HISTORY OF CAMBODIAN IMMIGRANTS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

HISTORY OF CAMBODIAN IMMIGRANTS - Essay Example as well as their assimilation into the American society. The first batch of Cambodian immigrants arrived in the USA earlier than 1975 because of a study exchange program that the American government entered into the Cambodian government that allowed Cambodian students to pursue their studies at the California State University in the Long Beach, which resulted in a considerable number of Cambodians mainly students living in the neighboring town of Long Beach (Bunte, Joseph, and Wobus 2). The Cambodians presence in the U.S. can be traced back to the early and late 1970s when many students benefited from the America-Cambodia education exchange program and broke out of war in Cambodia, which resulted in the overthrowing of the government by the Communist rule. In 1974, the US-backed government in Cambodia was overthrown by the Communist rule a situation that culminated in both political and military instability in Cambodia. The same scenario was replicated in Vietnam as the Communist rule also took over governance in the nation sending the two countries into turmoil. The international community had invested a considerable amount of support in the two nations as far as management is concerned to restore political stability and human rights in the Indochinese region. The Communist rule in the Khmer Republic declared a ‘Zero Year’ an operation that was meant to cripple every aspect of Cambodia to its knees (Sou Chea slide 3; Needham, and Quintiliani). It was aimed at destroying the educational, social and economic aspects of Cambodia so as it can be viewed as a failed state with no standards or values (Operations and Readiness Directorate 19). In essence, the Communist Rule was aimed at destroying all the political, social and economic gains that Cambodia has made with the help of its international allies and thus creating a humanitarian crisis in the nation. The period between 1975 and late 1976 saw close to two

A Defense of Abortion Essay Example for Free

A Defense of Abortion Essay Thomson argues that in some though not all cases, women have a right to abortion due to property rights in regards to their body, and the undue burden against these rights that would be placed on women if they are to be made responsible for any and all pregnancies. Thomson uses a variety of sometimes strange analogies to make her point that even if we give in to the argument that a fetus is a person, and thus has a right to life, this right to life does not necessarily ensure a right to sustain that life by using another person’s property, in this case the mother’s body, against her will. Thomson first asks us to consider the following case. You wake up and find yourself in a hospital bed hooked up to a famous violinist. It is then explained to you that you’ve been kidnapped by the Society of Music Lovers because you happen to be the only person whose blood type is compatible with the violinist’s, who is suffering from a kidney disease, and will die unless you remain plugged into him for nine months. Keeping in mind that both you and the violinist are innocent parties, and that both you and the violinist will walk out of the hospital alive and unharmed when the nine months are up, are you morally obligated to remain connected to the violinist, who in the case of pregnancy would be the fetus? First we must consider the given analogy and its relativity to the primary scenario, being the morality of abortion. There are no other cases quite like pregnancy, where one’s ability to sustain life is directly dependent on the use of another’s body. This is why Thomson must create the violinist analogy. There are surely many similarities between the case of the violinist and the case of the fetus. As stated before, both parties, the fetus/violinist and the mother/donor are innocent. The cause of their connection is based on the actions of a third party, in this case the Society of Music Lovers. The fact that the donor was kidnapped presents a distinguishing factor, allowing the analogy to be applied in cases such as pregnancy because of rape, where it is clear that the mother did not consent in any way to becoming pregnant. There are also dissimilarities. The kidnapping itself has not traumatized the donor, while in the case of a young girl being raped and becoming pregnant, the rape itself is very traumatic. However, Thomson discounts this by saying that if those who oppose abortion based on the grounds that a person’s right to life is more important than a mother’s property right to her body, make an exception in the case of rape, they are saying that those who come into existence because of rape have less of a right to life than others, which sounds somehow wrong. Furthermore, many who oppose abortion on this ground do not make an exception for rape. Thus, the primary question remains, is it morally permissible to disconnect yourself from a person, even if doing so will kill them? Thomson then takes the violinist scenario a step further, asking us to imagine that it turns out that supporting the violinist is putting additional strain on you, and if you continue to remain plugged into him, you will die. Some would say that it is still impermissible, because unplugging yourself would be directly killing the innocent violinist which is murder, and always wrong. Thomson vehemently denies that you are obligated to sacrifice your own life in order to save the violinist, saying that in this case â€Å"if anything in the world is true, it is that you do not commit murder, you do not do what is impermissible, if you reach around to your back and unplug yourself from that violinist to save your life. † (Vaughn, 175) Many of Thomson’s other analogies deal with the concept of a woman’s property rights to her body making a case for abortion being permissible. She gives the analogy of a young boy being given a box of chocolates, and eating them before his envious brother. Of course the boy ought to share his chocolates with his brother, as most of us would agree. However, Thomson claims that if he doesn’t, he is simply being selfish and greedy, but not unjust. He is not unjust in denying his brother the chocolates simply because they were given to him, and thus are his property. If the box had been given to both of the brothers, it would be a different story. Distinguishing between what one ought to do and what one is morally obligated to do ties back to the violinist analogy. Even if the violinist only required use of your body for one hour, while you ought to allow him to use your body, as it requires little effort on your part, you are not unjust if you refuse. You are perhaps callous and selfish, yes, but not unjust. As Thomson states â€Å"Except in such cases as the unborn person has a right to demand it-and we were leaving open the possibility that there may be such cases-nobody is morally required to make large sacrifices, of health, of all other interests and concerns, of all other duties and commitments, for nine years, or even for nine months, in order to keep another person alive. (Vaughn, 181) The criticism I would make of this argument is that she does not specify in which cases the unborn person has a right to demand use of a mother’s body, only that they can occur. She does clearly state however, that having a right to life does not inherently give one the right to be given the use of or allowed continued use of another’s body, even if one needs it for life itself. (Vaughn, 178) Some who oppose abortion argue that because pregnancy is preventable, if one happens to become pregnant they must take responsibility, which gives the fetus special rights that a stranger, such as the violinist would not have. Thomson points out that this theory only gives a fetus a right to a mother’s body if the pregnancy resulted in a voluntary act, leaving out instances of rape. She uses the people-seed analogy to further discuss the implications of holding women responsible for all pregnancies. She asks us to imagine people as seeds, innocently drifting around the world, sometimes even into your home, getting stuck to furniture and carpets. To prevent this from happening to you, you put the best screens on your windows you can buy. As we all know, sometimes screens are defective, and a seed finds its way in and takes root, despite your preventative measures. Does that seed have a right to use your house to develop into a person? It is true that it could have been prevented from taking root if you lived your life in a house without furniture or carpeting, but this seems ridiculous. By the same token you could say that women who are raped have a responsibility to the fetus because rape could be prevented by never leaving home without a reliable army, or never leaving home at all. This is far too high of a burden to put on individuals. When evaluating these analogies and the argument Thomson uses them to make, certain questions arise. For example, if I am not morally obligated to give my property to someone who depends on it for survival, is it morally permissible to let someone starve to death because I refuse to share my food that I bought earlier from the grocery store? Given her analogies, such as the instance of the boy who refuses to share his chocolate, it would seem that Thomson would say that it is permissible to let someone die of starvation. After all, you are not morally obligated to share what is rightly yours. She would say you are selfish and greedy, like the little boy, but not unjust or immoral. However, letting an innocent person starve to death, when doing something as little as giving them some of our food, does not sit well with the average person. This is where Thomson’s concept of the Good Samaritan vs. the minimally decent Samaritan comes into play. In the biblical story, the Good Samaritan saw a man dying in the road, abandoned by others who passed. He cleaned the dying man’s wounds and took him to an inn, paying for his stay. He went out of his way to help someone in need, at some cost to himself. Thomson illustrates the other extreme by using the case of Kitty Genovese, who was murdered while thirty-eight people stood by and did nothing to help. In this case the Good Samaritan would have rushed to her aid, putting his own life on the line in order to save a stranger’s. While Thomson seems to say that this is too much to ask of people, and they are not morally required to risk their own life to save another’s, she does say that the Minimally Decent Samaritan would have at least called the police. Because no one even called the police, they are not even minimally decent Samaritans, and their actions are monstrous. While the Good Samaritan gives aid they are not obligated to give, the Minimally Decent Samaritan fulfills their minimal obligations. Just as watching a person be murdered and doing absolutely nothing to help is falling below the standard of minimally decent Samaritan, I would have to believe that watching a person starve and doing nothing to help is also monstrous. After all, using Thomson’s analogies we could say that the people who watched Kitty Genovese get murdered ought to have used their cell phones to call the police at the very least, but being that their cell phones are their property, they can use them as they wish, and are not morally obligated to use them to save a life, even if the cost it would bring to them seems extremely insignificant. Thomson seems to distinguish between situations such as letting someone starve to death because you refuse to share your food, or letting someone be murdered because you refuse to use your phone, and aborting a fetus. She claims that many laws prohibiting abortion compel women to be Good Samaritans (Vaughn, 181) as opposed to minimally decent. This claim suggests that she believes that harboring a fetus is an act of a Good Samaritan, not a minimally decent one. Furthermore, by calling the people who watched Kitty Genovese die â€Å"monstrous† it suggests that she does in fact believe that watching a person die and doing nothing to help is immoral. By these tokens, it seems that she would in fact view letting another starve as immoral, suggesting that her argument of property rights is inconsistent. Thomson somewhat accounts for these inconsistencies in her closing argument, simply by conceding that the analogies she uses are not fool proof or meant to be applied to all cases. She states â€Å"while I do not argue that abortion is not impermissible, I do not argue that it is always permissible. There may well be cases in which carrying the child to term requires only minimally decent Samaritanism of the mother, and this is a standard we must not fall below. † (Vaughn 182) For example, she believes it would be immoral for a woman to abort her child late in the pregnancy because she had a vacation planned. By asserting that her analogies and arguments are not meant to make an absolute case for or against abortion, they do in fact only help her to prove her somewhat tentative point that women do have a right to abortion, in some though not all cases, because of property rights and the undue burden against these rights that would be placed on women if forced to carry all pregnancies to term.

