Counter Terrorism Policies and Organizations in Iran

On the bright sunny morning of September 11, Al Qaeda terrorists organized one of the most destructive attacks the world has ever seen. They hijacked four commercial planes using them as weapons for annihilation. Two planes full of passengers were flown directly into the twin towers of the World Trade Center immediately killing thousands of people. The third plane targeted the Pentagon and the hijackers of the fourth plane aimed to hit Washington DC but the passengers fought back crashing the plane in Pennsylvania.The terrorists carefully and patiently devised this plan of attack which was never foreseen by the American government. Instantly, then President George Bush vowed that fighting terrorism would be his administration’s top priority. This 9/11incident is one of the many attacks that molded the image of terrorism all over the world. This fateful incident led the leaders of the world to make a commitment to fight terrorism (Gjelten). The war on terrorism is a seemingly e ndless fight.Some people say that this is a political war; others say that this is merely a clash of ideologies most specifically Islamic ideologies against the world but the raison d'etre behind every act of terror does not matter because the very act itself produces the same result- terrorism continues to steal thousands of innocent lives and strike terror in the hearts of people all throughout the world. In order to respond to these attacks, countries from all ends of the world met and created laws in order to prevent the admission of terrorists.The worsening crisis in terrorism paved the way to the enactment of the adoption of Anti-terrorism policies by the Justice and Home Affairs Council of the European Countries on June 13, 2002. The policy describes the different forms of terrorist attack as well as the corresponding penalties keeping in mind the most sacred and fundamental human rights. The anti-terrorism campaign also includes several courses of action for the battle again st international organized crimes. Through the cooperation of EU Countries, the member states adopted a uniform policy on visas thereby lessening illegal immigration.On December 6, 2001, the United States and the EUROPOL agreed to share strategic and technical information concerning several policies about the manner of prevention and investigation of combating serious international crimes (â€Å"Reinforcement of EU Policy against Terrorism†). The United States have several laws against terrorist even before the 9/11 attack. The US Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) provided that an alien who had been engaged in terrorist activity or those under suspicion of being a terrorist cannot enter the United States territory.Terrorist activity has been defined as any violent attack against persons, assassinations including hijacking planes and using chemical or nuclear weapons and any similar activity. Shortly after the 9/11 attack, the USA Patriot Act provided a wider definition of terrorist activity which now includes any person who have taken advantage of any position whether public or private to endorse aid or abet any terrorist activity or organization (Schoenholtz & Hojaiban).In a joint effort to capture members of the Kurdisan Workers’ party, Turkey and Iraq finalized negotiations regarding counter- terrorism agreement allowing Turkey to engage in hot pursuit of PKK terrorists at its base in northern Iraq (Anti-Terror Group, 2007). Iran is one of the countries that contributed greatly in terrorism. They have a special relationship with the Islamic Jihad due to the fact that they get paid for building nuclear weapons for them. They also played a great role in the war between Israel and Pakistan.They provide training and weapons for the war soldiers. Yonah Alexander, an expert in counter-terrorism said that in order to start negotiations with Iran, the past events and policies of the country in connection with terrorism must first be taken into con sideration. In 1980, the United States Embassy in Beirut was bombed by the Islamic Jihad resulting in the death and injuries of several people. About twenty eight years ago, the United States failed to rescue the hostages taken in the Embassy in Iran.An important point to consider way back then was that it was difficult to plan anti-terrorism measures because the times did not call for it unlike today. Just recently, Iran’s nuclear-making operations were suspended because of the inquiries made by several countries who had been alarmed by such activity. The investigation of IAEA led to the discovery of eighteen years of hidden nuclear activities. Even though Iran answered several questions, many remained unconvinced.On October 2003, after the Iraq invasion, Iran joined the International Atomic Energy Agency and signed a protocol stating that they support and promote its safeguard procedures (Cochran). In 2007, the Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki made a statement sa ying that Iran is willing to consider talks with the United States on Iraq even after the United States Ambassador in Baghdad; Ryan Crocker made a complaint about the participation of Iran in terrorist activity by extending supports by supplying weapons and training to terrorists.Several attempts towards negotiations have been made by Iran but were rejected by the United States. Indeed, it is seemingly hard to forge anti-terrorist strategy with Iran considering that it gives support to terrorist activity but no matter what the situation is, Iran is also a country that realized how much they wanted change and hw much they desire a different way of life for its people so there is a possibility that peace and negotiation talks might happen (Winer, 2007). Policy makers all throughout the world have different ideas and strategies but they all lead to one goal, which is to win the fight against terrorism.It is greatly devastating to see millions of innocent lives being lost and it is prec isely because of this reason that in this type of battle, nobody ever wins. The value of human life is nothing compared to a political belief or an ideology. The most effective way of fighting terrorism is to stop them before they get a chance to execute their plan. However, no matter how good the intentions are in enacting these laws, the extreme policies of several countries should also undergo some changes. The definition of terrorist and suspected terrorist should be reevaluated so as not to prejudice innocent people who are also seeking refuge.Indeed, the counter- terrorism negotiations with Iran has been on a rough road but through patience and constant communication, many people strongly believe that it will soon be achieved. An important thing to consider in opening renegotiations is that Iran should declare every detail and surrender all its accounts concerning their development of nuclear programs. They should also make a stand that they would severe all their efforts in s upporting terrorism. It is important to keep in mind that the main reason why everybody is uniting against terrorism is to protect the people and not to push them directly in harm’s way.Works Cited Anti-Terror Group. 2007. †Turkey, Iraq to sigh counter-terrorism deal, hot pursuit on agenda†. PKKterror. com. 22 April 2009 http://www. pkkterror. com/content/view/711/27/> Gjelten, T. 2009. â€Å"September 11 Attacks. † Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia. 22 April 2009. â€Å"Reinforcement of EU Policy against Terrorism†. 2005. Hellenic Republic, Embassy of Greece. 22 April 2009 Schoenholtz, Andrew and Jeniffer Hojaiban. 2008. â€Å" International Migration and Anti-Terrorism Laws and Policies; Balancing Security and Refugee Protection†. Institute for the Study of International Migration Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University. 22 April 2009.

How the World Began Essay

A long long time ago, when there was yet no world, there were three gods who lived in a small circular space of great brightness called a banting, and encircled by a rainbow. The space was just large enough for the two gods, Magbabaya and Dadanyahan, to sit across each other. The third god, the winged Makabughaw, sat precariously between the two and had to flap his wings continuously to maintain his balance. Makabughaw’s flapping of his wings created the first wind. Taking pity on Makabughaw, the one-headed Magbabaya (meaning Your will be done) decided to build an extension so the poor Makabughaw could rest. To this, he had to scoop soil from under the ten-headed Dadanyahan. He asked Makabughaw to do his for him. After studying the situation, Makabughaw swooped into Dadanyahan mouths and divided right through him so he could get soil from that point. He gave the soil to Magbabaya who created earth from it.However, the earth was dry. How could it be turned lush and green? As Magbabaya puzzled over the problem, he happened to glance at Dadanyahan’s ten drooling mouths. Suddenly, he realized where he could get enough water to sprinkle over the earth. Dadanyahan agreed to the plan. Magbabaya blessed Dadanyahan’s saliva and the rain poured. Water washed over the earth. It shaped the mountains, hills, valleys, and plains; it made the streams, rivers and huge seas and oceans. Soon, vegetation began to sprout and grow. But this huge garden needed someone to take care of it. The two gods scooped some earth, and with t he help from Dadanyahan’s saliva , turned it into sticky clay to form a figure. They collected wood for its bones, rattan for its blood vessels and water for its blood. They molded seven figures on Magbabaya’s image. After the seventh figure was molded, Magbabaya had to leave to take care of a few things. But before leaving, he told Dadanyahan no to tamper with the figures. Left alone with the figures, Dadanyahan could not help touching them up the way he thought they should look. Magababaya returned to find Dadanyahan using his creative talents on the figures. This triggered fight between them, which Makabughaw tried to arbitrate in vain. The two gods dueled with each other until their metal weapons sank to the ground. The human race later forged these minerals into its own weapons and modes of transport. Finally, the warring gods reached an  agreement. Because Dadanyahan had made the final form of the figures, he kept the six figures while Magbabaya had only one since it was he who thought up the idea. Dadanyahan’s six figures became the various engkanto of guardians of the soil, water, and marine life, the plants, forests and creatures of the forest. Magbabaya’s lone figure became the first human being. The bits of clay cut from the figures as they were being molded became lower forms of animals. Thus, did the world begin. .

Creative writing: Mines

It had been war but on Saturday morning the war had stopped and the beach down the road stretched enticingly in a gleam and glister of sand and gleaming sea. Deep holes in which the men and women of war had hid in for protection from gunfire and dropping bombs. It now laid silent sound of waves lapping the shore. I was eleven and old enough to be aloud out where ever I wanted to go with my friends. Sean, Nick and I stood in our sandals with our eyes gazing at this watery paradise when to my fury I realized that my eight year old sister Sam had tagged along â€Å"Go away† I shouted † You are not old enough to go out with me† She looked smug â€Å"Dad's gone into town and mum has left us so you have to look after me remember!† I glared at her and pulled a face of pure sisterly hatred but Sean shrugged and said, â€Å"Are we going to the beach or what?† To tell the truth in the first place we were scared to go on the beach even before Sam had showed up in all of her curvaceous glory. It wasn't the fact that the whole beach had signs around it saying, â€Å"beware of mines keep out!† But no one had exactly told us we weren't aloud to go for a swim. In one way or another we did not want our parents to no that we had gone down to the beach for a swim but it was the fact that there was no fence there to keep us out from the gorges archers of sand and miles of sea. I glanced at Sam again â€Å"Go away† I shouted â€Å"Never† â€Å"Well don't blame me if you get hurt!† After that we all ran throw off our sandals and jumped into the cool refreshing sea. We surfed the giant crashing waves out to sea leaving Sam sitting alone on the beach. We wondered around the rocky floor of the cliffs and rock pools. We climbed up the cliffs, leaving a trail of falling rocks and mud we dumped off of the cliffs in to the sea and through stones at pesky Seagulls, We sat in rock pools and ate stale bread and drank bad water left over from the war. Sam's upset little face made us all feel a little bad inside. We dared each other to climb over the most dangerous rocks and into some of biggest rock pools that you could have ever seen. We also dared each other to look inside the pockets of the dead soldiers that lay scattered and dead all over the rocks from men desperately trying to climb the giant cliffs to safety. Soaked and covered with sand we began to head towards home. I than heard something that I will remember for the rest of my life I heard a giant explosion and me and my friends were knocked clean of are feet as we got up I felt a lot of pain I had bits of shrapnel shot into my legs and arms and stomach. Than Sean shouted â€Å"where's Sam† â€Å"I don't know† I replied â€Å"She's your sister go and find her† Than I heard her screaming for help. I was terrified I could not see anything there was too much smoke and dust from the explosion. Than I saw it a trail of blood in the sand and only half my sister Sam, laying there she had lost half of 1 leg and the whole of the other leg. She was screaming to me â€Å"help help oh please help† I shouted for help and only Sean had come because Nick had ran home in pain from the bomb. When Sean came we both had to pick her up Sean was also in a lot of pain from the mine Because he had broken his hand on the way down to the from the explosion we both pulled her up and carried her all the way home struggling trying to keep the blood from gushing from her legs. By this time she had fallen unconscious we didn't know if she was dead or not all that mattered to me was getting her to the hospital that had been set up during the war for injured soldiers. We finally got her there and there and the took her inside right away into another room we tried to follow but we were stopped and taken into an office to be treated ourselves. Than two hours later my dad showed up he was pale and looked sick. He saw me and sat down and started to talk to me † Your sister was very badly injured in the explosion† he said quietly † I know,† I said â€Å"Well she didn't make it she bleed to death in surgery† He said very sadly â€Å"I want you to show me were it happened and tell me everything† he said very sternly My mouth was dry I couldn't say a word I was to upset about the loss of my sister I just said very gently â€Å"ok† I took him down to the beach and showed him were it had happened and told him everything that we did that day leaving out some of the stuff that he would have told me off about like playing with the left over guns. He saw the blood and one of her legs with half of the mine wedged into it. His face turned wight and turned away from it and started to walk home.

