Tourism and hospitality management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Tourism and hospitality management - Essay Example Hospitality management is one of the key areas which can define the overall competitiveness of the firms working in the hospitality industry. Over the period of time, firms which have been able to develop better management of its resources have been successful in developing important competitive advantages over their competitors. This report has presented a complete analysis of different issues pertaining to two different services providers in the industry. The overall purpose was to check and analyse whether different aspects of hospitality management and project management are carried out in accordance with the best practices. A visit to Sheraton Hotel suggested that the hotel has good quality hygiene food, better services, safety management as well as the roles and responsibilities are adequately defined. This has allowed the hotel to develop a system under which different activities are carried out in accordance with the laid down policies and procedures. This was done in order t o get a firsthand information about the best practices adapted by the industry leading organizations. Crystal Clear Resort, our next assignment, however, showed somewhat a different scenario as the resort faced different issues such as people management, diversity, customer services as well as communication between the employees. Due to diversity of the employees, Resort is facing different challenges and as such requires complete change in the overall attitude of the management in shaping its overall competitive advantage within the industry.... ike work place diversity , reducing the conflict between the employees as well as improve communication between them requires that the Resort must develop better strategies as well as work environment in order to ensure that it can operate on the long term basis besides become more competitive in the industry. It is also critical that Resorts must be able to implement better conflict management practices in order to ensure that it can deliver better customer services to its customers. Overall the organization needs a direction- a new strategy to ensure that it has put in place important changes. This would include better management of HR resources, better operational planning as well as the adequate and effective conflict management system. Develop and Implement Operational Plans Appendix A The need for Operational Plans Operational plans are considered as the sub-set of the overall strategic framework of the organization and require meticulous compliance with the overall strategy of the firm. It not only defines the short term goals and objectives to be achieved but also outline as to how and what parts of the overall strategy of the firm needs to be operationalized. A well-developed operational plan is considered as essential for the development and approval of the operational budget of the organization. A well-developed operational plan therefore provides answers to questions like how to measure the progress and where firm intends to go. This approach therefore makes operational plans an important part of the overall strategy execution of the firm. A clear and well prepared operational plan therefore helps firms to set clear objectives, overall activities to be delivered as well as desired outcomes. Appendix B Internal and External Factors In order to better prepare

Role and Advantages of International and Home Trade Coursework

Role and Advantages of International and Home Trade - Coursework Example Commerce includes all those activities, which are connected with trade and auxiliaries to trade such as transport, warehousing, insurance, and banking and finance.   The trade involves buying and selling of goods and its purpose is to bridge the gap between persons, i.e. the producers and the consumers can concentrate on their own occupations and at the same time buy goods to satisfy their consumption needs. The farmers can both enjoy each other’s products with the help of traders. For example, there are different types of cotton; jute, hides, and skins are supplies to the producers of cotton textiles, gunny bags and shoes respectively. At the same time manufactured goods, which have been produced with the raw materials, are supplied to the consumers. Producers buy raw materials, machinery and equipment, as well as stores and spare parts for machinery fro trading agencies and consumers, buy practically all articles required for their daily use from traders.Goods are produced on a large scale in anticipation of demand.   The markets for products are now spread over the length and breadth of the country and even extended to countries acro ss the international borders. Hence direct sale of goods by the producers to the consumers is not possible. Without the help of traders and merchants engaged in trade, it would be impossible for the system of large-scale production to continue. The trader involved in the actual operation of purchasing goods from producers and selling them to consumers. Traders and consumers are interdependent.

Impacts Of Cruise Tourism

Impacts Of Cruise Tourism This business report addresses the impacts of cruise tourism offered by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. on the environment and its related issues. It aims to attend the necessity of Ecotourism as a sustainable business for the company. Although Royal Caribbean (the worlds second largest cruise with 23.8% of worlds market share) has contributed positively to regional growth by diversification, creating job opportunity, earning foreign reserves but it has diverse issues related to economic, socio cultural and the environment. However the main focus will be on environment which is strongly affected by the increase in cruise lines and there is a need to protect the ecosystem. The issues of cruise tourism pertaining to the environment arises because of three important reasons; lack of proper waste management, selection of improper tourists destinations, and lastly because cruises doesnt restrict to the number of visitor carrying capacity of the tourism destinations, resulting in site congestion, gathering of wastes, deterioration of archaeological and historical sites. Tourist destinations should be national parks, flora and fauna instead of fragile destinations. Due to ocean pollution the company has to pay penalty which raises its expenses, incur losses and also social impact. Even if cruise tourism is the fastest growing business of the travel industry however if the growth is not planned properly it may cause economic, environment and socio-cultural impacts on tourist destinations. Thus, the need for responsible tourism is highly recommended for the sustainability of the business, which can be achieved by ecotourism. Ecotourism is one form of tourism, which addresses the negative impacts associated with mass tourism through the implementation of sustainable practices. Its impacts and benefits are critically analysed and it was recommended for the company to implement it. Necessity of Ecotourism as a sustainable measure for Royal Caribbean 1. Introduction Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is the worlds second largest cruise company founded in 1969 and it. The company is responsible for giving a new dimension to the cruise industry transforming a simple ocean carrier service into a mega vacation option. It sails in more than 160 destinations with a variety of travel options. The two brands are Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. It operates globally, however majority of its passengers are from North America. Main competitors are Carnival Corporation, NCL Corporation, and Star Cruises Ltd. (Royal Caribbean International, n.d.) The main objective of this report is to identify the issues, analyze the impacts of the issue on the sustainability, recommend a solution to fix the issue, find out its benefit, and its implementation by the company making it a sustainable business. The issues and challenges faced by Royal Caribbean cruises in terms of social, economical and environmental factors are discussed in this report. The problem that was identified with the cruise tourism of RCCL was the improper waste management which lead to ocean pollution thus affecting the marine as well as terrestrial environment. The poisonous oil leakage from the vessels killed people and also had harmful effects causing deadly diseases. This impacted the environment as well as society. The economy of the company was negatively impacted because Royal Caribbean had to pay heavy penalty for polluting the environment. This raises the issue of sustainability because for the companys long term business, it is essential to have a balance between these three factors. Ecotourism is suggested as a tool for sustainability. However it is important to critically analyze the potential of ecotourism as a strategy for development, evaluate the impacts and benefits of ecotourism, and the ways t o improve ecotourism practices and policies for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. 2. Issues With the increase in popularity of leisure tourism, the company focuses on providing adventure, relaxation and entertainment to passengers from across the globe and tourist destinations as a part of the cruise package deals. However it is also necessary to maintain the glory of such destinations as it is linked to the environmental performance and the future of tourism also depends on it. Marine life should be protected which is the base of shipping industry. Cruises generate a high volume of wastes, pollutants into the water body which affects the marine environment. Royal Caribbean was found guilty of illegal waste-handling by disposing the toxic waste into the Alaskas Inland Passage waters thereby polluting the marine environment and for which it has to pay a fine of $18 M. But the company was convicted by the U.S Federal for 11 times in charge of ocean pollution. The $9M and $18M fines each were the highest record set for the largest pollution penalty for a cruise-ship company (F ishman, 2000). These pollution scandals not only increased the expenses but also affected the companys gracious public image. The socio- cultural issue in Haiti has also put Royal Caribbean under a heavy media fire. The company brings the vacationers to a private resort maintained by it in Labadee, Haiti, which is 60 miles away from the earthquake-ravaged Port-au-Prince (Bennett, 2010). Ms. Martinez, Manager Corporate Communications said, the company is very sensitive to the idea of delivering a vacation experience so close to the epicentre of the earthquake, but given the financial and social challenges the country is now facing, it needs the positive economic benefits Royal Caribbeans cruises provide. Despite Royal Caribbeans help to the Haiti relief effort, $1 M donation as relief fund, the company is charged for bringing cruisers to this place. It is criticized saying that the cruise line should never have tried to mix its commerce and humanitarian efforts in telling its side of the story (Bush, 2010). In a nutshell, the main issue figured out was cruise tourism which had the serious problems like lack of provision for waste disposal leading to environment and economic crisis, destination selection raising social issues. We will further analyse the effects of cruise tourism in this report. Impacts of Cruise Tourism on the Environment The cruise tourism is likely to have effects on various aspects of the maritime and terrestrial environments. There is always a high possibility of oil spills by the ships in the sea which is very difficult to clean up in the cold remote locations. The impact of vessel activity in the breeding ground and feeding areas of marine mammals risks the wild life and is an area of concern. Whereas the terrestrial environment is affected by the numerous passengers who often make shore visit to places of natural and historical interests as a part of their cruise holiday package, either by speed boats, zodiac or helicopters thereby creating noise pollution and destroying the archaeological sites. Another potential threat is there to the flora and fauna of the place because these species have low tolerance capacity which leads to the destruction of the ecosystem. Not only this, there is a social and cultural disruption among indigenous people whose communities play host to cruise visitors on an increasingly regular basis. While cruise tourism has the potential to disrupt local communities it also has the capacity to enrich them. It can contribute positively to the economies of remote communities and also can be viewed as an environmentally sustainable option. Aspects of global environmental change with relevance to cruise tourism The effects are on three sectors: Infrastructure, Access, and Attractions. Cruise tourism increases the open water which leads to storm surges and shoreline erosions. This creates structural damage and raises construction and engineering problems. An effect on Access is because of declination in sea-ice extent causing extended shipping season and melting of glaciers also causes iceberg hazards. Effect on the attractions is because environmental changes alter local activity possibilities, changes scenic values locally and variations in ecosystem lead to alterations in distribution and abundance of existing animal species (Gissling Hall, 2005, p. 44). 3. Recommendations Royal Caribbean should adapt Ecotourism business to address the sustainability dimensions which will provide a diversity of economic benefits to the company, environment and the community. The benefits of implementing this sustainability practice will reduce operating costs, protect the brand image, provide credible marketing advantage, increase client base, and improve the business efficiency. It is recommended for Royal Caribbean to discourage mass tourism because travelling in small groups helps to conserve energy and the waste needs of passengers are managed in a better way, thereby having low impact on the environment (Paul F. J. Eagles, 2002, p. 20). The travellers should be educated on practices respectful to the local environment and the benefits of small-group responsible tourism. So limit in cruisers number will help to protect the local tourism infrastructure for future generations. Cruise destination should be selected wisely because travel to unspoiled virgin areas is harmful and may damage areas of the environment that are exceedingly rare and fragile. It should sail to nature based places like national parks, areas of conservations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle should be the strategy for waste management. It should recycle all materials like glass, plastic, paper etc. Water bottles can be reused; special processing of wastes such as toner cartridges, wooden pallets and cooking oil should be done by approved shore side vendors. The outstanding garbage can be reused in some countries as road fill, or can be treated as special waste for further processing or disposed of in a landfill. The unconsumed foodstuffs by the guests can be sent to the crew galleys; remaining food scraps can be treated inside the vacuum system of the ship and can be discharged to the sea. Similarly water waste is filtered and purified into potable water. Tour can contribute financially toward the local economy and nature conservation (WTO UNEP, 2005, pp. 9-10). It should contact the local guides, local activity providers for the travel guide to the local places; the cruisers can purchase from the local buyers thereby promoting the local business, visit the national parks. Support the integrity of local cultures by integrating tours within the cultural fabric of the sites. The passengers should be encouraged to stay in local hotels, visit places, and participate in activities that foster meaningful interactions with them. It helps in providing employment, encourages cultural exchange and strengthening of intercultural understanding and tolerance for both guests and hosts. Ecotourism Martha Honey defines as Travel to fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas that strive to be low impact and (usually) small scale. It helps educate the traveller, provides funds for conservation; directly benefits the economic development and political empowerment of local communities, and fosters respect for different cultures and for human rights. (Honey, 1999, p. 25) Advantages of Ecotourism It can help in protecting the ecosystems, preserving natural areas and increase the tourism. Increase the awareness on environment; educate people about the consequences of exploiting natural resources. Help in providing employment to the local and regional people, e.g. selling of handicrafts, local food items etc.; this also creates some entrepreneurial skills (Leader-Williams, Hashimova, Guliyeva, 2004, p. 45). Increases foreign reserves of the region, enhances economic growth. Raises the warmth to multitude countrys political, environmental and social climate Cultivate a feeling of pride and community through a revival or safeguarding of customary beliefs, practices and enriching techniques. Untouched destinations and natural activities may become a craze for tourists creating scope for ecotourism. Diversifying the tourism package into interesting events such as halt in country boats, trail walks etc. will help retaining the revenue generated with the local people and promote local economy. Figure 1: Sustainable Development Triangle (World Conservation Union, 2003) Utilizing the above figure of sustainable development triangle we can say that ecotourism puts a balance between these three sides i.e. economy, environment, and the society. For the long term development of a company it is necessary to be sustainable; Ecotourism will bring future and current benefits as well as work as a form of sustainable development. SWOT Analysis of Ecotourism can be referred in the Appendix attached at the last. 4. Implementation The company should get the new criteria for selecting destinations in a cruise ship port of call from the tourism council. It should follow the guidelines on ecotourism destinations set by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. After that a third party verification of its land excursions adhering to Global Sustainable Tourism Council-recognized standard by 2015 should be done. Once final GSTC Criteria for Destinations are in place, they will provide another standard by which Royal Caribbean can judge ports of call. (Wilkinson, Global Sustainable Tourism Council, 2012) Timeline: An approval from the CEO has to be obtained and then the company should follow GSTC for obtaining the criteria. This process of implementation will take around 3 years which is the timeline. Instead of activities like snorkelling, scuba diving etc. which has impact on the marine life there can be other attractions like visiting conservation area, Plantation house, lush forest trekking, catamaran ride to beaches where the guests can have beach barbeque. Maintaining the quality of these experiences means integrating the guidelines of sustainability, with the help of a GSTC consultant. Timeline: There should be an approval received from the strategic planning department and It can be implemented within 6 months from now. There should be proper waste disposal system in the cruises. Modern equipment like exhaust gas scrubbers should installed on smokestacks, superior wastewater purification should be on the vessels. RCCL can implement these systems on the newer ships as a measure to treat all kind of wastes like solid waste, water waste and air waste. It can also have highly developed systems like reverse Osmosis system that uses only 35 percent of the electricity consumed as compared to older units for converting sea water into drinkable ship water. Timeline: Approval from the corporate governance department should be obtained and this can be implemented within 6 months from now. In order to preserve the environment from dumping things overboard RCCL can initiate programs for educating the cruisers, travellers, crews for recycling all the wastes like aluminium canes, water bottles, food stuffs etc. It can also purchase more than one million pounds of recycled products each year. An approval from the CEO can be obtained for immediately implementing the plan and the sanction for purchasing recycled products can also be got from finance department. Timeline: This can be implemented within 2 month. 5. Conclusion Ecotourism is a win-win solution for destinations where the conservation efforts for the environment are also associated with the livelihood opportunities of the local people. For ecotourism to be effective in its true sense there is a need to develop a proper ecotourism package which should be different from the existing mass tourism packages. Royal Caribbeans plan to implement Ecotourism as a sustainability measure is indeed a commendable decision. The companys initiative to sponsor programs such as setting new criteria for selecting holiday destinations, running programs like Save the Waves with mission as reduce, reuse, recycle will certainly help it for a long term development and overcome the challenges to sustain its business. Although RCCLs investment will be more on these sustainable measures but it will not have a negative impact on the environment, social image and the economy as well because there will be no threat for hefty fines for creating pollution.