Mahatma Gandhi vs. Mao Essay -- Compare Contrast, Comparison

Gandhi vs. Mao Mao and Gandhi became key leaders in each of their countries, India and China. Although they both wanted very similar things to happen to their countries, they used very different tactics. The main points in their rules where economical, political and social. And all points affected their people in many ways. First, to make each of their countries stronger economically Ghandi and Mao changed laws and broke rules. During the British rule in India there was a salt tax, which made it very hard for the people of china to buy salt, but it was illegal for them to make their own salt. Because Ghandi did not think this tax was righteous, on. In 1930, March 12th, he and eighty other people walked in the "salt march." The salt march was a walk of approximately 240 miles to the Arabian see where they could make salt, illegally. Many people found the "salt march" meaning full. And Ghandi became a larger economic leader. Another way that Gandhi made India more powerful economically was spinning and wearing the traditional clothing of India. By doing this all people of India did not purchase and western clothes, which knocked a chunk out of the British economy thus adding to end of British rule in India, and making the country of India wealthier because they were not buying western clothes owned, buy B ritish shopkeepers. On the other hand Mao did not have a government to battle against to make china more powerfully economically. When Mao and his followers where on the long march they would go through small villages and towns taking the land away from the land owners and give the land to the peasants who worked on the land, who had been kept in poverty by the landowners for many years. This made Mao well known through out c... ...estern and made a student army that killed and destroyed anything western. Mao and Gandhi made a great impact on their countries socially by getting rid of things like the caste system. But Gandhi has been looked up to by other people and has passed on what he did to make the world a better place. But Mao brought death when he thought that his country was getting out of control and that is not something to look up to. Both Mao and Gandhi made their countries what they are today socially, economically, and politically. Both by taking the same things and using them in different ways. Gandhi on one hand was more peaceful and did not believe in war. And wanted the whole of the country to unite as one. Mao on the other hand, was more military induced and used war to sometimes get what he wanted. China and India could not be what they are today with out Mao and Gandhi.

Rainy Days Essay

Rainy days are wonderful to me. Sometimes they can be a hassle but I still love them. The only time I usually have rainy days is when it is July though. Rainy days are awesome to me sense I can do a lot of things in my own house. The reasons why I like rainy days mainly is because I can sing, listen to music, relax, and eat comforting food. First of all, the reason I like rainy days is because I love to sing.During my rainy days sense the air is usually moist and the temperature is usually cold, it is my favorite time to practice. The climate actually helps my voice by making it very moist instead of dry. If I sing with a dry throat, it will damage my vocal chords and it would also damage my tonsils since I would be straining my voice. So I like to play it on the safe side and practice the most on rainy days. Nonetheless, I love to listen to music on rainy days. I mostly listen to sad or calm music because it relaxes me and brings out my emotions.It gets even better when I look out t he window and I see the gloomy, wispy, and foggy roads and the grasshoppers, birds, and squirrels take cover under big, green trees or leaves with dew from the rain on them as I see the whitish, greyish rain splatter all over the place. My favorite song that I like to listen to most is called â€Å"How to Avoid the Sun† by Bi Rain; it is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve heard or at least one of the nicest songs I’ve listened to.Music also makes me realize new things and wonder about the world especially when it is raining. Another reason is that I love to relax during rainy days. Hearing the pitter patter of the raindrops going on the ground while there is loud thunder as little cool, white or yellow strikes in the sky that looks like a crack in the dark, grey clouds called lightening flash all over the place. I could just flop down on my bed and cuddle under my warm, soft blankets to be nice, cozy, and comfy.Another thing I like to do is take a nap to the s ounds of the rain or daydream. It makes me feel like it is winter or something because the cold temperature also relaxes me. Finally, the last reason I love rainy days is because I can eat as much fattening food as I want. Ice cream, hot chocolate, tea, you name it and I will eat it. Eating is one of my favorite things to do even though I do not eat a lot. These are my comfort foods during rainy days to also help me relax.The taste of the creamy, doughy ice cream tickles my taste buds and gives me a brain freeze sense I eat too fast because cookie dough ice cream is my favorite; the hot chocolate is sweet, warm, and it’s warmth makes me feel nice and cozy; and my tea is one of my favorites even though it is healthy. I usually drink tea warm and unsweetened because I try to stay skinny at the same time and my favorite tea is either Darjeeling or Tao: lemon grass and green tea but, these are the reasons why I love rainy days.

Speech on Hammurabi

Hammurabi’s Laws: Fair â€Å"To bring about the rule of righteousness in the land, to destroy the wicked and evil doers, so that the strong should not harm the weak†¦Ã¢â‚¬  This is a quote from Babylon’s king, Hammurabi, about his set of 282 laws that he wrote around 1750 B. C. Historians and scholars agree that these ancient laws were the first to cover all aspects of society. However, historians and scholars do not agree whether Hammurabi’s laws were fair or cruel. Honestly, I think his laws were fair because it stated what all people needed to know, it brought order and justice to society, and it regulated many different activities.His laws stated what all people needed to know about the rules of their society. All of his laws were written down so anyone would know anything about their society and so they couldn’t be changed. His laws were known as the laws of â€Å"an eye for an eye†. Law number 5 states if a judge makes an error through his own fault when trying a case, he must pay a fine, be removed from the judge’s bench, and never judge another case. Law number 233 states if a contractor builds a house for someone and the walls start to fall, then the builder must use his own money and labor to make the walls secure.His laws are also fair because they brought order and justice to society. Law 122 states if someone gives something to someone else for safekeeping, the transaction should be witnessed and a contract made between the two parties. I believe this law is fair because if the person loses the item the other person that gave it to him for safekeeping isn’t responsible for it, and won’t get into any kind of trouble. Hammurabi’s 282 laws also regulated many different activities, from business contracts to crime. Law 22 states if anyone is committing a robbery and is caught, then he shall be put to death.Law 35 states if anyone buys cattle or sheep which the king has given to chief tains from him, he loses his money. Law 259 says, if anyone steals a water wheel from the field, he shall pay five shekels in money to its owner. I believe all these laws are fair because it’s giving rules that all people must follow. There are also people who think Hammurabi’s laws were cruel because they called for violent punishments, often death, for non-violent crimes. For example, law 202 states if someone strikes a man of higher rank, than he shall be whipped 60 times in public.In which I can understand because whipping is very violent and unfair to do to a person before they can explain themselves. My point of view is more reasonable because all of his laws WERE fair and it made everyone’s life easier, without them worrying about the BAD people running loose! I think all 282 of King Hammurabi’s laws were fair because they stated what all people needed to know about their society, it brought order and justice to society, and it regulated many diffe rent activities, from business contracts to crime. Would you like to have Hammurabi as a king? I think I would!

A Student Lesson Plan for Writing Story Problems

A Student Lesson Plan for Writing Story Problems This lesson gives students practice with story problems by teaching them how to write their own and solve the problems of their classmates. The plan is designed for third-grade students. It requires 45 minutes and additional class periods. Objective Students will use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to write and solve story problems. Common Core Standard  Met This lesson plan satisfies the following Common Core standard in the Operations and Algebraic Thinking category  and the Representing  and Solving Problems Involving Multiplication and Division subcategory. This lesson meets standard 3.OA.3:  Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems in situations involving equal groups, arrays, and measurement quantities, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem. Materials White paperColoring pencils or crayonsPencil Key Terms Story problemsSentencesAdditionSubtractionMultiplicationDivision Lesson Introduction If your class uses a textbook, choose a story problem from a recent chapter and invite students to come up and solve it. Mention to them that with their imaginations, they could write much better problems, and will do so in todays lesson. Instruction Tell students that the learning target for this lesson is to be able to write interesting and challenging story problems for their classmates to solve.Model one problem for them, using their input. Begin by asking for two student names to use in the problem. Desiree and Sam will be our examples.What are Desiree and Sam doing? Going to the pool? Getting lunch at a restaurant? Going grocery shopping? Have the students set the scene as you record the information.Bring the math in when they decide what is going on in the story. If Desiree and Sam are getting lunch in a restaurant, maybe they want four pieces of pizza, and each piece is $3.00. If they are grocery shopping, maybe they want six apples at $1.00 each, or  two boxes of crackers at $3.50 each.Once the students have discussed their scenarios, model how to write a question as an  equation. In the above example, if you want to find the total cost of the food, you may write 4 pieces of pizza X $3.00 X, where X represents the t otal cost of the food. Give students time to experiment with these problems. Its very common for them to create an excellent scenario, but then make mistakes in the equation. Continue working on these until they are able to create their own and solve the problems that their classmates create. Assessment For homework, ask students to write their own story problem. For extra credit, or just for fun, ask students to involve family members and get everyone at home to write a problem, too. Share as a class the next day- its fun when the parents get involved. Evaluation The evaluation for this lesson can and should be ongoing. Keep these story problems bound in a three-ring binder in a learning center. Continue adding to it as students write more and more complex problems. Make copies of the story problems every so often, and collect these documents in a student portfolio. The problems are sure to show the students growth over time.