Child Labor is a Form of Child Abuse Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Child Labor is a Form of Child Abuse - Essay Example Child labor hampers children from furthering their intellectual growth by robbing them of time spent inside the classrooms to be educated. Childhood is a very significant period in the intellectual development of an individual. However, being tied in different chores hinders children from getting proper schooling. Even if it is argued that child labor equips children with some skills, empirical evidence emphasizes that it significantly robs children the opportunity to be educated. Children who spend more time in work activities have less time to spare to attend their classes. Furthermore, â€Å"time spent working takes away from study, play, and sleep and might undermine the effectiveness of the classroom for child workers that attend school†. Child labor also lessens the ability of children to improve their academic performance. Lastly, child labor passes the responsibility of parents to their young children. It is the sole responsibility of parents to provide the material needs of their children and it is very abusive of them to have their offspring support the family. One extreme example of this is the case of bonded laborers where child labor is used to pay the debt of the family. In all these situations, children are burdened with responsibilities which are not theirs. Child labor is a form of maltreatment as it passes parent’s responsibilities to the child. Exposing children to hazardous working conditions endangers their physical well-being while robbing them of the time to be educated hinders their growth.

Percocet Abuse Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Percocet Abuse - Essay Example The abusers take the percocet in form of pills that for chewing and snorting after being crushed like cocaine. (Percocet information) The prolonged administering of narcotics particularly for continuous two to three weeks is vulnerable to addiction. Even the reasonable doses of some narcotics gradually lead to the fatal overdose. While enhancing the doses of narcotics, the person may initially feel restless and nauseous and then gradually goes towards loss of consciousness and abnormal breathing. It may also demonstrate withdrawal symptoms that may continue for months together. Sometimes percocet is also mixed with other drugs such as alcohol, antispasmodic drugs like Congentin, Bentyl, Donnatal, tranquilizers like Thorazine and mellaril, narcotic painkillers like Daryon and Demerol, sedatives like Phenobarbital and Seconal, to have enhanced influences. (Percocet information) The prescription of regulated substances at most of the cases appear to be the simplest and most effective method at times while the patient is effected by physical or emotional pain. However, in selected cases this strategy gives rise to the prescription drug abuse and hurt the patients. The concept of right use of medication differs with the different groups of physicians and differing societal beliefs and this makes the detection of prescription drug abuse really difficult. Particular mode of drug use leads to greater risk of harm than benefit. Such adoption manners among others incorporate increased adoption of a substance in absence of consultancy by the physicians, utilization of a substance for other than the definite medical conditions, persistent use of substance irrespective of adverse impacts and persistent efforts to obtain such substances. (Isaacson; Hopper; Alford; Parran, 2005) The real physical dependency on the drug cannot be called as drug abuse. Physical dependence indicates a pharmacologic condition that signifies sudden discontinuance of intake of some substances may give rise to symbolic withdrawal symptoms. Tolerance indicates a condition in that gradually increasing intake of substances is necessitated to have the similar impact. A prolonged treatment of a patient may demonstrate physical dependence or tolerance in form of a biological incident to the medication having no misuse or abuse. To illustrate a patient suffering from metastatic cancer administered with high doses of narcotics for pain relief turns to be physically dependence fetches severe withdrawal symptoms when discontinued suddenly. In such circumstances the patient is required to be convinced about the advantages of the drugs and about the difference between physical dependence and drug abuse. (Isaacson; Hopper; Alford; Parran, 2005) Conversely, there is indication of prescription drug abuse even in absence of any physical dependence on a substance. This circumstance may result while the administering of a substance is continual and still considerably interferes with the function. A substance can also be administered occasionally and in a dose not adequate to generate physical dependence, for reasons different than to take care of a defined medical complicacy. At last it is also significant to recognize that patients may be deterred from taking sufficient doses of a regulated substance for various kinds of reasons and be misinterpreted as having the problem of a drug

The study of Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The study of Society - Essay Example For example, carnivorous animal like tiger or lion dependents on the annihilation of its prey like deer or rabbit for survival. The deer and rabbit themselves depend on living vegetation for food and survival. These situations are part and parcel of our daily lives. Hence, it escapes our notice and attention for major part of our lives. They have been so prevalent and ingrained as a phenomenon that we have failed to sufficiently go into the underlying forces and factors that influence them. It is not that attempts were not made. Biology as a branch of science has emerged because of the curiosity about various life cycles and their influences on environment as a whole. The study of biology and environment provides rich insight into their various forms, forces and marvels on micro and macro scales. From the budding of a flower to the formation of thunder, lightning, and volcanic eruptions, this world is one example of the vast terrain of greenery and marine life that hides innumerable volumes of destruction and glory biology and environment have witnessed. (Judith Lorber). The genetics of living objects and their mutability is currently one of the most modern branches of science. Genetics help in mapping pre-historic existence, DNA, deeper understanding of organisms, etc. Generally, the existence of biology is assured through the cycles of births and deaths, pollination, and other factors. We are aware the earth is no more home to gigantic and monstrous dinosaurs and theriomorpha simply because of its inability to sustain these. Other forms of life are also becoming extinct due to man's inroads into the domain of flora and fauna, causing conflicts heavily one-sided in favor of man. The intrusion of man into natural resources like gas, oil and metal is also causing environmental hazards inimical to biology. (Will H. Courtenay). At present, it is premature to decisively conclude biology's role in shaping destiny. Nevertheless, it is difficult to think in terms of destiny without biology. From microbes to plants, animals and humans, biology overwhelmingly dominates the physical framework of living objects. However, there is no evidence to state with confidence that biology has the capability to metamorphose and consequently shape destiny. II. Marx's views to contemporary period Introduction The working pattern and culture have changed radically over the past few decades. The changes have been driven mainly due to rapid advancements made in technology during this period, globalization, and the internet. The new pattern brought along changes and transformations from the organizational to individual levels. It metamorphosed the organizational hierarchy, improved efficiency, shook the mandarins of power, and weakened the trade unions. The information age following closely on the heels of the electronic era did much to advance the causes espoused by the manifesto of the communist party. On the demographical scale, the gap between the bourgeois and the proletariat increased, the rich and poor divide widened, the illiterate class felt the pangs of lacking in education, and prompted those with poor knowledge of the English language to quickly learn

Contract law, Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Contract law, - Case Study Example Date of contract: The date should be provided very clearly on the contract that is agreed between the two parties. Names of Parties involved: The names as well as their implied expressions should be mentioned very clearly in the contract. Details of Services: The exchange of services should be very clearly documented - under within scope. For more clarity, an out of scope section should be mentioned. Payment amounts & terms: The payment amounts (including mode of payment, taxes and interest/penalties if any) should be clearly mentioned. Deadlines: All deadlines should be clearly mentioned in the contract. Expiration Date: The expiration date of the contract should be very clearly mentioned which shall be treated as an automatic end of contract even if written exchanges have not occurred. Damages against breach: The damages against breaches as per the provisions of law within the jurisdiction where the contract is signed should be included if agreed. Termination conditions: The conditions against which the contract is terminated should be clearly mentioned and should again be as per the provisions of the law. Signatures: Both parties should sign on all pages and the end of the contract. It is mandatory to include signatures of number of witnesses as required by the law of the land. A typical contract is presented in the following sample: This Agreement (hereafter referred to as "Agreement") is made on the ___________ day of _________, by and between: , a company registered under Companies Act , having its registered office at , through its authorised signatory, Mr./Ms. (hereinafter called "Company" which expression shall where the context so admits...Verbal contracts cannot be proved in the courts of law unless recorded on a valid machine and experts prove that the voices are of the representatives of the two parties (some call telemarketing companies use this mechanism when selling goods/services over phone). Both parties should sign on every page of the contract and on the last page which also needs to include more details (like designation, full address, etc.). Contracts can be executed on plain papers, stamp papers, E-mails and approved contracting applications. Normally, every contract should have the following content: , a company registered under Companies Act , having its registered office at , through its authorised signatory, Mr./Ms. (hereinafter called "Company" which expression shall where the context so admits include its successors and assigns), of the First Part; , a company registered under Companies Act , having its registered office at , through its authorised signatory, Mr./Ms. (hereinafter called ">" which expression shall where the context so admits include its successors and permitted assigns), of the Second Part. The courts shall look into all the terms and the t

Nature versus Nurture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Nature versus Nurture - Essay Example erived from the review of the theories, it has been observed that deciding whether the behavior of exhibited by human are genetic or learned is quite difficult. Nevertheless, it has been clearly observed that the impact of environment on the behavior of human being is largely apparent in many of the theories conducted in the filed of human growth and development. Human growth and development is an integral part of human life cycle. In order to describe the human growth and development, it is extremely important to acquaint with the concept of development. In this regard, development is a conception of continuous process. It is also describes that the growth and development is a periodical process, which changes over the time as human beings are matured. The process of growth and development helps human to think logically and perceive things rationally which will influence human to maintain all the responsibilities towards the society. The development process starts when a child is born and continues throughout the life (Ruffin, 2013). With this concern, the easy analyzes the seven theoretical perspectives of human growth and development and draws three inferences explaining on going debate of Nature versus Nurture related to lifespan. The human growth and development is a conception, which mainly depends upon several theoretical approaches. In order to explain the importance of the theoretical approaches it has been stated that the theories mainly works as a supportive factor to judge the world with the proper logic as well as in a balanced way. Besides, there are several theories that help people to understand that process of development of human personality as well as the nature and reasons behind the behavioral approach of a human. The theoretical approaches of human growth and development also describe the influence of human action on the environment. It has been also describes that the several theories are based on critical approaches of social and

