2 Papers for Political Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

2 Papers for Political Science - Essay Example (MSNBC, 2005). This was so done on a two cent piece. It was however, not until almost a century later that the words â€Å"In God We Trust† appeared on U.S. currency as they do today, â€Å"In 1955, the year after Congress inserted the words â€Å"under God† in the Pledge of Allegiance, Congress required all currency to carry the motto â€Å"In God We Trust.†(MSNBC, 2005). Separation of church and state has been a truly difficult feat from the issue of same sex marriage to the inclusion of references to god in the pledge of allegiance both in schools and during public events. The imposition felt by many is not so different from the early settlers who were puritanical in nature and imposed a rigid set of moral and religious codes for everyone, including the Native Americans who were imposed on by them, to follow. This even led to the fateful Salem witch trials when women who were thought to be witches were On the other hand, this congressional action of implementing the phrase â€Å"In God We Trust† on our currency, was done on the basis of the very principles upon which this country was founded. Although times have changed, making religion or belief in God, less and less of an openly discussed topic; the reversal of basic principles which are meant to remind every American where they came from and how this country was founded, is nothing shy of deconstructive. The pledge of allegiance which includes the phrase â€Å"one nation, under God† has become an oath which all Americans have taken at one time or another, and though America is a cultural melting pot, we are all united under fundamental ideas of freedom, liberty and unity ‘under God’. By dissecting the very basis of this ideology which we have all grown up embracing, we dissolve not only a tradition but a sense of basic accountability to stand together as a Nation under ‘God’,

Marketing scenario Essay Example for Free

Marketing scenario Essay Introduction Positioned as an premium offering focused to lowest overall cost to end users through superior overall performance. Leader in quality , performance and technological innovation Product lines Carton sealing and industrial tapes Specialized adhesives Other packaging products K2 tape – Manufactured using patented technology and a brand name for pressure sensitive carton sealing tape Very high tensile strength and sheer resistance Positioning High Price K2 Products Low Quality High Quality Ipack Tensile New Product Low Price Problem Statement †¢ K2 tape competed against inferior economy grade products in carton sealing type †¢ IPACK offered 25-35% lesser price †¢ Revenue of K2- . 6 million IPACK – $28.5 million in 2012 †¢ Tensile – a new competitor had $2.7 million dollar sale with one sales representative Should PST stay with high quality product or enter the economy grade segment ? Option 1: Enter the economy grade segment under the same brand PROS Access to the economy segment Defend market share against competition Diversification of product portfolio CONS Dilution of the brand image as a maker of  technological superior product Cannibalization of its own product offering Cluttered product line Option 2: Enter the economy grade segment under different brand Implications for: PROS CONS Customer †¢ Ability to fulfill need of price sensitive  customers †¢ Possibility of change in perception of  being a quality leader Distributor †¢ Possibility to offer a low end PST  product †¢ Even wider product range; Limited  sales force Sales Force †¢ Ability to offer more variety in terms of  price levels †¢ More effort to explain product  differences Brand †¢ No positive impact †¢ Negative impact on brand image Option 2: Stay with high-quality products Implications for: PROS CONS Customer †¢ Maintaining image of quality Leader †¢ Loss of Market share; Not targeting  price sensitive consumers Distributor †¢ No need for adjustment in  distribution policy †¢ Low-price offer only from competitor not from PST Sales Force †¢ Consistent and easy product  quality †¢ No ability to offer solution for price  sensitive customer Brand †¢ Consistent overall brand image †¢ No negative impact Recommendation PST should enter the economy grade segment NEW BRAND †¢ New name (unrelated to PST) to avoid negative impact on brand image †¢ Marketed completely independent PRODUCT LAUNCH †¢ Development and launch of two new products to compete with Tensile †¢ Competitive pricing strategy (similar to Tensile) ENTER MARKET †¢ Make use of well established distribution network †¢ Offer economy equivalents for RD-48 RDS-72 SUCCESS FACTORS †¢ There is a projected growth in demand (e.g. packaging segment 2.2%) †¢ PST has an established sales force and distribution network in the tape market †¢ There is a lack of brand loyalty of price sensitive customers (switching to PSTs new brand) †¢ There was suitable equipment and capacity for quick production Distribution Plan †¢ Distribution through existing network for faster brand growth †¢ Hire more sales people to increase service quality sales in PSTs tape business