State Names and Abbreviations

State Names and Abbreviations State Names and Abbreviations State Names and Abbreviations By Mark Nichol How should you treat references to states? The form depends on which style guide you adhere to and why the state is being referenced. Details about how to refer to states follow. The Chicago Manual of Style and The Associated Press Stylebook agree on one thing: When referring to a state on its own, spell the state name out (â€Å"California became a state in 1850†). However, when referring to a city and the state in which it is located, although Chicago recommends retaining the spelled-out version of the state name (â€Å"San Diego, California†), AP style calls for abbreviating the state name (â€Å"San Diego, Calif.†) if it consists of more than six letters. (Chicago also has abbreviations if you insist, but they don’t always match AP’s style.) The AP style abbreviations arbitrarily range in length from two to six letters, and all two-word names are abbreviated with the initials, such as N.Y. for â€Å"New York† with the exception of West Virginia’s abbreviation, which for some reason is rendered W.Va. (Note that AP style omits state names for a specified list of cities considered familiar enough that the state in which they are located need not be mentioned.) In headlines, the periods are omitted. However, when giving an address, or in tables or other uses in which space is limited, use the US Postal Service’s symbol system, which consists of a two-letter abbreviation in which both letters are always capitalized and no periods are used (for example, NY for â€Å"New York†). Other style handbooks have their own guidelines, so, if you are writing or editing for a particularly company as a staff member or a freelancer, determine which resource is considered the authority on state abbreviation. Note, too, that abbreviation of country names is rare and not recommended. US and UK are frequently used as nouns in informal contexts, but the names should be spelled out except as adjectives â€Å"the US response,† for example, or â€Å"the UK’s role† and Chicago recommends omitting periods in these cases, as is advised for all capitalized abbreviations. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Style category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Creative Writing 101English Grammar 101: Verb Mood30 Words for Small Amounts

Rodney Dangerfields Best One-Liners

Rodney Dangerfields Best One-Liners Rodney Dangerfield had captured the minds of his audience with his ribald, in-your-face humor. Dangerfield expired on October 6, 2004, and his death created a void. It is almost difficult to smile at jokes, but his quotes remind us that laughter is the essence of life. So lets go on with the memory of the legendary comedian while we read  Rodney Dangerfield  quotes. General Humor People say fish is good for a diet. But fish should never be cooked in butter. Fish should be cooked in its natural oils - Texaco, Mobil, Exxon... Acting deals with very delicate emotions. It is not putting up a mask. Each time an actor acts he does not hide; he exposes himself. Men who do things without being told draw the most wages. I bought a new Japanese car. I turned on the radio... I dont understand a word theyre saying. I bought a perfect second car... a tow truck. I have three kids, one of each. I have nothing but troubles with my car. Every Sunday I take my family out for a push. Boy  what a hotel that was. Why, they stole my towel! I was so depressed that I decided to jump from the tenth floor. They sent up a priest. He said, On your mark... What a dog I got, he found out we look alike, so he killed himself. Childhood Oh, when I was a kid in show business I was poor. I used to go to orgies to eat the grapes. When I was a kid my parents moved a lot, but I always found them. I came from a real tough neighborhood. I bought a waterbed and found a guy at the bottom of it. I came from a real tough neighborhood. In the local  restaurant,  I sat down and had  broken  leg of lamb. I came from a real tough neighborhood.  Why,  every time I shut the window, I hurt somebodys fingers. I was so ugly my mother used to feed me with a  sling shot. I had plenty of pimples as a kid. One day I fell asleep in the library. When I woke up, a blind man was reading my face. In the school I went to, they asked a kid to prove the law of gravity and he threw the teacher out of the window. I came from a real tough neighborhood. On my street, the kids take hubcaps†¦ from moving cars. I came from a real tough neighborhood. Once, a guy pulled a knife on me. I knew he wasnt a professional; the knife had butter on it. Family My cousin is gay; in school while other kids were dissecting frogs, he was opening flies. My cousin is gay; he went to London only to find out that Big Ben was a clock. My cousin is gay; I always tell him that in our family tree, hes in the fruit section. I looked up my family tree and found three dogs using it. My kid wants to be a prison warden when he grows up so he can put thumb tacks on the electric chairs. One time my whole family played hide and seek. They found my mother in Pittsburgh! With my old  man  I got no respect. I asked him, How can I get my kite in the air? He told me to run off a cliff. My old man, I told him Im tired of running around in circles. So he nailed my other foot to the floor. When I was born, the doctor came out to the waiting room and said to my father, Im very  sorry. We did everything we could. But he pulled through. I come from a stupid family. During the Civil War  my great uncle fought for the West. I could tell that my parents hated me. My bath toys were a toaster and a radio. I come from a stupid family. My father worked in a bank. They caught him stealing pens. I looked up my family tree and found out I was the sap. When my old man wanted sex, my mother would show him a picture of me. Im so ugly - my father carries around a picture of the kid who came with his wallet. Boy,  is my wife stupid! It takes her an hour and a half to watch 60 minutes. My daughters no bargain either. In public  school  she was voted most likely to conceive. Age Last year my birthday cake looked like a prairie fire. At twenty, a man is full of fight and hope. He wants to reform the world. When he is seventy, he still wants to reform the world, but he knows he cant. I told my psychiatrist that everyone hates me. He said I was being ridiculous†¦ everyone hasnt met me yet. Funny Incidents For two hours, some guy followed me around with a pooper scooper. The other night a mugger took off his mask and made me wear it. Last week I was walking by a cemetery, two guys came after me with shovels. It was all about money. A travel agent told I could spend seven nights in Hawaii†¦ no days, just nights. Last week, my tie caught on fire; some guy tried to put it out with an  axe. Doctors I met the surgeon general - he offered me a cigarette. I went to the doctor because Id swallowed a bottle of sleeping pills. My doctor told me to have a few drinks and get some rest. My doctor told me to watch my drinking. Now I drink in front of a mirror. And I drink too much, way too much; my doctor drew blood -  he ran a tab! I went to see my doctor. Doctor, every morning when I get up and look in the mirror... I feel like throwing up. Whats wrong with me? He said, I dont know but your eyesight is perfect. Last week I told my psychiatrist, I keep thinking about suicide. He told me from now on I have to pay in advance. Sex Im at the age where I want two girls. In case I fall asleep, they will have someone to talk to. My sex life is terrible; my wife put a mirror over the dogs bed.  Actually  she did put a mirror over our bed. She says she likes to watch herself laugh. The big difference between sex for money and sex for free is that sex for money usually costs a lot less. A girl phoned me the other day and said, Come on over, theres nobody home. I went over. Nobody was home. During sex, my girlfriend always wants to talk to me. Just the other night she called me from a hotel. I once went out with this wild girl. She made French toast and got her tongue caught in the toaster. My wife only has sex with me for a purpose. Last night it was to time an egg. With girls, I dont think right. I had a date with one girl, she had mirrors all over her bedroom. She told me to come over and bring a bottle. I got Windex. Im taking Viagra and drinking prune juice - I dont know if Im coming or going. I got myself good this morning too. I did my pushups in the nude; I didnt see the mouse trap. I know the best way to get girls. I hang out at prisons and wait for parolees. I asked my wife if she enjoys a cigarette after sex and she said, No, one drag is enough. I saved a girl from being attacked last night. I controlled myself. Im a bad lover. I once caught a peeping tom booing me. Self My problem is that I appeal to everyone that can do me absolutely no good. One year they asked me to be poster boy - for birth control. You wanna  have  laughs? Do what I do. When I go through a tollbooth, I keep going. I tell the guy, The car behind me is paying for two. I found there was only one way to look thin:  hang out with fat people. My psychiatrist told me I was crazy and I said I want a second opinion. He said,  okay, youre ugly too. Im so ugly... I worked in a pet shop, and people kept asking how big Id get. I was such an ugly kid†¦ when I played in the sandbox, the cat kept covering me up. I get no respect. The way my luck is running, if I was a politician, I would be honest. I went to a freak show and they let me in for nothing. I had a good time last week. I did a show; the whole audience was midgets. I got a standing ovation - I didnt even know it! Oh, last week was a rough week. I noticed my gums were shrinking. I was brushing my teeth with Preparation H. I drink too much. The last time I gave a urine sample it had an olive in it. This morning, when I put on my underwear, I could hear the Fruit-of-the-Loom guys laughing at me. His Wife My wife has to be the worst cook. Her specialty is indigestion. One day as I came home early from work... I saw a guy jogging naked. I said to the guy, Hey buddy, why are you doing that? He said, Because you came home early. My wife made me join a bridge club. I jump off next Tuesday. I havent spoken to my wife in years. I didnt want to interrupt her. Once, somebody stole our car. I asked my wife if she saw who it was. She said, No, but I did get the license number. With my  wife,  I  dont get no  respect. I made a toast on her birthday to the best woman a man ever had. The waiter joined me. My wife had her drivers test the other day. She got 8 out of 10. The other 2 guys jumped clear. I asked him, Who said you could fool around with my wife? He said, Everybody. Ill tell you one thing, I know how to satisfy my wife in bed.  Yeah, I leave. I told my wife the truth. I told her I was seeing a psychiatrist. Then she told me the truth: that she was seeing a psychiatrist, two plumbers, and a bartender. My wifes not too smart. I told her  our kids were spoiled. She said, All kids smell that way. My wife has to be the worst cook. Ive got the only dog who begs for Alka-Seltzer. Theres only one thing wrong with my wifes face - it shows. †¦went to a bar for a few drinks. The bartender asked what I wanted. Surprise me, I said. So he showed me a naked picture of my wife. My wife has to be the worst cook. I dont believe meatloaf should glow in the dark. My wife has to be the worst cook. In my house, we pray after we eat. I have good looking kids. Thank goodness my wife cheats on me. I went to look for a used car and found my wifes dress in the back seat. I remember one guy gave her a good piece of his mind. Yeah, it was right after she took a good piece of his leg. My marriage is on the rocks again.  Yeah, my wife just broke up with her  boyfriend. My wifes a great driver; she once hit a deer. It was in a zoo. There is a pair of shoes on the dashboard. They belong to the last guy she hit. My wife was afraid of the dark†¦ then she saw me naked and now shes afraid of the light. Why,  her cooking is so bad that the flies pitched in to fix the screen door. I leave dental floss in the kitchen and watch the roaches hang themselves.