Nursing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 8

Nursing - Assignment Example Emphasis is given on the need for the involvement of the government for the improvement of quality of healthcare services provided across Nigeria. The introduction of an effective healthcare system could help, according to Riman & Akpan (2012), to achieve the above target. The issue explored in the study of Riman & Akpan (2012) can be characterized as quite important. In fact, the lack of adequate funds has been, traditionally, a reason for failures in the delivery of healthcare services worldwide. The study of Riman & Akpan (2012) can be also used for identifying potential methods for keeping the quality of healthcare services in areas where the access to financing is problematic. The study of Riman & Akpan is well structured, at the level that subtitles have been used for making the content more coherent. At the same time, literature has been combined with empirical research in order to offer more accurate explanations in regard to its subject. It should be also noted that all aspects of the issue under examination are presented in detail helping the reader to understand the current status of healthcare financing in Nigeria and its effects on the quality of the country’s healthcare services. The resources used in the study have been carefully chosen, incorporating literature related to the study’s subject. As for the empirical research, this is based on a survey conducted among a particular category of the population, i.e. ‘women in child bearing age who already have a child’ (Riman & Akpan 2012, p.296). This means that the results of the survey can be used for understanding the performance of the country’s healthcare system in regard to a specific group of people. In the context of the research methods described above, the author’s conclusions can be characterized as legitimate, showing the relationship between healthcare financing and the quality of healthcare

Leases Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Leases - Essay Example IAS 17 has undergone many revisions in the past to improve its application. However, even with all the amendments and revisions, it still has some issues that cause problems in its application in accounting for leases. The purpose of IAS 17 is to classify leases and provide the policies to guide how a firm treats leases in its financial statements. The standard has a few exceptions concerning some lease agreements. Some assets are also not part of the standard, therefore, their recognition and treatment do not fall within the standard. For the leases and assets that qualify within the standard, classification divides them into finance and operating leases (IFRS, 2013a, p.771). The determination of the class of a lease as either a finance lease or an operating lease is at the commencement of the lease agreement. IAS 17.4 defines the two classes of leases giving their characteristics. The substance of the transaction, as opposed to the form, determines whether a lease is a finance or operating lease (IFRS, 2013a, p.772). The treatment and accounting for the two classes of leases differs. The lessee recognizes operating leases as an expense. The lease payments appear in the income statement as an exp ense over the lease term and follow a straight-line basis. The lessor recognizes assets under lease in the balance sheet. The income statement of the lessor recognizes the lease income on a straight-line basis. As for finance leases, their accounting involves recognition both as an asset and liability in the books of the lessee. The value to appear in the books is either the asset’s fair value or the present value of the minimum lease payments, whichever is lower. The lessee also accounts for the depreciation of the asset in accordance with the existing depreciation policies and apportions lease payments between the reduction of the outstanding liability and the finance charge. On the lessor’s books, the accounting for a

A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah - Assignment Example He narrates his ordeal passionately, giving all the finer details that leave your mouth agape and wondering in awe. Ishmael wrote this book to highlight the plight of child soldiers and the kind of trials and tribulations that they undergo. This was a protest letter of some sort to the various authorities, particularly in countries where there are rampant cases of very young boys being forced into the army to fight enemies. In the book, Ishmael covered death as a theme and indeed it stands out because people are being killed; Ishmael only survives by a freak of chance. Ishmael, together with the other child soldiers, experiences nothing but brutality; he faces problems which almost necessitate his death. For instance, if not for the timely intervention of UNICEF to rescue Ishmael and youths alike after three years of fighting in the army against fierce rebels, he would have been nothing but dead meat. With further assistance of Laura Simms, Ishmael travels to the United States of Ame rica, to New York City, where he proceeded to finish high school and graduate from college. Ishmael becomes an advocate and gets involved in a number of international organizations that deal with aiding children who are forced to be soldiers in their respective countries. He wrote this book to show the whole world how him and the other young boys, while in Sierra Leone, lead extremely brutal lives full of adversity. This is clearly brought out when at some point, as they see a fascinating beauty of the ocean, they are forced to get through a torture of walking on hot sand that burns their feet, a scene that reminds one of the simple truth – pain is sometimes so close to pleasure. They initially are taken care of by a Good Samaritan, a fisherman, and make a day of it. But it doesn’t take long before they get captured by some fierce villagers who are so scared of them that, in fact, threaten to kill them. Fortunately, they get saved by cassette tapes. Ishmael really want ed to show people how dangerously a child soldier lives and how seeing tomorrow to such children happens normally by sheer luck; he demonstrates that point when he recounts the incident when he was so scared of death every time that eventually it makes him wonder out loud: â€Å"how many more times do we have to come to terms with death before we find safety?† (Beah, 2008). At some point, the story becomes sad when Ishmael can’t get sleep, there are constant noises around, dogs are howling and running from one place to the other and all he can think about is how something bad is going to happen. The noises wake up one of his comrades, Alhaji, he suspects that something is wrong but ignores that feeling and goes back to sleep. When morning comes, Ishmael and Alhaji start to wake up the other friends. Unfortunately, Saidu doesn’t respond when they talk to him. They try to check if there’s something wrong with him and realize that he is dead. The two prepare his body ready for burial because in that village, it’s an abomination to let a dead body to stay unburied overnight. Another important theme that Ishmael intended to cover and successfully managed to do was enmity. He wanted to bring to the fore the fact that as a child soldier, one is exposed to real and even at

Psychology-Carl Jung Essay Example for Free

Psychology-Carl Jung Essay Chapter 1 is titled: Dream-Analysis in Its Practical Application. The use of dream-analysis according to Jung in psychotherapy is still a debated topic/question. Some practitioners find using dream-analysis to be necessary in treating neuroses while others find that it is simply part of the psyche. If dream-analysis is to be treated then recognizing the unconscious is a must. It is a method for discovering the unconscious psychic contents that are related to neuroses. Jung says that the analysis and interpretation of dreams can be justified scientifically due to the fact that the unconscious plays a part in neurosis and because dreams are expressing directly from the unconscious activity. Dreams give a correct picture of the subjective state although the conscious mind denies this exists. According to Jung, dreams are to be on the same level as physiology. He gave the example that if sugar is seen in urine, then urine contains sugar. He used that because he believes dreams are facts which are valuable for diagnosis. It allows an insight for the cause of neuroses as well as a prognosis. It can show at what point the treatment should begin. Jung states that the Freudian view believes it necessary for the patient to be conscious of his/her disturbances (surviving the trauma). Jung doesn’t deny that some neuroses have a traumatic origin but he does not believe that all neuroses are of this origin. In order for the dream or neurosis to have true significance, a causalistic approach only will not suffice. Shortly after the beginning of treatment, dreams seem to become less transparent. There can start to become a difficulty in interpretation due to the doctor being unable to understand the whole situation. Jung states that unintelligible dreams are a result of the doctor’s subjective opinion being reflected. It is essential for the analyst to admit a lack of understanding when it occurs in therapy. By stretching the truth, the analyst appeals to the patient’s brain, however, helping him/her grow into their truth reaches the heart. There are secrets of the inner life that dreams give information about as well letting the dreamer know some things about their personality. Chapter 3 is titled: The Aims of Psychotherapy. The formation of neurosis and basic principles of therapy are not agreed upon by psychochologists/psychoanalysists. According to Jung, many people find that explaining their troubles give them an urge to power that comes from a sense of inferiority. The psychotherapist’s successes teach him little or nothing. His/her failures are priceless in that they force him/her to change their views and/or methods. Jung states that it makes no sense to teach from the Freudian viewpoint to a patient to whom the Adlerian theory applies. The doctor is not really in a better position than the patient’s psyche to know what is wanted, although it unconscious to the patient. When it comes to psychic constitution, some people have a spiritual attitude and some a materialistic one. These attitudes show ingrained passions. Jung lets his experience be the decision making tool in terms of therapy. Great choices of life have more to do with instincts than conscious will. Jung’s contribution to psychotherapy for those cases where rational treatment produces no satisfactory results, are confined. Roughly 1/3 of his patients are not suffering from clinical neurosis but from the emptiness of their lives. By meditating on a dream thoroughly, something always comes out of it. It is an important hint that shows the patient the unconscious leading him/her. Jung says there is difficulty when dreams do not show anything tangible. Those dreams give clues of possibilities and never can be made plausible to an outsider. Dreams that contain mythological images can be strange and baffling. For Jung, primitive psychology, mythology, comparative religion, and archaeology is important as they provide analogies that enriches the lives of his patients. Jung says that creative fantasy is the origin for all works of man. This activity of imagination frees man from the â€Å"nothing but† to a spirit of play. Jung’s aim is to create a psychic state where the patient can begin to experiment with their own nature. â€Å"The least of things with a meaning is worth more in life than the greatest of things without it† (Carl Jung). Chapter 5 is titled: The Stages of Life. The problems associated with stages of human development means to unfold a picture of psychic life from cradle to grave. According to Jung, our psychic processes are made up of reflections, experiments, and doubts. They are all foreign to the unconscious mind of man. The existence of problems comes from the growth of consciousness. When man turns away from instinct it creates consciousness. Problems draw an isolated state where nature abandons and consciousness is driven. Even in that, a wider and higher consciousness gives us certainty and clarity. In dealing with problems, we instinctively refuse the way that leads through darkness yet want gratifying results. Knowing is based on a conscious connection with psychic contents. Jung talks about how it seems that young people who struggle with their existence are spared inner problems and those whom adapt easily run into sex problems or conflicts arising from a sense of inferiority. Those who try and protect themselves against the new or strange, regress back to the past and falls in the same neurotic state as the one who can identify the new but runs from the past. Whatever the past gives to us is normally adapted to future possibilities and demands. The design and meaning of a problem does not lie in the solution but in the constant working at it. Statistics show that there is a rise in mental depression cases for men around 40. For women, neurotic difficulties show up earlier. According to Jung, a human being could not live to 70 or 80 if the longevity had no meaning for the species. Jung states that we do not know what happens to a person after they are dead. There are no scientific proofs about it. From the psychotherapy view, it is more desirable to think of death as a transition-a part of the life process whose time and extent escapes our knowledge. The working of the intellect is an understanding that thinking is an equation that nothing comes out of but what we put in. Chapter 6 is titled: Freud and Jung-Contrasts. Widely accepted ideas are not the personal property of their author. Contrary, the author is the servant of his ideas. We do not create ideas, they create us. True expression helps us achieve the best. It consists in giving form to what we observe. Jung states that Freud’s theory regarding sexuality, infantile pleasure and the conflict they have with reality is the truest expression of his psychic makeup. Jung points out that he is not an opponent of Freud. He says our perception is conditioned by what we are. Since we are all different, we see and express things differently. Jung looks at man in ways of health and soundness trying to free the sick from Freud’s point of view. Jung states that Freud’s teaching is one-sided generalizing facts only from neurotic states of mind. According to Jung, Freud made a mistake going against philosophy. Jung has never refused philosophical criticism. He knows that every word he speaks, carries something of himself. He doesn’t doubt that natural instincts are forces of propulsion in human life despite if they are called sexuality or the will to power. Yet, he doesn’t doubt also that these instincts collide with the spirit. Jung attributes a positive value to religion and biology. Freud attributed sexuality as the only driving psychic power. Jung says that only after he split from Freud did Freud begin to acknowledge equal status for to other psychic activities. Although Freud says Jung denies the importance of sexuality in psychic life, Jung claims otherwise. Jung says he tries to set limits to the terminology of sex and merely put it in its place. What Freud describes is that sexual obsession that comes out when a patient has reached the point where him/her needs to be led out of a wrong situation or attitude. Theology cannot help those who are looking for an answer because it demands faith and faith cannot be made. Jung states that we are faced with a need for rediscovering the life of the spirit. According to Jung the contrasts go back to their differences in their basic assumptions. Chapter 10 is titled: The Spiritual Problem of Modern Man. This spiritual problem is a question that belongs to the present but yet we cannot judge fully. It has to do with something universal. To be whole of the present means to be completely conscious of one’s existence and requires intensive and extensive consciousness. Moving forward is act of tearing loose all that embraces unconsciousness which claims the bulk of man. It is a painful fact that every good side has a bad one. According to Jung, modern man has suffered a fatal shock and as a result has fell into profound uncertainty. Jung says that a spiritual need has surfaced. He says there has never been a time where the psyche did not manifest itself but it didn’t attract so much attention until now. The psychic life has always expressed in a metaphysical system. Jung says he used to believe it was his duty to call people to order but not admits the need in calling himself to order. He says that science has destroyed the refuge of the inner life-it once was a haven and now a place of terror. A compensation in the unconscious arises when a piece of the conscious life loses value. The noisome and secrets of the inner life, to the modern man, are valuable because they serve his/her purpose. Psychological insight seems to trespass personal life and therefore, it meets with personal resistance and denial. Jung emphasizes that the unconscious has an attraction for healthy minds and not just the sick. Jung says we are only at the beginning of a new spiritual awareness. Need and distress breed new forms of life. A new self-awareness comes from the attractive power of the psyche. There is a psychic life in the end that embraces us all. Modern Man In Search Of A Soul actually chose me instead of me choosing it. I was looking through the psychoanalysts and psychologists that were studied in class. None really sparked an interest in me like Carl Jung. The funny thing is we have all heard of Freud and he is probably one of the more popular choices for such an assignment. However, I wanted someone who contributed just as well to the field of psychology but wasn’t really in the lime light. I had to research all of Jung’s theories to make sure I was comfortable with choosing him. I found a sort of connection with Jung. I was about to buy one book when my eyes happened to glance downward and saw this one. How more spiritual than that? I wanted something to be able to relate to and believe in. Low and behold, this book showed up. There are a total of 11 chapters in this book. Surprisingly, it was not hard to choose the ones that were of interest to me. The first chapter talked about dream analysis. I believe, like Jung, that dreams do tell a lot about and to the dreamer. Some examples he gave in the book were amazing. I wonder at times if people who write books about their work exaggerate on what really took place. For whatever reason, I believe Jung wholeheartedly. Dreams can show what steps to take next as well as what steps not to take. Most of us forget the dreams we have yet there are some dreams that stick with us forever. I believe this happens because it kept in the subconscious mind. We make ourselves aware of the dream as it has significance in our present life. I can see how it can be difficult for the doctor not to judge or impress his/her beliefs on the patient/client. The chapter about the stages of life was interesting. I see myself and I also see my mother in the stages that were presented. Jung states that what keeps one from being ultimately happy is the refusal to be open to new experiences. When we transition from childhood to adolescence, nature sort of abandons us to the conscious world. He used the biblical analogy of the fall of man to the beginning awareness of consciousness as a curse. The chapter regarding the contrasts between Freud and Jung speaks for itself. They both contributed significantly to the field of psychology. Most theorists have their foundation in Freud’s theories. Many began to break away from him and form their own theories, which to me is just like the transition from adolescence to adulthood. As an adolescence we are under the wings of our parents and thus for most of us we believe what our parents have taught us. Once we transition to adulthood, we have a better understanding of life and will experience things that will and can make our view different from our parents in some areas. The last chapter I summarized about was the spiritual problems of modern man. I believe the mind does have a spiritual connection. Like Jung I don’t see how one cannot see that there is a link between the psyche and spirit. I agree with Jung when he talks about life after death. How can we know what really happens if no one dies and then comes back to tell us what happens. There is no definite answer. This book report has proven to be very insightful. It has broaden my horizon and made me think. The good thing is, it makes more than ever ready to study more.