The Korean Consumption Behavior

The Korean Consumption Behavior Introduction The rapid economic development and the opening of the international market, Koreans consumption behavior is increasingly developing along developed countries (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan) consumption patterns. The opening up of the Korean economy led to the increased purchasing power of banks and this allowed them to recover from the 1997 financial crisis faster than other countries that were affected. When the country recovered, the demand for foreign products increased, especially for luxury goods. The Korean central bank claimed that nearly 20% of household spending on goods was made up of imported products. This was only for January, the first month of the year in 2002 (Don, 2002). In particular, Koreans of younger and younger generations are starting to become their luxury markets main consumers. Once a traditional country that viewed luxury items as impractical and wasteful, Korean consumers are now more in tuned with the trends in the luxury industry and are more wi lling to engage in status symbols competition with each other. Koreans could be said to have faced many changes over the last decades, which primed the economy and citizens for a surge in individualism now, and enhanced their pride in the ability to afford and buy luxury items. According to Nueno and Quelch (1998), the rising demand for luxury brands in Korea can be explained by the rising wealth in the whole of Asia and its emerging markets. The luxury goods industries, facing decreased demands from the traditional markets they serve, such as Europe, which at that time, was dealing with recession and minimal population growth, started to shift their focus on affluent Asian consumers who perceived Western luxury brands as signs or symbols of good taste (Nueno Quelch, 1998). Among the Asian markets, Korea was one of the markets largely focused on by the globaal luxury brands (No, 2003). As younger and younger citizens of Korean gain more spending power, they increasingly became consumer trendsetters. Specifically, the trends and styles they follow are the ones from the Western countries (Louis, 2002). Individuals in their 20s are becoming the dominant consumers of the global luxury brands available in Korea, outpacing the middle-aged consumers (Park, 2000). Global luxury marketers became aware of this and they started to form strategies that would specifically attract this demographic of consumers. This is a far cry from their traditional target market, especially since they also started to cater to the young Korean consumers who certainly have money, but can be considered to be only belonging to the moderate-income bracket. There are specific factors shaping Koreans consumption patterns when it comes to the luxury market. Specifically, the factors are personal values; social recognition and demographics of young Korean consumers shape their purchasing decisions in the luxury market. Personal Values The variable of personal values has been widely used to illustrate the underlying dimensions characterizing consumer behavior and received significant amount of attention of researchers. According to Vinson et al (1977), who empirically measured the effects stemming from personal values on consumer behavior, personal values play an important role in shaping consumer behavior towards specific goods. Sukhdial et al (1995) particularly looked at the effects of personal values on consumer behaviors toward the luxury brand market. The authors found that personal values are critical in determining whether a consumer will buy or not buy luxury cars. Individual values and social-related values make up the personal value variable. Individual values are consumer ethnocentrism and materiality (Ha, 1998; Park, 1999; Sharma  et al., 1995). Social-related values are conformity, vanity and the need for uniqueness. All these variables are discussed below. Consumer Ethnocentrism The variable of ethnocentrism determined the consumer behavior of Koreans with regard to luxury goods. Previous research illustrated that individuals who are highly ethnocentric are those with greater affinity with overseas products, which are produced and manufactured within culturally similar countries. As such, a high level of ethnocentrism discourages Koreans from purchasing global luxury brands. According to Shimp and Sharma (1987), consumer ethnocentrism can be defined as the beliefs held by American consumers about the appropriateness, indeed morality, of purchasing foreign-made products (p. 280). Various literature have expounded on the role of consumer ethnocentrism with regard to the behavior and attitudes of consumers when it comes to goods imported abroad (Shimp and Sharma, 1987; Durvsula  et al., 1997; Brodowsky, 1998). Studies are also aware of the significant role that consumer ethnocentrism plays on consumer behavior when dealing with products made abroad; as such, they focus on the possible impacts with regard to the evaluation of the products manufactured in countries of cultural similarity on consumer behavior (Watson and Wright, 2000). There are also studies that determined the product-specific impacts of foreign-made products (Kim and Pysarchik, 2000), and impact on foreign brand personality (Supphellen and Grà ¸nhaug, 2003). Some studies specifically looked at Korean consumers behavior as affected by their level of ethnocentrism. Some studies (Ha, 1998; Park, 1999; Sharma  et al., 1995) illustrated negative influence effects of consumer ethnocentrism on purchasing imports. Those with high level of consumer ethnocentrism are more likely to shun foreign-made goods. In addition, Park (1999) determined the critical influence of consumer ethnocentrism on attitudes toward imported clothing in the Korean market. The study found that there is a negative relationship between consumer ethnocentrism and attitudes toward when it comes to buying global luxury brands. Materialism Materialism refers to a persons penchant for accumulating goods and money. Some cultures view this trait as positive and desirable (Diener Biswas-Diener, 2002). According to Belk (1984, 1985), materialism is a personality-like trait that differentiates a person when it comes to his or her possessions. A materialistic person will view possessions as essential to their identities and survival, while a non-materialistic person will view these possessions as secondary or even worthless. Richins and Dowson (1992) claimed that materialism refers to a group of centrally-held notions about the significance of possessions and their roles in ones life. As such, being materialistic propels an individual to acquire more and more material objects. Under this definition, Richins and Dowson (1992) stated that materialism is a key factor that shapes an individuals consumption behavior and patterns, especially the type and quantity of goods they would buy. As consumption patterns also became globalized, consumption behavior became largely shaped by transitional and multinational firms marketing efforts. Consumers worldwide are becoming more material as they start having difficulties discerning which is a need and which is a want. Global marketing efforts make it hard for consumers to believe that they can forego something they want. One pattern that emerged is that people start to value material lifestyles and value well-known/popular brands that showcase their prosperity (Solonom, 2004). With their market doors expanding to global trade, and with their disposable income increasing, Korean consumers are one of the prime examples of such consumers. Koreans are now in the brink of materialism. They want the lifestyle that is being portrayed by the media that are highly fictional, romanticized and dramatized. According to Yoon (2003), spreading of materialism among the Koreans, particularly the younger generations, has been conspicuous starting from 1995. Nearly two decades later, it can be observed that Koreans are increasingly viewing money as the representation and sign of success, and as a result, are increasingly attracted to global luxury brands, which are the epitome of wealth and achievement in life. They buy these goods merely to show off to others. Specific studies such as the ones by Fournier and Richins (1991), Richins (1994) and Wong (1997), have illustrated the significant and positive relationship between that of materialism and conspicuous consumption. According to these studies, materialism encourages success-orientated consumption and purchase of goods. Fournier and Richins claimed that two causes for increased level of materialism is the idea that one can display his or her status through his or her possessions and the idea that they can affirm themselves through these possessions. According to Richins (1994), individuals who are highly materialistic have higher tendencies to put more importance of expensive goods and would be the ones most likely to publicly display these items to show their success and social status. Bearden and Etzel (1992) categorized goods into publicly-consumed and privately-consumed. Wong (1997) took these categories and performed a study to determine which category will be prone to conspicuous consumption. Wong found that individuals are more materialistic towards publicly consumed goods and therefore, these goods are more likely to be consumed conspicuously. Public goods are the goods that can be used or consumed in public view and not commonly owned or used, such as household items. Global luxury fashion brands are one of the top goods in the public goods category, which is why materialistic individuals will put prime importance into the acquisition of these brands or goods. Materialists would consume these goods primarily for displaying them publicly so as to announce their status and successes in life. In this light, Ziccardi (2001) defined luxury brands as less about the item, and more about the brand and what it stands for. Koreans, especially the young ones can be considered the ones who are status-oriented, and would showcase this personality through their possessions. According to Wong (1997), comparing East Asian consumers with American consumers, it can be said that East Asian consumers are the ones more materialistic. American subjects buy these expensive goods not because they are putting prime emphasis on the public meaning of luxury consumption, unlike their East Asian counterparts (Wong Ahuvia, 1998). Most studies used the concept of materialism to pinpoint that Asian consumers, who are shaped by the value of collectivism will more sensitive to the public meaning of luxury consumption than did Western consumers, and this will influence their buying patterns. As such, materialism promotes Koreans purchasing intentions toward global luxury brands. Conformity Literature claimed that conformity is one of the most significant factors shaping purchasing patterns when it comes to publicly consumed products. As such, Wong and Ahuvia (1998) put forward that consumers in Confucian culture are more likely to purchase luxury good based public reputation of the members of the group they belong to in comparison to their Western counterparts. Therefore, conformity promotes purchasing intentions of Koreans toward global luxury brands. According to Bearden and Etzel (1982),, reference group influences are different between publicly and privately consumed goods as well as between luxuries and basic necessities. Conformity is described as one of the most significant factors shaping publicly consumed goods. Taking this into consideration, Wong and Ahuvia (1998) claimed that those who abide by the Confucian culture will be those who are likely to put a great deal on the effects of their consumption of luxuries. When it comes to fashion, an earlier study by Rose et al (1994), claimed that individuals who have higher level of conformity will be those who are likely to consume clothing and display the brand out to the public. It is easy to assume that conformity is one of the most important predictors of buying luxury brands, particularly for fashion brands. Wong and Ahuvia (1998) differentiated luxury consumptions between Confucian and Western countries. They found that although both groups consume conspicuously luxury g oods, Americans buy luxury products because of their personal preferences, while those in East Asia, buy these goods because they want to conform to specific social norms. They also found that Southeast Asian consumers put greater emphasis on publicly-visible items because of their attached symbolic meanings and values. This suggests that East Asian consumers, who experience higher pressure to conform are more likely to buy publicly-visible luxury items, because they perceive these goods as directly representing their wealth and success. According to Lacsu and Zinhan (1999), East Asian consumers are more likely to buy luxury items, especially those that have social visibility. Because luxury goods shout success and wealth, and are especially different from mass market products, East Asians are more likely to conform to social pressure and experience higher drive to purchase these brands. The need for Uniqueness According to Workman and Kidd (2000), an individuals need for uniqueness significantly affects his or her behavior toward luxury fashion brands. According to Tian  et al.  (2001, p. 52) uniqueness is an important factor in consumer behavior. Uniqueness is defined as the trait of pursuing differentness relative to others through the acquisition, utilization, and disposition of consumer goods for the purpose of developing and enhancing ones self-image and social image. According to literature, consumers self and social image are largely derived from the symbolic meanings they attach to the products they purchase (Tian  et al., 2001). Therefore, consumers wanted something not generic and very similar to others. Luxury products have the great power of inducing the feeling of uniqueness among consumers. Aside from being insanely expensive, and the fact that all of them reigns worldwide, they are reputed to be of incomparable quality, having legions of counterfeits under their names. After all, imitation is the best form of flattery. One word to describe these luxury brands is iconic. Take for example, Gucci and its red and green stripes, these may just be your ordinary logo, but no, everyone wants a piece of it. The brand offers high fashion yet very commercial items, which is why everyone loves it. Chanel on the other hand as the next brand favored by most luxury consumers, is observed to stay in this position and relevant to the industry because it has a host of classically stylish goods. Koreans need for uniqueness promotes purchasing intentions toward global luxury brands. Those vying for uniqueness in their possessions are those more likely to be attracted to luxury goods, because uniqueness is precisely what luxury brands seem to offer to the consumers. There are many factors that verify this. First, luxury brands limited quality enables the buyers to feel unique and distinctive from others who use mass market products (Burns Brandy, 2001). According to Tian and Mckenzie (2001), those who value uniqueness are attracted to luxury products because they are scarce and they would not find just anyone owning the same. In this regard, luxury brands endeavor to preserve their uniqueness by not producing too many of the same design so as to avoid over-diffusion. This makes them very different from the mass market products. According to Dubous and Paternault (1995), employing an empirical test showed that consumers are attracted to luxury products through awareness, and negatively attracted through diffusion, which is a paradox under luxury brand management. Consumers are aware that luxury brands strive to uphold their prestige by being endorsed expensively by popular people, but they are not made to be owned by many people. As such, consumers need for uniqueness find that luxury products satisfy this need. Korean consumers general perception of foreign luxury brands in general follows this line of thought. They perceive that owning luxury brands differentiate them from others and make them unique because not all will have the same kind or brand. Even with the influx of global luxury brands in the Korean market, Korean market still have this notion that luxury brands are hard to access, and having it will make them one of a kind, because luxury goods have scarcity value. According to Gluck (2002), young Korean consumers purchase apparel and other fashion items in which they can use to express their individuality amidst a rather uniform society. Young consumers in Korea believe that they can express their uniqueness using foreign brands with scarcity value, which as a result, boosted demand for luxury brands in the Korean market. In addition, because luxury goods are globally characterized as having recognizable styles and designs, it is easy to showcase their uniqueness, social status and success even across the world. Young consumers are attracted to luxury goods to the promise of uniqueness as well as giving them a boost in their social images. Vanity According to Netemeyer  et al.  (1995, p. 612), vanity is the excessive concern for, and/or a positive (and perhaps inflated) view of, ones physical appearance and achievement vanity as an excessive concern for, and/or a positive (and perhaps inflated) view of, ones personal achievements. Vanity is the concern of an individual with his or her physical appearance because they use it to convey social status. As such, people who are vain will engage more in conspicuous consumption because this can show off their physical appearance and status (Netemeyer  et al., 1995). As of now however, no study has yet determined the relationship between vanity and fashion luxury consumption. However, it is hypothesized that Korean consumers vanity promotes purchasing global  luxury fashion brands. According to Durvasula et al (2001), vanity is described as ones strong emphasis toward ones outward appearance such as being overly concerned and fretful over ones clothing, from the style, to the quality and to the brand. According to Durvasula and his colleagues (2001), a persons belief or perception that others are looking at how he or she dresses, or what kind of luxury brands he or she carries, this will shape his or her decision in purchasing luxury brands. Social recognition therefore plays the key in individuals decision to purchase luxury brands. Social recognition Although personal values such as materialism and conformity can stimulate individuals to purchase luxury goods because of what they represent and symbolize, they might not be the only factors why luxury goods consumers are attracted to these products and brands. According to Nueno and Quelch (1998), consumers feel that owning luxury brands allow for information to spread with regard to the owners social status. These luxury products can help the consumers say what they cannot publicly announce, which I that they are wealthy and successful. The ownership of these goods allows them to claim their social status and prestige without saying it outright. Consumers believe that the nature of the global luxury brands allows others to recognize the brands and this will be a vehicle for the owner to communicate to others their success. This nature plays a crucial role in shaping ones decision to purchase luxury brands. In particular, Koreans view global luxury brands as the embodiment of prosp erity and social status, which is not really that different from the perception of the Westerners. Because others will recognize one brand, consumers will experience higher intention of buying this brand. Demographics Demographics play an important role in the purchasing decision of consumers when it comes luxury goods. Demographics include age, income and purchasing frequency. According to Louis (2002), younger people are more attracted to luxury goods and what they offer. In Korea, the younger generations are those who have higher purchasing intentions when it comes to global luxury goods. They are what most lable as consumer trendsetters and they try to uphold this image, by having the IT things According to Dubous and Duquesne (1993), income is a very important factor when it comes to luxury goods purchases. As widely known, luxury goods are not cheap. Therefore, monthly income or at least monthly pocket money of the young people plays a significant determinant. By having the means, consumers will be more inclined to buy luxury goods. Once consumers become loyal to a brand, it is already easy for firms to market the goods to them. In fact, it has been said that attracting new consumers are more difficult than maintaining existing ones in the industry of luxury goods. Veblens theory and East Asian consumption patterns (projections in South Korea) Emergence of the mass production phenomenon in the modern era allowed for economic crises, the resolution of which should be through mass distribution and mass advertisement. A direct consequence is the transforming of the household from being a unit of production to that of a unit of consumption (Kearl Gordon, 1992). This transformation also led to a new form of consumer ethic, which replaced Webers Protestant ethic of self-discipline. It also goes against the principles put forward by Weber, such as purposeful activity, delayed gratification and thrift. In this modern era, different patterns of over spending can be observed such as: orgy of spending (McKendrick et al., 1982), hedonism (Bell 1980; Campbell 1987); impulse spending (Kearl and Gordon 1992), and then the different marketing promos and strategies of firms to make people buy such as, buy now, pay later and more others (Packard 1957). It can be said that majority of these characterizations can be explained by Veblens (197 9) and Simmels (1904, 1950) seminal work on modern consumerism. Veblens most well-known principle related to his term conspicuous consumption which describes the unnecessary purchase of services and goods which are bought for the sole focus of displaying and advertising wealth. This is done in the endeavor to maintain or attain a certain level of social status. Such goods are now collectively known as Veblen goods, which is a group of commodities. The fact that these goods are placed at such high prices is the very thing that makes them attractive to conspicuous consumers. Conspicuous consumption was certainly not limited to the western countries, in East Asia, for example, girls in affluent families would have their feet broken and tightly bound so that they grew to have tiny lotus feet.  Ã‚  These were thought to be very fashionable since the women who had them were unable to survive without the help of servants. This was a sign of wealth taken to the extreme. Today, there are still many examples of conspicuous consumption and the studies on general modern consumption are so intricate, that almost all walks of life are targeted with todays mass media. Adverts and billboards are everywhere telling the public whats cool and whats not. Brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Moet Chandon sell a lifestyle. Moet Chandon advert states Be Fabulous and shows two beautiful well-dressed women climbing out of an expensive car with a bottle of champagne in one womans hand. An advertisement like this is basically trying to show the public what status could be achieved by purchasing a bottle of Moet Chandon. The term Keeping up with the Joneses comes to mind, as studies show that many consumers purchase goods just to show off and maintain a certain status amongst their friends. Veblen goods arent just restricted to clothes as the purchase of certain magazines, purely for the status they offer. Being seen reading a magazine like Robb Report or Conde Nasts traveller may give the impression that one can afford what is featured in the magazine. Veblen also spoke about the way dress can prove many things. The wearer can give an impression that they can spend without much thought on the price. Veblen goods are still very much around, such as designer handbags, expensive wines and thousand-dollar watches. The luxury watch is an ultimate example of a Veblen good as the consumer really buys into the allure of a higher status. Companies like Rolex, TAG Heur and Omega have all used celebrities such as Roger Federer, Leonardo DiCaprio and Daniel Craig in his bond suit. Even though its purpose is very practical and can help with everyday decision making. These watches are aimed a business men with a high salary who identify or would like to identify with the sports star s and actors wearing these watches at the back of TIME magazine and the like. A Louis Vuitton bag for example just wouldnt be viewed the same without the high price tag. Todays fast fashion and mass production also encourages conspicuous consumption. However mass production has changed the outlook on mans life and has created a singular type of existence which can be viewed as almost humiliating and that the products are what drives man. The trends we see from designers on catwalks are translated as quickly as possible into high street stores. It is not surprising that with the emphasis on keeping up with the latest trends, which ties into fitting in with society consumption of clothes has reached an all-time high. The quality of clothes however, is less of a feature than the over-all look of the item. In the Victorian times, garments had to be made of the best lace, but with todays technology, garments can be made to look more expensive than they really are. Keeping up-to trend with accessories such and bags and shoes is still very expensive to do. Designers put their signature touches on shoes and bags, which make them more lust after. Christian Lo uboutins shoes have the signature red sole, Louis Vuitton may feature an LV and a Mulberry bag could carry their characteristic tree on the logo. To be seen with any of these items offers a instantaneous status that comes with it. Korea is now considered an epitome of such societies. When Korea was only beginning to industrialize, conspicuous consumption among most people can be said to be still tacit and defensive. An explicit display of conspicuous consumption was criticized for being impractical and imprudent, notwithstanding the persons social status. This trend is now gone. Today, many Korean people compete based on social stature and symbols, and this encouraged new patterns of consumption. Even during religious rituals, Koreans cannot help but compete with each other by showing off how many their goods are or expensive as a sign that they have higher status. Conspicuous consumption, behavior does not just exist within the leisure class, however throughout every class and individual in our society. The want to consume is nothing new, people work and live to consume, people are what they consume. As seen with celebrities today, they consume the best cars, the best clothes, the biggest houses. Veblen explains a man of wealth is the one who consumes without restrictions on anything. This type of consumption is what Veblen describes as conspicuous waste, the manner in which people dress is always seen and noticed, especially when celebrities are displaying them. With conspicuous consumption, the consumption and wealth must be displayed and noticed. Many celebrities, who are members of the leisure class, show off their homes, cars, clothes, and other items. Veblen argues this is harmful to our society, these luxuries and types of consumption are only for the leisure class, and one is expected to live this certain lifestyle in order to keep the ir standing in the leisure class. A man of the leisure class must consume certain goods and give away certain types of rewards or gifts to with hold his position within the leisure class. Koreans are very much in this phase right now, outpacing the Americans it seems. Koreans are proving that the emergence of the leisure class coincides with the beginning of ownership (Veblen 22). Before the early 20th century, Korea was ruled by the Yi Dynasty and had clear distinction of the class system with the ideologies of Confucian Tradition: In this context, women were a form of ownership. Women were seen as a status symbol, a trophy wife, for which men of the leisure class could own and show off. When we own people, we own material or production, so by owning something one can exploit his earnings. Like ownership, most women of the leisure class are considered vicarious leisure. Veblens vicarious leisure is defined as people who live the life as though they are a member of the leisure class however dont get all the material that comes with it because they are living through the wealthy. Throughout the barbarian stages, men were considered the breadwinner and worked while the women stayed at home while women were considered to live through their spouses. T he women of the household were not suppose to work and were expected to be more showy about their leisure than men, they were expected to be beautiful and represent the households wealth. Literature in the early 1980s showed that conspicuous consumption of products were positively linked to vulnerability to the influence of peers and the opinions of others. According to Bearden and Etzel (1982), conspicuous consumption is more likely when purchasing publicly consumed luxury products than privately consumed luxury products. Conspicuous consumption ate up a significant part of the income of the urban population compared to the rural population. Urban citizens are more concerned about their appearance and status, and are more susceptible to buying things that would serve the purpose, regardless of the cost. Discussion This study aims to understand the relation of conspicuous consumption and status competition in Korean women. This section explore the spending behavior of women in Korea, which are found as new phenomena under prosperity in South Korea after the 1997 financial crisis, hence post IMF period. Under current government forms and of Neo liberalism, we are able to recognize the irony that contest the very hegemonic idea of neo-liberalization, which is silent but hyper conscious in the minds of Korean women. This fact is elaborated in relation to the patriarchal ideology deeply rooted in the tradition (neo-Confucian) minds of Koreans and although times have moved on, the representation of body in Korean women in Korean society today remains valid. Here I am able to explore conspicuous consumption of the body as a whole, and how consumption on appearance is conceived in the minds of young women today. Implementation of appearance of Women in the Post-IMF, Neo-liberal Korean Society The transformations in post-IMF Korean society accorded with accelerated transition to a postmodern consumer society. An author proclaimed in 1999, The present Korean society is a heaven for consumers (Yoon 1999, 189), and the trend of consumption for self-distinction and expression of self-identities has been ever intensifying. Concerns over body in this era of culture became a widespread set of phenomena after the IMF crisis. Healthy lifestyles became a social trend in the 2000s when numerous self-help books were published to tell consumers how to pursue them. Women are increasingly drawn into consumption of not only of luxury consumption, but beauty products and care services as well. More women have been resorting to improve their appearances for which purpose smart or classy clothes and creative or original hair styles had been sufficient in earlier decades (Lee 2006, 73). Especially for young women, their gender and class statuses are estimated no longer primarily by their individual characters and resources, but rather by their appearance. Increasingly, Koreans of all ages and genders view their appearance as something that can be improved through ever developing. Not being fashionable or know