Marketing concept Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Marketing concept - Essay Example Distributional and promotional aspects should also be accounted for in pricing such that the end result of the process is consistent with all the variables in the company’s interests. The primary purpose of pricing strategies is to specify the role of price in the implementation of marketing strategies (Drummond & Ensor 180). The aim of any given company in business is to market its products in order to gather a sufficient market share, thereby enhancing its profitability and a diversified portfolio. In this regard, the applicability of pricing strategies at an individual level cannot be refuted. Pricing strategies in the marketing context have constituted my personal experiences in two ways. These ways relate to the actions engaged by companies and firms in a bid to satisfy their customers and remain profitable at the same time. One of such personal experiences in the context of pricing strategies relates to penetration pricing. A company undertakes such a move in order to stimulate demand for its products. This is done by offering the consumer or the buyer a low price, such that the buyer feels favored and therefore compelled to make purchases. Rational buyers seek to maximize their welfare, and do I, given the interests of the company. When a product whose quality is not compromised is provided at a cheaper price, its demand rises. I have made several purchases under this notion, thus the applicability of penetration pricing in several transactions that I engage in. Another pricing strategy that relates to my personal experience is that of premium pricing. This factor is based on the competitive nature of firms. Firm compete for the market share in order to reap the highest benefits at the minimum cost possible. Competition may necessitate that a firm set its price higher than the competitive price. However, this is only possible when the

What is the service encounter and how is it managed in the hospitality Essay

What is the service encounter and how is it managed in the hospitality industry - Essay Example â€Å"A service encounter is defined as the period of time that a customer interacts with a service†.The description of a service encounter is wide and comprises of a customer’s contact with customer-contact staff, machinery, computerized systems, physical services, and any other service related components (Massad and Crowston, 2003). Service encounter is a very crucial event for an organization while conducting a service oriented business. In its essence, it refers to any contact or interaction between the customer and the organization providing the service (Johnston and Clark, 2008). As previously mentioned, this interaction may be in various different forms. It could be a person to person interaction between a seller and the customer, a communication between the organization and the customer through an advertisement, or even the customer’s encounter with the actual product of the organization, that is, the service it is providing (Johnston and Clark, 2008).As previously mentioned, this interaction may be in various different forms. It could be a person to person interaction between a seller and the customer, a communication between the organization and the customer through an advertisement, or even the customer’s encounter with the actual product of the organization, that is, the service it is providing (Johnston and Clark, 2008... An interesting fact regarding services is that it is a personal experience. That is, a person goes through the entire process of the service himself and has a much closer contact with the organization and its personnel as compared to a tangible product, in which case a person might never come in contact with the organization itself (Johnston and Clark, 2008). Moreover, the services have a more personal impression on the customers (for example a medical examination with the doctor, a haircut with the barber, a dress design session with the tailor, a wedding plan with the event manager, a birthday party at a restaurant etc.) and have a deeper impact on their lives as compared to the tangible products (like soaps, shampoos, clothes, shoes, and even cars, etc.) Therefore, the customers are more particular about choosing the service provider and once they are satisfied, they tend to stick to a particular service provider and hesitate to switch (Kotler, Bowen and Makens, 2005). Thus, if a series of service encounters, also called a service relationship, turns out to be a positive experience for the customer with a particular service provider, he becomes loyal to that organization and tends to stick (Johnston and Clark, 2008). Furthermore, the customer would talk about it happily with his peers and colleagues, that is, a positive word of mouth will be spread about the service being provided. Hence they become a service encounter themselves for potential new customers. This can work wonders for the reputation for the service provider since when it comes to services, most people refrain from experimenting and blindly follow referrals from close friends and family (Fitzsimmons and Fitzsimmons, 2006). Service Encounter and Hospitality

The swine flu clean up Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The swine flu clean up - Essay Example It is noteworthy that the earlier SARS outbreak as well as the Hurricane Katrina were at threat level three and four respectively. Though the current administration has not been found wanting in its response, there are nonetheless several steps that could have been taken to counter the threat of transmission. Swine Flu is a virus that spreads from pigs to humans and then from humans to humans as well. The typical symptoms are coughing, fever and headache with muscular atrophy as well. The greatest risk is not from eating pork but from the spread of the virus from person to person. There has been a widespread belief that the current hype over the swine flu outbreak has largely been media driven and in reality, the outbreak is not as severe as it seems. As the ABC news website puts it, â€Å"As the swirling national media coverage of swine flu nears the end of its first full week, signs are emerging that a certain degree of panic may be gripping the public† (ABC News, 2009). Further, the website adds that, â€Å"While the official case tally in the United States hovers at 64, according to data presented by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today, even suspected cases are edging their way into the public eye†. Thus it is apparent that people by and large are worried over the pandemic and are taking preventive steps to protect themselves and their families against the outbreak. The WHO or the World Health Organization responded immediately to the new threat by convening an emergency meeting where the threat level was raised to 5. According to a prominent news website, â€Å"The World Health Organization called a third emergency meeting in response to a spike in swine flu cases and said the expert panel will discuss Wednesday whether to raise the worldwide flu alert level. After the panels first meeting Saturday, WHO declared the outbreak an international public health emergency and on Monday it raised the pandemic alert level from

Inflation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Inflation - Essay Example increasing reliability on the use of technology to estimate future plans, widespread awareness of the economic decision making processes, readily available literature on risk management in business and much advanced, organized and computerized methodologies to ensure solid business-monitoring, projects today are incurring heavy financial losses. And the situation is same throughout the world. If we draw an analysis of the trends of the past and present, it would apparently seem that the modern-world businessmen are far immature and less educated in business as compared to so called â€Å"experts† of the past. It appears that development in the science and technology has generated an awareness that has adversely affected the practical world. Things are happening in an unexpected way. This proves that something bigger, not much considered / studied, is controlling business in the international scenario, and that is â€Å"inflation†. Inflation is majorly responsible for th e jammed projects, lessened GDPs, suppressed business, increased loans and this has resulted in aggravating poverty, famine and various other evils in the educationally rich and knowledgeable societies of the modern world. It is the byproduct of inflation that we see people possessing bigger sums than what their forefathers had possessed in their times, still modern-age people are poorer than their forefathers. Inflation as the name suggests, means to expand in volume and decrease in density / value, just like a balloon would expand when air is pumped in it. Apparently it seems bigger when inflated than the size it had been originally, but it becomes light enough to float in the air as compared to the uninflated balloon-material. Likewise, money has increased in amount manifolds, yet it has lost its worth. In other words, the â€Å"purchasing power† of money is lost. According to Park (2007), p-544, inflation means a rise in the price of an object with the passage of time or in other words the amount

Gender and Mentoring Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Gender and Mentoring - Research Paper Example Female are more in to talking things out and expressing their feeling to maintain a healthy mentor and student relationship. Even when they have conversation with student of same gender they always try to build a new relation. Mentor-selection process is whether to be mentored by a man or a woman, The research on gender and mentoring has found that there are consistent differences in mentoring relationships between males and females but I don’t think gender is really matter because I’ve had mentors in different fields of different genders, It’s about shared values more than anything, I haven’t found gender to matter at all cause what’s mattered to me is someone’s perspective—how able are they to see the big picture and their performance. Ensher, E.A., & Murphy, S.E., The Mentoring Relationship Challenges Scale: The impact of mentoring stage, type, and gender, Journal of Vocational Behavior (2010),