Sri Lanka: Agriculture, Technology and Culture

Sri Lanka: Agriculture, Technology and Culture TRADITIONAL AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY Sri Lanka has had an innovative agricultural technology. Sri Lanka has had a rich agricultural technology. Because we can found new methods and new instrument for agricultural works now a days.   farmers can save time and they can doing their work instantly by using these method and instrument, however I think there Is complex agricultural system in Sri Lanka now a days because so meny artificial things are used for agriculture works. As example machines, chemichals ect. But modern agricultural methods are having adverse effect on envioronment and crops Agribusiness is the most imperative segment of the Sri Lankan economy. Despite the fact that its commitment to the total national output declined considerably amid the previous 3 decades (from 30 percent in 1970 to 21 percent in 2000), it is the most vital wellspring of work for most of the Sri Lankan workforce. Around 38 percent of the aggregate work compel was occupied with horticulture in 1999. In the subsistence part, rice is the principle harvest and cultivating rice is the most essential monetary action for most of the general population living in rustic ranges. Amid the most recent 5 decades the rice part developed quickly and yield dramatically multiplied, coming to the most elevated at any point yield of 2.9 million metric tons in 1999Increments in the region under development, and enhanced efficiency because of the modernization of farming are the fundamental explanations behind an expansion underway. The restoration of Sri Lankas broad antiquated water system arrange and g igantic new interest in development and support of water system framework prompted to a substantial increment in the zone under rice development. Between 1960-2000, the range used to develop rice expanded 6 times to 546,249 hectares. The modernization of cultivating techniques, for example, the utilization of high-yielding seeds, tractors, and synthetic manures additionally prompted to expanded profitability in the rice division. Between 1960-1999, rice yield per hectare multiplied from 1,877 kilograms to 3,672 kilograms. Notwithstanding rice, different other nourishment yields are created for neighborhood utilization. They incorporate yams, beats, grains, vegetables, and natural products. A large portion of these products are developed in family gardens, aside from potatoes and sugar. Sugar stick is developed in the dry zone, and Sri Lanka delivers just 15 percent of what it devours locally. The significant manor harvests of tea, elastic, and coconuts keep on figuring unmistakably in the economy of Sri Lanka; notwithstanding, the commitment of these business yields to GDP declined from 11.5 percent in 1970 to 5 percent in 2000. Tea, the unmistakable product of the manor division, develops in many parts of the wet zone, and specifically in the focal slope nation. Sri Lanka is renowned for its top notch dark tea, and is the biggest provider on the planet. In 1999, 269.3 million kilograms of tea (95 percent of aggregate tea generation) was sent out, procuring US$621 million in outside trade. The United Kingdom, Russia, and the Middle East are the real fare markets The second significant business product is elastic, developing in the edge and valley nation of the wet zone inside. Of 159,000 hectares under development, around 80 percent was being tapped (gathered) and in 1999, 96.6 million kilograms of elastic were delivered. A sizable extent of elastic creation is utilized as a part of the residential assembling segment (56 percent in 1999) and the rest of traded. In 1999 fare income added up to US$33 million. China is generally the significant purchaser of Sri Lankan elastic. The execution of this part has been liable to precariousness because of ominous developments in world costs. Rivalry from manufactured elastic makers has created elastic costs to drop. Be that as it may, with rising petroleum costs (the real element for engineered elastic) there is a possibility at world elastic costs to move forward. Antiquated Sri Lanka was an independent, flourishing horticultural economy the staple nourishment, rice, was developed in broad paddy fields, while vegetables, greens, grains and oats were developed in rain-encouraged grounds called Chenas. Chena is viewed as the most seasoned type of development in Sri Lanka, stretching out as far back as 5000 years in Sri Lankan history. Chena development was a customary practice and old Sri Lankans guaranteed that the earth was unharmed simultaneously. The methods used to develop a chena relied on upon a scope of factors including the atmosphere, way of soil and other ecological and topological elements of the territory. Chena development was fundamentally polished by men; be that as it may, ladies and youngsters additionally broadened their guide in different courses, for example, shielding crops from striking winged animals and creatures. Old, conventional ceylon agriculturists emphatically trusted in numerous religious and profound customs and practices. For example, agriculturists trusted that the individual who starts development of a Chena ought to be drained of contaminations, called Kili in the Sinhala dialect. It was additionally standard of Chena cultivators to petition their religious confidence before they start development. A solid proclivity to soothsaying likewise guaranteed that development initiated on a promising day and time Chena was developed all in all; every town had one chena plot which was partitioned into individual shares among the villagers. The insight behind this joint effort was a result of craving to secure the encompassing timberland. On the off chance that every villager was permitted to clear their own plot of land for development, the timberland would soon vanish. In this way the town would by and large select one range of land for development and share the yield. Navadali Hena is chena arrive made by clearing an untouched timberland territory, setting it ablaze and developing it instantly after. Navadali truly means new ash, which can be discovered plentifully all through the Navadali Hena. As the region has not been worked beforehand, a Navadali Hena is exceedingly fruitful and acquires a high return of yield. Be that as it may, ranchers avoid developing an excessive number of this kind of chena as it requires clearing new woods arrive therefore prompting to lessening in timberland cover. The woods starts to re-develop in the deserted Navadali Hena arrive following a couple of months. At the point when the trees have achieved the normal length of a grown-up people arm, the semi-wild is cleared and set ablaze for development. This sort of chena land is called Ath Danduwa Hena, Ath Dandu signifying a safe distance. A woodland which comprises of medium-sized trees is known as a Mukalana. Hence Mukalana Hena is a kind of chena developed by clearing the medium and little measured trees of a Mukalana woods. Once a land becomes infertile as a result of repeated tilling, it is abandoned by the farmers. This abandoned chena is still tilled by feeble, sick or old farmers who cannot extend their support to the collaborative chena cultivation as it is a strenuous activity. Hen Kanaththa does not produce an abundant crop, but it is sufficient for the survival of these farmers. Generally, antiquated chena cultivators cooperatively chose the kind of chena to be developed, regardless of whether it ought to be Navadali Hena, Mukalan Hena, or Ath Danduwa Hena. Once a choice is made, they would choose a proper land range; rough zones were regularly kept away from and zones with a spring were favored. Vee Bissa is one of the more prominent creations of antiquated agriculturists. It was utilized to store paddy for both utilization and for development. Contingent upon the sort and nature of paddy, diverse sorts of Vee Bissas were set up, for example, the Ma Vee Bissa, Vadimal Vee Bissa and Bala Vee Bissa. Among alternate sorts of paddy stockpiles, Piduru Bissa, Waruva, Veniya and Pesa were well known with the old and conventional agriculturists. The Vee Bissa was held with high see in antiquated society as it was an unmistakable sign of a mans riches and impact. The quantity of Vee Bissas claimed by a man was thought about in engagement propositions too. Numerous customs are taken after when setting up a Vee Bissa. It was set up at the passageway of the house far from the terrace and toilets, maintaining a strategic distance from spots with high moistness or consistent water leakage. A sufficiently bright and dry place is the perfect area for setting up a Vee Bissa. The materials expected to set up a Vee Bissa were gathered from their environment and the prompt wilderness. Each progression during the time spent setting up a Vee Bissa guaranteed the protection of the nature of paddy seeds. The Vee Bissa is bolstered by four sections made of stone or wood. The base is lifted a couple meters over the ground to evade any contact with soil and water that may influence the paddy. The body of the Vee Bissa is produced using an exceptional sort of earth got from ant colony dwelling places. Once these layers of dirt become scarce, dairy animals excrement is then covered along within the Vee Bissa to keep creepy crawlies from nourishing on the paddy. Red ant colony dwelling place earth was normally utilized because of its sticky nature and high porosity. This dirt goes away quicker when contrasted and other mud sorts and does not bring about breaks. The dry earth does not assimilate water promptly. The put away paddy gets ventilation through the minor pores show in the dirt and the oval shape encourages uniform ventilation all through the Vee Bissa. The Vee Bissa is secured with a Piyassa which shields the seeds by keeping water from going into it while likewise giving shade to the Vee Bissa. This keeps the paddy from being influenced by growths. A layer of Margosa forgets would be spread over the top layer of paddy once the Vee Bissa is topped off to shield it from unsafe creepy crawlies. Beside putting away paddy for utilization, agriculturists likewise put away them for development purposes. The germination force of paddy seeds are all around ensured in a Vee Bissa. At present, agriculturists are confronted with numerous issues concerning the capacity of paddy. These issues were never experienced by antiquated and customary ranchers as the Vee Bissa permitted them to store paddy for expanded periods without it getting spoilt. There is no hardware or innovation today that can coordinate to the Vee Bissa as far as having the capacity to save the germination force of paddy. Todays ranchers utilize capacity compartments made of concrete while putting away paddy, be that as it may it is far fetched on the off chance that they are equipped for ensuring the germination control as proficiently as a Vee Bissa. A Nagula is utilized to furrow the land before paddy is developed. Furrowing relaxes the dirt encouraging great ventilation and water supply to the dirt, while additionally devastating weeds and boosting microbial action. Old and conventional ranchers of Sri Lanka utilized distinctive sorts of Nagulas -, for example, the Sinhala Nagula, Yakada (Iron) Nagula, and Kakulan Nagula in light of the development of the land and example of development. Sri Lankan ranchers normally utilized Sinhala Nagula for furrowing. The handle of a Nagula is identify Nimun Kurulla or the Nagul Atha. The handle is settled to a grasp called Nimun Mita. The Vakkote is the piece of a Nagula that hollows the ground out. The Nagula is dragged along the ground by its stem, Pathakadaya which is attached to a wooden bar or burden (Viyagaha) by a harmony called an Amuthu Bana. The Viyagaha is put on the neck of bulls. The Amuthu Bana is usually made of deer or sambar deer skin, or from crude skin of a coconut shaft or skins of trees, for example, Lihiniya or Nava. An edge is made in the Viyagaha to grasp the Nagula. A stick called Kewita is utilized to drive the working bovines (bull, cow, wild oxen) while furrowing. Once the field is furrowed, the bovines are discharged from the Nagula quickly, and showered in the Boradiya Mankada of the Vewa (water system tank), and nourished diverse areas of a water system tank is utilized for various purposes, the Boradiya Mankada of a tank is utilized to bathe working creatures. Sri Lankan ranchers of old had extraordinary regard for the instruments and creatures they utilized as a part of their cultivating exercises. In this manner, once their working creatures are dealt with, they would wash and clean the Nagula also, and hang it on their Vee Bissa (a capacity structure used to store paddy). A Nagula is never continued the ground and a sloppy Nagula is never utilized for furrowing the next day. A Kumbura or Ketha is the arrive on which agriculturists develop paddy. Rice is the staple nourishment of Sri Lanka and in that capacity, paddy development is given most extreme significance in the agribusiness business. Antiquated and customary ranchers were independent in rice creation and old Ceylon is said to