Essay --

My topic that I have chosen is the Casablanca Conference . This conference basically changed a lot of things during WWII. The Conference was held in the year of 1943 January 14 – January 24, also it was held in Morocco, Casablanca. The conference was decided to be held in Casablanca, Morocco because it was the safest place and closest for all the allies to meet together. Morocco welcomed the allies because they wanted the war to end as bad as anyone. Some countries loved the war because even though it might kill your population a war would bring money into your country because all of the trade going on. The allies consisted of leaders of the allied countries, the countries were United States of America, Great Britain, Soviet Union and some undocumented allies. United States had the President Franklin D. Roosevelt and some commanding generals at the time come and represent the U.S . Great Britain had Winston Churchill the Prime minister of Great Britain. The soviet’ s president could not make the conference because he had to help at his Front line in Soviet. They were in-between...

Hazardous wastes come

Hazardous wastes come in many different signifiers, forms and sizes. But all risky waste has one thing in common. If it is non disposed of properly it can be harmful to our planet. Hazardous waste can come in the signifier of a solid, liquid or gas. Hazardous wastes are divided into different classs ; listed wastes, characteristic wastes, cosmopolitan wastes, and assorted wastes. Listed wastes are specific wastes that the US Environmental Protection Agency has decided are unsafe. They are farther categorized into the F-list ; non- specific beginning wastes from common fabrication and industrial procedures, the K-list ; source-specific wastes in industries such as crude oil refinement or pesticide fabrication, and the P-list and U-list ; specific discarded commercial chemical merchandises such as certain pesticides and pharmaceutical merchandises. Characteristic wastes are non needfully listed as risky but if they show grounds of ignitability, corrosivity, responsiveness, or toxicity. Universal wastes include batteries, pesticides, mercury-containing equipment, and visible radiation bulbs. Assorted wastes contain a combination of radioactive and risky waste constituents. A individual, company or a location that generates risky waste are divided into three classs: Large measure generators ( LOGs ) bring forthing 1,000 kgs per month or more, little measure generators ( SOGs ) bring forthing more than 100 kgs, but less than 1,000 kgs per month, and Conditionally relieve little measure generators ( CESQGs ) bring forthing 100 kgs or less per month of risky waste. Businesss such as dry cleaners, car fix stores, gas Stationss, infirmaries, eradicators, and exposure processing centres generate a great trade of risky waste. In infirmaries entirely, risky waste can be found in research labs, nursing units, the pharmaceutics, runing suites, dental clinics, x-ray units, and the mortuary. In those countries, risky waste can come in the signifier of x-ray movie, ethyl alcohol, batteries, fluorescent visible radiation bulbs, IV bags, z-ray shielding putty, and even chemotherapy drugs. This nevertheless is merely a short list of possible risky waste in our concerns. Although industries create a batch of risky waste, families generate a just sum every bit good. In our autos we use gasoline, antifreeze, car batteries, brake fluid, oil and fuel filters, carburettor cleansing agent, engine degreaser, and transmittal fluid. To clean our place we use ammonia, antibacterial merchandises and germicides, Cl bleach, drain opener, furniture Polish, metal cleaners, oven cleaner, rust remover, athletics and discoloration remover, and lavatory bowl cleansing agent, and for our out-of-door needs we use lawn and garden works insect slayer, bullet toxicant, weed slayers and if you own a pool, pool chemicals. For personal merchandises use hair colour, hairspray, nail gloss, nail Polish remover, and risky wastes are even in some medical specialties. Transporters move risky waste from one site to another. A transporter must obtain an EPA designation figure, must follow transportation installation demands, provide attesting and record maintaining and cognize the actions to take in the event of risky waste discharges or spills ( 1 ) . The Hazardous Waste Manifest System is used to track risky waste from the site where it is produced to the site that will hive away, recycle, dainty or dispose of the waste. The Toxic Substances Control Act controls the 70,000 plus chemicals that are being distributed in the United States. The policy includes â€Å" 1 ) adequate informations should be developed with regard to the consequence of chemical substances and mixtures on wellness and the environment and that the development of such informations should be the duty of those who manufacture and those who process such chemical substances and mixtures ; 2 ) adequate authorization should be to modulate chemical substances and mixtures which present an unreasonable hazard of hurt to wellness or the environment, and to take action with regard to chemical substances and mixtures which are at hand jeopardies ; and 3 ) authorization over chemical substances and mixtures should be exercised in such a mode as non to hinder unduly or make unneeded economic barriers to technological invention while carry throughing the primary intent of this chapter to guarantee that such invention and commercialism in such c hemical substances and mixtures do non show an unreasonable hazard of hurt to wellness or the environment † ( Chapter 53-Toxic Substance Control, Subchapter I-Control of Toxic Substances ) . This Amendment was passed in 1976 to guarantee the ordinance of these substances by the Environmental Protection Agency and the safety of our planet and the animals and worlds populating it.