The Yellow Wallpaper -- essays research papers

Yellow Wallpaper Without question the short story Yellow Wallpaper would definitely be categorized into a male dominant/feminist interpretation. The story is a perfect example of the stereotype, "that a male knows best". Throughout the story the author does a good job of placing you in the women's shoes. He makes you feel the control he has over her, mentally as well as physically. Most males have a tendency to think that they know best. A man will never stop at a gas station to ask directions from a local resident in a town that he has been lost in for two hours because of course he knows his way around far better than the local ever would. He will find his way eventually even if it takes him the entire day. John makes it well known that he knows best. In line 30 he states, "Your exercise depends on your strength, dear, and your food somewhat on your appetite; but air you can absorb all the time." Yes John is a physician but he does not know exactly what her illness is therefore; he cannot state what depends on what. He tells her that her exercise depends on her strength yet; she is not allowed to go out of the house. No matter her strength she will not be able exercise. The way the story is written (not organized/unfocused), gives you a claustrophobic feeling of no way out, just as the character feels. The story is written to make you empathize with the character. The form of writing is relat...

History of Architecture in Puerto Rico Essay

Puerto Rico was first discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493. He named the place San Juan Baustista and sooner or later the people called it Boriquen Tierra del alto senor or the Land of the Noble Lord. Juan Ponce de Leon became the country’s first governor . Upon his arrival, he constituted a colony in Caparra until such time that Caparra had to be moved to a nearby location with a sound environment. The name Caparra was changed to Puerto Rico which means Rich Port because its harbor is among the best in the world (Everyculture. com, n. d. . Antilles has a series of islands closely situated together with extends more than one thousand miles from Florida all the way to Venezuela or South America. There is the Greater Antilles and the Lesser Antilles and Puerto Rico together with Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Haiti form part of the Greater Antilles. Puerto Rico is the smallest island in the easternmost part of Greater Antilles with a roughly rectangular shape (Solboricua. com,1998). The element, design and architecture of a particular place is as much important as everything else. It is architecture that gives meaning to the place. Good architecture is a reflection of a country’s triumphs and adventures. Architecture at its best light makes the outline of the country. Buildings, cathedrals and homes scream out the personality of the nation and the people . A simple architecture can turn a piece of art into a masterpiece but great architecture breathes life into anything thereby enabling it to achieve a harmonious blend with the society. It is evident in the country’s architecture that Puerto Rico has a substantial amount of Spanish influence during the course of time. The condensed, twisting cobblestone can be similarly compared with Andalusia of Spain. San Juan, otherwise known as La Ciudad Amurallada which is the capital city was founded in 1521. San Juan has a classic example of Spanish architecture, it is home to hundreds of reminiscent historical events. It has more than four hundred years of history stored inside a military threshold. The landmarks of the San Felipe del Morro are considered as one of Puerto Rico’s most prized treasures. After the commonwealth renovation, San Juan was turned into one of the most amazing tourist spot in the world. The city was built using Spanish plans which was organized to make intersecting and perpendicular streets and plazas all over the city. Spanish architecture was brought back in the country during the American occupation. The families belonging to the elites built fortresses and castles that resemble Art Deco structures (Everyculture. com, n. d. ). Puerto Rico has been the home of 16th and 19th century architecture. This country has been the home of classical, contemporary and medieval architecture. Gothic architecture can be seen as well in the San Juan church which was built in the 16th century. The El Morro Fortress is considered an international site. This is a six-level fortress that was built in 1540 and was finished in 1589. The name San Felipe del Morro was adopted in honor of King Phillip II. This building is filled with dungeons and tunnels. It is now under the administration of the National Park Service. Along side the El Morro is the San Cristobal Fort. This ancient structure provided one of the largest defense in the history of America. Like the El Morro, it also contains mazes and tunnels which are built to stand on its own if ever the others would fall. Another architectural wonder in Puerto Rico was the Plaza del Mercado which was an old market that had been revived and turned into a piece of tourist spot. The government allocated a substantial amount of their budget in order to restore their heritage (The Puerto Rico Channel, 2009). The part of Old San Juan is the home of breathtaking tourist attractions. Every year, more and more people go to Puerto Rico rather than any place in the Caribbean. This is the perfect place to see if people want to get a picture of the Old World. There are several plazas such as the Plaza de San Jose. In the center of it stands the statue of Ponce de Leon made entirely of bronze. Plaza del Quinto Centenario has Christopher Columbus’ statue about forty feet made in ceramic and granite which can be interpreted to mean as a symbolism of American roots. It was the work of one of the country’s top artist, Jaime Suarez. Another interesting site would be the Plaza de Armas which has four statues each over a hundred years old, symbolizing the four seasons. Plaza de Colon otherwise known as Columbus Square contains tablets made in bronze in order to remember the significant aspects of his life. The Plaza de la Rogativa’s main attraction was the sculpture of the procession of a pious lady. This piece of art signifies an important event which happened in that same place in 1797. In that year, a British troop lead by Sir Ambercrombie sailed onto the coast of San Juan bay with the plan of attacking the city and taking control. The plan failed so they resulted in alternate plan of blocking the port of the city in the hopes of starving the residents until they come into a point of surrender. The whole town grew desperate so the governor told the people to call for divine assistance. In response, all the women in town gathered and formed a procession carrying bells and torches. When the British heard the bell and saw all the lights, they thought that reinforcements came to the aid of the people so they left ( Puerto Rico, 2009). It is a wonderful thing that Puerto Rico imbibed the rich culture of Spain during its colonization but as good as it may be, the country also has its own pure and uninfluenced Puerto Rican architecture. An example would be its very own Caribe Hotel. Its colors, structure and striking murals reflect its own rich culture and not Spain’s. The main feature of of this hotel is that it was once a part of the medieval fort that the Spanish explorers used (The Puerto Rico Channel, 2009). The beauty of this country is that it never runs out of sights that stand out during the course of time. A person can look every direction and see pieces of architecture lying all over the country such as fortresses, parks, churches and buildings. La Fortaleza was built as a defense against attacks of the Indians. This structure was the very first among the several military concentration camps that were constructed along side the San Juan Bay. The original structure underwent changes because of the passing of the time so in the late 1800’s, this building was reconstructed. Puerto Rico also has its very own Madrid in the heart of San Juan city, it is called Alcadia. When it comes to churches, Puerto Rico has a handful. The San Juan Cathedral, the second oldest cathedral in the west was built in 1521. The very first building was made of wood but it got destroyed by a hurricane two times, once in 1540 and again in 1598. The Cathedral standing today was the result of efforts to restore the structure that once was in order to preserve the its heritage. In the church lies the tomb of the country’s first ever governor Ponce de Leon. The San Jose Church was the first ever church and monastery of Saint Thomas Aquinas which was constructed by the Dominicans in the memory of Saint Thomas de Aquinas and also to serve not only as a refuge but a sanctuary as well. Puerto Rico is a country blessed with museums. The Pablo Casals Museum is considered a Spanish legacy . It contains artifacts, memorabilia and library full of tapes of festivals and concerts. Casa de los Dones or the House of the Two Foyers is Puerto Rico’s home of the Indians located at the streets of San Juan. It is full of archaeological exhibits. The Asilo de Beneficencia was built to help poor people. It was constructed during the 1800’s . The place now offers exhibits everyday, it is called the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture. Puerto Rico’s White House called the Casa Blanca was the former residence of Governor Ponce de Leon and his children’s children for over two hundred years. After the military took over, they used it as home for the commanders. The White House today holds over several rooms each designed with a different period associated with the history of the house (Puerto Rico, 2009). Many art lovers and scholars firmly believe that architecture greatly contributes to the pillar of success of any nation. Puerto Rico is a classic example that architecture gives life to the nation. Through a country’s architecture, its history can be fully appreciated. Somebody once said that the present can never be understood without knowing the past. In the same way, the value of Puerto Rico’s deep and rich culture can never be fully appreciated without the beaming architectural structures of the fortresses, cathedrals and museums. These architectural pieces holds in time all that the country went through, from the time when the island was first discovered until the Spanish colonization and the modernization. Every memory that the country holds dear are steps away from each other. Taking a look and examining the historical landmarks all over Puerto Rico enables any person to take a trip down the country’s very own memory lane. The country itself is a living memorabilia of everything that went through its nation and this fact can be greatly attributed to its architecture.

Femoral Vein to the Lower Lobe of the Right Lung Via of the Right Pulmonary Artery

Hello everyone and welcome aboard: Today we are going to embark together in my mini sub and we are going to travel through this wonderful body of this young lady named Brittany. In this journey we will enter her body through the femoral vein and travel all the way to her lung. Alert! Alert! An alert just came and we are in for a wild surprise. A bacteria has invaded Brittany’s lower lobe of her right lung and we need to report the invasion and document all we see as to what we see also.The femoral vein runs parallel with the femoral artery through the upper thigh and pelvic region of the body (Yahoo Health,2013) Being one of the larger veins in the body, the femoral vein returns blood into the leg to the heart through the iliac vein. Before we get to the iliac vein, we are going to pass through the inguinal ligament that forms a band going from anterior superior iliac spine to the pubis ligament.The role of the inguinal ligament is to protect the tissue movement between the tr unk and the lower extremities,(Yahoo Health, 2013). From the inguinal ligament, going north, we are going to see the external iliac vein which is a continuation of the femoral vein just above the inguinal ligament. Starting at the groin area the external iliac vein goes along the pelvic area. When it intersects with the internal iliac vein, we will navigate east into the common iliac vein that functions to drain the perineal regions.The iliac veins are joined together to form inferior vena cava, also know as posterior vena cava, is a vein that carries a lot of deoxygenated blood from the lower body to the heart,(Yahoo Health, 2013). It runs behind the abdominal cavity and alongside the righ vertebrae column of the spine and it carries a lot of the blood from the lower bosy to the heart and lungs,(Yahoo Health, 2013). From here we can already see the heart. Isn’t it factastic? ? ?

Kids and Violent Crimes essays

Kids and Violent Crimes essays Killer kids. Theyre everywhere, or so it seems. Each evenings news brings us stories of these savage juveniles who appear to kill for sport or simply for the thrill of knowing what if feels like to kill. These kids appear to have no remorse and leave the rest of us confused and terrified. Violent teens are every parent and schools nightmare, if you believe what you read in the papers and hear on the news. We have all heard the horror stories of younger and younger kids who are picking up weapons and harming or killing others. One of the most horrific of there cases was the shooting at Columbine H.S. in Littletown, Colorado where Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, ages 17 and 18, massacred 12 of their classmates and a teacher before killing themselves. What is going on in the mind of a child or teen who kills? This is one of the puzzles our society must struggle with if we are to understand how to find a solution to child murderess. Politicians would have us believe that if we can pass new and better laws, we can cut down on juvenile crime. But this is not the case. We must first understand what is that leads a kid to kill in the first place before we can go on to the next step towards a solution to juvenile violence or is it todays society that plays a part in exacerbating the traits these bad seeds already have? Many people believe in the bad seed theory, that kids who are violent are just no damn good. I do not believe in the bad seed theory. Lurking behind these quiet, unemotional facades, there h as to be more brewing than meets the eyes. III.) Crimes that are occurring the most in schools V.) Types of security device in schools VI.) Contribution to kids and violence The problem we are facing today with violence in the schools is a major concern with communities everywhere. Juvenile homicide is twice as common today as it was in the mid 1980's. It isn't the brain ...