Inflation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Inflation - Essay Example increasing reliability on the use of technology to estimate future plans, widespread awareness of the economic decision making processes, readily available literature on risk management in business and much advanced, organized and computerized methodologies to ensure solid business-monitoring, projects today are incurring heavy financial losses. And the situation is same throughout the world. If we draw an analysis of the trends of the past and present, it would apparently seem that the modern-world businessmen are far immature and less educated in business as compared to so called â€Å"experts† of the past. It appears that development in the science and technology has generated an awareness that has adversely affected the practical world. Things are happening in an unexpected way. This proves that something bigger, not much considered / studied, is controlling business in the international scenario, and that is â€Å"inflation†. Inflation is majorly responsible for th e jammed projects, lessened GDPs, suppressed business, increased loans and this has resulted in aggravating poverty, famine and various other evils in the educationally rich and knowledgeable societies of the modern world. It is the byproduct of inflation that we see people possessing bigger sums than what their forefathers had possessed in their times, still modern-age people are poorer than their forefathers. Inflation as the name suggests, means to expand in volume and decrease in density / value, just like a balloon would expand when air is pumped in it. Apparently it seems bigger when inflated than the size it had been originally, but it becomes light enough to float in the air as compared to the uninflated balloon-material. Likewise, money has increased in amount manifolds, yet it has lost its worth. In other words, the â€Å"purchasing power† of money is lost. According to Park (2007), p-544, inflation means a rise in the price of an object with the passage of time or in other words the amount

Sustainable Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Sustainable Development - Essay Example Theoretically speaking, all developmental activities can be carried out in an entirely sustainable manner, and that is in no way a thing that is impossible to achieve. But the real-life scenario is something totally different. For the purpose of successfully implementing various measures that are aimed at bringing about sustainable development many political issues and other challenges have to be confronted. As a matter of fact, all such matters are chiefly responsible for the current state of affairs, where a lot is still undone in the realm (of sustainable development) (1)Sustainable DevelopmentEven though the concept of sustainable development is indeed a noble one, yet, much progress has not been displayed, till date. Perhaps, the chief factor for this is that, many people do not have a clear understanding of the term. Overall, the concept is rather ambiguous, conveying different meanings. (1)As mentioned earlier, several summits and conferences aimed at promoting sustainable dev elopment have been taking place, on the International landscape. For instance, the Earth Summit (UN Conference on Environment and Development) came into existence in the year 1992. Apart from the European Union, a total of 192 countries were a part of that convention. A decade later, in the year 2002, all of those regions gave a solemn commitment that the rate at which the Globe is losing its biodiversity would be reduced, over the subsequent eight years. But that did not happen, as is evident by the corresponding scenario., even as the year 2010 came to an end. (1) The concept of sustainable development has both a strong point and also a shortcoming. Numerous political and economic entities of the World have been brought on a common platform, by sustainable development. That denotes the concept’s strong point. But at the same time, none of those parties have been successful in initiating any practical policies that substantially contribute towards the cause of sustainable development. (3) Sustainable Development and Economy Many people are having the misconception that, by adhering to the norms of sustainable development, a growth economy cannot be realized, and that it leads to a steady-state economy. That is nothing but just a myth, and the following would clearly explain this. It needs to be noted that sustainable development endeavors to meet the needs of the present, by fully keeping in view the well-being of the future. Here, the vital point worth mentioning is that, all those needs can be successfully met only by achieving required economic growth. Similarly, all the standards of this concept can be successfully implemented only when there is economic prosperity. To put the matter in a nutshell, economic growth and sustainability are strongly connected with each other. And meticulous adherence to the guidelines of the latter would

Science Fair Necessities for Project Essay Example for Free

Science Fair Necessities for Project Essay 1. Fill each of the plastic cups  ¾ full with potting soil and plant each seed  ½ inch deep in the soil. 2. Cut a pie-sized hole in each side of each box and leave the top open – cut the flaps off the top so it cannot be closed. 3. Label each box and tape two layers of the desired color of cellophane on four of the boxes over the holes and over the top. Make sure you are able to get at least one of the corners of cellophane up for watering later. 4. You should now have five boxes, four of them covered with red, blue, yellow and green cellophane and one without cellophane, each with a plastic cup holding a bean plant seed. The box with no cellophane will get no colored light and will be used as the control. 5. Place the boxes in a designated area that gets plenty of sunlight during the day. Water each plant with a  ¼ cup distilled water each day, watering at night so the plants are not exposed to light other than the light filtered through the cellophane. 6. Continue watering plants for four to six weeks. Note You can take pictures if you wish, as photos will better illustrate the growth quality of the plants. Observation Keep a record of the plants’ growth every day, taking measurements and noting color when the plants begin to germinate. Descriptions of the plants fullness, leaf size, etc. are key when jotting down information in the journal or log book. Result The plants will grow best under the red and blue light, as the hypothesis predicted. The green light will hinder plant growth as plants naturally reflect green wavelengths of light and therefore, the plants absorb absolutely no light.