have been among the principal paddy exporters on the planet. Paddy generation in the nation prospered amid the rule of Sri Lankan lords, who cultivated and sustained creation in different ways including, most remarkably, the supply of water through the development of extensive scale water system tanks Ceylon was famously known as The Great Barn of the East amid the rule of King Parakramabahu who is eminent for his pressure driven development and redesign in help of agribusiness. Kurulupaluwa is one of numerous philanthropic techniques rehearsed by antiquated agriculturists. A great part of the farming practices of old worked concordantly with nature, instigating almost no (these were reversible) to no harm to the earth and untamed life. There are two sorts of Kumburu: Godakumburu and Madakumburu. Godakumburu are developed without a changeless water supply, rather paddy is developed here with the guide of rain water. These sorts of Kumburu were not well known among ranchers, because of the unconventionality of precipitation. Madakumburu were significantly more famous as these had a perpetual water supply by method for a water system tank or stream. See Sama is the way toward frightening and get ready land before paddy development, which is done utilizing a Nagula (furrow) and bulls. See Sama was performed ceremoniously amid the reign of rulers in a celebration called Vapmagula. Numerous religious ceremonies were likewise seen by conventional and antiquated agriculturists before nerve racking initiated. When frightening is finished, paddy seeds are sown or saplings are planted in the ground. No chemicals or poisons were utilized to improve the dirt of paddy fields. Antiquated and conventional agriculturists utilized compost, fallen leaves and rotted roughage to treat their property. These natural composts enhanced microbial movement in soil. The yield from this technique for treatment was high and missing of unsafe poisons. Poru Gama is the way toward leveling the paddy field with the utilization of bulls and an apparatus known as the Poruva. Poru Gama is by and large done fourteen days subsequent to nerve racking and treating paddy fields. This procedure guarantees that there is uniform water spill out of one Liyadda to another. Bovines (bulls, bullock, cows) who help the rancher in the many phases of paddy development are a significant resource for him. Along these lines, agriculturists treat their working creatures with most extreme love and care. They are never incited damage by the Kewita (a stick used to drive and direct the bovines) amid See Sama, Poru Gama and so on. The creatures are never over-worded and are given a lot of nourishment, water and rest in an opportune way. Toward the finish of a working day, the bovines would be washed and cleaned and given scavenge. The creatures are never utilized the whole day (they are just worked around 5 to 6 hours a day) and are never worked under a brutal sun (this was particularly amid the day and at twelve). A wooden fence called the Danduvata, made by stacking and tying fallen and trimmed tree stems and branches, is set up around the whole Kumburuyaya to keep wild creatures from assaulting crop. Moreover, a scarecrow (Pambaya) is raised and a Takeya (a harsh chime sort protest) is hung to drive off flying creatures and small creatures. Agriculturists would keep watch over their Kumbura for the duration of the day and night in unpleasant cut watch hovels called Pela to pursue away assaulting creatures. Sri Lanka has encountered many changes in the course of the most recent century which has significantly affected customary rice cultivating in the nation. An adjustment in the atmosphere can be viewed as the island has confronted a diminishment of precipitation and an expansion in air temperature in specific ranges of the nation. Moreover, arrive utilized for vegetation has been put to different uses bringing about lost 50 for every penny of timberland cover. The populace has additionally expanded by 15 million in a land region of 6.54 million hectares throughout the most recent 60 years. Event of cataclysmic events, for example, dry spells, surges, violent winds, avalanches, pestilences, and so on., has made life troublesome for individuals to run about with their exercises. Conventional reasonable horticulture moving towards present day innovation escalated mode is somewhat to be reprimanded for these catastrophic events. Customary agriculturists who assembled involvement and abilities over hundreds of years, figured out how to support yields under unfavorable cultivating conditions utilizing locally accessible assets. A review led by the creator with the support of Future in Our Hands, during2007 2010 in the Moneragala region, explored how customary rice cultivating and the related environment confronted the test of dry spell and developing issues of present day cultivating by following adapting methodologies from the past. Customary framework honed by ranchers incorporates: i) development of conventional rice assortments; ii) utilization of natural composts (straw, green excrement, cow waste, poultry fertilizer, fluid manure and so on.); iii) administration of filters out hand weeding, mechanical weeding, and water administration; iv) administration of bug and maladies by rehearsing Kem krama (ceremonies), keeping up bio-differing qualities, and utilizing bio-pesticides; and v) administration of accessible water without prompting to dampness push. A review was completed in 16 towns, where a few agriculturists honed customary cultivating and some others embrace present day cultivating. The fundamental contrasts found in present day cultivating contrasted with conventional cultivating were that the agriculturists utilized: i) new enhanced rice assortments; ii) Inorganic composts (urea, muriate of potash and triple super phosphate); iii) Weedicides; iv) Pesticides; and v) pre-booked water system. These two cultivating frameworks were surveyed by utilizing different markers, for example, profitability of land, work, capital, and seed, input cost and net return per unit weight of grains. Comes about demonstrated that the customary rice cultivating when embraced for a couple seasons could endure dry season conditions, diminish soil saltiness, and enhance soil P, K and natural matter and some physical properties. In addition, cost of generation diminished while work and capital profitability expanded. The framework enhanced its ability to control bugs with no extra measure. Discoveries are abridged in the table beneath. In lavish tropical Sri Lanka, paddy development took profound root, changing into the backbone of the islanders and setting the pace for a national culture decorated with expound ceremonies revolved around the readiness of the fields and the collecting of the grain. Sri Lankas unbelievable gathers once brought it notoriety as the Granary of the East. Chronicled records disclose to us that paddy was developed in Anuradhapura in 161 BC and thrived there until 1017 AD. Today, it is developed over the Island. As society developed, exercises and individuals near the heart of paddy development rose to unmistakable quality. By keeping the Island nourished, the goviyas or paddy ranchers rose the progressive system of the Sinhalese cast framework, raised by illustrious support in light of the fact that, all things considered, they satisfied the general populations craving as were meriting regard. Paddy development was a mutual joint effort including both the land-owning ranchers and the sharecroppers or ande goviyas, who worked exclusively and by and large, from the seeding toà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨the reaping, under the direction of shrewd and climate beaten seniors. The development cycle was a high purpose of their social life. Everybody contributed. History specialist, Dr Ananda Coomaraswamy writes in Medieval Sinhalese Art, Extraordinary Chiefs were not afraid to grasp the furrow. The larger part of town society were carried into close touch with the dirt and with each other by cooperating in the fields; even the experts used to drop their apparatuses to do a share of the field work when need was, as at sowing or reap time Divine mediation was sort to secure favors for an abundant collect, and assurance from the components and from infection. At initially, it was the divine forces of the people religions of the land that the ranchers swung to. After the landing of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in 250 BCE, Buddhist customs took unmistakable quality and these society practices were consolidated under its umbrella. The customs varied from place to put. In the low nation, for instance, a function was held to secure the support of the Gara Yakka, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨a evil presence accepted to bring about inconvenience in the event that he is not sought. In Anuradhapura, a function was held to thank the Aiyanayaka deiyo, a diety related with the supply, denoting the vital association between the agrarian individuals and their water. Old Sri Lanka had a great water powered biological community. Progressive rulers fabricated expound water frameworks to flood the land, gather water, and nourish the paddy fields, specking the scene with man made repositories. The cadence of the Islands paddy development cycles blended with the storm rains: the upper east rainstorm watered the Maha or significant yield cycle, which begins with seeding in October-November for havesting in February and March; and the southwest rainstorm watered the Yala or minor product cycle planted over April and May for reaping in August-September. 70% of the Islands rice gather originates from the previous, and the rest from the last mentioned. The ranchers honed two fundamental types of development: dry seed and wet-bed, the last being the more common. One strategy for dry seed development is known as kekulama, when the land to be developed was guaranteed from the backwoods, and alternate as vee hena if the land was under the moving or hena development technique, where the initial step is the earth being furrowed, left to settle for a couple days, and after that seeded with dry sprouted seeds. Just certain areas of land were dry seeded, and whatever is left of the land was set up for wetland development, to be done when the tanks were overflowing with water. Couple of occasions in Sri Lanka are attempted without counseling a celestial prophet who decides the favorable time for an effective result. Along these lines critical exercises like furrowing, seeding, sifting and reaping were started at propitious circumstances. One of the main demonstrations was for the ranchers to clear, clean and secure the conduits, pathways and regions. That finished, the gifts of the divine beings were secured with a pledge or guarantee, fixed by tying up a coin in a bit of new white fabric and joining it to the branch of a holy nuga tree close to the water source. The conduit entryway was opened, discharging water into the fields, the minute reported with the lighting of fireworks. At that point started the working and furrowing of the earth. Before, wild oxen were utilized to furrow the land, though today, tractors have set a considerable lot of these creatures out into the wild. The seedlings are then planted, with the primary seedling formally situated in the focal point of the field by the senior agriculturist. Areas of land at two closures of the field were left unsown ridiculous and creepy crawlies to appreciate. Watch cottages or pela are set up high over the ground to keep watch over the green abundance. The watchers had a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨clear perspective of the whole field. Flames are made to keep damaging creatures away. To remain wakeful, the watchers would sing pel kavi, melodies of the watch hovel. Gradually, the fields would turn a brilliant cocoa. Reap time was a period of cheering, to be commended in melody. The men cut the paddies and the ladies assembled them into bundles, which they conveyed upon their heads to the kamatha or sifting floor. In Folk Songs of Lanka, Carlton Samarajiwa states, the kamatha is a holy place in Sinhala society culture: it symbolizes the peak of an entire rural season furrowing the fields, sowing the seed, weeding and transplanting, and procuring the collect. The kamatha and the customs related with the action of sifting the paddy have over the eras gained their very own sacredness. Normally, there are kamath kavi, or sifting melodies, to be joyously su ng: Budun vandina velaavayi Kiri uthurana velaavayi Kola madavana velaavayi Kamatha pirena velaavayi The principal cuttings of rice are a festival. A stately pot of drain is set on a wood fire and permitted to bubble over, in a custom called kiri itirima that symbolizes plenitude. Drain rice is cooked with the grains of the main reap and offered to the Buddha and to the gods, and the rest of shared among those present. Bits of the primary rice are offered to the Buddha and taken in parade to the sanctuaries. It is a valuable minute that joins the land, and its abundance with the diligent work of its kin and their divine beings.