Health Effects of Electromagnetic Radiation in Cellular Phones

HEALTH EFFECTS OF EM RADIATION IN CELLULAR PHONES Health effects of EM radiation in cellular phones Part 1 ( Identifying a Subject ) Identified subject isHealth effects of EM radiation in cellular phones Cellular phones communicate via wireless frequence ( RF ) transmittal in a web dwelling of aerials or base Stationss. The term â€Å"cellular telephone† refers to the localized or fragmented nature of the overall web. Base Stationss provide connexion for a little part. The webs used in nomadic telephone following four chief criterions viz. GSM, WCDMA, UMTS, and LTE ( Nair and Morgan 89 ) . Antennas every bit good as the nomadic French telephone are two beginnings of electromagnetic radiation ( EMR ) . Radiation from the aerial is typically low but that from the French telephone is more intense. There are many beginnings of electromagnetic radiation and this radiation has magnetic every bit good as electric Fieldss. The survey of the magnetic every bit good as electric Fieldss has many enormous benefits to humanity. It allows applied scientists to utilize radiation for practical and safe applications. Electromagnetic radiation is measured in wavelength as the diagram below show s. [ beginning: Oatley 56 ] The longer wavelength has low energy, the shorter wavelength has more energy, and therefore a possible beginning of ionising radiation. The nomadic phone system falls about halfway along the spectrum. The energy is the beginning of ionising consequence that causes malignant neoplastic disease when in contact with human organic structure. This subject relates to the primary constructs of the class because it deals with electromagnetic radiation. I found this subject interesting because on one manus, it deals with application of electromagnetisms in communicating and on the manus possible wellness impact of users. I feel that in this instance, engineering is seen as a double-edged blade. Lifes of one million millions of people in the universe have changed due to acceptance of cellular devices. However, there are lingering inquiries about the safety of the devices. Part two ( study ) Health effects of EM radiation in Cellular Telephones Topic Overview and Background Globally, more than 6.9 billion people use nomadic phones. Harmonizing to International Agency for Research on Cancer, the electromagnetic Fieldss produced by cellular phones are perchance carcinogenic. This averment is non universally accepted and more research is being carried out to find how nomadic phones are. World wellness organisation ( WHO ) is expected to carry on formal hazard appraisal following twelvemonth to find the full impact of exposure to cellular phones electromagnetic Fieldss. None of the modern engineerings is every bit omnipresent as cellular phone. In some states, more than half of the population uses a nomadic phone device. The figure of cellular phone devices in the universe is expected to make a astonishing 9 billion by 2020. Most of the new proprietors will come from developing states where fixed telephone was nonexistent before the debut of nomadic phones. Given the big figure of phones in the market, every bit good as broad acceptance, it is of import to understand the impact of cellular radiation on human wellness. Cellular phones transmit wireless waves through a web of base Stationss. The base Stationss are basically antennas. The wireless frequence moving ridges transmitted are electromagnetic Fieldss, which are non ionising like X raies or gamma beams. Cellular phone wireless frequence moving ridges can non interfere with the body’s chemical bonds. Electromagnetic radiation released by cellular phone is a signifier of radiation though non-ionizing one. It is thought that the heat absorbed by the organic structure cells and tissues trigger unnatural cell divisions merely like ionising radiation does. Radiation is unsafe to human wellness. From laboratory surveies, radiation mutagenesis causes DNA omissions, DNA misrepair, and DNA misrecombination. Ionizing radiation causes dual strand in DNA to interrupt. A survey carried out on spacemans suggest that they are exposed to radiation degrees of about 147.5 mSv which causes additions frequence of chromosomal aberrances after flight to infinite ( David 34 ) . These aberrances are minimum or absent before the flight. This suggests that chromosomal aberrances can be straight attributed to cosmic radiation in infinite. Scientists have long thought that one time radiation hits the cell, the Deoxyribonucleic acid is damaged and job merely occurs when the cell is unable to to the full mend the harm. However, emerging grounds suggest that when cells are exposed to radiation, it produces genomic instability. This means that radiation causes harm that merely becomes seeable in future coevalss. Cellular phones are radio frequence senders and they operate 450 and 2700 MHz at their extremum within the scope of 0.1 to 2 Wattss. Transmission occurs merely when the device is turned on. Exposure to the electromagnetic beams depends on the distance between the user and the device. As the distance between the French telephone and a individual additions, exposure to radio frequence starts to fall quickly. When a device is for illustration 30 centimetres from the organic structure as is the instance when a user is directing message or shoping the cyberspace, exposure to electromagnetic Fieldss is significantly low. For minimal exposure, the best cellular phones are the custodies free 1s. Hands free cellular phones allow the user to pass on when the phone is at a safe distance from the organic structure. In add-on to utilizing custodies free devices, exposure to radio frequence radiation is low when doing a call in an country with good response. The quality of response determines the sum of power used by phone and the low the power the lower the exposure to radio frequence field exposure. In infirmaries aeroplanes, cellular phones are prohibited because they can interfere with some medical and navigation equipments. Health effects of EM radiation in Cellular Telephones The wellness hazard of nomadic phone usage have been studied extensively in the last 20 old ages and research workers have non been able to set up once and for all that the usage of cellular phones exposes users to put on the line of malignant neoplastic disease or other medical conditions. The chief mechanism through which the wireless frequence energy interacts with the both is tissue heating. When wireless frequence energy is in big sums, organic structure tissues can potentially heat up therefore enduring injury. Cellular phones releases low wireless frequence energy and therefore the tegument absorbs most of the energy released or other tissues found on the surface of the organic structure. Consequently, cellular energy released consequences in really small temperature rise in the encephalon or any delicate variety meats. Beyond heating organic structure tissues, scientists have besides focused on possible intervention of organic structure cardinal mechanism and the consequences have been negative. Cellular phones wireless frequence Fieldss do non interfere with electrical activity inside the encephalon, sleep form, cognitive map, or blood force per unit area. Theoretically, wireless frequence energy at high degrees should interfere with the organic structure maps but at low degrees, it appears safe. wireless frequence energy at degree below that can do tissue heating have no impact on voluntaries studied by research workers in many surveies. One country of concern that has been studied intensively is symptoms of electromagnetic hypersensitivity that some people have reported. Surveies on these instances suggest that there is no causal relationship between the usage of cellular phones and development of electromagnetic hypersensitivity status. In the short squad, cellular phones frequence Fieldss appear to be harmless, at least harmonizing to surveies carried out so far. However, there are concerns that there is harm below the degree that can non be perceived in the short term. Surveies looking at the long-run hazard of wireless frequence field exposure examine possible association between encephalon tumour and usage of cellular devices. These types of surveies have been impeded by the fact that nomadic phones became widespread merely a decennary ago. Cancers typically show up many old ages after the event that led to abnormal cell division that lead to malignant neoplastic disease. Research workers focus on instances that become apparent after short periods. Harmonizing to International Agency for Research on Cancer ( IARC ) , nomadic phone usage does non increase the hazard of developing conditions such as glioma or meningioma ( Herman 56 ) . These conditions have non increased significantly in the last 10 old ages since the debut of Mobile. This indirect grounds appear to propose that even in the long term, the hazard of developing malignant neoplastic diseases is low. IARC consider radiofrequency electromagnetic Fieldss as carcinogenic although there is deficiency of surveies that have positively linked radiofrequency energy with malignant neoplastic disease. Lack of information is straight attributable to the fact that cellular phones have merely been in usage for a few old ages whereas malignant neoplastic disease develops over a long period. It is thought that the issue will be clearer with clip as younger coevals that has grown up utilizing cellular phones mature holding been exposed to phone radiation for decennaries. My Personal Interest in the subject I am interested in this subject because it deals issues associating to electric, magnetic Fieldss, and possible wellness consequence after usage for a drawn-out period. As a cellular phone proprietor, I have been, like everyone else, concerned about the hazard it exposes to my wellness. Plants Cited Nair, Indira, and M. Granger Morgan.Biological Effectss of Power Frequency Electric and Magnetic William claude dukenfields. Washington, DC: Congress of the U.S. , Office of Technology Assessment: , 1989. Print. Oatley, Charles William.Electric and Magnetic William claude dukenfields: An Introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1976. Print. Herman, Peter.Possible Health Effectss of Exposure to Residential Electric and Magnetic William claude dukenfields. Washington, D.C. : National Academy, 1997. Print. David, John. Science, Engineering.Health Effectss of Low-frequency Electric and Magnetic William claude dukenfields. Oak Ridge, Tenn. : Oak Ridge Associated Universities ; , 1992. Print.

A Profile of the Blue Button Jelly

A Profile of the Blue Button Jelly Although it has the word jelly in its name, the blue button jelly (Porpita porpita) is not a jellyfish  or sea jelly. It is a hydroid, which is an animal in the class Hydrozoa. They are known as colonial animals, and sometimes just referred to as blue buttons. The blue button jelly is made up of individual zooids, each specialized for a different function such as eating, defense or reproduction. The blue button jelly is related to jellyfish, though. It is in the Phylum Cnidaria, which is the group of animals that also includes corals, jellyfish (sea jellies), sea anemones, and sea pens. Blue button jellies are relatively small  and measure about 1 inch in diameter. They consist of a hard, golden brown, gas-filled float in the center, surrounded by blue, purple or yellow hydroids that look like tentacles. The tentacles have stinging cells called nematocysts. So in that respect, they can be like jellyfish species that sting. Blue Button Jelly Classification Heres the scientific classification nomenclature for a blue button jelly: Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: CnidariaClass: HydrozoaOrder: AnthoathecataFamily: PorpitidaeGenus: Porpitaspecies: porpita Habitat and Distribution Blue button jellies are found in warm waters off Europe, in the Gulf of Mexico, Mediterranean Sea, New Zealand, and southern U.S. These hydroids live on the ocean surface, are sometimes blown into shore, and sometimes seen by the thousands. Blue button jellies eat plankton and other small organisms; they are typically eaten by sea slugs and violet sea snails. Reproduction Blue buttons are hermaphrodites, which means that each blue button jelly has both male and female sex organs. They have reproductive polyps that release eggs and sperm into the water. The eggs are fertilized and turn into larvae, which then develop into individual polyps. Blue button jellies are actually colonies of different types of polyps; these colonies form when a polyp divides to form new types of polyps. The polyps are specialized for different functions, such as reproduction, feeding, and defense. Blue Button Jellies...Are They Hazardous to Humans? Its best to avoid these beautiful organisms if you see them. Blue button jellies do not have a lethal sting, but they can cause skin irritation when touched. Sources: Climate Watch. Blue Button: Porpita porpita. Larsen, K. and H. Perry. 2006. Sea Jellies of the Mississippi Sound. Gulf Coast Research Laboratory - University of Southern Mississippi. Meinkoth, N.A. 1981. National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Seashore Creatures. Alfred A. Knopf, New York. SeaLifeBase. Porpita Porpita. WoRMS. 2010. Porpita porpita (Linnaeus, 1758). In: Schuchert, P. World Hydrozoa database. World Register of Marine Species on October 24, 2011.

Medieval Gift Ideas

Medieval Gift Ideas Guide note: This feature was originally posted in December of 1997, and was updated in December of 2010. If youre looking for that special gift for a medieval history buff or if you like medieval history and you want to share it with your friends perhaps this page can help. Below are a few gift ideas that can bring a little medieval charm to todays holiday season. Gift projects are reasonable in cost, and if you start soon you can have them finished by December 24th. Or, take a lesson from medieval times and give your gifts on Twelfth Night January 6th. The Artistic Touch Do you enjoy crafts-work? Are you good with a needle? Then perhaps youd like to make a gift for that special someone. Candles Candle-making was an ability that many medieval men and women were likely to know. If you know how to make candles or would like to try your hand at this rewarding craft, you may wish to stick to beeswax (instead of paraffin, which wasnt used until the 19th century, or tallow, which is difficult to work with) and make hand-dipped candles in order to keep the project medieval. Beeswax has a lovely fresh odor and does not require the addition of any scents, but it can be expensive. Whether you are new to candle-making or a practiced hand, please be sure to take all safety precautions. Clothing You may wish to create a medieval costume even if you dont belong to a reenactment group, it will look splendid at a masquerade or Renaissance fair. For a really authentic look, embroider the work using period embroidery techniques and period designs, or enhance it with hand-woven braids. If an entire costume isnt up your alley, you can use these techniques on something as simple as a cape or a scarf. Calligraphy If youre practiced in the art of calligraphy, try inscribing a medieval or Renaissance poem (or a verse from an epic) on parchment-style paper (real parchment can be very expensive). Shakespeare is always a hit, particularly his sonnets. Food, Glorious Food Thinking of a special holiday dinner? Try some medieval recipes. And forget that fruitcake go with a few medieval desserts instead. Gingerbread Cake is a period Christmas food, and Shortbreads are not only period but easy to present in a canister or, for a more authentic package, in a basket. If the recipient of your gift likes to cook as well, include the recipe hand calligraphed on parchment paper, rolled into a scroll and tied with a ribbon.   The Medieval Touch Whatever gift you choose to give, you can add a little medieval charm with a hand-calligraphed gift-tag (try parchment-look paper) or by wrapping the gift in fabric instead of paper (which was not really a disposable product in the middle ages). Decorate with fabric ribbons, dried flowers, berries, or pine cones. A personalized, hand-calligraphed bookmark with a holiday message is a great accompaniment to a book. Many of the customs we observe today began in the middle ages. For more about medieval Christmas, please see Medieval Christmas Traditions.