Giddens Theory of Social Practices | Analysis

Giddens Theory of Social Practices | Analysis The aim of this paper is to critically evaluate the rationale behind Giddens theory of social practices and offer in depth of complexity and its complex adaptive systems in relation to managing strategic discourse. Several views and ideas have been expressed by many authors and practitioners concerning complexity and strategy. Therefore the scope of the paper is limited to how strategy evolves in a complex adaptive system. In this context, complexity will be explained, highlight on core competencies and resource-based view of the firms; then debate on strategy while discussing the characteristics of strategic thinking and planning and those involved in it. The paper is concluded having critically analysed the kind of leadership style suited for managing diverse human behaviour and its surroundings during the strategic actions. Mitleton-Kelly (2002) linked social practices to a self-organisational context, whereby group of individuals suddenly congregate to perform a task, the group decides on what to do, why they should perform that task, who will be involved and how will it be done. So there is an interdependency and inter-connectivity among the entities involved (Kauffman, 1993). According to Wenger and Snyder (2000) social practices evolve from community of practice which shows how people interact with their surroundings and solving problems through human relationships. So Giddens (1979) opine that â€Å"social practices are situated activities† brings to bare the social interaction of human actions within a structure and the system. According to Cooper et al. (1992) the increasing competition, rise of global markets and growing economic integration has brought dramatic change in industrial developments and management. And these have increased uncertainty, greater conflict and even complexities running across all organisations. Citing example is conflicts between profit maximization within the industry an organisation operates and care for the environment. This is causing organisations to constantly redefine their mindsets (Senge, 1990) to radically rethink of how to gain competitive advantage in the dynamic business environment (McHardy, 1997). Mitleton-Kelly (2001, p. 3) viewed organisational complexity as: â€Å"being associated with the intricate inter-relationships of individuals, of individuals with artefacts (such as IT) and with ideas, and with effects of inter-actions within the organisation, as well as between institutions within a social ecosystem†. Holland (1975) who impelled Complex Adaptive System (CAS) viewed it as â€Å"non-linear systems whose behaviour is determined by the interaction of its adaptive parts†. The interaction is between the organisation and its environment (Sherif, 2006). Cilliers (2000) stated that the non-linearity of the interactions in a system is a precondition for complexity. According to Mitleton-Kelly (2001) the ideology on strategy and changes in management is due to the fact that organisations is observed as a complex evolving systems whereby the interacting agents changes with time (Cillier, 2000). Today, businesses faces more challenges because of the intricacy global network of organisations which propels managers to take pragmatics decisions (Pathak, et al., 2007). According to Choi and Hong (2002) the structural complexities of the supply chain interconnectedness and ability for an organisation to rapidly learn and get acclimatized to the dynamic environment to ensure long-term survival (Brown and Eisenhardt, 1998) has been the embryonic themes that managers usually encounter in decision making. Amaral and Uzzi (2007) commented on the complexity in the managerial context, stating that complex systems occurs when more interacting agents are impel to act on their limited resources and local information. The agents may be individuals, group, specialized knowledge, organisations, industries, etc, (Holland and Miller, 1991: Allen, 1997). Author such as Kanter (1989) acknowledged the significance for an organisation to endeavour to do more with less, stating that â€Å"the imperative to do more with less is a common management theme across a range of industries†. Thus becoming productive and efficient with fewer resources. According to Bovaird (2008) the complexity theory which demonstrates the concept of planning in an open system is abstractly embedded with elemental difficulties. The implementation of CAS oriented approach and behavioral adaptive system helps organization to improve their decision making that will increase the efficiency and the awareness of competition and as much as preparing for external uncertainties (Abell et al. 1999). Example of a company that have benefited from implementing the CAS principles into their operational activities include; Boeings move which reduced its risk of expensive tumble supply networks delays by redesigning of the 787 Dreamliner supply network. Equally, companies such as Nokia, quickly learn to be adaptive in their behaviour in ‘hyper-competitive environment. In the case of Nokia and Ericsson, a fire outbreak to their sole supplier (Philips) for particular chip interrupted the supply of chips to both manufactures. Whiles Ericsson suffered an estima ted loss of $2.34 billion, Nokia quickly connected with Philips to create an alternative supply options that will ensure regular supply of the chips to Nokia (Sheffi and Rice, 2005). Barney (1991) identified the economic and ‘hyper-competitive environment as drivers of resource-base viewed which requires strategic and self-management of the cost and scarcity of resources (Griffiths, 2004) so as to generate superior returns (Priem and Butler, 2001). So the hyper-competitive environment also influences the frequency and level of strategic activities (Eisenhardt and Santos, 2002). Mintzberg (1987) defined strategy in five terms: plan; ploy; pattern; position; and perspective. Similarly, Abraham (2005) viewed strategic thinking as identifying possible business models that results in customer value. According to Pryor et al. (1998) the traditional way of strategic planning was familiarize to quantitative analysis where the strategies were planned based on results or analysed data without strategically thinking of the implementers (low level employees) of the strategic plan. Mintzberg (1994) and Boar (2000) distinguish strategic planning or action as the progeny of strategic thinking. Thus, whereas the thinking involves synthesis encouraging intuitive, innovative and creative thinking at all levels of the organisation, the planning is concern with analysis establishing and formalising systems and procedures (Heracleous, 1998). This is shown in figure 1. Mintzberg (1994) and Boar (2000) concluded that good strategic planning can only be implemented after strategic thinking had occurred. Mitleton-Kelly (2001) express that the ideology on strategy and changes in management is due to the fact that organisations is observed as a complex evolving systems whereby the interacting agents changes with time (Cillier, 2000). Kauffman (1997) and Maturana (1997) argue that strategies should be designed as an adaptive move towards the changing business environment. However, adaptive organisations encounter conflicting constraints within their internal organisation an d the environment within which it interacts. This Kauffman refers to as ‘complexity catastrophe (Kauffman, 1993). Kauffman and Macready (1995) identified Information Technology (IT) and the growing of social network as the major constraints to adaptive system. Therefore, modelling of complexity requires the strategist and practitioners to model organisations especially how human and structural capitals interact with the use of IT systems as well as modelling of the environment to overcome the complexity catastrophe (Sanderson, 1998). Masaaki Imai, a leading Tokyo based management consultant argued that identifying an organisations resource-based view such as its resources and capabilities is critical in determining its strategic action (Imai, n.d). In support of this, Hitt et al. (2009) express that a firms chosen business strategy should be made to exploit its core competences relative to the anticipated opportunities in the external environment. According to Porter (1996) an organisation will survive in this dynamic business environment when it is able to differentiate its strategy by creating its core competency that gives the organisation a competitive advantage over its competitors. Porter re-emphasise that an organisation can boast of good strategy only when its difficult for its competitors to catch up/imitate what it does. He argued that a business model that does not offer an organisation a sustainable competitive advantage is not a good strategy since its competitors can offer the same product to the ma rket. Bonn (2001) suggested three core attributes as the prerequisite for the successful occurrence of strategic thinking. These include recognising the linkages and complexity of the relationships existing between an organisation and its environment in a holistic way, creativity by reviewing the old ideas and practices and merging it with new ideas and having a vision for the organisation. Nonetheless, a viable vision and mission of an organisation should be flexible so as to conform to an ever-changing business environment (Wilson, 1998). Besides the outcome of managing the firms tangible and intangible resources will be the firms strategic competitiveness (Hitt et al., 2009). The diagram illustrates the outcome of strategic actions. According to Abraham (2005) the strategy is all about winning and can only be achieved through strategic thinking and planning. Strategic processes have shifted from the processes of strategic learning by organizations (Crossan and Berdrow, 2003) to an increasing strategy as a social practice (Jarzabkowski, 2005). Similarly, Eisenhardt and Brown (1998) argue that modern strategy has shifted from the traditional way of building long-term defensible positions to a continuous adaptation and improvement into the business environment. Abraham (2005) pointed out that differentiation in terms of finding a technique/innovative way to obtain a sustainable competitive advantage (increasing customer value and profit) is one of the challenges of strategic thinking. However, Sanderson (1998) claim that in this modern era, the ability for an organisation to manage knowledge and the resultant changes in organisation is the main key to think of and obtain strategic advantage and become successfully competitive. On the other hand, the complex changes and continuous quest to gain competitive advantage (Abraham, 2005) has led to the growth of co-operation such as strategic alliances and joint venture to respond to the hostile and turbulent environment (Sanderson, 1998). In a keynote speech by the president and chief operating officer of Coca Cola Company Munich, Kent (2008) stated that the sustainable future of an organisation is not achievable without sustainable leaders and leadership. Moreover sustainable leadership will necessitate organisations to build strong culture of sustainability. Leadership plays a major role in affecting decision processes (Chung and McLarney, 1999) since members within a structure mostly depends on powerful leaders to initiate decisions (Schneider and Shrivastava, 1988). According to Hambrick and Mason (1984) strategy is usually made and executed at the upper hierrarchial levels. Thus the most strategists within an organization is the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and their top management teams and the board of directors of which Whittington (2006) classified them as practitioners. Simultaneously, their profession which includes writing, presenting, communicating, meetings, consulting, etc also requires certain practices such as thinking, analyzing and acting (Angwin et al., 2009). However, Macus (2008) perceive the boards as a strategic resource of an organization that influences its performance. Figure 3 illustrates strategic as practice approach. Boar (2000) stated that a strategist thinks about many issues in multiple dimensions at many levels of abstraction and detail over time (past, present and future) whiles the planning or action processes of the strategy requires cost and time of which all strategists must take that into consideration (Linn, 2008). So the role of strategists is to instill a sense of vision that the staffs of the organisation will work towards (Hamal and Prahalad, 1993) and not to specify every move in advance. According to Simpson (1998) strategy is centered towards the future, hence an effective and efficient strategists is to understand the history of the organisation, its leadership and the industry it operates, then study the successful and unsuccessful initiative the organisation has engaged over the past 5-10 years as well as to enable plan for