Body Image and Sexuality Essays

Body Image and Sexuality Essays Body Image and Sexuality Paper Body Image and Sexuality Paper The first step in understanding the relationship between body image and sexuality is to understand the meaning of each. Body image is how one sees one’s own body. Despite the simple definition, there lies a complexity in the practical meaning of the word. Body satisfaction (or dissatisfaction) is influenced heavily by one’s culture: the norm of the ideal body. In the US, the ideal female body is low in fat yet curvaceous. However, in China, Ghana and Greece (Myth of Dionysius; Semiotic, 2006), the big bellies, fatness and heaviness in women are desired and related to happiness and abundance. Thus, the definition of body image is dependent on how one’s perception is influenced by his culture and surroundings. Sexuality Sexuality has a more academic definition, i. e. , the quality or state of being sexual (Sexuality, 2006). Unambiguously, it is one’s level of interest in sex. Sexuality is in most part a biological phenomenon, the interest of the female specie to the male as the opposite specie. However, there are aspects in the modern relationship that accept the fact of homosexuality. In this paper, we limit our research into the heterosexual aspect of sexuality. Two researches are being presented to show the scientific investigation conducted by professionals on the topic at hand. Research No. 1 McKay, A. of the Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality (2000) discusses a survey conducted by Ackard, D. M. , Kearney-Cooke, A. , Peterson, C. B. on the effect of body image and self-image on womens sexual behaviors. In March 1997, Ackard, et. al, conducted a survey entitled Does Your Body Image Affect Your Love Life? featured in Shape magazine. The response of 3,627 women age ranging from 14 to 74 years old, completed college and weighing an average of 145 lbs, was a 66. 4% satisfaction with their overall self. In spite of this, 60. 2% of them were dissatisfied with their appearance and a while 80. 5% reported some degree of satisfaction with their ability to form and maintain relationships with others. (Mckay, 2000, p. 124) The survey resulted in a direct correlation between body image and sexuality, i. e. , those satisfied with their body image, responded as having higher frequency of sex and achieving orgasm, than those that are dissatisfied with their body image. Furthermore, the intimacy and adventure level of those the ones satisfied with their body image were higher than those that were dissatisfied: greater comfort undressing in front of their partner, greater comfort having sex with the lights on, greater comfort trying new sexual activities, and greater confidence in their ability to give their partner sexual pleasure. (Mckay, 2000, p. 124) In spite of the above, Mckay (2000, p. 124) noted that Ackard, et. al, (2000) concluded that overall satisfaction is the more significant influencing factor to the respondents’ sexuality, more than body image itself. This is evidenced by the fact that the overall self-satisfaction and ability to form and maintain relations with others resulted with a higher percentage than the satisfaction of the respondents with their own appearance, which is body image. The Ackard, et. al survey however has a limited respondent base, i. e. the respondents are readers of the fitness magazine and thus maybe highly focused on body image vs. the average woman. A wider subject base is considered in the next experiment and presents a more analytical assessment of the relationship between body image and sexuality. Research No. 2 In 1998, Wiederman, M. W. and Hurst, S. R. , conducted a study with 192 young women aged 18 to 21, 89. 6% were White, 7. 8% were Black, and 2. 6% were Latina, all psychology students of Ball State University, Indiana. In this experiment, specific measures were assessed relating to body image and sexuality as follows: (1) relationship status, dating (casually or exclusively) or committed; (2) Sexual experience, actual intercourse or oral stimulation; (3) Sexual esteem or the tendency to evaluate oneself positively as a sexual partner; (5) Attitudinal acceptance of casual sex using; (6) Actual attractiveness measured by a male and a female research assistant; (7) Body mass index (BMI); (8) Body dissatisfaction; (9) Self-rated bodily attractiveness; (10) Appearance orientation on habits related to one’s appearance; and (11) Social avoidance. (Wiederman Hurst, 1998) The results were interesting. Those that are in a relationship (some level of commitment with the opposite sex) were relatively smaller, objectively more attractive, and perceived themselves as having more attractive bodies. Furthermore, slightly more women who are not committed were dissatisfied with their body image. Similarly, those without any form of sexual experience were bigger and objectively less attractive. They also had limited or no initiative to perform oral sex to a male partner. For sexual esteem, those that scored high in self-rated bodily attractiveness had higher sexual esteem and are not intimidated in social activities highlighting one’s appearance. However, for both measures, there is a higher body image dissatisfaction rate on those with high sexual experience and sexual esteem. Thus, the authors concluded that the results of the current study are not definitive. (Wiederman Hurst, 1998) Relationship The simple answer for the question at hand is no: one’s body image is not a definitive factor to determine one’s sexuality. Humans have the power to overcome unpleasant, objectively unacceptable body image to achieve a positive overall self-satisfaction. By doing so, as evidenced in the two experiments, one’s level of sexuality is heightened as well. References Body image. (n. d. ). The American Heritage ® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved November 13, 2006, from Answers. com Web site: answers. com/topic/body-image Body image. (n. d. ). Wikipedia. Retrieved November 13, 2006, from Answers. com Web site: answers. com/topic/body-image Henderson, K. A. , Hodges, S. , Kivel, B. D. (2002). Context and Dialogue in Research on Women and Leisure. Journal of Leisure Research, 34(3), 253+. Retrieved November 14, 2006, from Questia database: questia. com/PM. qst? a=od=5000812878 Mckay, A. (2000). Effect of Body Image and Self-Image on Womens Sexual Behaviors. The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 9(2), 124. Retrieved November 14, 2006, from Questia database: questia. com/PM. qst? a=od=5001808421 Semiotics of Ideal Beauty. (n. d. ). Wikipedia. Retrieved November 13, 2006, from Answers. com Web site: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Semiotics_of_Ideal_Beauty Sexuality. (n. d. ). Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer. Retrieved November 13, 2006, from Answers. com Web site: answers. com/topic/sexuality Sexuality. (n. d. ). The American Heritage ® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved November 13, 2006, from Answers. com Web site: answers. com/topic/sexuality Wiederman, M. W. , Hurst, S. R. (1998). Body Size, Physical Attractiveness, and Body Image among Young Adult Women: Relationships to Sexual Experience and Sexual Esteem. The Journal of Sex Research, 35(3), 272+. Retrieved November 14, 2006, from Questia database: questia. com/PM. qst? a=od=5001369622

4G Technology – An Analysis

4G Technology An Analysis 4G refers to the Fourth Generation of cellular wireless standards in telecommunications that will succeed it predecessors 3G 2G. It is a high-speed broadband wireless network that offered comprehensive & secure all IP based services. According to the ITU, requirements for 4G standards were specified by IMT-Advanced (International Mobile Telecommunication-Advanced). The data rates of 4G service for high mobility communication was set to 100 Mbps and low mobility communication was set to 1 Gbps. It focuses on cellular system with extremely high data rates & the concept of seamless technology in all wireless systems. Carriers that are using OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing) as an alternative to TDMA and CDMA are promoting their services as 4G even though their data rates are not high according to the ITU. 4G outdoor users that have Internet access through cell phones or smart phones were promised to have a targeted data speed of around 100 Mbps by the IMT-Advanced and t he data speed for indoor users such as LAN (Local Area Network) was suppose to be around 1Gbps. This type of higher speed for both fixed and mobile Internet users is truly amazing. 4G proposes scalable channel bandwidth flexibility of up to 40 MHz. The network resources are dynamically utilized & shared to sustain more simultaneous users over each call. 4G also has the ability to propose high QoS (Quality of Service) for multimedia support and offer smooth handover heterogeneous networks. It must also have the ability to offer wireless LAN roaming & interact with systems used for video broadcasting. Figure 5: Seamless Connection of Networks in 4G [5]. The 4G architecture comprises of 3 crucial areas of connectivity namely PAN (Personal Area Network) WAN (Wide Area Network Cellular Connectivity Each device will have the ability to interact with the Internet based information that is modified over the network used by the device at that time. This structure can support a wide r ange of 4G mobile devices that sustain global roaming. In 4G networks users that join the network have the ability to add mobile routers to the infrastructure. Changing user patterns can be accommodated by dynamically shifting network capacity & coverage. Creating additional routes as the concentration of people is higher in one area compared to the other enables additional access to the capacity of the network. Users can easily avoid congested routes by hoping to the less congested routes. This allows the network to automatically balance the capacity by increasing the network utilization. The service for all the users improve with the increase in number of users. Need for 4G One of the questions that come to mind when thinking about future 4G systems is there need. The first application to be mobilized was voice telephony, few years ago. The short message service (SMS) was the first application to be introduced as a mass-market application. The hardware complexity was not an issue at the given time along with the advantage of small bandwidth requirements. The SMS was just the commencement of various data services like mobile email, web browsing etc. The key feature in most of them was the packet based wireless networks carrying IP data in one hand and powerful terminals that could cope with these applications on the other. Although the network capacity is still not an issue due to less number of users, there are number of reasons for increased bandwidth requirements in the future. First, the number of wireless users increases exponentially resulting into an increase in bandwidth requirement. Second, the popularity of video and music downloads has increased immensely within few years. The information content in a video or music is more than the corresponding text but so is the capacity requirement. Last but not the least, mobile social networks have taken the current internet usage to a much higher level. Picture viewing sites, web blogs and also video sharing sites have reshaped the internet.

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

Writing - Essay Example However, Hou Hsai-hsien has used the concept of the red balloon in the context of modern day Paris. Hou Hsai-hsien’s film seems to underline the change in the perception of childhood since the 1950s. The little boy Pascal (The Red Balloon) and Simon (Flight of the Red Balloon) live two different types of life set apart by the time to which they belong. Their childhood too seems to be suffering from the whims of the adult world. The red balloon that connects both the films and gives the feel of continuity is the only representation of a child’s free spirit and imagination. Albert Lamorisse in his film The Red Balloon portrays childhood as a fairytale world where a child’s dream comes true. The big and bright red balloon brings variation in the otherwise monotonous life of Pascal. Lamorisse seems to stress upon the fact that childhood often gets lost in the attempt of making children live under strict routine. Pascal breaks free from the mechanical life with getting the balloon. He tries to shield it and protect it from the violence of nature and the human world. It seems as though he is trying to keep his imagination away from the clutches of harsh reality and live in his own imaginative world. The red balloon which stands for a child’s fantasy and boundless imagination follows Pascal everywhere. This sense of dependence and attachment that they bear for each other indicates the child’s love for his own imaginative world. But finally reality takes over as the older boys out of jealousy and the pleasure of bullying him steal his re d balloon and pelt stones at it. The conclusion of the film is made unique and full of optimism as Lamorisse does not project the death of a child’s imagination but by setting Pascal on a flight with the colorful balloons triggers childhood fancy. Hou Hsai-hsien’s Flight of the Red Balloon treats the red balloon as the icon of childhood

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'Has nudity in advertising become dysfunctional - Essay Example The findings showed that mixed results. Majority of the participants felt that nudity enhanced the effectiveness of advertising. However, there were also some participants who felt that nudity lowered the effectiveness of advertising. The findings of this study have implications for marketing experts and for people responsible for developing adverts. There is an urgent need for marketers to understand how their target customers will view the advert that contains nudity. Marketers need to respect the views of their customers and not show anything which may offend them. Presently it is observed that utilizing nudity in promotional advertisements has take up pace and many people are falling for it too. Companies are concerned with large scale revenue generation and therefore it is okay for them to ignore some standards of ethics. 14 It should be noted here as per Gibson (1982), that the most important aspects of an organization that are depicted in its branding and advertisement schemes are organizational culture and organizational structure. 15 A company’s internal environment has a large amount of psychological and economical bearings on the company’s working. It serves as the paradigm says Cassidy (2005) in which workers from different departments work to a foreseeable future. It is therefore necessary for all the components to work in utter solidarity with each other. A harmonious environment catalyzes a more efficient response with better results as explained by Kasoori (2009) 20 A prosperous procedure in the company should consider some sort of well organized and also effectively propagated advertisement promotions which might be both equally influential and also workable. Elliot (1997) says that a number of variable mass media transmission options must be employed; web, radio stations and also television set must be used by promotional campaigns as the items along with the business