Issues in Historic Building Conservation

Issues in Historic Building Conservation Construction Technology and Rehabilitation Referring to specific case studies this paper aims to investigate attitudes towards the preservation and restoration of historic buildings and the influences and constraints which might affect the development of such buildings. Why preserve? Many buildings are either deserted by their owners when the cost of restoration becomes too great, or demolished when the lesser expense of a new development and its saleability are of greater appeal. The future of historic buildings relies not only on the people or governing bodies that own them, but also on organizations such as English Heritage that list and protect buildings from development and raise public awareness through schemes such as the ‘Blue Plaque’ scheme (www.english-heritage.org). The relatively recent enthusiasm for television programmes about restoration have also helped heighten awareness. As Philip Wilkinson phrases it: ‘Old buildings form strong links with the past () to historians and archaeologists they are precious documents, unlocking information about the life, art, aspirations, and technology of the people who built them and used them.’ (Wilkinson: 2005, p.13) Long-term preservation can dramatically increase the economy of an area. For example, Bath and North East Somerset which is famous for its Georgian and stone buildings generates a huge revenue through tourism because of the efforts taken to conserve its rich heritage. The expense often proves a deterrent but in the case of either private land owners or council owned properties English Heritage and other such organisations such as the Funds for Historic Buildings (www.ffhb.org.uk) can provide financial aid in the form of grants, tax relief, and subsidised loans. Safety, Security and Assessment ‘The George Inn’ a mediaeval Inn, five miles south of Bath, owned by the Wadworth family, was restored in 1998 by Stansell Conservation, West Country Tiling, under the direction of Acanthus members, Ferguson Mann Architects. (http://www.buildingconservation.com/articles/george/george.htm). A major part of the building was unoccupied and unusable, and the task was to conserve and repair, then turn the pub into a small hotel with 12 bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. Being of large timber framed structure with intricate stonework and huge stone slate roofs, the procedures had to be selected carefully. Other considerations were taken into account; such as its archaeological investigation, and adhering to the fire-safety requirements of creating hotel accommodation. The original plan depended on the creation of accommodation on the top floor of the main building: however, the provision of an alternative means of escape would have involved major interventions to the building so this plan was altered: Fire safety presented problems as the stair tower had to be protected from smoke and flames in the event of a fire. The standard solution, wired glass doors on either side of the stairs, would have had a disastrous impact on the character of the interior. The solution was to hide the fire doors in the walls so that they could not be seen when open, and to fit them with electro magnetic catches so that they would close automatically when a fire is detected. (http://www.buildingconservation.com/articles/george/george.htm). Factors to consider in the conservation of structures not only concern the building itself but also the area surrounding it. The situation of the George Inn, on the pavement of a busy main street, caused potential danger from falling stone slates and maintenance access was severely restricted. The scaffolding to the front had to be cantilevered out in a ‘complex, engineer-designed structure.’ It was therefore decided to opt for a high specification and every element of the roof covering was considered carefully. Temporary works are often needed during projects either because there is a risk that a structure might otherwise collapse or because it is necessary to remove some vital supporting member for renewal or alteration. In situations like this it is vital that the expertise of experienced architects and surveyors is sought so as to avoid unnecessary damage or alteration to the building as such mistakes can be irreparable. It is valuable to have a detailed specification for any particular project, bearing in mind that an historic building’s greatest value is the materials out of which it is made. Risk assessment and security surveys will be needed. Historic buildings can often harbour valuable treasures and can be at risk during building procedures; hence systems such as security lighting, CCTV and alarms might need installing on the site. Legislation Rehabilitation projects involve working closely with others progress depending on the reliability of contractors who could potentially go into receivership or resign. When legal matters are involved sites can often lie dormant until they are resolved. In some situations it is likely that legislative procedures will clash. For example, a fire escape on the top floor of the Inn might have impinged upon viable planning procedures for that age and type of building. More seriously, the listing of a property does not guarantee its safety. The English Heritage stipulates that the purpose of listing is to give a building ‘statutory protection against unauthorised demolition, alteration or extension.’ (www.english-heritage.org). Demolition or extensive alteration may be approved on a property if it becomes ‘de-listed’ however this usually only occurs if new evidence about the architectural or historic interest is uncovered or if extensive fire damage occurs. Decisions on the nature of works carried out on historic buildings normally depend on Listed Building Control which allows for the modification of proposals to alter or demolish the building. Sometimes planning permission can be granted and listed building co nsent refused: and unless both are approved then development cannot continue. As Michael Ross says in his publication on Planning and the Heritage: The emphasis is on conservation rather than preservation. In many cases, the two will be synonymous, but in others, the emphasis will not be on keeping the building as it is at all costs, but in ensuring that its life is guaranteed and lengthened in a way that will not destroy its special interest. That means in many cases that there will be a balance to be struck between the value of the old and the needs of the new. In others, no balance will be possible and consent will have to be refused. (Ross: 1996, p.92) If a building is not protected by law and modifications have the potential to appear unsightly or too radical in their design, then the Local Planning Authority use their discretion as to whether or not the application should be approved. In the case of Manor Farm, Over Haddon, (www.peakdistrict.org/ctte/planning/reports/2005) demolition and development of outbuildings themselves not listed but adjacent to a listed farmhouse, into office buildings and a car park was refused as the proposal was seen to seriously harm the setting and character of the listed building and the character of the Haddon conservation area. Time, Methods, and Materials Many historic buildings require consistent attention over time. For example, the Mediaeval Tithe Barn in Bradford-on-Avon was in a bad state of repair in 1914 and given to the Wiltshire Archaeological Society. Because of the war only  £400 could be spent on necessary repairs which failed to eliminate the cause of decay. (Ministry of Works, 1953). In July 1939 the Archaeological Society handed it to the Ministry of Works, and by 1975 all decaying timber in the roof trusses had been replaced, with the dangerously leaning north wall rebuilt. (Department of the Environment Ancient Monuments and Historic Buildings, 1975). Restoring a building can be a monumental task and requires sufficient research and investment in order to complete the project. Furthermore, damage limitation must be considered: if a building is undergoing structural repairs then parts such as delicate roof timbers should not be exposed to the elements any longer than absolutely necessary, otherwise further problems might occur. Suitable materials need to be used, for example, lime mortar was most commonly used in old buildings as it allowed flexibility within the structure. The modern cement mortar could be disastrous as not only is it visibly different, but it’s harder consistency would restrict the movement of a building. The cleaning and repairs of the ‘Circus’ buildings in Bath during 1987 (Tindall: 1989) recorded painstaking care over the ancient stonework and close examination of the damage caused by acid rain. Problems occurred during cold weather where repairs had to be protected with dry cotton wool which gave sufficient insulation to prevent damage. Conservation and cleaning of stonework is a delicate process, and requires the patience and expertise of skilled workers. Compared to the number of people who practise modern building methods there is a shortage of knowledgeable masons, thus, as Hunter phrases it, there is’ a gap between the trained mason and the trained conservator.’ (Hunter:1980). Furthermore, this sort of conflict between traditional and modern methods arises in the function of the historic building itself. Many traditional farm buildings are abandoned, allowed to fall into ruin or demolished because they can no longer fulfil the purpose for which th ey were built. (Brunskill:1999, p.147). Such buildings can often be redeemed by converting them to domestic use, although this poses other problems such as the requirements of roof lights, windows, bathrooms and gardens which can all impinge upon the original character of the building. Conservation and repair work requires forethought and attention to detail; qualities which are not always promoted in today‘s society. Maintaining positive attitudes towards conservation is almost as essential as the work itself, and with continued education and investment the futures of historic buildings are becoming increasingly more secure. References Brunskill, R.W., 1999, 3rd Ed., Traditional Farm Buildings of Britain and their Conservation. London: Victor Gollancz Ltd. Department of the Environment Ancient Monuments and Historic Buildings, 1975, The Medieval Tithe Barn, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire. Edinburgh: HMSO Press. Hunter, D., 1990 , Bath Stone in Building: It’s use, repair and conservation. Bath City Council. Ross, M., 1996, Planning and the Heritage: Policy and Procedures. London: Spon Press Ministry of Works, 1953, The Mediaeval Tithe Barn. West Bromich: Joseph Wones Ltd. Tindall, L., 1989, Conservation in Bath, Four Studies (offprint from ASCHB). Vol.14. Bath City Council. Wilkinson, P., 2005, Restoration, the story continues.. Bath: English Heritage. www.buildingconservation.com/articles/george/george.htm www.english-heritage.org www.ffhb.org.uk www.peakdistrict.org/ctte/planning/reports/2005 Further Reading OrbaÃ…Å ¸lÄ ±, A., 2000, Tourists in Historic Towns: Urban Conservation and Heritage Management. London: E FN Spon. Stuchbury, H.E., 1973, Conservation and Development of the Historic Buildings of Bath. Journal of Planning and Environment Law, Jun 1973.