the future years. In the situation whereby different entities engage in an interaction to undertake a project, a complex inter-relationship is created (Mitleton-Kelly 2001). In this case, a consultant can be hired to help both entities in strategising the planning of the project in order to reap mutual benefit ( ). Also the transfer of knowledge and information to accomplish any task is determine by the level of connectedness and relationship within the actors (Kauffman, 1993). However, Mitzberg (1994 ) criticize the proponents of strategic planning stating that it is deceptive for strategists who are detached from the business operations to f orecast occurrences for an organisation and its industry of operation and that formalising procedures to produce strategy is also a fallacy instead of operationalising on already existing strategies. Equally Collins and Parcas (1994) argue it is a myth that â€Å"successful companies make their best moves by brilliant and complex strategic planning†. Instead the moves made by visionary companies is through series of experiments, trials and error and then take opportunity on those that work perfectly for them. In view of this, Mitleton-Kelly (2001) also stated that trying different strategies exposes organisations to risk. Wenger and Snyder (2000) suggested setting up of â€Å"communities of practice† as one of the best structures for developing strategic thinking. This structure creates thinking environment which involves experienced managers and employees from different sectors and geographical areas to share their skill, knowledge and experiences to develop strategies or business models that influences the future of the company considering the three timing dimensions- past, present and future (Boar, 2000). This structure is similar to the multi-disciplinary project team. Bonn (2001) identified strategic forum as another structures for developing strategic thinking. She argued that this proactive approach should involve successful managers with a proven track record in their own disciplines to focus on areas that will benefit the long-term health of the organisation. According to Kennedy (2005) the diverse cultural values of employees makes managers grapple with complex issues and systems which requires many intangible aspects as tangible ones. Mantere and Whittington (2007) stated that understanding human behavior in a system is really complex. MacGregor‘s (1960) classical division in management theories distinguishes human beings into Theory X and Y. The former are the individuals who are self-interested, work-avoiding and passive whiles the later refers to those who are responsible, communitarian and willing to learn. McGregor (1960) re-emphasize that strategic action will successfully be implemented only when the managers are able to determine the behaviours of the subordinates, the value system and their confidence in the subordinate (Tannenbaum and Schmidt, 1958) and influence them to achieve positive result. Argyris (1956) argue that subordinates who are immature (Theory X) requires an autocratic leadership style whereas the matured ones (Theory Y) require a democratic leadership style. Morison (1967) on the other hand re-emphasized that organisation whose management flexibly gives its staff lot of latitude to plan strategically are better-off than organisations whose managers are autocratic in making decisions. In view of this, Fiedlers (1967) contingency model suggest that the ability of the managers is to carefully assess the situation and choose a suitable dominant style to improve their leadership role in revitalizing the vision of the organization. However, Calder et al. (1977) argued that despite complexity involves managing human being; the existence of leadership is only a perception. Simpson (1998) identified communication, performance measures, reward systems and training programs as the main driving force that influences strategic actions. Effective communication through knowledge and information sharing in an organisation will enable the strategy to be acted upon in the appropriate direction. Hopkins and Hopkins (2002) stated that interactions among group of people simultaneously influences their group actions and is observed as the key predictor of group performance (Kanki et al., 1991). Tziner and Vardi (1983) pointed out â€Å"higher quality of problem solving, greater productivity and efficiency, better achievement and greater group satisfaction† as the benefits of smooth interactions among members of a group. However, Ziegler et al. (2000) argues that the effectiveness of group interaction can be negatively affected (Steiner, 1976) in the situation whereby a single person is dominating a group interaction to solve complex task. Simpson (1998) conti nue to express that measuring the performance of the executed plan will assist the organisation to spotlight on the most important whiles improving upon the performances. Rewards and compensation on the other hand motivates the staffs to make the strategic plan a reality by achieving positive results. Moreover the organisation should organise training programs to psychologically work on the staffs attitudes and skills whiles executing the strategic plans. Furthermore, Stasser et al. (1989) made an interesting comment that most of the best contribution and supports to solutions or complex task is normally generated from ad hoc informal board interactions which occurs outside committee or board meetings among the directors. Ruppert (2009) also emphasise that informal discussion among board members, top management and stakeholders, occurs at the golf course, spending sometime at the beach, pub or restaurant when drinking beer. According to Coutts et al. (2005) the aforementioned places by Ruppert (2009) leads to social development and contributes to team performance within an organisation. DAvani and MacMillan (1990) suggest that managers should not dwell much on previous success because of the dynamic business environment as it is easy for such managers to fall prey to what Duhaime and Schwenk (1985) term as â€Å"illusion of control†. In addition Ansoff (1984) argue that general managers who perform satisfactorily and succeed in an environment does not give them the assurance of succeeding on a different environment where there is lower or higher level of business turbulence (cited in Mantere and Whittington, 2007). According to Linn (2008) one of the concepts that organisations must consider during strategic planning processes is the SWOT analysis. This gives detailed account of the organisation strengths and weaknesses as well as the opportunities and threats of the competitive environment. Mantere and Whittington (2007) claim that the SWOT analysis is one of the most popular strategic tool that has been adopted as business policy to flexibly develop and sha pe strategists and practitioners. The outcome of strategic actions from interacting with the environmental forces provides the platform for organisational learning when the experiences of these outcomes is then feed back into the scanning and interpretation processes (Chung and McLarney, 1999). In support of this, Ashby (1969) re-emphasise that an organisation can survive in a complex system by exploring its space of possibilities thus continuously scanning the landscape and encouraging alternative strategies. On the other hand, the feedback helps in identifying ones strength and specifity of asset (Sherif, 2006). Furthermore, Prigogine and stengers (1985) claim that feedback from implemented strategic plans either being positive or negative helps to create stability in complex system through a precise prediction of the agents behaviour and planning accordingly (cited in Mtleton-Kelly, 2001). Strategic processes have some shortcomings (Tavakoli and Lawton, 2005). The authors argue that normally the knowledge and experience of the front line employees are not incorporated into the information gathered during the strategic thinking process. On the other hand, the authors argue that the absence of the senior management may also mismatch the mission of the organisation. Even though strategic planning usually occurs at the top of organizations (Christensen et al., 1982), Bourgeois and Brodwins (1984) claim that organizations perform better when strategic thinking and planning is delegated downwards so as to benefit from the information gathered at frontline. Moreover, Hambrick (1987) argue that strategic success is assured when the entire top management team share common values and posses qualities that robustly fits into evolving competitive environment. To conclude strategy is recognized as an organizational phenomenon which is significant for organizational performance and growth. Strategic practices never ends so long as there continue to be complex evolving system hence understanding the nature of complex system is important. Therefore adapting to such systems which has been challenged by practitioners requires good leadership that will promote knowledge sharing and learning in engaging into strategic thinking and planning. 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(1998) New approaches to strategy: new ways of thinking for the millennium, Management Decision, Vol. 36, No. 1, pp. 9-13. Schneider, S.C. and Shrivastava, P. (1988) Basic assu Rationalism in Architecture: 18th and 20th Century Rationalism in Architecture: 18th and 20th Century Introduction Rationalism began as a 17th century ideology that led to the Enlightenment, a period in history where reason was the primary instrument for justifying and understanding the hows and whys of things and circumstances. The Enlightenment was a time where concrete evidence through scientific research flourished and Rationalism influenced all field of endeavors and even simple daily tasks.[1] In layman terms, to be rational is to be understandable, measurable or definite. Using this as premise, Rationalism in architecture therefore pertains to accuracy in designing and building the height, breadth or depth of a structure. Architectural Rationalism was a solid evidence of the Enlightenment influence in the field of architecture. It continues to persist in the modern world as an independent art movement though much of the modern Rationalist designs have little resemblance to Enlightenment architecture. Henceforth, this essay attempts to contextualize Rationalism by differentiating its two variants: 18th century Rationalism and the recent 20th century development. The similarities and differences of their respective designs and, if possible, functions are noted to give us an idea on how Rationalism has evolved as an architectural ideology. The essay also includes discussions on sub-movements, their pioneers and their trademarks. 18th Century Rationalism The Enlightenment Architectural Rationalism was focused on being symmetrical, having accurate measurements of classic shapes, and functionality. It clearly reflected the spirit of the times where science, mathematics and logic were at the peak of their influence. Neoclassicism was a widespread movement under the Rationalist wing. It was established in reaction to the flamboyant and seemingly excessive Baroque and Rococo styles. During the neoclassicist boom, many artworks and structural designs of the classical Graeco-Roman era were recalled together with the architectural works of Italian Andrea Palladio.[2] The movement was named neoclassical, as opposed to pure classicism, as not every classical design was applied therein. Neoclassicists only selected from the wide array of designs those feasible to society. Neoclassicist designs were characterized as follows: symmetry, columns that functioned as support, minimalistic design composed of basic geometric shapes, and an overlaid triangular gable commonly known as pediment. The symmetry, functionality, and geometrical aspects of the neoclassicist movement were defining characteristics of the Rationalist ideology.[3] The Pediment[4] A Column[5] Existing in the 16th century towards the culmination of the Renaissance period, Andrea Palladio was the first known architect to revive and apply the classical designs of Graeco-Roman society in many villas, palaces and basilicas. His architecture became an essential foundation of Enlightenment Architecture. As a dedicated follower of Vitruvius and his timeless principle of firmitas, utilitas, venustas, Palladio carefully ensured that his structural designs were durable, useful, and attractive as stipulated by Vitruvius in his ten-volume masterpiece De Architectura. Palladio was also particular about proportions and putting a purpose on every structural component.[6] For instance, a portico or terrace must be utilized in such a way that the surrounding scenery was seen in its full glory. He wanted geographical attributes of the estate to match with the houses structural design. The palazzos, villas and basilicas he designed displayed the intermingling values of beauty and the social environment and position of their respective owners. An urban palazzo was different from a provincial palazzo; likewise, an agricultural villa was different from a residential villa. Palladio designed structures according to their context.