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The Integrated STEM System - Research Paper Example This essay will not deeply address the issues as the main project will follow that will handle the topic adequately. The acronym STEM refers to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It is a newly introduced curriculum which advocates for the teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics through integration. Meaning, it is a new approach which adopts an applied and interdisciplinary strategy while teaching these subjects without necessarily teaching them in isolation. By blending Chemistry, physics, In formation Technology, computer, engineering, mathematical science, geosciences, astronomy, life science and social sciences, the curriculum will be encouraging students to learn about practical problem solving skills which are of course essential in their day to day experiences. STEM was established in the United States with the aim of solving the problems created in education and offering of science subjects. The project is aimed at making the STEM related fields more relevant to the students. This is aimed in turn at ensuring that the students become more creative in the future and come up with new projects that can help the country scientifically. The problems in security are a major concern in many countries and it was also one of the highlighted problems that are to be addressed by the STEM project once it goes underway. This essay will look deeply into the idea and point out the strengths it has depicted and the limitations including the remedies that can be implemented to make it a more effective method of bridging the scientific and technological gap that is created in science subjects. However, in order to achieve its objectives, STEM program will have to be introduced to the learners as early as possible. As a matter of fact, it will be shift from the common tradition in which the STEM subjects are taught differently in schools. As a new system aiming at reaching the greatest possible

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Wind turbines - Essay Example The earth’s surface does absorb heat at different rates since it is made up of quite distinct types of water and land (School of Earth and Environment, 2014). A good example of uneven heating is found in the daily cycle of the wind. Air over water does heat up less fast compared to air over land. After heated air over land rises up, after which the air that is cooler over the waters rush to replace it (Met Office, 2013). In this way, wind is made. Wind power is generated by use of wind energy that is created by the wind. Towers that have wind turbines, which are mounted on the top, capture it. The three or two blades, which catch the wind, rotate sometimes at a hundred feet or more above the surface of the ground. They are attached to an internal shaft. A generator is spin by the turbine blades through the shaft and as a result, electricity is produced (Energy Saving Trust, 2014). Electrical current produced is produced and a transformer is made use to step up voltage produced , something that makes it possible for electricity to be sent through transmission over distribution lines to businesses, homes, and other users (BBC Weather Centre, 2009). Concurrently, wind power in windmills form has been used for different tasks like pumping water as well as grain grinding for centuries. Currently wind energy use has been widened and generation of electricity generation (Renewable UK , 2014). Wind turbines that generate electricity are of two types basically, determined by the way in which they spin. Most common are wind turbines that spin around a horizontal axis, the way a windmill does. Their blades have a look that of a propeller that spin on a horizontal axis. They do have their main rotor shaft as well as a generator at the tower top, and they have to point into the wind. A wind vane is placed squire with blades (rotor) and is used to point small turbines, while large turbines make use of wind sensors, which is

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Myth. Why did myth survive the scientific and philosophic challenges of the classical Greek world - Essay Example Why did the myth survive the scientific and philosophical challenges of the classical Greek world? Introduction: Myth is some idea or a belief which is absurd and fictitious and has originated in the prehistoric times which came into being naturally and inevitably. The myths developed due to the fact that the inhospitable environment that the primitive man encountered. The origin of the myth during the prehistoric times or during the childhood of mankind might due to two reasons: one may be the fear that might have been created during an occurrence of the natural phenomenon such as thunder or storm for example, and another might be as a remembrance of the events of the past. So, as the history of the mankind developed, the language and the practices also developed along with the myth. The religion, rituals and the myths are all developed in parallel but are distinct from one another. The myths have a great part in the development of the religion. However, equating the myth with the r eligion is not possible. Myth is the response of the mankind to the natural environment (Graff, Fritz., et al., 1996). Over the centuries, Greek culture developed and underwent many changes in this context of the myths. Until a few centuries the Greeks were supporting myths and after the eighteenth century the Greeks used to refer the word myth by ‘muthos’ which means stories and words and started defending with the evidence of the scientific evidences and facts referred by ‘logos’. ... So the first thing is that the myth is developed out of lack of explanations. Explanations: Myth seemed to have strong thoughts on the areas where the scientific and reasoning does not produce the results. To explain briefly, myth plays a strong role where the reasoning doesn’t seem much to offer. For example, in the case to speculate what happens after the death. A common explanation is that death is a fact and can occur to anybody regardless of their age and status of their living. If we reason out this fact the next immediate question arises is that what would happen after death and it would be related to the good and the bad lives the individual had lived through out his / her lifetime. So in order to explain this question it is sorted out that the soul of those who lived good lives would go to the Elysium and the soul of those who lived bad lives would go to the Tartarus and punished to the degree of unpleasantness. Another part where the myth played its role is the place where there is unreliable and nonexistent of historical evidences. So these kinds of explanations depend on the social, cultural and the educational background of the believer and what is actually believed. Reinforcement: The reinforcement of the political, social and ethical position of the subject in the context might also be a reason for the explanations of the myths. For example the Roman emperor Nero used to identify him with Gods in order to manipulate his image. In order to impress this myth the emperor image was cast in the coins by the architects which would image him as a god. Issues: The issues which created as a result of the reinforcement of the authority are social and cultural tensions, and dilemmas. Therefore a myth could be changed and manipulated to

The Integrated STEM System Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Integrated STEM System - Research Paper Example This essay will not deeply address the issues as the main project will follow that will handle the topic adequately. The acronym STEM refers to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It is a newly introduced curriculum which advocates for the teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics through integration. Meaning, it is a new approach which adopts an applied and interdisciplinary strategy while teaching these subjects without necessarily teaching them in isolation. By blending Chemistry, physics, In formation Technology, computer, engineering, mathematical science, geosciences, astronomy, life science and social sciences, the curriculum will be encouraging students to learn about practical problem solving skills which are of course essential in their day to day experiences. STEM was established in the United States with the aim of solving the problems created in education and offering of science subjects. The project is aimed at making the STEM related fields more relevant to the students. This is aimed in turn at ensuring that the students become more creative in the future and come up with new projects that can help the country scientifically. The problems in security are a major concern in many countries and it was also one of the highlighted problems that are to be addressed by the STEM project once it goes underway. This essay will look deeply into the idea and point out the strengths it has depicted and the limitations including the remedies that can be implemented to make it a more effective method of bridging the scientific and technological gap that is created in science subjects. However, in order to achieve its objectives, STEM program will have to be introduced to the learners as early as possible. As a matter of fact, it will be shift from the common tradition in which the STEM subjects are taught differently in schools. As a new system aiming at reaching the greatest possible

Myth. Why did myth survive the scientific and philosophic challenges Essay

Myth. Why did myth survive the scientific and philosophic challenges of the classical Greek world - Essay Example Why did the myth survive the scientific and philosophical challenges of the classical Greek world? Introduction: Myth is some idea or a belief which is absurd and fictitious and has originated in the prehistoric times which came into being naturally and inevitably. The myths developed due to the fact that the inhospitable environment that the primitive man encountered. The origin of the myth during the prehistoric times or during the childhood of mankind might due to two reasons: one may be the fear that might have been created during an occurrence of the natural phenomenon such as thunder or storm for example, and another might be as a remembrance of the events of the past. So, as the history of the mankind developed, the language and the practices also developed along with the myth. The religion, rituals and the myths are all developed in parallel but are distinct from one another. The myths have a great part in the development of the religion. However, equating the myth with the r eligion is not possible. Myth is the response of the mankind to the natural environment (Graff, Fritz., et al., 1996). Over the centuries, Greek culture developed and underwent many changes in this context of the myths. Until a few centuries the Greeks were supporting myths and after the eighteenth century the Greeks used to refer the word myth by ‘muthos’ which means stories and words and started defending with the evidence of the scientific evidences and facts referred by ‘logos’. ... So the first thing is that the myth is developed out of lack of explanations. Explanations: Myth seemed to have strong thoughts on the areas where the scientific and reasoning does not produce the results. To explain briefly, myth plays a strong role where the reasoning doesn’t seem much to offer. For example, in the case to speculate what happens after the death. A common explanation is that death is a fact and can occur to anybody regardless of their age and status of their living. If we reason out this fact the next immediate question arises is that what would happen after death and it would be related to the good and the bad lives the individual had lived through out his / her lifetime. So in order to explain this question it is sorted out that the soul of those who lived good lives would go to the Elysium and the soul of those who lived bad lives would go to the Tartarus and punished to the degree of unpleasantness. Another part where the myth played its role is the place where there is unreliable and nonexistent of historical evidences. So these kinds of explanations depend on the social, cultural and the educational background of the believer and what is actually believed. Reinforcement: The reinforcement of the political, social and ethical position of the subject in the context might also be a reason for the explanations of the myths. For example the Roman emperor Nero used to identify him with Gods in order to manipulate his image. In order to impress this myth the emperor image was cast in the coins by the architects which would image him as a god. Issues: The issues which created as a result of the reinforcement of the authority are social and cultural tensions, and dilemmas. Therefore a myth could be changed and manipulated to