How Have I Changed As A Writer? :: Essays Papers

In the past three months I feel like I have accomplished a great deal. As the semester comes to an end I find myself reflecting not only how I have survived the first semester but also what I have learned. The most important thing I have learned so far is how to become a better writer. I did not think it could really happen to me. I did not think I could handle all the work. I did not think I could actually become a better writer. Some how after all the hours of writing, and putting effort into the papers that I wrote this semester, I became a better writer. I did this because I concentrated on two very important areas, with the attitude of, if I could just become better in those then I would become a better writer. With help from an awesome teacher and a reliable tutor I have become a better writer by improving my skills in the areas of procrastination and content. Procrastination has become such a bad habit for me. It is very hard to stop procrastinating everything once you have gotten into the habit of doing it. Once I had a term paper due for my religion class. It was to be ten pages long and we were told to spend a lot of time doing it. Being the procrastinator that I am, I waited to the very last minute to do it. I waited until the night before to do most of it. Needless to say, I was up very late that night. In this class there was always a part of the paper due on a certain date before the final paper was due. Having things due before the final paper is due keeps me on task and keeps me from procrastinating until the day before the paper is due. There was one paper which we had to get sources for a while before the paper was due and it forced me to keep up with the paper, rather than let it go to the last minute. This class has taught me that the earlier you start the more positive your final result will be.

Child Abuse and Neglect :: Violence Against Children

Child Abuse "Trust unto Jehovah with all thy heart, And unto thine own understanding lean not. In all thy ways know thou Him, And He doth make straight thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5,6, YLTHB) The statistics on physical child abuse are alarming. Of the estimated hundreds of thousands of children battered each year by a parent or close relative, thousands die. For those who survive, the emotional trauma remains long after the external bruises have healed. Communities and the courts recognize that these emotional "hidden bruises" can be treated. Children who have been abused may display a poor self-image, Inability to depend on, trust or love others, Aggressive and disruptive—sometimes illegal— behavior; Passive and withdrawn behavior; fear of entering into new relationships or activities, School failure, Serious drug and alcohol abuse. The child and adolescent psychiatrist is able to treat the "whole child"—medical as well as psychological or emotional problems that have occurred as a result of the abuse. The family can be helped to learn new ways of support and communicating with one another. Through treatment, the abused child begins to regain a sense of self-confidence and trust. Child abuse is a matter of degree: the degree to which a parent uses inap-propriate or excessive control strategies with a child and/or fails to provide standards of care giving. In fact, abusive parents often do not know they are abusive. Our culture has, for generations, used corporal punishment as a means of controlling child behavior. Some parents think society places no restraint on such techniques. Many may recall the old saying, "spare the rod and spoil the child." It is not always clear what the limits are in efforts to get a child to behave. The best way to stop the child abuse and stop the abusive parents from abusing their children is by forming a non-profit organization working in cooperation with U.S. Dept. of Welfare , a resource for children and families to report a child abuse and to search for the abusive parents and put a penalty on them. These type of organizations have worked considerably good in the other fields and I am sure that this solu-tion will work out fairly well. In this Article " The goal of NCMEC," The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children states that "The goals of the NCMEC: A private, non-profit organization working in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Justice, NCMEC is a vital resource for families and America's 17,000 law enforcement agencies in the search for missing children and the quest for child protection." In 1986, six youth and adult survivors of child abuse and neglect formed what

Ramses II’s Victory

The victory of Ramses II over the Khita’s was probably one of the greatest stories of Egyptian literary works on war that had survived thousands of years to convey to us, the present generation, the underlying truths on how the centuries-past generations of Egyptians had regarded their Pharaohs: as a leader, a warrior, a general, and a man-god. WAR The poem starts with the king of Khita, together with his enormous armies and chariots, laid in wait for an ambush on the Egyptian Pharaoh. He had his armies divide into two groups, the first initiated a surprise attack on the Legion of Hormakhu, south of Kadesh, and successfully annihilated the Egyptian armies in that town who were not expecting such an attack (Halshall, 1998). Upon being informed of the tragedy that befell his troops, Ramses II quickly readied himself for war, donning his weapons and armors, and galloping on his majestic horses. But soon he found himself in the middle of the Hittite army; completely surrounded and alone, in an impossible battle between 2,500 chariots against one (Halshall, 1998). Due perhaps to his imminent defeat and utter helplessness, the Pharaoh-god called upon his deceased father for help. Enumerating the many glorious monuments, temples, shrines, and sacrificial offerings he had made for the glory of the deceased former god/Pharaoh Ammon, his father (Poem of Pentaur, 2003). And behold! Ammon had heard his cry from the temple of Hermonthis and had come for his beloved son for help. With strength as the sun-god Ra, and arms as strong as hundreds of thousands of men, Ammon found grace in Ramses II’s valor and bravery, and allowed for Ramses II to use Ammon’s god-strength in defeating the Hittites. And when Ramses II, alone except for his charioteer, Menna, finally assaulted the 2,500 strong enemy, the entire Khita army, together with their king, were stunned, frozen with fea r, unable to wield their sword and spear, for Ramses II fought with the spirit of a god. And when the day had come to pass, Egypt’s Pharaoh was able to slay each and every army of the Khita. No one was able to escape alive, each and everyone was fell by the Pharaoh. Propagandistic Element The Battle of Kadesh, as written by the ancient Egyptian authorities during Ramses’ reign, was a literature made for propagandistic purpose. Perhaps the ruler’s aim, other than for the citizens’ assertion of their belief of the Pharaoh as a god-man, was also to use this as a psychological tool on other nations against planning an invasion against Egypt. These types of exploits of Egypt’s Pharaohs being engraved on the walls of temples further amplify the effect of invincibility and immortality of the rulers of Egypt, by making it as a monument for all nations to see. Such is the case in one of the walls (Fig. 1. 1) where Egyptian chariotry is engaged in a battle between Hittite foot soldiers, when in actuality based on facts, it had been Hittites’ tradition to do battle using chariots (Battle of Kadesh, 2003). Thus, using politics in asserting control and obedience over the populace, as well as in warfare, rulers of ancient kingdoms often relied on exaggerated literature on war-victories as a means in achieving these. In the modern history, we have witnessed similar propagandistic methods used by governments, usually in defense of its purpose in declaring war: Hitler’s Arian race ideology, Marx’s and Lenin’s Russian Proletariat Revolution, the Atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Vietnam War, Desert Storm, and so forth. Almost always, the adage that goes, the victors write history, is appropriate.

