitive logic’ in her book. The ‘novum’ is represented by the whole system of political organization in the Republic of Gilead described on the book and the ‘cognitive logic’ is given by some similarities that can be noticed between our society and the society described on the book. In the same way, for the book of H. G. Wells, The War of the Worlds, we can also identify the ‘novum’, which is given by the Martians and their technology; and the ‘cognitive logic’, given by the similarities existing between both societies. Thus, it can be affirmed that both books The Handmaid’s Tale and The War of the World belongs to the genre ‘science fiction’, contradicting Atwood’s previous proposition. This proves that although Atwood’s book can be classified as ‘speculative fiction’, it truly belongs to ‘science fiction’, leading us to verify again that ‘speculative fiction’ is just one more subgenre of ‘science fiction’. It makes clear then that the division between ‘science’ and ‘speculative’ fiction is not useful and not justifiable. Secondly, it will be presented that Atwood’s definition of ‘speculative fiction’ is imprecise and also can be used to define as speculative fiction other books that were categorized as ‘science fiction’ by her. In order to illustrate these points, we will analyse Atwood (2011) definition about ‘speculative fiction’ as â€Å"things that really could happen but just hadn’t completely happened when the authors wrote the books.† This is a vague and inaccurate idea. It could encompass different definitions because the range of things that could really happen is highly dependent of each person’s  beliefs and ideas, what makes this definition extremely subjective. Also, with just a few exceptions, it is not possible to say for sure what is and what is not going to happen. Besides, Atwood even gives us another definition: Oryx and Crake is not science fiction. Science fiction is when you have chemicals and rockets. (Watts 2003, p. 3). Considering both definitions given by her, it could be understood that she considers rockets and chemicals as things that really could not happen, as they belong to science fiction. However, it is known that rockets and chemicals are not things impossible to happen, especially because nowadays we can see some examples of them. Both definitions become contradictory then. Considering her first definition, books about this theme would be classified as speculative fiction; however, she decided to use these two themes to exemplify ‘science fiction’. Atwood’s definitions about ‘speculative fiction’ are imprecise, therefore, what is the purpose in using an imprecise and cloudy definition? It is simply not useful to distinguish ‘science’ from ‘speculative fiction’ then. Thirdly, it will be presented that Atwood seems to reinforce this division specially because distinguishing ‘speculative fiction’ from ‘science fiction’ is convenient for her. Le Guin (2009) states that Atwood was trying to protect herself from negative connotations associated with science fiction and also â€Å"from being relegated to a genre still shunned by hidebound readers, reviewers and prize-awarders†. Considering Le Guin’s remarks, it is possible to observe that ‘science fiction’ was not a literary genre with considerable prestige in the intellectual audience. This could reduce her reputation on the high literary society. One possible reason for ‘science fiction’ being underestimated is that science fiction could be related to some works produced for mass audience like Star Trek and Dr Who and intellectuals would associate her books to these works. Then it would be interesting for her to dissociate the connecti on between her books and the genre ‘science fiction’ once it was not so appreciated by the intellectual audience. And this is also noticed by considering that some of her remarks about ‘science fiction’ contains irony, as she frequently uses clichà ©s to refer about it, such as ‘rockets’, ‘chemicals’, ‘blood-sucking Martians’, ‘talking squids in outer space’, and ‘skin-tight clothing’. Thus, it is possible to verify why Atwood reinforces the division between ‘speculative’ and ‘science’ fiction. And  considering her reasons we can see that they are not justifiable and strong enough to make the distinction between ‘speculative’ and ‘science fiction’ useful. Finally, this essay discussed a number of points in order to support the thesis that the distinction between ‘speculative’ and ‘science’ fiction is not useful. Firstly, it was stated that although it may be hard to define some literary genres it is noticeable that ‘speculative ficti on’ fits perfectly in most of definitions of science fiction, making it a subgenre only. Secondly, it was presented that Atwood’s definition about ‘speculative fiction’ is vague and could classify as ‘speculative fiction’ some books that she clearly classified as ‘science fiction’. Thirdly, it was discussed that is convenient for her to separate ‘speculative fiction’ from ‘science fiction’ since the genre of ‘science fiction’ was not so appreciated by reviewers and prize awarders and was associated to some mass audience works. She does not want to be linked to this image so she tries to put her works under a different literary classification. This point shows us clearly that there is no consistent and general reason for her to do the distinction. In conclusion, this essay illustrated that is not useful to distinguish between ‘science fiction’ and ‘speculative fiction’ and the reason for this was explained by all of the arguments stated previously. References Atwood, M 1985, The Handmaid’s Tale, Anchor Books, New York. Atwood, M 2011, In Other Worlds SF and the Human Imagination, Doubleday. Le Guin, U 2009, ‘The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood’, The Guardian, 29 August. Available at http://www.theguardian.com/books/2009/aug/29/margaret-atwood-year-of-flood Suvin, D 1979, Metamorphoses Of Science Fiction, Yale University Press, New Haven Watts, P 2003, ‘Margaret Atwood and the Hierarchy of Contempt’, On Spec, vol. 15, no. 2, summer, pp. 3-5. Wells, H 1898, The War of the World, New York Review Books, New York.