What Are Some Risk Factors to Prevent Illness Essay Example for Free

What Are Some Risk Factors to Prevent Illness Essay * What are some risk factors that may be controlled to prevent serious illness? Do any of these controllable risk factors apply to you? What can you do to eliminate these risk factors in your life? We can prevent serious diseases if we have strong immune systems, so we have to strengthen them, we can take vitamin c daily. We can ingest fruits every day, citrus fruits are more important, they are rich in vitamin c. and we could take supplemental vitamins to help our body become stronger to prevent diseases. Yes some of these things can be taken control over. You can change the conditions through diet and exercise. Your best defense is information. Talk to your health care provider to find out if u are at risk for any serious diseases. Work with your health care provider to come up with a plan of action to help you control the risk factors in your life. High blood pressure is a very important risk factor for someone to have a stroke. Strokes affect 40 percent of ethnic populations over age 20. Just remember to check your family history to see if you are at risk for certain illnesses. * With widely publicized information on the health and environmental consequences of smoking, why do you think people still choose to smoke? Even with the widely dispersed information on smoking people still choose to smoke because the tobacco companies spend billions of dollars annually on campaigns to entice younger and younger generations to start smoking. Some of the other reasons is because nicotine is extremely addictive and it is hard to put cigarettes down and just quit them cold turkey and people mainly start smoking either from peer pressure or just smoke in social situations only and then they start to develop the addiction for the nicotine. Nicotine also makes people feel energized and alert right after they have smoked but the results are very short lived and then they need another one because they want that energy burst again. Smoking has been determined to be more addictive than cocaine, heroin, or alcohol. Smoking mainly get started in high school or college because of the major tobacco companies and social situations with other people because you want to look cool. * What is the difference between a problem drinker and an alcoholic? What factors can cause someone to become an alcoholic? What effect does alcoholism have on an alcoholic’s family? Alcoholism is a serious, debilitating disease which literally destroys lives. Problem drinkers are those whose alcohol abuse has adversely affected their lives, causing adverse issues in most or all areas of their lives. The nature of alcohol abuse often means there are underlying unresolved issues plaguing the problem drinker. The following factors can be a cause for a person to become alcoholic: 1. It can be genetic 2. Escape from reality and personal problems. Cover up or mask their depression and anxiety. 3. Lack of supervision from parents has a high tendency to develop a habit that deals with alcoholic drinks. 4. Alcohol is a method to escape from stress, fatigue and can be inherited, Boredom, among others. 5. Genetics also play a role and there are indications that alcoholism can be inherited. Alcoholism can impact a family in one of two ways either emotionally or financially it can also impact a family by creating health problems.

Economics Essays Financial System Banking

Economics Essays Financial System Banking Capital Adequacy Directive Abstract In the recent years, it seems that the supervisors have increased the attention on the capital adequacy of banking intuitions in order to enhance and maintain the stability of financial system. The purpose of the present paper is to investigate into the merits as well as disadvantages of the Capital Adequacy Directive implementation in the Switzerland economy for the behaviors of Swiss banks and shed some light on whether and how Swiss bank react to constraints placed by the regulator on their capital. The analysis and evidences given will clarify the finding is that while the Swiss banks enjoy the typical merits that have been brought by this innovation, some drawbacks they might endure could not be neglected, which implies the need for good policy guidelines of Government and Central Bank. Chapter 1 Introduction We do realize there are better moments to introduce substantial increases in capital requirements. Nout Wellink (April, 2008), head of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision During the last 30 years, a wide range of countries have introduced the formalized capital requirement. This innovation seemed to be spearheaded by the adoption of minimum capital requirement in some particular states (for instance, the US and the UK in 1981). However, with the first introduction of Basel Accord in 1998, the common minimum capital requirements were actually adopted by G-10. To date, the Accord has been implemented by over 100 countries world-wide (Allen, 2004). The implementation process of Capital Adequacy Directive (CAD) on the one hand produced many successes in practice as it helps to limit risk-taking relative to capital and to prevent systemic instabilities arising from large-scale banking failures, thereby enhancing the productivity, efficiency, safety and soundness of domestic banking system, in general, global financial system. On the other hand, it also has generated several important failures and unintended consequences as it might reduce the lending ability of commercial banks which in turn directly influences to their competitiveness relative to other forms of intermediation. This study attempts to measure the cost and benefits of Capital Adequacy Directive and apply it to the population of commercial banks that operated in Switzerland. The result suggests that even though some negative impacts of CAD is obviously seen, the implementation of CAD in Swiss banking system is essentially and truly needed. As the matter of fact, the advantages that Swiss commercial banks have achieved due to the effectiveness of capital adequacy regulation outweigh the disadvantages they might suffer. The paper is divided into 4 sections. Chapter 2 introduces the historical review and general theory of Capital Adequacy Directive. Chapter 3 provides firstly the analysis on the both benefits and costs of CAD, followed by the statistic evidences from Swiss commercial banks’ behaviors. Finally, the summary of the main findings of this study and conclusion will be mentioned in the last section. Chapter 2 Capital Adequacy Directive: Historical Review and General Theory 2.1 Historical review The Capital Adequacy Directive was firstly and officially introduced as the core part of the 1998 Accord, referred to as Basel Accord (International Convergence of Capital Measurements and Capital Standards) issued by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (henceforward Basel Committee) in July 1998 (Hall, 2004). This accord is not formal treaty nor a binding legal rule, however due to the practical effects conveyed with it, the guidelines of this accord have been implemented not only by signatory countries at the beginning but also by over 100 countries world-wide (Lastra, 2004). Nevertheless, the 1988 Accord has been criticized for its crude assessment of risk and for creating opportunities for regulatory arbitrage (Blum and Hellwig, 1996). Therefore, at the end of June 2004, the â€Å"New Capital Accord† (henceforth call Basel II) was finally issued after the endorsement conducted by G10 banks supervisor in order to replace the original accord (now termed â€Å"Basel I† agreed in 1988) and solve the problems occurred as the result of Basel I implementation in banking system. 2.2 General Theory of Capital Adequacy Directive The genesis of Capital Adequacy Directive as well as the capital regulation could be traced back to the concern that bank might hold less capital than is socially optimal â€Å"relative to its riskiness as negative externalities resulting from bank default are not reflected in market capital requirements† (Rime, 2001). In the 1988 Accord, the Basel Committee provided a ratio of capital to risk-weighted assets. In this Basel formula, Capital is divided into Tier 1 (equity capital plus disclosed reserves minus goodwill) and Tier 2 (revaluation reserves, undisclosed reserve, general loan loss reserves, and subordinated term debt). Specifically, Tier 1 capital must to constitute at least 50% of the total capital base. In addition, the denominator of this Basel formula is the sum of risk-adjusted assets plus off-balance sheet items adjusted to risk. (Lastra, 2004) According to (BIS, 2008) the 1998 Accord in essence prescribed that banks hold capital of at least 8 % of their risk-weighted assets. Although there is no strong argument for the â€Å"target† ratio 8%, it still was considered to be â€Å"sufficient† due to the empirical application from previous policy applied in some states such as the US/UK bilateral agreement of 1986 regarding capital adequacy (Rime, 2005). Eight percent were the median in exiting good practice at that time: the US as well as the UK around 7.5 %, Switzerland 10%, France and Japan 3 % (Lastra, 2004). In fact, data from a wide range of banks from the Fitch IBCA database and national supervisors as well as the Basle Committee denote increasing trend with the average capital ratio rising from 9.3% in 1988 to 11.2% in 1996. â€Å"Most countries experienced increases in their capital ratios although those countries, which were close to, or below, the Basle minimum capital adequacy ratio of 8% in 1988 evidenced a much higher overall increase than those, which had historically high capital ratios†. (Jackson, 1999) Recently, in the new approach, often referred to as Basel II, specifically in the First Pillar ─ Minimum Capital Requirements, the overall level of regulatory capital currently held by banks is not set to rise or to be lower. The capital ratio is calculated using the definition of regulatory capital and risk-weighted assets and the total capital ratio must be no lower than 8%. In addition, the tier 2 capital is limited to 100% of Tier 1 capital (BIS, 2004). However, it is set to be more risk sensitive (Blum and Bichsel, 2004). Chapter 3 Costs and Benefits of Capital Adequacy Requirements: The Analysis for Switzerland 3.1 Understanding the Swiss banking system: To date, the Swiss banking system is typically depicted as one of the leading universal banking system around the world since this type â€Å"universal banking† was firstly allowed at the Banking Law of 1930 (Stiroh and Rime, 2003). In reality, like the most continental European countries, Swiss bank legislation does not distinguish between the commercial and investment banks. In principle, Swiss banks are able to offer a wide range of financial services such as: lending and deposit-taking, underwriting, brokerage, trading and portfolio management (Swiss Bankers Association, 2006). Furthermore, the Swiss banks might vary in the way they use their options to engage in all types of financial activities as the â€Å"truly universal banks co-exist with the institution specializing either in traditional banking or financial market activities†. According to Swiss Bankers Association (2006) the Swiss National Bank (SNB) classifies the banks in Switzerland into ten major categories: big banks, cantonal banks, regional and savings banks, Raiffeisenkassen banks, commercial banks, consumer loan banks, stock exchange banks, other banks, foreign, and private bank. These bank categories differ with regard to their size, business focus, geographic scope of activities and legal form. Within the banking sector, the big banks maintain a dominant position in