Betty White

Her career started in the early 1940s with a modeling job. She also worked on a few radio shows including Blondie, The Great Gildersleeve, and This Is Your FBI and later, her own radio program name, The Betty White Show. In 1949 she debuted on television when she appeared with Al Jarvis on Hollywood on Television, she later hosted it on her own when Jarvis left. From 1952 to about 1977 she appeared on several television shows including Life With Elizabeth, Date With the Angels, Password, What’s My Line? , To Tell the Truth, I’ve Got A Secret, Match Game, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and Pyramid. In 1977 she was given her own sitcom on CBS called The Betty White Show. (Not to be confused with her radio show with the same name. ) In 1987 she scored her second signature role of the St. Olaf, MN – native Rose Nylund, on The Golden Girls. The show was centered on four divorced or widowed women in their ‘Golden years’ that share a home in Miami. Although Betty has no children, she has been married three times. The first in 1945 to Dick Barker, a US Army Air Corps Pilot. This marriage was short-lived, only one year. The second to Lane Allen, a Hollywood agent, which only lasted two years also ending in divorce. On June 14, 1963 she married television host and personality, Allen Ludden. He proposed to Betty at least twice be fore she accepted. Allen died of stomach cancer on June 9, 1981. She hasn’t remarried since his death. Betty has won six Emmy Awards, three American Comedy Awards (including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1990. ), and two Viewer’s For Quality Television Awards. She was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On January 23, 2010 at the Screen Actor’s Gild Awards, she was awarded, by Sandra Bullock, the Life Achievement Award. She is also a pet enthusiast and animal health advocate who works with a number of animal organization such as the Los Angeles Zoo Commission, the Morris Animal Foundation, and Actors Others for Animals. Betty is the president of the Morris Animal Foundation where she has served as a trustee of the organization since 1971. And she donated $100,000 to the Los Angeles Zoo in April 2008 alone. She was also just on Saturday Night Live over the weekend, and it was hilarious! I was laughing so hard.. So, having said all that. I’d say she is the coolest eighty-eight year old you could probabaly ever get a chance to meet. I hope she lives forever! Betty White Her career started in the early 1940s with a modeling job. She also worked on a few radio shows including Blondie, The Great Gildersleeve, and This Is Your FBI and later, her own radio program name, The Betty White Show. In 1949 she debuted on television when she appeared with Al Jarvis on Hollywood on Television, she later hosted it on her own when Jarvis left. From 1952 to about 1977 she appeared on several television shows including Life With Elizabeth, Date With the Angels, Password, What’s My Line? , To Tell the Truth, I’ve Got A Secret, Match Game, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and Pyramid. In 1977 she was given her own sitcom on CBS called The Betty White Show. (Not to be confused with her radio show with the same name. ) In 1987 she scored her second signature role of the St. Olaf, MN – native Rose Nylund, on The Golden Girls. The show was centered on four divorced or widowed women in their ‘Golden years’ that share a home in Miami. Although Betty has no children, she has been married three times. The first in 1945 to Dick Barker, a US Army Air Corps Pilot. This marriage was short-lived, only one year. The second to Lane Allen, a Hollywood agent, which only lasted two years also ending in divorce. On June 14, 1963 she married television host and personality, Allen Ludden. He proposed to Betty at least twice be fore she accepted. Allen died of stomach cancer on June 9, 1981. She hasn’t remarried since his death. Betty has won six Emmy Awards, three American Comedy Awards (including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1990. ), and two Viewer’s For Quality Television Awards. She was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On January 23, 2010 at the Screen Actor’s Gild Awards, she was awarded, by Sandra Bullock, the Life Achievement Award. She is also a pet enthusiast and animal health advocate who works with a number of animal organization such as the Los Angeles Zoo Commission, the Morris Animal Foundation, and Actors Others for Animals. Betty is the president of the Morris Animal Foundation where she has served as a trustee of the organization since 1971. And she donated $100,000 to the Los Angeles Zoo in April 2008 alone. She was also just on Saturday Night Live over the weekend, and it was hilarious! I was laughing so hard.. So, having said all that. I’d say she is the coolest eighty-eight year old you could probabaly ever get a chance to meet. I hope she lives forever!

Space Age Furniture Company Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Space Age Furniture Company - Assignment Example According to the paper the company incurs a cost of $0.75 per unit per week to hold stock for any subassemblies in stock from one week to another. Hence Space Age Company will incur a total cost of $975 for the six weeks in relation to holding cost. It is clear that due to the high number of subassemblies being produced, there is a demand for part 3079 to be produced in high numbers since it is used to make the subassemblies. However, this can lead to the company incurring overtime costs in order to meet the demand for sub assembles produced in lot sizes of 1000 units. This paper recommends that the lot size of producing the subassemblies should be reduced in order to avoid too much demand for part 3079. This is because it can lead to overtime costs, which in turn can lead to the loss of competent staff. This can be done by reducing the lot size to say 800 units and analysing its effects through Material Requirements Planning. If reducing that number still does not yield better resul ts, the company can consider reducing the number further up to a point where they can sustain the demand for part 3079 that is used to make the subassemblies for the final products. Alternatively, since the machine that makes part 3079 can make as much units as possible, the company can consider employing more staff who can make the part in order to meet the demand for the subassemblies required. This will eliminate overtime costs, stock out costs and motivate the staff who will work the regular 40 hours per week. According to Hanna & Newman, for a company to come up with the best course of action, a cost-benefit analysis must be done in order to choose the one that minimises costs and maximises benefits. In this case, the two recommendations will be analysed. A trade-off is a situation where one gains something at the expense of losing something. That is when one item increases, the other

Movie Wo Ai Ni Mommy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Movie Wo Ai Ni Mommy - Essay Example (Soe, 1997, p.3) They derive many cinematic elements from early Asian American films, but also include â€Å"souped-up mise-en-scenes, techno soundtracks and ultra-hip young characters...the stories are ultimately about identity, cultural confusion and finding one's own voice and desires, all of which have been recurrent themes in Asian American films past and present.† (Soe, 1997, p.3) Thesis: In the case of Wo Ai Ni Mommy, we witness some of these cinematic elements, along with unique filmmaking style of the director Stephanie Wang-Breal. Complex issues of loss, memory, family anomie and alienation are all integral parts of the Asian American film genre. In recent years though, Asian American filmmakers have produced an interesting body of work which are largely documentaries or experimental work. The new tribe of young directors, â€Å"linked by youth and their impressive technical skills, explores themes and issues common to Asian American films and videos from years past .† (Soe, 1997, p.3) And the movie titled Wo Ai Ni Mommy by Stephanie Wang-Breal should be studied in this backdrop. ... or example, Wang-Breal also doubles up as a translator between Faith and her new parents, as the former struggles to get acclimatized with new socio-cultural norms. Usually documentary filmmakers take a passive role in the process of film-making, in that they do not affect the audio/visual information being captured. But in the case of Wang-Breal, by virtue of being the only remaining link to Faith’s Chinese heritage, also assumes the role of the young ward’s confidante and interlocutor. It should also be noted that Asian American filmmaking is not one homogenous concept, but rather consists of vastly diverse constituencies in which â€Å"recent immigrants, native-born citizens, community activists, documentarians, avant-garde artists, film students, Asiaphiles and cineastes all claim valid rights. The complexity of the Asian American community has always influenced and affected the work of its filmmakers. As this community becomes more diverse, it will require even gr eater skill and acuity to accurately reflect the ever-evolving state of Asian American media arts.† (Soe, 1997, p.3) It has been an endeavor of early Asian American filmmakers to present their authentic ‘voice’ in their works. This is certainly evident in Wo Ai Ni Mommy too, where director Stephanie Wang-Breal’s original voice comes across to the audience. Within the limitations of a documentary project, the director manages to raise important issues facing adopted Chinese kids such as Faith. While Faith is obviously the protagonist of the film, her new parents Donna and Jeff are also given key coverage. Indeed Donna’s early experiences with Faith were very challenging. But the later transformation of Faith into an English-speaking American kid is in large part due to the efforts of Donna. A

Power Of Images In Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Power Of Images In Marketing - Essay Example It is also worth noting that a bad picture may also affect negatively a company’s product. Therefore, it is very important that a company chooses a good image – one that can attract the consumers towards the product in question. The image chosen should stands out and should be able to provide an emphasis of the company’s core values of what is being marketed. One such company that uses the image to market its products is the Nivea skin and beauty care products. This paper will discuss the power of pictures in marketing of Nivea products. The essay will also explore how certain pictures are associated with some feelings, which motivate the customer to buy the product. Finally, the essay will explore why certain pictures make some consumers buy a certain product even though they may not need the product. Breiting (n.d) argues that a picture plays an important role in marketing a company’s product in a number of ways. This includes documenting a companyâ€⠄¢s offers, in which the picture can be used to portray a company’s brand image. Therefore, the more it is attractive to the customers, the more customers will be willing to accept it. This is because it functions as an eye catcher, and persuades buyers in a positive mood. Nivea is a company that recognizes the power of image in promoting its skin and beauty products. The company understands that the picture they portray on the product gives its customers an impression regarding the product and the company’s values, which has contributed to the rising sales volume of the product. For instance, Nivea has made use of picture in advertising of Nivea Visage Young from the time of its launch in 2005. The images used in the advertisements are shown below: Figures 1: Images used by Nivea This picture used by Nivea to promote its Nivea Visage Young has a lot of impression just by looking at it. By portraying a beautiful woman with a child having soft, smooth and attractive faces the company informs the customers that this good is a beauty and skin care product. The impression that the customer may have of this product is that it smoothes and softens the skin besides offering protection. The other impression that a customer may deduce of the image is that the product is suitable for both women and girls. The mood as portrayed by the picture also communicates a lot about the product. It has the impact of informing a customer that by applying Nivea Visage Young, one feels good, attractive and jovial. The flowers on the background are also a show of beauty, which many consumers may want to associate with. Nivea recognizes image as one of the driving forces behind the increased sales turnover of the product since it was launch (Dinsdag 8 Maart, 2011).However, it is worth noting that the picture may also invoke the feeling that Nivea Visage Young is only meant for the ladies and not men. This is because, the marketers of the product have only chosen to por tray the image of a woman and a young girl. This implies that the image may be detrimental in case men are also expected to use the product. This implies how important it is to choose the right image to use in promoting a given product (Dinsdag 8 Maart, 2011). Certain pictures make consumers buy a certain product even though in the actual sense they do not need the product. This scenario is common in the world of sports and celebrities in which an individual may buy a t-shirt associated with