Disney Case Analysis Essay

It is 1984, and Disney is the target of a potential takeover by notorious greenmailer Sual Steinberg. Disney is faced with the option of fighting the takeover through the courts and media, or to repurchase Steinberg’s shares, in effect, giving in to his greenmail attempt. However, there are many other important issues which are facing Disney. These range from Disney’s abysmal return on investment in recent theme park investments, to the complete failure of Disney’s motion picture division, to Disney’s alarmingly high dividend payout rate. In the following four sections, we will address these four issues Disney faces and recommend solutions to improve the financial health of Disney. Theme Parks Issue Recently, Disney has been following a bad investment policy. Disney invested a total of $1. 9 Billion in Epcot over a 6 year period and has increased its capital expenditures on theme parks by a total of $1. 277 Billion from 1981 to 1983. Despite these massive investments in its theme parks, Disney has only earned a return of 4% on Epcot and an overall return on Theme Park assets of 6% in 1983. Disney needs to find a way to more efficiently invest its capital and produce greater returns on its investments. Analysis In order to understand why Disney’s Theme Park investments have been so unsuccessful, we must analyze a number of different contributing factors. Why Disney is investing in Theme Parks? In order to understand why Disney is investing in Theme Parks, we need to take a look at the financial results of Disney’s different segments. Out of Disney’s 3 segments, Entertainment and Recreation (or theme parks) is Disney’s only segment which is nicely growing its profits in addition to attaining a healthy profit margin. Motion pictures is currently suffering, and actually losing money. Whereas, Consumer Products is producing profits and holding the greatest profit margin, however profits are not growing significantly. After looking at this analysis and nothing else, it appears as though Entertainment and Recreation is Disney’s most profitable segment and the one which they should be investing in. This is exactly what Disney is doing. Why are additional Theme Parks are the Wrong Investment? Before the expansion on new theme parks, Disney’s older theme parks had enjoyed much success. As recently as 1978, Disney’s Entertainment and Recreation segment had experienced a return on assets of 15. 7%. However, as Disney introduced new theme parks, they reached a point where the optimal supply of theme parks had surpassed the demand. This â€Å"oversupply† of theme parks can be seen by taking a look at the United States Demographic data provided in the case. First, it must be understood that Theme Park attendance, and in turn revenues, are driven by the younger demographic. According to the information above, the population group that drives Theme Park revenues (0 to 14 years old) is actually shrinking from 1970 to 1995. This represents a decrease in demand for Disney’s Theme Parks. Yet, at the same time, Disney is investing in and opening new theme parks. Essentially, Disney is increasing the supply despite a decrease in demand. This is counter intuitive by any economic standard. To further back the claims that Disney’s increased investment in theme parks is a bad move; let’s quickly analyze some measures of financial performance for their theme park segment. Clearly, the Entertainment and Recreation segment has experienced an abysmal return on assets recently. These numbers are even more disappointing when considering the Entertainment and Recreation segment produced an ROA 15. 7% as recently as 1978. Disney has made the wrong move in investing heavily in additional theme parks despite the population decrease in its main customer segment. In order to improve Disney’s position, it must make some changes. Suggested Changes Overseas Theme Parks The demand for additional theme parks does not exist in the United States, as can be seen from looking at the demographic data above. Therefore, there is no reason for Disney to continue expanding and investing in additional United States theme parks. Disney needs to immediately stop United States theme park expansion. However, this does not mean that Disney must stop investing in theme parks altogether. Disney should look to other countries where there is a demand for theme parks. By looking for countries where the demographics are in their favor and there is sufficient demand without oversupply, Disney can begin to earn sufficient returns on their theme park investments. Management Change Disney’s management should have foreseen the downside of overexpansion. It’s even possible that management did realize the lack of demand, however they may have wanted to extract us much demand as possible by building more theme parks. Either way, the decision to invest so heavily in theme parks despite their main market segment shrinking for the foreseeable future is incomprehensible. Earning a ROA of 6% in 1983 on theme parks assets when a 1983 T-Bill earns 8. 86% shows an abysmal utilization of assets. Management responsible for the decision to invest so heavily in theme parks needs to be fired from the company. Implementation How to Expand Overseas First, Disney needs to conduct market research in numerous modernized foreign countries. The focus of this research needs to be on the demand levels for a theme park, and whether the demand outweighs the current supply of theme parks in each country. Once Disney chooses the country with the most favorable supply and demand situation, it can begin analysis to determine whether or not they should actually construct a theme park in that country. They will estimate costs and future cash flows in order to conduct a NPV analysis in order to determine whether or not Disney should actually construct a theme park in that country. How to Implement Management Change Ask around management, and conduct interviews with high level managers in order to determine who was responsible for the decision to invest more heavily in theme parks. Once you have identified the main individual or individuals responsible for the decision, you let them know that they are being let go for their ineptitude. Then, search for top management at other similar companies (or any promising prospects within Disney) to fill the open positions. Motion Pictures Issue The motion pictures business has been historically one of Disney’s strongest segments since the company was founded. Over the years, classic films like Snow White and Cinderella have provided valuable revenue streams for the company. Films have accounted for a significant amount of Disney’s earnings and had a large impact on the performance of the company. However, in recent years the motion picture segment’s performance has been lackluster and recording an operating loss of $33. 3M in 1983. The recent failures in the motion picture segment had a profound ripple effect on Disney’s financial performance. Just two years ago the same division boasted a 17. 59% profit margin and operating income of $34. M. Analysis The recent missteps can be attributed to a failed TV channel startup, lack of a blockbuster movie hit, and the cancelation of a new Disney TV show on CBS. Although the film industry in general was suffering in 1983, the performance of Disney’s motion pictures division was abysmal. Suggested Changes New Management Performance in this division has steadily declined over the past three years. New talent needs to be brought in to help revitalize this division. Disney has been a household name since the advent of cinema and should not be lagging behind their rivals. Management needs to be held accountable for these failures. Increased Investment in Film Disney has arguably been one of the most successful film companies in the world since it was started in 1923. Creating, distributing, and selling films have been a core competency of Disney for many years. Disney needs to invest more money into creating innovative films and future blockbusters. For the past several years, there has been a disparate amount of funds invested into their park business compared to the motion picture segment. Disney needs to focus on their core competency of film and invest into motion pictures. Historically, this business has proved to be lucrative and these additional resources will help finance future blockbuster movies. Implementation How to Acquire New Management Currently, many of the Disney executives worked under Walt Disney, himself, and often won’t accept projects due to the reasoning that â€Å"Walt wouldn’t do that†. It is hard for creative talent to come up with great ideas and have them put down without any reasoning, other than a dead man wouldn’t have approved their ideas or projects. The current executive’s ties are too strong to the late Walt Disney and at least some of them need to be replaced with fresh blood. Fire the executives who are the most repeat offenders of the above mentioned offense. In order to replace them, we suggest that Disney looks to other top movie studies for executive talent. How to Increase Investment in Film While Disney is halting its theme park expansion in the United States and conducting market research overseas for new sites, a lot of additional capital will be lying around waiting to be invested. Once the new executives are in place, we suggest that Disney allocates a considerable amount of its free capital to motion pictures and see what kind of results that its newly hired executives can produce. Dividend Policy Issue One of the many vital points of interest that Ron Miller must address as Disney moves into the future is making a decision on its dividend policy. When looking at the dividend policy of the company, it is critical to conduct a financial ratio analysis of the company. Upon doing so, certain trends can be noticed. One of these noticeable trends happens to fall within the dividend payout rate. For over a decade, the dividend payout rate fluctuated only slightly staying in the range of 4% to 8%. Then beginning in 1978, the dividends began to increase exponentially arriving at a rate of 44. 4% only five years later in 1983. This five year spike in the dividend payout rate has come at the same time as the earnings per share continue to fall. This immediately should raise concerns for the financial security of the company. Analysis In deciding on a dividend policy, it is crucial for the company to decide how growth oriented it would like to be. Speaking simply, the mor e dividends Disney decides to pay out, the less retained earnings it has to put into future positively valued projects. This can be seen in the company’s sustainable growth rate. Calculating for 1883, the growth rate is only 3. 70% Given the large dividend payout rate of 44. 44%, Disney cannot grow with retained earnings at anything more than a modest 3. 70%. If Disney wanted to grow more than that, it could consider taking on more debt. The company has historically been averse to taking on too much debt and will most likely want to continue that trend into the future. If Disney wants to continue to grow without taking on debt, the company will need to consider lowering the dividend payout rate. Suggested Change Lower Dividends To align the dividend payout rate more closely with earnings per share along with setting the company up for more future growth projects, it is crucial in Disney’s financial planning that they cut back the dividend rate. It is our suggestion that Disney reduces its dividend so that its dividend payout ratio is in line with its historic payout of about 7. 50%. This will require Disney to cut its dividend down to $. 20 per share (based on 1983 EPS of $2. 70 per share). Decreasing the dividend to $. 20 per share would nearly double Disney’s sustainable growth rate, increasing it to 6. 16%. As a result, Disney would be able to finance more projects through retained earnings and continue to keep its leverage down. Implementation How to Lower Dividends Obviously, shareholders are not going to be happy to hear that you want to cut the dividend by 83%. This is why you have to issue a press release for general shareholders and at least a conference call or meeting with major shareholders to inform them of your intentions. During the conversation with shareholders, you are going to have to explain how it was a mistake in the past to increase dividends as earnings per share continued to slide. Let the shareholders know that you are going to correct this mistake now, rather than letting it continue to slide. Finally, mention that decreasing dividends will also help Disney remain a financially healthy company by keeping its debt low. Corporate Takeover Attempt Issue Possibly the most important issue faced by Ron Miller and the leadership of Walt Disney Productions is the imposing takeover attempt by well-known corporate raider, Saul Steinberg. This attempt has been sparked by Walt Disney’s current financial situation and performance. Currently, Disney seems to be an ideal target for a takeover. Disney has a great amount of cash on hand, totaling about $18 million. This, along with Disney’s underperformance and inefficiencies, are strong motivating factors for Steinberg’s attempt. It is likely that Saul Steinberg believes Walt Disney Productions to be undervalued. This is a conclusion shared by most raiders about the targets in takeover attempts. Disney is currently trading at $50 per share. Steinberg just initiated a tender offer for 49 percent of the company for $67. 50 per share. This is where Ron Miller must face a difficult decision by giving in to the greenmailing attempt by agreeing to purchase back Steinberg’s shares at a premium, or letting Walt Disney Productions fall victim to a takeover. Analysis It is essential for the future of Disney for us to examine the value of the company. From there, Disney must decide at what price, if any, should they buy back Steinberg’s shares. As stated earlier, Disney’s stock has been recently trading at $50 per share. (Graph) For our analysis of valuing the company, we calculated a WACC of 16. 6%, as well as three different possible growth rates of 8%, 11%, and 13%. From these calculations we were able to surmise an estimated company value of $68. 12 per share. This would lead us, as well as Saul Steinberg, to believe Disney to be undervalued. Recommendation Don’t Buy Steinberg’s Shares To successfully ward of Steinberg and his attempted takeover, Disney must offer him a hefty premium for the purchase of his shares. With his ownership of 12% of the company and his recent attempt for 49 percent of it, a pivotal decision must be made. However, after valuing the company and weighing possible options, we have come to a recommendation. For the sake of both the shareholders and stakeholders of the company, it would be not be wise to buy the shares owned by Saul Steinberg. A decision to succumb to Steinberg’s greenmail would greatly cripple the company from a financial standpoint. If Disney were to buy his share of the company, investors would experience a huge decline in their shares. Such a decision would be made solely to preserve the jobs and welfare of top managers of the company. Disney would be failing to maximize shareholder value, thus weakening Disney’s position in the market. We concluded that in order to avoid the takeover attempt, Disney would have to pay Steinberg $69 per share. This is $0. 88 more than our estimated value of the company and a 38% premium with respect to the current share price. This would leave Saul Steinberg with $289. 8 million, or a profit of $24 million at the expense of Disney’s shareholders. Implementation Don’t Buy Shares, Improve Company Instead of buying the shares, Disney should focus on cleaning up its act as a financially sound company, as well as a leader in its respective industries. With the likely replacement of Ron Miller and top executives, Disney would find itself in a position to change its current business policies. Disney is already highly capital intensive, with the recent increased spending on theme parks. The company should not be acquiring more debt by purchasing two new companies with no apparent synergies. Disney should immediately dump these unwisely obtained businesses. The money from these sales would enable Disney to invest in new business ventures, like expanding abroad and tapping into new markets.