every respect. As the matter of fact, the Swiss economy is characterised by a comparatively large banking sector by international standards, and by the dominance of two banks, Credit Suisse and UBS. At the end of 2006, the banking sector’s total assets exceeded CHF 4,500 billion or nearly ten times the size of Swiss GDP. This is by far the biggest ratio among the G10 countries, followed by Belgium and the Netherlands where total bank assets are five times the size of GDP. Measured in absolute terms, the US has the largest banking sector. However, total assets of all banks are less than US GDP (Swiss National Bank, 2007) 3.2 Advantages and Disadvantages of Capital Adequacy Directive towards Swiss banks’ behaviour In this paper’s context, instead of taking assessing advantages as well as disadvantages of CAD for all the participants of financial market, I would like to take the point of view to this issue from the one particular party of market – the banks. Merits Almost all financial experts hold the opinion that though capital generally accounts for a small percentage of the financial resources of banking institution; it plays a crucial and important role in their long-term financing and solvency position, which directly influence to their public credibility and reputation. The inverse relationship between the capital adequacy requirement and bank risk taking has been found in the research of Avery and Berger in 1991. In order to meet the 8% target ratio of Basel formula, banks have not been encouraged and limited to take the high risky activities, which always promises the high payoffs, thereby reducing the likelihood of failures. In addition, it is undeniable that the implementation of Capital Adequacy Directive leads to the more powerful ability of banks at the event of financial crisis as the more reasonable the capital ratio is set up, the higher the probability that a bank will not fail to pay back its debts. This fact tends to justify the existence of capital adequacy regulation in order to avoid bankruptcies and negative externalities on the financial system. In other words, it could be said that Capital Adequacy Directive is needed to maintain and enhance the financial stability of banks, generally, for economics. In the case of Swiss banking system, Switzerland welcomes that the Capital Adequacy Directive has been adopted as an important means to preserve the financial soundness of the Bank and its triple A rating. According to Swiss Banker Association (2008) the Swiss banks are well capitalized by international standards and as an additional safety measure, Swiss law demands capital adequacy standards even higher than those required by the Basel Accord. Swiss banks can therefore certainly be counted amongst the safest in the world. The following table will display the marked-rise in risk-weighted in all bank categories in Switzerland at the year-end of 2006 As been shown from the graph, in 2006, the risk-weighted capital ratios rose in all bank types as it increased from the 13.1 % to 13.9 % in terms of the entire banking sector (exceeded the G-10 countries’ average by more than 2.5% point at the same time). This increase was particularly pronounced at the big banks (from 11.5% in 2005 to 12.4% in 2006). Specifically, let take UBS – one of two largest banks in Switzerland as a typical example for the benefits of Capital Adequacy Directive in order to maintain the financial stability. The capital that UBS is required to hold based on Swiss Federal Banking Commission (SFBC) regulations, which differ in some certain respects from the calculation under the Basel Capital Accord (BIS guidelines). As a result of the differences in regulatory rules, UBS’s risk-weighted assets are higher, and its ratios of total capital and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, are lower, when calculated under the SFBC regulations than under BIS guidelines. However, UBS has always had total capital and Tier 1 capital well in excess of the minimum requirements of both the BIS and the SFBC. Capital adequacy The success of USB in doing business as well as maintaining financial stability has been measured and confirmed by the largest and most famous credit rating agency such as Fitch Ratings, Standard Poor’s and Moody’s. In February 2006, the rating agency Standard Poor’s affirmed UBS’s AA+ long-term and A-1 + short-term ratings and commented: â€Å"The key strengths of USB business profile are the strong cash flow, high returns, and the sound capital base.† In which, the last one has been brought by the presence of successful implementation of Capital Adequacy Directive. Not surprisingly, to date, the capital base of the Swiss banking sector appears to be sound as all banks reported excess capital at the end of 2006 ( Swiss National Bank, 2007) To sum up, the Capital Adequacy Directive framework is truly needed for Swiss banks in order to avoid bankruptcies and negative externalities on the financial system, enhancing and maintaining the financial stability. Disadvantages Despite what has been shown, nothing could be further from the truth that capital adequacy might affect the banking system’s ability to extend credit. Under the circumstance that the regulatory are set too high, that might leads to the risk-adjusted market return on bank loans will be insufficient so as to cover this artificially high cost of capital, therefore decreasing bank-lending activities. This so-called credit-crunch, which will directly impact not only to the financial stability of banking system but also the aggregate level of economics activities (Allen, 2004). Furthermore, there are various concern have been raised over whether the presence of capital requirement directive undermine the long-run competitiveness of banks. Jackson at the year-end 1999, and Blanco and Barrios in their research at 2003 have shown that these concerns could be separated into two types: (i) Whether banks have been disadvantaged compared with securities markets or securities firms (ii) Whether the overall profitability of banks has been affected and their competitiveness has been harmed According to Jackson (1999), there is a controversial issue that whether banks, due to the capital adequacy regulation have found it difficult to compete against the securities markets as provider of funds. Many countries have witnessed â€Å"a shift from provision of funding to prime corporates by banks to provision of funding by commercial paper markets or securities markets more generally† but it is difficult to assess how much of this shift was driven by the capital requirements of the banks and how much by innovation and greater sophistication of the borrowers. Furthermore, there is no strong theory as well as empirical evidence to conclude from the profound changes in banks’ long-term share of various markets that they have been driven by the influences of capital requirements on banks’ competitiveness. In the case of Swiss banking system, by using the empirical methods and model to evaluate the relationship between the capital adequacy regulation and the share prices of banks as well as using the data come from 4 big banks, 25 cantonal banks and 125 regional banks in existence from 1989 to 1995 which represents 82% of Swiss banking system, Rime (2001) has shown that there is no evidence about capital adequacy requirement implementation reduce the Swiss banks’ share price. Moreover, Wagster revealed the same result at 1996 when he did the research in the situation of Switzerland, Germany, and Netherlands. It is possible that the introduction of minimum regulatory capital requirements may have harmed the competitiveness of the banking industry. If capital standards require a bank to maintain an equity position in excess of what it would hold voluntarily, or in response to market pressure, then these standards constitute an external constraint on a bank’s operations. In theory, any kind of external interference with the activities of a business firm could harm its short-run profitability or growth and possibly undercut its long-run viability (Jackson, 1999). However, it does seem that the exactly answer for this question whether implementation of capital adequacy regulation harms the competitiveness of banks has not been found yet because the long-term competitiveness of banking is driven by a wide range of factors. As been shown in the above part, the implementation of CAD has been conducted successfully in terms of Swiss banking system. That helps banks to enhance the financial stability not only in their own system but also for entire economy. Hence, the Swiss banking system are now depicted as the universal banking system, being classified amongst the safest and highest profit all over the world. Conclusion In this study, we have just investigated into the costs and benefits of Capital Adequacy Directive towards Swiss banks’ behaviors. Our main message is that Capital Adequacy Directive is truly desirable as it provides an extremely efficient financial mechanism for maintaining the financial stability as well as prestige for Swiss banking system. However, despite the typical merits that have been conveyed by Capital Adequacy Directive, some drawbacks it might create such as unexpected credit crunch phenomenon, is obviously seen. This does require the act of Government and Swiss National bank with more caution as the more efficiency CAD present the more benefits that Government and Swiss banks can achieve. Bibliography Allen (2004), The Basel Capital Accords and International Mortgage Markets: A Survey of the Literature. Avery and Berger (1991), Risk-Based Capital and Deposit Insurance Reform, Journal of Banking and Finance BIS (2008) [www.bis.org] [Internet] [Assessed 15 April 15, 2008] Blum (2003), The Impact of Capital Requirements on Banks’ Incentives to Monitor and to Hold Excess Capital, Journal of banking and finance Blum and Hellwig (1996), The macroeconomic implications of capital adequacy requirements for banks, Journal of banking and finance Blum and Bichsel (2004), The relationship between risk and capital in Swiss commercial banks:a panel study, Journal of banking and finance Blanco and Barrios (2003), The effectiveness of bank capital adequacy regulation: A theoretical and empirical approach, Journal of banking and finance G34 International Banking and Finance materials by Prof D.H.Gowland G33 International Banking: Regulation and Supervision materials by Prof D.H.Gowland Hall (2004), Basel II: A panacea or a missed opportunity? , Journal of banking and finance Jackson (1999), Capital requirements and bank behaviors: The impact of Basel Accord, Journal of banking and finance Lastra (2004), Risk-based capital requirements and their impact upon the banking industry: Basel II and CAD III, Journal of banking and finance Quotation database, [Internet] [Assessed 15 April 2008] Rime (2001), Capital requirements and bank behaviors: Empirical evidence for Switzerland, Journal of banking and finance. Rime (2005), Will Basel II Lead to a Specialization of Unsophisticated Banks on High-Risk Borrowers? , Journal of banking and finance Sheldon (2001), Costs and Benefits of Capital Adequacy Requirements: an Empirical Analysis for Switzerland, Journal of banking and finance Stiroh and Rime (2003), The performance of universal banks: Evidence from Switzerland, Journal of banking and finance Swiss National Bank, (2008), [Internet] [Assessed 15 April 2008] Swiss Federal Banking Commission (2005), Basel II Implementation in Switzerland Summary of the explanatory report of the Swiss Federal Banking Commission Swiss Bankers Association (2008), Swiss Bankers Association press release, [Internet] [Assessed 15 April 2008] Wagster (1996), Impact of the 1988 Basle Accord on International Banks, Journal of Finance,