Corporate Communication Strategy-Toyota case Essay

Corporate Communication Strategy-Toyota case - Essay Example The unintended acceleration was attributed to floor mat issues, brakes and sticky gas pedal. The company has since recalled nearly 8 million cars of different models that were deemed to have potential problems with gas pedal mechanism which could lead to unintended acceleration (McKenzie & Scott, 2010). 2. Environmental scanning of the company Toyota has enjoyed an unblemished reputation within the auto industry. In the fast transforming business dynamics, the various environmental factors become crucial paradigms to maintain competitive advantage within the industry. PESTLE and SWOT analysis become vital tools for firms to identify and evaluate elements that can help them compete and succeed in the highly competitive business environment (Burnes, 2009). They promote the wider understanding of socio-political environment within which the firms operate. They were conducted to understand Toyota’s market position prior to the crisis and how it was impacted in post crisis period. (Refer to Appendix A) 2a. PESTLE analysis for America In the current environment of rapid globalization, practice of international businesses is considerably impacted by the different political, economic and legal systems of nations (Hills, 2004). The businesses therefore need to become more flexible and adapt to the changing technologies and work environments. PESTLE analysis of Toyota has been conducted for America because the case focuses on the Toyota’s American market and the performance and quality of its various models in America. PESTLE has emerged as critical issues that need to be incorporated within the business strategy when firms expand across globe. 2a.1 Political environment America is one of the largest democratic states of the world. The public is hugely empowered with information and the socio-political environment promotes proactive participation of people in issues which affect them. Thus, businesses need to be more accountable in their actions and take in to account the expectations of the people at large. The sticky pedal case of Toyota had drawn more public attention towards the firm undermining it’s hitherto brand reputation of quality, dependability and value. 2a.2 Economic It is a very important factor because the market is driven by the demand and supply that is mainly dependent on the buying capacity of the consumers. It has big market in America. Despite the current environment of recession, the networking solutions have become the critical part of industrial success and therefore, an intrinsic part of business strategy. Toyota therefore has huge economic stake in the American market and needed to restore public trust by responding favourably to the crisis situation. 2a.3 Socio-cultural paradigm There is huge socio-cultural diversity amongst the masses. With multi-cultural society, the demographic factors are vital ingredients that have huge cascading effect on the market. The demographic changes vis-a-vis population s ize, age distribution, gender ratio, income group etc. have immense influence on the changing consumer preferences and consequently on the profitability of the firm. Kotler et al (2007) emphasize that in the fast changing global business, demographic compulsions have significant impact on market position and therefore, they need to become intrinsic part of the market strategy of the

GDP growth Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

GDP growth - Essay Example This paper seeks to enquire how far the title of this essay "In today's economic climate, any company that hasn't borrowed as much as it can is crazy" is relevant within the context of corporate finance principles. That is, when business opportunities abound, is it wise on the part of the firms to watch as silent spectators without grabbing them and execute them by means of borrowed capital. The title raises two hypotheses, debt is preferred to equity and in spite of sufficient equity available, a company should borrow maximum possible in the pretext of the resultant economic climate of liberal consumption. Firms should invest money only if the project earns more than the hurdle rate which is generally higher in projects with high risks and investment pattern will be reflected in the ratio of financing mix of equity and debt. Cash flows and their timing determine rate of return on projects. If there are no profitable investments available, the stock holders' funds must be returned to them. Objective behind these principles is maximising the value of the firm as per the traditional theory of corporate finance. ... Borrowing facilitates availing of tax benefit and it is higher in case of higher tax rate. It creates a disciplining environment by which greater separation between management and stock holder is achieved which is a greater benefit as per the principles of corporate governance. Disadvantages are firms are exposed to bankruptcy cost due to higher business risk, agency cost due to greater separation stock holders and lenders and financing flexibility for the future is lost because of greater uncertainty regarding future financing requirements. A debt carries with it a commitment to make future payments which are tax deductible and future defaults in payments can result in loss of control to the lenders. In a hypothetical situation of no taxes (tax free), no separation between managers and stockholders, no default probability, and presence of certainty in future funds requirements, default risk, agency cost and capital structure become irrelevant and firm value is divested of its debt r atio as posited by the Miller-Modigliani theorem. According to this theorem, firm value will be decided by cash flows and there will be no question of leverage. (Damodaran) Real options In the present economic scenario of mergers and acquisitions for bailing out weak firms or as an exercise of creating a competitive advantage, companies require large volume of funds and committed bank facilities are useful in financing their real options to carry out M & A transactions. In 2000, Bank of America advanced bridge loan to Club Corp for debt acquisition as part of M & A exercise. Similarly Bank of America provided Ferrellgas a bridge loan of $ 175 million to carry out acquisition of Thermogas. (Patrick C 2000) Debt-to-Equity Ratio This is the ratio of

Power Of Images In Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Power Of Images In Marketing - Essay Example It is also worth noting that a bad picture may also affect negatively a company’s product. Therefore, it is very important that a company chooses a good image – one that can attract the consumers towards the product in question. The image chosen should stands out and should be able to provide an emphasis of the company’s core values of what is being marketed. One such company that uses the image to market its products is the Nivea skin and beauty care products. This paper will discuss the power of pictures in marketing of Nivea products. The essay will also explore how certain pictures are associated with some feelings, which motivate the customer to buy the product. Finally, the essay will explore why certain pictures make some consumers buy a certain product even though they may not need the product. Breiting (n.d) argues that a picture plays an important role in marketing a company’s product in a number of ways. This includes documenting a companyâ€⠄¢s offers, in which the picture can be used to portray a company’s brand image. Therefore, the more it is attractive to the customers, the more customers will be willing to accept it. This is because it functions as an eye catcher, and persuades buyers in a positive mood. Nivea is a company that recognizes the power of image in promoting its skin and beauty products. The company understands that the picture they portray on the product gives its customers an impression regarding the product and the company’s values, which has contributed to the rising sales volume of the product. For instance, Nivea has made use of picture in advertising of Nivea Visage Young from the time of its launch in 2005. The images used in the advertisements are shown below: Figures 1: Images used by Nivea This picture used by Nivea to promote its Nivea Visage Young has a lot of impression just by looking at it. By portraying a beautiful woman with a child having soft, smooth and attractive faces the company informs the customers that this good is a beauty and skin care product. The impression that the customer may have of this product is that it smoothes and softens the skin besides offering protection. The other impression that a customer may deduce of the image is that the product is suitable for both women and girls. The mood as portrayed by the picture also communicates a lot about the product. It has the impact of informing a customer that by applying Nivea Visage Young, one feels good, attractive and jovial. The flowers on the background are also a show of beauty, which many consumers may want to associate with. Nivea recognizes image as one of the driving forces behind the increased sales turnover of the product since it was launch (Dinsdag 8 Maart, 2011).However, it is worth noting that the picture may also invoke the feeling that Nivea Visage Young is only meant for the ladies and not men. This is because, the marketers of the product have only chosen to por tray the image of a woman and a young girl. This implies that the image may be detrimental in case men are also expected to use the product. This implies how important it is to choose the right image to use in promoting a given product (Dinsdag 8 Maart, 2011). Certain pictures make consumers buy a certain product even though in the actual sense they do not need the product. This scenario is common in the world of sports and celebrities in which an individual may buy a t-shirt associated with

GDP growth Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

GDP growth - Essay Example This paper seeks to enquire how far the title of this essay "In today's economic climate, any company that hasn't borrowed as much as it can is crazy" is relevant within the context of corporate finance principles. That is, when business opportunities abound, is it wise on the part of the firms to watch as silent spectators without grabbing them and execute them by means of borrowed capital. The title raises two hypotheses, debt is preferred to equity and in spite of sufficient equity available, a company should borrow maximum possible in the pretext of the resultant economic climate of liberal consumption. Firms should invest money only if the project earns more than the hurdle rate which is generally higher in projects with high risks and investment pattern will be reflected in the ratio of financing mix of equity and debt. Cash flows and their timing determine rate of return on projects. If there are no profitable investments available, the stock holders' funds must be returned to them. Objective behind these principles is maximising the value of the firm as per the traditional theory of corporate finance. ... Borrowing facilitates availing of tax benefit and it is higher in case of higher tax rate. It creates a disciplining environment by which greater separation between management and stock holder is achieved which is a greater benefit as per the principles of corporate governance. Disadvantages are firms are exposed to bankruptcy cost due to higher business risk, agency cost due to greater separation stock holders and lenders and financing flexibility for the future is lost because of greater uncertainty regarding future financing requirements. A debt carries with it a commitment to make future payments which are tax deductible and future defaults in payments can result in loss of control to the lenders. In a hypothetical situation of no taxes (tax free), no separation between managers and stockholders, no default probability, and presence of certainty in future funds requirements, default risk, agency cost and capital structure become irrelevant and firm value is divested of its debt r atio as posited by the Miller-Modigliani theorem. According to this theorem, firm value will be decided by cash flows and there will be no question of leverage. (Damodaran) Real options In the present economic scenario of mergers and acquisitions for bailing out weak firms or as an exercise of creating a competitive advantage, companies require large volume of funds and committed bank facilities are useful in financing their real options to carry out M & A transactions. In 2000, Bank of America advanced bridge loan to Club Corp for debt acquisition as part of M & A exercise. Similarly Bank of America provided Ferrellgas a bridge loan of $ 175 million to carry out acquisition of Thermogas. (Patrick C 2000) Debt-to-Equity Ratio This is the ratio of

Positive Social Change Essay Example for Free

Positive Social Change Essay Participatory Action Research (PAR) is a type of research that involves all parties who are considered relevant in the issue in examining together current action- considered as the source of the problem, for the promotion of change and improvement of such current situation. It is not the type of research that precedes future actions. It is an action which is researched, changed and re-researched, a continuing process by and for its participants. It may not be used by one group of people for their own benefit versus other groups that are also involved in the issue. It is genuinely democratic by nature and is non-coercive. The people who the research aims to help are also active participants to the research process (Wadsworth, 1998). Action research or participatory action research for the past few years has come out to be a significant methodology for intervention and developmental change programs within different communities and groups. It has been implemented and promoted by many agencies and programs, also by countless local community organizations around the globe which attests to its effectiveness (Checkland Howell, 1998). The many theories and research in social psychology, such as action research, among others, that put all theories into practice has certainly effected positive change. They have helped in ascertaining reasons behind the surfacing of various problems- whether it be on the individual or societal level. Knowing the source or sources of the problems and the factors that come into play has helped in coming up with feasible solutions to such through intervention methods or coming up with community programs. There have been changes in the type of methods employed in social psychology research as the years go by. From seeing participants in research as the â€Å"other†, a â€Å"subject† which is reminiscent of scientific research methods, as gleaned above in the definition of Active Participatory Research, there comes a shift in the treatment of participants in the study as not merely passive subjects/objects but as co-researchers themselves. This has been seen to yield a richer understanding of the issues at hand and provides for easier enactment of proposed intervention programs. As such, it is my belief that future research in social psychology would veer towards this direction due to its effectiveness in pinpointing specific problem areas and formulating innovative solutions to such. This social psychology course has made an impact in my life in many ways. Studying theories and methods on human behavior has helped me become more aware of my own behavior and how it affects others. Knowing the detriment that my behavior may cause gives me the ability to slowly change my approach in interacting with others so as I will be able to have a more harmonious relationship with everyone around me. That said, this course in Social Psychology has not only helped me understand the world around me, but myself as well, that may yield positive changes not only in my life, but that of others’ around me as well. REFERENCE LIST Wadsworth, Y. (1998). What is Participatory Action Research? Australia: Institute of Workplace Research, Learning and Development, Southern Cross University Press. Checkland, P. , Holwell, S. (1998). Action Research: Its Nature and Validity. Systemic Practice and Action Research, Volume 11, (Issue 1, Feb), p 9-21. Jenner, E. A. , Watson, P. W. B. , Miller, L. , Jones, F. , Scott, G. M. (2002). Explaining hand hygiene practice: an extended application of the Theory of Planned Behavior. Psychology, Health Medicine, 7(3), 311-326.