[7] Palladio had contributed several design innovations in public buildings and churches. Most Palladian works were made of affordable materials, usually stucco, traditionally made with lime, sand and water, to cover and bind bricks. His urban structures for prestigious Venetian owners had high classical porticos with pediments that extended as far as the second floor and were supported by giant colonnades. These porticos were raised above ground level and on the same level as the rest of the ground floor. This raised floor called piano nobile, was reused in later variations of neoclassical architecture. Palazzo Chiericati in the city of Vicenza was a fine example of this urban structure.[8] Palazzo Chiericati (1550-1557)[9] Rural villas were rather different. Instead of the piano nobile, there was an elevated podium bordered by lower service wings, connected with an elegant curving flight of stairs. The owner maintained residence at the elevated portion. Villa Foscari (also La Malcontenta) was among the mid-16th century designs of Palladio that employed this renowned building format. Villa Foscari (1559)[10] The 1570 publishing of Palladios work Quattro Libri dellArchitettura (The Four Books of Architecture), stretched his influence far beyond his home country Italy. Palladios architectural drawings and discussions contained in the book set the stage for neoclassicist expansion in the key European countries of France, Britain, Ireland, Spain and Germany.[11] Even more remarkable was his influence in colonial and post-colonial America, where his designs were replicated in the houses of well-known families, state buildings and even the private abode of Thomas Jefferson, the freedom President.[12] Along with Palladios treatise, the unearthing and discovery of Pompeii and Herculaneum, Roman towns destroyed by volcanic eruption during the classical period, was thought to inspire the interior designs of 18th century European houses and edifices.[13] The Ruins of Pompeii[14] Interior View of a Herculaneum House[15] In Europe, neoclassicist architecture developed at different paces. Some sources estimated that the movement reached its peak in France with Étienne-Louis Boullà ©e and Claude Nicolas Ledoux. The two architects followed principles of rationality into their Graeco-Roman inspired designs. Boullà ©e was known for fusing geometry with the standard classics. This original neoclassical deviation might have been influenced by his work as an educator and philosopher at École Nationale Des Ponts et Chaussà ©es. Like most neoclassicists, his designs were minimalistic, devoid of ornamentation, bold enough to repeat certain structural components, especially if they were functional (i.e. columns), and sought to emphasize the purpose of the structure and its parts. Boullà ©e also proposed a cenotaph, an approximately 500-foot sphere rooted on a round foundation, for the English scientist Isaac Newton. This was not feasible to build but as a professional engraving, the style gained prom inence. Boullà ©es works were later revived by 20th century Rationalists and more popularly by renowned Modernist architect, Aldo Rossi. Contemporary architects found his designs unique and very inventive although some would consider them illusions of grandeur. The Hà ´tel Alexandre in Paris, known for its flanking courtyard doors and Corinthian columns, was one of Boullà ©es surviving works.[16] Cenotaph for Newton (1784)[17] Hà ´tel Alexandre (1763-66)[18] Like his compatriot, Ledoux was very idealistic in his architecture, always wanting to build with a purpose. For this he and Boullà ©e were branded Utopians.'[19] Ledoux designed many theatres, hotels, residential homes, and buildings, supplied with rotundas, columns and domes from the Graeco-Roman period. His known architectural innovation was the architectonic order, best exhibited through his design on the Royal Saltworks at Arc-et-Senans. He was appointed Royal Architect for the express purpose of building a structural design for efficiently extracting salt. The Royal Saltworks became a significant example of 18th century Architectural Rationalism for its extensive use of geometry and logical arrangement of shapes to facilitate the extraction and transportation processes. Another design was drawn after the first was disapproved.[20] Facade of the Royal Saltworks, France[21] Aerial View of Ledoux Second Design (1804)[22] There were many other prominent figures under the neoclassical movement but few were as Utopian as the works of Boullà ©e and Ledoux. French writer-teacher-architect Jean-Nicolas-Louis Durand influenced several German Rationalists by adding principles of economy and convenience to the existing architectural Utopia.[23] The later renditions of neoclassicism in Britain, America, and Spain disregarded the attachment to symmetry and geometry that Palladio himself and the French neoclassicists were very particular. However, they did retain much of the functionality aspect. For example, neo-Palladian British architects William Kent and Indigo Jones invented the flanking wings to give more space in the house interior.[24] This concern for utilizing space was still an archetype of 18th century Rationalism. 20th Century Rationalism 20th century Rationalist architecture was interchangeably called Neo-Rationalist. Although the designs were different from 18th century rationalism, neo-Rationalists continued to practice important principles of Rationalist Architecture. The simplistic form and ornamentation was still retained; the functionality aspect became known as theme. In fact, as many historians claimed, neo-Rationalism was an evolution of 18th century Enlightenment Architecture.[25] The need to justify architectural works remained strong as it had then. The Enlightenment brought about the Industrial Revolution around 18th-19th centuries. The effects lasted and were carried over to the 20th century, where industrialization became a fad. Economic advancement was no longer associated with brick and wood but with new elements like steel, iron and glass. As industrialization reached its peak in the 20th century, the growing importance of machinery led to the development of an industrial architecture, composed of t hose new elements.[26] Modernism was the dominant rationalist movement of the 1900s. It basically aimed to employ new materials suited to the spirit of industrialization and free architects from the bondage of styles, which curtailed individual touches. The works of early Modernists Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius in Germany and Frenchman Le Corbusier were mostly products of socio-political revolutions. Following World War I, the German Modernist ventured into new structures that meet social needs.'[27] The Bauhaus design school resulted from this venture. Bauhaus became identified as the International Style, adopted by many Modern structural designs in various countries.[28] The following are famous examples of Bauhaus architecture: The UN New York Base by Le Corbusier[29] The Gropius Residence in Lincoln[30] The International Style was characterized by rational principles of minimalism and functional design and structure. Neoclassical pediments, columns and flanking wings were replaced by rectangular shapes of concrete cement, steel, and other new elements. There were hardly traces of particular cultures or social context and a neutral architecture that was universally applicable prevailed.[31] Modernists like Frank Lloyd Wright tried to balance nature and structural designs.[32] Later, Postmodernist movements emerged to deconstruct the universality of Bauhaus and infuse local identities into modern architecture so it can connect with peoples sentiments.[33] Aldo Rossi, Italian theorist-architect-designer-artist, was among the celebrated Postmodernists. His valuable contribution to urban architecture was building contemporary structures without neglecting the historical value of the city or site where it would be built. He stressed the social significance of monuments and cemeteries and also advocated that structures be strong enough for succeeding generations to witness.[34] San Cataldo Cemetery expanded by Rossi (1971)[35] Bonnefanten Museum, Maastricht by Rossi (1990-1994)[36] Conclusion 18th and 20th century Architectural Rationalists are linked by the ancient principles of utilitas, firmitas, venustas. Their respective movements were generally non-ornamental and useful in structure, design and theme. In the area of symmetry, the use of geometrical shapes, and projecting cultural and individual sentiments, the two Rationalist regimes differ. 18th century Rationalists were unified in advocating truth and beauty in architecture while neo-Rationalists had individual contradictions.[37] Nevertheless, both strands justified Architectures major roles in society and in peoples lives. Sources [1] Hackett Lewis. (1992) The age if enlightenment, History World International at http://history-world.org/age_of_enlightenment.htm [2] Steve Fallon Nicola Williams. (2008) Paris: city guide, United Kingdom, Lonely Planet Publications, p. 48. [4] University of Pittsburgh at http://www.pitt.edu/~medart/menuglossary/pediment.htm [5] Old House Web at http://www.oldhouseweb.com/architecture-and-design/greek-revival-1820-1850.shtml [6] Bernd Evers, Christof Thoenes Kunstbibliothek. (2003) Architectural theory: from the renaissance to the present, Germany, TASCHEN pp. 6-7. [7] Sam Smiles Stephanie Moser. (2005) Envisioning the past: archaeology and the image, Maine, Blackwell Publishing pp. 98-114. [8] Douglas Lewis, Andrea Palladio International Exhibitions Foundation. (1981) The drawings of Andrea Palladio, Texas, The Foundation, pp. 158-163. [9] Essential Architecture at http://www.essential-architecture.com/STYLE/STY-E14.htm [11] Caroline Clifton-Mogg. (1991) The neoclassical source book, New York, Rizzoli, pp. 88-175. [12] David Watkin. (2005) A history of western architecture, London, Laurence King pp. 114-513. [13] H. Keethe Beebe. (1975) Domestic Architecture and the New Testament, The Biblical Archaeologists, volume 38, number 3/4, pp. 89-104. [14] Virtual Tourist at http://cache.virtualtourist.com/1898061-Pompeii-Pompeii.jpg [16] Helen Rosenau. (1976) Boullà ©e visionary architecture, New York, Harmony Books pp. 1-27. [19] Barry Bergdoll. (2000) European architecture, 1750-1890, New York, Oxford University Press p. 97. [20] Elizabeth Basye Gilmore Holt. (1966) From the classicists to the impressionists: art and architecture in the nineteenth century, Connecticut, Yale University Press pp. 227-311. [21] United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization at http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/203 [23] Joy Monice Malnar Frank Vodvarka. (2004) Sensor design, Minneapolis, The University of Minnesota Press p. 8. [24] Inigo Jones, William Kent. (1727) The designs of Inigo Jones: consisting of plans and elevations for publick, England, W. Kent pp. 1-73. [25] Christopher Crouch. (2000) Modernism in Art Design and Architecture, New York, St. Martins Press pp. 1-10. [26] Industrial architecture, EncyclopÃÆ' ¦dia Britannica Online at http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/286910/industrial-architecture [27] Richard J. Evans. (2003) The coming of the third reich, New York, The Penguin Press, pp. 122-123. [28] Henry Russell Hitchcock Philip Johnson. (1997)The International Style, New York, W. W. Norton Company, pp. 1-5. [29] International Style at http://architecture.about.com/od/20thcenturytrends/ig/Modern-Architecture/International-Style.htm [30] The Digital Archive of American Architecture at http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/fa267/gropius.html [31] Hazel Conway Rowan Roenisch. (1994) Understanding architecture: an introduction to architecture and architectural history, London, Routledge pp. 22-24. [32] Kathleen Karlsen. Saving Civilization Through Architecture Rationalism and the International Style, at http://ezinearticles.com/?Saving-Civilization-Through-ArchitectureRationalism-and-the-International-Styleid=888138 [33] Hazel Conway Rowan Roenisch. (1994) Understanding architecture: an introduction to architecture and architectural history, London, Routledge pp. 22. [34] Terry Kirk. (2005) The architecture of modern Italy, volume 2: visions of utopia 1900-present, New York, Princeton University Press pp. 208-214. [35] Cornell University Blog at http://blogs.cornell.edu/tim/2008/09/21/cities-sites/ [36] Brian Rose at http://www.brianrose.com/portfolio/bonnefanten/bonnefan.htm [37] Sarah Williams Goldhagen. Ultraviolet: Alvar Aaltos embodied Rationalism, Harvard Design Magazine at http://www.sarahwilliamsgoldhagen.com/articles/Ultraviolet.pdf