Pros and Cons of MTBE in Gasoline :: Pro Con Essays

Pros and Cons of MTBE in Gasoline MTBE, or methyl tertiary butyl ether, is an oxygenate commonly used in gasoline in America, Europe, and other countries throughout the world. It is a compound created by the chemical reaction of methanol and isobutylene that is added to gasoline because of its high octane level, allowing gasoline to reach the required octane levels and still include a gasoline component. In addition, because it is an oxygenate, MTBE helps gasoline more fully combust, which increases performance and reduces the amount of harmful pollutants such as CO, VOCs, NOx, and particulates released into the atmosphere from automobile exhaust [EFOA]. However, opposition has recently arisen against the use of MTBE in gasoline. Every underground gas tank eventually leaks, and the gasoline is soaked up by the surrounding ground. MTBE is not soluble in water; therefore, when the gasoline leaks out of the tank, the MTBE pollutes the ground water (well water), and eventually the surface water also. In addition, though MTBE reduces the amount of most pollutants released from automobiles, it also produces a harmful pollutant, formaldehyde, when combusted [CECA]. Even worse, a study performed by a medical researcher from the University of Pennsylvania, shows that MTBE may be the cause of a seventeen percent increase in asthma among kindergarten students since it has been utilized in gasoline. The study also shows that MTBE has failed to improve smog levels in the years it has been in use [Jones]. Therefore, is MTBE good or bad? It is still early to give a definite answer, however the banning of MTBE in many states in the US in exchange for its most common alternative, ethanol, shows signs that MTBE is doing more harm than help. To be fair, if more strict legislation were to be passed to force gas stations to maintain leak free tanks, much of MTBE’s pollutant problems would be solved. Pros and Cons of MTBE in Gasoline :: Pro Con Essays Pros and Cons of MTBE in Gasoline MTBE, or methyl tertiary butyl ether, is an oxygenate commonly used in gasoline in America, Europe, and other countries throughout the world. It is a compound created by the chemical reaction of methanol and isobutylene that is added to gasoline because of its high octane level, allowing gasoline to reach the required octane levels and still include a gasoline component. In addition, because it is an oxygenate, MTBE helps gasoline more fully combust, which increases performance and reduces the amount of harmful pollutants such as CO, VOCs, NOx, and particulates released into the atmosphere from automobile exhaust [EFOA]. However, opposition has recently arisen against the use of MTBE in gasoline. Every underground gas tank eventually leaks, and the gasoline is soaked up by the surrounding ground. MTBE is not soluble in water; therefore, when the gasoline leaks out of the tank, the MTBE pollutes the ground water (well water), and eventually the surface water also. In addition, though MTBE reduces the amount of most pollutants released from automobiles, it also produces a harmful pollutant, formaldehyde, when combusted [CECA]. Even worse, a study performed by a medical researcher from the University of Pennsylvania, shows that MTBE may be the cause of a seventeen percent increase in asthma among kindergarten students since it has been utilized in gasoline. The study also shows that MTBE has failed to improve smog levels in the years it has been in use [Jones]. Therefore, is MTBE good or bad? It is still early to give a definite answer, however the banning of MTBE in many states in the US in exchange for its most common alternative, ethanol, shows signs that MTBE is doing more harm than help. To be fair, if more strict legislation were to be passed to force gas stations to maintain leak free tanks, much of MTBE’s pollutant problems would be solved.