Seven Pounds Ethics

Seven Pounds Ethics The delivery of this assignment is going to expound the notion of ethics in relation to the film Seven Pounds, from two main dimensions In this regard narrative ethics serves as the central framework for a deep appreciation of bioethics. Central to the bioethical themes is that of suicide and organ donation. As regards the latter, it is a highly contested argument to question on what particular grounds a person can be qualified as being good or bad , and to what extent should organs be donated to sustain ones welfare .Since the realm of bioethics is highly complex, it is pertinent if not imperative to contrast the subjective perspective of diverse schools of thought ,including the utilitarian ,deontological the Christian and the purely secular perspective .The latter perspective needs to be highlighted in depth since seven pounds reflects a deep secular background of the postmodernist culture of the US{United States} In this respect this presentation is going to adopt an integrated approach so as to evaluate ethical thought in comprehensive terms, and on the basis of mature insights. It is relevant to present the following inspirational viewpoints highlighted by Kwame Anthony Appiah in Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a world of strangers, this film critic questions Why, you might ask, should we care how people think and feel about stories? Why do we talk about them in this language of value?(Kwame Anthony Appiah 2006.) .Evaluating stories together is one of the central human ways of learning to align our responses to the worldà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦and that alignment is ,in turn, one of the ways we maintain the social fabric ,the texture of our relationshipsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ In this respect it is essential to note, that Appiah being a reputed film critic is not only strongly hinting to us the need that we enjoy the beauty of stories. Moreover in the process, we need to venture a step ahead by reflecting on the multiple dynamics of the social fabric, and how this is impacting as well as being impacted by our personal life. In this respect Seven Pou nds represents a profound filmic experience, which probes deeply within the texture of our relationships This presentation is going to focus on an ethical perspective of Seven Pounds written by Grant Nieporte and released by Colombia Pictures. A unique characteristic on the part of Grant Nieporte is that he persistently seeks to blend his subjective personal experiences, within the wider social context .The underlying objective is to capitalize on the indirect experience of others ,this logically conduces to a higher level of maturity. The spark of the inspiration of Seven Pounds occurred to Grant, when he was in a bar and came across the subject during a typical conversation. The respondent confessed to Grant that he wanted to commit suicide for purposes of redemption of an accident which he personally committed and contributed to the innocent loss of life. The film attained a reasonable level of success, possibly due to the fact that the audience tends in general to be more interested to the entertainment factor, rather than the profound philosophic deductive message. The latter in the context of this film deals with both psychological and personal issues. The focus is on the reciprocal relationship between the filmic experience {which is fictiscious} and the purely ethical domain. The film industry is constantly experiencing revolutionary changes, as regards film genre backed by a constant stream of innovative technologies, reflecting a social mentality undergoing a rapid stage of transition. The film being essentially a cinematic medium represents an authentic message of values. Thus, it is pertinent on the part of the audience, to identify and asses these values within the context of the contemporary emerging culture. From a critical angle the members of the civic public, seek to be trend followers without critically questioning whether the direction of the social trends are worth pursuing. The public tends to appreciate films in terms of their bare narrative rather than more meaningful ethical implications and this demands that the audience be more directly educated in this respect. Narrative is thus undeniably a strategic ingredient incorporating diverse forms of ethical analysis. We will all do better to be more self conscious about the literary nature of ethical understanding and assessment .It remains to be seen however whether narrative would ever be in a position to supplant an ethic also reinforced by principles and theory . It is deemed important that the narrative of the film is expanded so as to reflect the modus Vivendi of the characters. The subjective perception of the presenter is in line with that of many film critics who observed that the initial scenes represent a set of chronologically scrambled set sequences. Thus the audience has to engage itself not only emotionally but also intellectually in understanding the role of the characters and their respective interrelationships. The element of conflict on both an intra and inter personal level, is the driving force of the plot .The protagonist who drives along the movie plot is Ben Thomas which is acted by Will Smith. Ben gets into an auto accident when he is using his cell phone whilst driving .So far Ben has been a highly successful American citizen, both in his love relationship as well as well as in his highly reputed profession .One can assume that he has attained this success due to diverse interblended ingredients. Foremost we can include his wit, intelligence, practicality and skills in handling people .From the initial film shots; he is presented as being highly energetic. Ben has engineered an optimum balance in life with a highly meaningful and motivating vision which he is seeking persistently to accomplish and satisfy competing interests. In substance he is a highly ambitious person, possibly overambitious within all the aspects of the spectrum of life he came in contact with. One can observe that Ben had a high level of positive energy within him. His primary fulfillment was to transform the challenges of life into meaningful opportunities. In the accident which ultimately developed in a tragic outcome, he accidently kills his fiancà © ,who was riding with him together with six strangers other when he lost control of his car and crushes into another vehicle .Ironically enough the author of the accident emerged from the scene unscratched .However the audience only realizes the outcome of the tragedy towards th e end point of the film .This heightens the element of suspense on the part of the audience .This technique of revealing strategic information towards the end of the film, as well as adopting diverse types of flashbacks so as to transform the filmic experience into a half puzzle, or in simple terms a combination of puzzle film narration ,melodrama and fiction is typical of the 60 s era art film .This reflects subtle elements of the post classical thriller as well as the crime film .An interesting factor is that the accident which took place within the space of a few seconds, definitely had generated a powerful impact on the life of Ben .Ben fell into a serious and profound irreversible depression. His face from this point onwards throughout the film appeared masked ,so as to conceal the hidden turmoil ,together with the dark and somber intentions on the part of Ben. One can observe that the guilt feelings within Ben generated due to the accident which precipitated, have reshaped completely his psychological perceptions on life .This is appreciated to the extent that he was transformed in a different being having a particular mind set .In this critical situation immersed in a profound depression he was definitely not in a position to take decisions about his own personal life, let alone being accountable to others. Among the factors which have inspired the audience, he had lost the love of his girlfriend .She could have served as the intimate person who could have helped him in order to ride the tide. From a figurative aspect, the seven fatalities by Ben conduce to the endorsement of a debt-at least on a psychological plane .This debt entails a pound of flesh for each victim .From an analytical view point this presents a self imposed burden .However Ben is persistently believing that he is acting out of good faith .The underlying logic of Seven Pounds is that wealth is necessary for true charity, because in order to be charitable, one needs to have something to give such as the accumulation of wealth. In fact Ben went out of his way in granting his beach house to a female who was the victim of domestic violence .More importantly he had communicated with the female in a letter which he dispatched to her ,so as to live abundantly . The term live abundantly, resonates Utilitarian thinking. This approach needs to be appreciated within the context of the highly secular culture of the U.S in terms of Bens frame of thought , to take the best for oneself out of life .However in practice how far did Ben manage to adopt this particular message within his own philosophy ?.It appears that it is easier to preach to others rather than to council oneself .One cannot but ask -Was Ben in this particular circumstance seeking the privilege status of a demi god ? .A clear factor which transpires at this point is that Ben definitely was facing a confused state of mind ,and subsequently his personal priorities had changed . The dialogue is carefully crafted so as to reflect the stream of consciousness on the part of the characters, and to ensure an intellectual form of participation on the part of the audience .Ben is becoming aware of the psychological changes within him. In fact he comments in an intimate manner with Emily that I havent been taking care of myself lately . The term care has multiple meanings, and it is very difficult to specify in a precise manner to what particular type of care Ben is referring to. This is understood in view of the different mindset which Ben has developed throughout the immediate post tragedy period .Certain critics have identified Ben as this point as having a confused mind However this is not a fair judgment in objective terms since Ben has developed a specific intention of his ultimate goal-the donation of his personal intimate body organs to others. Ben started scheming by analyzing the characters of diverse individuals so as to serve as worthy recipients of his own organs .He was very smart and original in the particular process of scheming adopted. He took the identification card of his brother who worked as an IRS officer .When his brother realized that his card was missing he recalled the attention of Ben .Ben in an intelligent manner replied If I recall rightly I gave you something In this respect one can note that Ben is highly tactful in presenting an effective defense mechanism especially in situations in which he is undergoing a very profound torment. In the process of Ben getting to know Emily, he was fully aware of his love towards Emily. It is essential to evaluate the motives highlighting the shift of reasoning on the part of Ben .Emily is suffering from an eminent heart failure being only a matter of a few weeks up to her death .Ben is ready to go out of his way and donate his heart to Emily. However it is important to note, that his act towards her is going to be carried out as an act of love, rather than merely an act of redemption .The sexual act involving Ben and Emily has no intrinsic meanings. However it helped both protagonists so as to clarify their respective minds. An interesting fact is that events from this point onwards developed as if designed by an invisible hand in a timetabled manner .Ben phoned his intimate friend being a lawyer ,and asserted in highly emotional terms that it is time .This is a straight forward declaration, however it also reflects that Ben s commitments in terms of his goals were on the po int of being realized . Seven Pounds is centered or actually revolves around the central theme of suicide. This acts as a pivotal platform around which one finds a number of secondary themes which are directly interwoven .Foremost among the secondary themes the state of redemption on the part of the protagonist, which can be interpreted in terms of both altruism and indifference .Other themes were egoism, self centeredness, and living on the edge and following a self imposed lifestyle of emargination. Durkheim identified four types of suicide, egoistic, altruistic, anomic and fatalistic, based on degrees of imbalance of two social forces being social integration and moral regulation. The exposition of socially vulnerable members within society is clearly contrasted with the life style of affluence on the part of the protagonist. Thanks to the language of values, being exposed via the cinematic medium, the author details both the virtues and vices of the characters, scrutinizes their choices, and analysis the ethical relevant particularities of their situation as well as the distinct elements linked to justice or injustice of the social world the characters outlined within the film inhibit .Why however should one care about how these authors think and feel about these cinematic narratives? It is my aim that the philosophical, legal, medical, moral, anthropological, literary, psychological and sociological expertise that these authors bring to bear within their films, generate a profound philosophical reflection among viewers, whilst helping to clarify, refine and challenge the ethical positions, the members of the civic public hold bioethical approaches. The central underlying theme of suicide involves basic principles and fundamental moral rules. One needs to question -What is it that makes an action morally acceptable or unacceptable? Is this due to the inherent characteristics of the action, or rather due to its consequences? Most ethical thinkers argue that death is an unpleasant reality which mankind will have to experience sooner or later being part of the cyclical process of existence .However if death is unpleasant and suicide is a genre of death, is it immoral? Whenever one affirms that suicide is immoral, this implies it that it is rationally unacceptable. It may be argued that in certain situations ,suicide is the ideal option, in view of its long-term consequence .For the person who is committing suicide, what counts is that he frees himself/herself from a permanent and inescapable state of suffering. Thus the agent in this case perceives suicide as a means to an end rather than as an end in itself .Some ethical thinkers refer to this approach as being integrated with consequential ethics focusing on further applications of the act .The consequentilist ethical approach assesses the future direction of an act within different time scenarios. A further bioethical issue which needs to be granted paramount importance concerns a deep assessment of both the feelings and the thoughts of those impacted by suicide. The notion of consequentalism surfaces at different phases of the film .The act of suicide creates unnecessary distress to the family and friends, although these are still outweighed by the person himself. Life is a matter of choices and this applies to all the protagonists within the film, every choice represents a mixed package, having both positive and negative implications. Although the loved ones close to the victim of suicide regret the situation, however they tend to agree at the end at least they are not in pain or agony . It is imperative at this stage to focus on the Utilitarian Perspective .The central maxim of the utilitarian approach is the production of happiness for the greatest number ,so that in this particular manner, both suffering as well as misery will be minimized .From the utilitarians stand point the morality of suicide is a double edged reality .It emerges that although the actions on the part of the victim of suicide can produce positive results relative to his/her objectives, the act of suicide still remains morally unacceptable by the utilitarian . At the other side of the spectrum Deontology stresses that the right to life outweighs consequences .This approach focuses on the consequences and other morally relevant factors .The factor under consideration in terms of its wider implications, is not just the result to be attained but more significantly the specific means adopted for the attainment of the results. The means adopted for the production of the act, definitely harms innocent people. This conduces to a new line of thought which has not been tackled by the utilitarians ,It needs to explicitly stated that it is never legitimate to harm innocent people .However whenever an act is done to oneself, it implies that the individual particularly consented to it .The consent principle is highly relevant at this point ,thus on ethical terms one needs to distinguish between consent carried out when the individual is sane and competent , keeping in view the objectives behind the consent .This is based on the constructive grounds tha t the concept principle cannot be judged at face value, but rather in terms of the particular situational context in which it occurs. One needs to bring under review the particular situations in which a specific individual is behaving .In this respect, one needs to distinguish between acting under distress as well as acts which are not carried out for the appropriate moral ends .The deontological approach states in explicit terms that one must never permit and allow a person to commit suicide .There is a tendency that we do fail to think critically about death ,and in most situations ,we tend to avoid if not disregard the subject completely . The rationality of suicide is assessed at this stage. There are two central questions which need to be granted paramount importance are -when if ever would it be true that one is better off dead? The underlying contest of this question concerns whether there are specific situation where it is more worthy to be dead then to be alive. Another concerns -could it be rational on the part of the individual to kill oneself? This implies an assessment whether suicide or at least certain types of suicide represent a rational act. One must keep in view that although Ben appears highly depressed in most of the situations of the film ,yet he was equally focused .The latter implies that he was fully conscious of the rationality and logic of his own actions .It is important to highlight that insightful and critical judgments need to be carried out both before and after a particular act .From a Christian moral perspective it is both immoral and unethical to state that it is better to be dead then b eing alive .This is because the state of death once experienced cannot restore the individual back to life ,and that human life retains a special and unique dignity. Although ethical thinkers tend to adhere to different viewpoints, one thing is certain; being dead is deprivation of good things in life. Individuals who feel life as meaningful journey enjoying the benefits of love, accomplishment and happiness these are directly linked to the spiritual dimension alternatively whenever these benefits are lacking in ones life, life will lose its dignity, and its virtues of beauty will perish. In the Nichomachean ethics Aristotle way back in the classical age advocated that The man who is angry at the right things and with the right people ,and, further ,as he ought, when he ought, and as long as he ought, is praised this perspective is highly applicable to the particular scene in which Ben Thomas explodes in anger at the old peoples home .in addition Aristotle argued that anger ,as a virtue ,has an excess a deficiency and a mean .Aristotle stressed that the mean is gentleness. Whenever one gets excessively angry then he is considered wrathful. Moreover whenever one is deficient in anger than he is timid. One of the greatest concerns of suicide victims {as often evidenced but the content of their notes} is the pain they may cause to the loved ones they leave behind .Whilst the suicide of a loved one may be an almost an impossible event to accept, it may be of some assistance in the healing process for those that left behind, to know that the death of their loved ones death did help save others lives. This can be expounded in terms of the brother of Tim .This knowledge has been known to be helpful to family members of people who die by other means resulting in organ donation. It is essential to focus at this particular stage on the deductive element of the film .This is centered around the motif of Redemption at the cost of ones life .The two major commanding motifs of the film are moralism and subjectivity .They are fruit of post modernism played out .They affirm that there is no absolute moral or ethical decision ,only the moral or ethical subjectivity on the part of the critic .Further they affirm that there is a good and bad aspect that dwell inside of all of us . Subsequently if I became conscious of this dualism, and work at it, I can overpower the bad that is in me, with the good that is in me. In the end, I would have saved myself. A thorny bioethical issue which remains unresolved concerns -on what particular grounds can one determine a good from a bad person .The first question arose because of a seemingly trivial conversation between Ben and George the hockey coach .George asks why me ? The claim that someone is a good person is made on a daily basis, but what justifies this belief when one makes an ethical statement? .Conversely, we have all stated that someone is a bad person .Implicit in these claims are an appeal to some standard .One can recognize something bad if they have some idea about what is good .The movies writhing theme seems to be drawing on a shared intuition .An intuition that ethical theory attempts to understand in holistic terms. A directed donation of organs to strangers is highly polemical since it challenges the perspective that an organ is a gift of life, rather than a mere commodity which can be commercially marketed. However the ethical debate as regards Seven Pounds gets a step further. On what particular criteria can one decide that a potential criteria can one decide that a potential recipient of an organ merits their donation, on the basis of being good .The latter needs to be appreciated since it is already polemical in donating organs, when cases are chosen on the basis of race, religion ethnicity -In this respect it is imperative to note non directed donations raises different ethical concerns. The radical altruism that motivates a person to make a potentially life threatening sacrifice for a stranger calls for careful scrutiny. One needs to question whether Ben is seeking compensation for depression. One must implement standards for both directive and non directed donation prohibiting transplantation when the chance of success is insufficient to justify the risks. Comprehensive oversight is necessary if the ethical pitfalls are to be adequately addressed. The message in this film is interpreted by the audience as being a bioethical claim, a claim giving the impression that suicide is permissible in this particular context. After reviewing Bens life, one has to be highly sensitive and prudent of the ethical approach .Bens life deviates from the ideal Christian virtues. However it does not mean his end action is completely selfless ,most, if even considering these actions would at least want some sort of acknowledgment .Ben was haunted and not fully in possession of his rational faculty by the end of the film . .Morally one must fully understand that Ben has a profoundly disturbed personality due to the unpredicted circumstances which he has experienced .Like many on the path of success his character floated above the real world .This ignorant autonomy and arrogance led to the tragic crash, both in the death of seven individuals and generated a profound detrimental impact on the life of the protagonist Likewise Seven Pounds has a double sided appeal, incorporating profound sociological, psychological and ethical implications. .Muccino is highly inspired by Italian neorealism which marks a sharp contrast with American postmodernism .To a substantial degree, these two different sociological approaches mirror two distinct cultures which have attained distinct levels of socio and ethical development .The anthropological factor needs to be granted sufficient importance within this context .The southern Mediterranean cultures in part the Italian counterpart tend to perceive individuals as part of a wider social web ,having both a formal and informal character .Thus whenever individual face critical problems kinship pressures will help the individual to restore the balance however this is not the case within the context of the American capitalist society .,In fact Muccinos vision creates a kind of sympathy for ordinary Americans who struggle to get by .according to Muccinos perception the American society is very cynical, very severe with those who fail, there is no safety net, when you fail straight down . The ethical notion of altruism in the context of this film is highly debatable. .Am I doing what is right or am I merely serving my ego. Is there such a thing as a good deed or am I in fact putting others in my debt as a way to control or use them to redeem myself .These questions have been highly inspired by Albert Cameos in view of the particular approaches and interpretations of life. When the film was released, the world was undergoing a recession and many citizens interpreted altruism in terms of material goods, not in terms of body organs. Certain critics have interpreted this film as being in substance an assault on the Judeo /Christian ethic .However one needs to question whether this assault is justified .One needs to recognize that not only suicide is a sin, it is the sin .it is the ultimate and absolute evil, the refusal to take an interest in existence, the refusal to take the oath of loyalty to life .The man who kills a man kills a man. The man who kills himself kills all men .As far as he is concerned he wipes out the world. His act is worse symbolically considered then any rape or desperate outrage for it is a challenge and indifference to creation .from the Christian moral perspective one can identify to main lines of thought on the one hand there is the traditional more conservative perspective particularly as regards the notion of suicide ,from the other end of the scale is a fresh contemporary perspective as regards the values of human life ,and the particular purpose and values which need to be attributed to it . The film was watched and critically evaluated on a number of occasions since its narrative and postmodernist ethical aspects could not otherwise be appreciated. Within the ethical dimension this film generated a powerful sensation, since it combined strong secular and utilitarian approaches on the particular manner how one perceives the complex and dynamic reality within a mature industrial context. It is worthy to note that the film is a fictitious story. From a subjective analytical perspective, it results that we are presented with an unusual genre project, partly melodramatic and partly being a puzzle film. As commercial film its plot is not straightforward ,but includes a high degree of narrational ambiguity .This because it includes occasional flashbacks, which towards the terminal part of the film tend to become more frequent, and these feedbacks provide sufficient food for thought .In my regard seven pounds is a very specific story which has a profound moral message .This is coulered by a high degree of pathos or profound emotional impact which motivates the audience so as to participate directly within the life of the protagonist. A profound moral stand point concerns that suicide is simply wrong even if it is carried out for redemption .However does a suicide enacted out of redemption or out of love for others makes sense. Within the context of the Christian morality all sorts of suicide regardless of the particular objective they were carried need to be condemned .This is because life has a sacrosanct identity. From a purely Christian point of view, the actions carried out by Ben are acts of blasphemy ,and definitely in line with the message of Christ .This film created a very powerful sensational uproar particularly within highly secular societies foremost the United States ,which have already advanced in depth within the post modernist culture- In this respect the film would definitely create a profound sensation in Malta, were catholic values are still relatively strong .It is recommended in this respect that the audience who are appropriate to enjoy the film need to be sufficiently mature, intellectually open and have a direct contact with the realities of life. So one keeps asking is Ben a hero or a lost soul? One cannot doubt Bens intellectual prowness since he attained a highly respectable profession as an engineer within the aeronautic industry. Whenever individuals fail to exert a neat balance between work and non work commitments, they will unnecessarily complicate life to the point of being driven to the very edge of a tragedy. From a philosophical perspective, one can safely argue that Ben through the intended suicide sought to escape from his torment via the easiest path. However in practice the easiest path does not mean it is justified in moral terms. Bens actions generate a wide spectrum of perspectives from the members of the civil public. Ben in granting his personal life support organs as part of a retribution process so as to make for seven deaths which he directly yet unconsciously caused. There is the background echoing of the seven pounds of flesh in Shakespeare Merchant of Venice, reflecting clearly that the viscous cycle of evil is constantly taking place throughout history. The Self Giving of Vital Organs A highly insightful approach has been adopted by Paul Ramsey, who advocated initially that it is imperative that one focuses on the past Roman Catholic moral theology. The debate encompassing protagonist Christian moralists pivots around the central principle of Totality, specifically between a justifiable and unjustifiable mutilation. The latter is also related to the intrusion within a persons bodily integrity. As already highlighted humankind enjoys the power but this does not imply that he enjoys the right to manipulate any part of his own body. We enjoy full stewardship, as administrators of our own body .This represents the appropriate act of administration, so as to ensure a holistic bodily life, were health is a cardinal principle. A part of the human body such as Individual limbs, organs, or functions are directly linked to a mans bodily life within the health dimension .There is a direct relationship between the parts and the whole. Although these may be taken away, their functions will be permanently denatured, whenever this is beneficial for the holistic good. In this respect the principle of proportionality plays a pivotal role. Man can be considered as a whole enjoying a high level of dignity, within the context of social wholes to which he pertains. At this pt the principle of totality comes into the forepart .Although the principle of totality conditions self mutilation for ones own good, however it does not influence self /mutilation for the case of ones neighbor. From a subjective perspective, does this militate against the good neighbor policy? Every case needs to be assessed on the basis of its merits. On the same lines of thought, the judgment that the self/giving of organs is not morally accepted on the grounds of the principle of totality does not constitute a minor reflection, or alternatively one the devoid of its core substance so as to attain more meaningful goals .