Biofuels Essay -- Environment, Fossil Fuels

In recent years environmental problems, especially the use of fossil fuels, has become one of the most commonly debated issues. It is widely known that fossil fuels are non-renewable resources and the use of fossil fuels harm the environment, such as the combustion process of fossil fuels that leads to global warming. However, current societies are still dependent on fossil fuels. Because of the environmental problems and in order to decrease the wide-ranging consumption of fossil fuels, researches argue that agricultural based fuel or bio-fuel is one alternative to replace fossil fuels and apply it as a new energy source. In general, bio-fuels are fuels that predominantly are produced from bio-renewable or renewable feedstock, such as corn, sugarcane, wheat and so on. There are many kinds of bio-fuels and each country develops different types. For instance, Brazil produces sugarcane based bio-fuels. Global development of bio-fuels is required; however, the effectiveness and the sus tainability of bio-fuels compared to fossil fuels should be addressed. This essay asserts that the utilization of bio-fuels in the world is not a viable alternative to fossil fuels because it confronts difficulties and results in disadvantages in the future. The arguments to against bio-fuels which will be assessed are related to social structure, economic development and the cost of production, as well as the arguments concerning agriculture and environment. Firstly, an important issue that should be considered is the use of bio-fuels and the problems posed in the social structure. Because bio-fuels benefit for the environment, bio-fuels production and the fuel market will grow rapidly; therefore, the availability of resources is an important factor.... ... and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere, which are associated with the greenhouse gas and three hundred times more effect upon the global warming (Cockerill & Martin, 2008; Murphy, 2009). In conclusion, the development of bio-fuels as a viable alternative to replace fossil fuels is still not promising. Although bio-fuels are made from renewable resources, bio-fuels are not effective enough due to the disadvantages that will arise, such as the shrinkage of food, the production expenses and the environmental drawbacks. On account of the difficulties and the disadvantages that result from the wide-ranging use of bio-fuels, management and policies of bio-fuels are needed as solutions to obtain a well-managed agricultural supply so that it has a sustainable production; likewise, large scale bio-fuels production should be adjourned until adequate solutions are discovered.

Yoga poses

Yoga is basically a scientific system of mental and physical practices that did originate from India. Its role is to offer help to people in order to achieve the highest potential as well as experience happiness and health. In our daily life, it is significant to learn on how to relax after some time through practicing some beneficial activities. Relaxation practices as far as Yoga is concerned are beneficial and quite effective. Anyone who practices yoga usually begins to deeply appreciate the breadth and the depth of its major benefits. It is therefore imperative to analyze some of the yoga poses; camel, tree, chair and child’s pose and come up with some of their benefits as well as contraindications. Benefits of Tree (Vrksasana) Adapted from http://www. yogajournal. com/poses/496 Vrksasana tree pose usually means standing with your hand as it is raised towards the sky (Kevin, 2010). The tree pose is beneficial in the fact that it strengthens your calves, ankles, thighs and spine. It stretches the groin, chest and thighs as well as improving one’s balance. Through practicing tree, one reduces the flat feet and it enhances mental stability and concentration. It also relieves Sciatica. Basically, this pose helps a lot in strengthening every part of the body and to create a calmer and stable body. The shoulders and the arms stretch up thus all the bones in the body also gets to have a great massage. There is always a fresh supply of the blood because of the tilted pose. It stretches the muscles, arms, wrists and the shoulders making them agile and flexible. The pose usually strengthens ones strength and helps in amplifying the stamina. The balancing act usually helps one to remain completely cool and calm because of the stability that it usually offers. There is always a calming effect of the mind that helps in making the brain to remain relaxed. Contraindications/ cautions of Tree (Vrksasana) Some of the contraindications of this pose are that it causes headache, insomnia and low blood pressure. For those people who have high blood pressure, they should not raise their arms overhead (Shannon, 2005). Personal benefits of Tree (Vrksasana) pose This pose is quite beneficial to me as it tones the muscles of the legs and it improves my sense of poise and balance. It also enhances my concentration and posture, strengthening my ankles my back as well as the hips. When I shift my weight onto my left foot I enhance my posture and balance making me more stable. With lots of practice I have also learnt to pose with my eyes closed as I exhale thus leaving me completely at ease and calm. The pose has enabled me to be more flexible and agile. Challenges and goals It is usually challenging for me at times to stand on one leg and build balance. I get so challenged when I have to focus since focusing and concentration is quite important. It gets hard when I have to stay for around 30 seconds to around I minute resting my hands on the top of my pelvis. I feel some slight headache which ebbs shortly leaving me relaxed. The pose is meant to enhance my balance and since I have a stiff back, to reduce sciatica leaving me flexible and calm. Benefits of Camel (Ustrasana) pose and the goals Adapted from www. quickfityoga. com The camel pose is beneficial as it compresses the spine and relieves the back problems (Camel pose, 2010). It also helps in digestion as it opens the rib cage and the lungs. It is helpful in stimulating the nervous system, helps in bronchial problems, strengthens the shoulder muscles as well as the back, improves the flexion of the neck, stretches one’s throat and helps in elimination of the toxins. It is also beneficial in flushing fresh blood via the kidneys. The major goal in practicing camel is to stretch the immense hip flexors, strengthen the back muscles as well as improve my posture. Contraindications Some of the contraindications are low and high blood pressure, migraine headache, serious low back as well as neck injury and insomnia. Challenges of camel Camel is one of the poses that is extremely challenging to me. I usually find it completely hard on my knees and my neck always feels pinched whenever I let my head drop backwards. It is also intense on my back and always makes me feel like screaming. I also experience some slight headache. Personal benefits of camel The pose stresses my entire front and leaves me feeling calm and flexible. With some few practices my back is stronger and my posture has improved. Before I started the camel class I used to feel anxious and fatigued which has hence ebbed with time. Benefits of – Chair (Utkatasana) and goals Adapted from http://yoga. about. com/od/yogaposes/a/utkatasana. htm The chair pose helps a lot in strengthening the arms. Thus the main goal in having this pose is to make the thighs strong. This helps to strengthen the calves, spine and ankles (Chair pose, 2010). In addition it stretches the chest and the shoulders, stimulates the heart, diaphragm and the abdominal organs. It also helps in reducing the flat feet. Contraindications The major contraindications are insomnia, headache and low blood pressure. Challenges of the chair pose and personal benefits The chair pose is quite challenging for my upper body. The idea of pressing my hands flat together and straightening the arms directly makes me feel uneasy. I feel like my shoulders, thighs and chest are blocked. I also feel intense headache and dizziness but it leaves me feeling great. The major personal benefits are that it has helped a lot in the opening of my hips and the thighs as well as warming my entire body. My knees, hips and ankles have stabilized with time and I feel more flexible. Benefits of Child’s pose (Balasana) and its goals Adapted from http://www. yogajournal. com/poses/475/ The major benefit of the child’s pose is that it helps in relieving back pain. It is a brilliant resting pose as it is useful after strenuous postures for example headstand thus restoring the body’s circulation and acts as a counter pose to the back bends. Its main goal is to help in deep relaxation and is called the child’s pose because one usually forms the shape of the baby. It is beneficial in the fact that since the head is lower than the heart, there is more circulation on the face. It works on muscles and is a major natural therapy to stress, depression, anxiety and fatigue. It calms the brain and helps in relieving neck and back pain. Contraindications It may lead to diarrhea and knee injury and pregnant mothers are advised not to have it. Also it should be done under supervision of an experienced teacher (child’s pose, 2010). Challenges and personal benefits Child’s pose tones and strengthens my ankles, hips and thighs. The longer I hold the pose the more I feel at ease and calm. The pose usually relaxes my brains and clears all the negative thoughts. It also helps me to focus as I breathe deeply during the pose as I inhale some positive thoughts and exhale all tensions. Child’s pose is quite challenging for my ankles as I feel intense pain. To ease the pain I slip a rolled cloth directly to the joints and as my knees are not comfortable with kneeling I place a chip foam or blanket between the heels and the butt. References Brophy, Shannon. 2005. Vrksasana. Retrieved 2, June, 2010< http://www.yoga.com/ydc/enlighten/enlighten_document.asp?ID=351§ion=9&cat=144 Camel pose. 2010. Retrieved 2, June, 2010< http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/688 Chair pose. 2010. Retrieved from 2, June 2010< http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/493 Pederson, Kevin. 2010. Benefits and importance of Adho Mukha Vrksasana. Retrieved 2, June, 2010