Differences between Organic and Non Organic Food

Differences between Organic and Non Organic Food ORGANIC AND NON ORGANIC FOOD. Many people today are often brought to this question when entering a grocery store. Its something countless doctors are talking about and recommending to their patients. Are organic foods really any different than non-organic foods? My answer to you is yes, but you dont have to take my word for it. I have plenty of information that will not only show you the difference between the two but will also prove that organic foods are better for you. Organic foods are produced by the techniques that follow the standards of organic farming. Organizations that produce these foods are free of artificial additives, methods, materials, and conditions. Also, some organic food corporations restrict the use of certain pesticides and fertilizers in farming. In addition, animals that are used to create organic products like eggs, cheese, meats, etc., are raised eating organic feeds. That means that their food does not contain antibiotics, hormones, and growth-enhancing substances such as steroids. Many people have been saying that organic foods   are really good for your health. Theyve even helped people when trying to diet and losing weight. The benefits dont stop there either. Studies have shown that they can also have a lot of nutrients. The Los Angeles Times covered a study with a headline expressing Organic foods are more nutritious, according to the review of 343 studies. Then an article stated Research is first to find wide-ranging difference between organic and conventional fruits, vegetables, and cereals. Non-organic foods contain chemical fertilizer to encourage plant growth, farmers also spray insecticides to reduce pests and disease, use chemical herbicides to manage weeds, and give animals hormones, drugs, etc., to prevent disease. I personally would not consider this food to be healthy.   Id rather stick with organic foods because I feel more comfortable and its more healthy. Not only that, but it is also more safe. Nowadays non-organic foods cant be trusted because you dont know what theyre really doing. People feel more drawn to buy non-organic foods because theyre reasonable prices. Buyers of non-organic foods have ate these products their whole lives so its what theyre used to. We like familiarity so of course its easier for us to chose groceries weve ate our whole lives versus groceries that were just learning about. Non-organic foods tend to be consistent in taste, texture, and quality. Fast food falls under the category of non-organic food. The thing about restaurant food is that restaurants are not required to reveal everything their food contains. So technically we dont really know what were eating. For example, the meat that most restaurant chains sell contains antibiotics. Although now you can buy a salad at a fast food place, there are still much more unhealthy things on the menu. Obesity, High Cholesterol, and so much more are leading causes to deaths. 1There have been cases where people have died from eating these foods. For example, a couple of years ago there was a case where a four year old boy passed away. He ate three burgers from Jack in The Box then suddenly wasnt feeling good. The boy started having a lot of diarrhea mixed with blood. His parents started getting concerned so they made a doctors visit and found out that their son had E Coli. Twelve days later the boy died. People may not realize it now, but all of those things that are in the food we eat effect us. My girlfriend made a doctors visit about 8 months ago because she was having some health problems. The doctor advised her to stop eating non-organic foods. Of course that didnt cure her from what she had or anything but it did help massively. After looking more into it she is now slowly trying to eat mainly all organic products. E.coli was discovered in 1884 and is known to be very bad disease.   I could tell you many things about it but Id rather just stick to the basics for now. Its an infection, poisoning, septicemia, neonatal meningitis and gastroenteritis. The way the infection starts for E. coli is, it releases toxins into your body that will harm you. This makes the bacterium to bind to the lining of the gut. Feeding the animals food youre not supposed to feed them, not only affects them but it affects the environment. If our fields were pesticide free think about how much that would help the grass and plants. Since no synthetic chemicals are used while farming organic fruits and vegetables it does not pose any risk of soil and underground water contamination. Another fun fact is that organic food production helps preserve local wildlife. Keeping away the toxins helps the wildlife be in its natural habitat. In conclusion this is why we have to stay away from non-organic food. Want to live longer ? Start eating organic food. These pictures tell you a lot, the very first one on the top left about the strawberries is very true because the darker the strawberries are the more flavor they have. The light ones arent too sweet. Bottom left picture of the apples is also very true. You can already tell because the price on the apple. Top one on the right about the chickens, just look closely, look at how healthy the chicken looks on the left side looks and look at the one on the right. Those chickens on the right dont look like theyre in a healthy environment. They are dying from all the steroids and antibiotics they put in their food. All those chickens on the right are just full of chemicals and thats what you want to eat? Thats why we cant eat non-organic food. Last but not least, look closely at the picture on the bottom right. Now this is a good example of organic and non-organic food. That s what your body looks like when you eat healthy food versus when you eat non-healthy food.

Free Essays - Ernest Hemingways A Farewell to Arms :: Farewell Arms Essays

  Farewell to Arms A Farewell to Arms, by Ernest Hemingway, is a typical love story. A Romeo and his Juliet placed against the odds. In this novel, Romeo is Frederick Henry and Juliet is Catherine Barkley. Their love affair must survive the obstacles of World War I. The background of war-torn Italy adds to the tragedy of the love story. The war affects the emotions and values of each character. The love between Catherine and Frederick must outlast long separations, life-threatening war-time situations, and the uncertainty of each other's whereabouts or condition. This novel is a beautiful love story of two people who need each other in a period of upheaval. Frederick Henry is an American who serves as a lieutenant in the Italian army to a group of ambulance drivers. Hemingway portrays Frederick as a lost man searching for order and value in his life. Frederick disagrees with the war he is fighting. It is too chaotic and immoral for him to rationalize its cause. He fights anyway, because the army puts some form of discipline in his life. At the start of the novel, Frederick drinks and travels from one house of prostitution to another and yet he is discontent because his life is very unsettled. He befriends a priest because he admires the fact that the priest lives his life by a set of values that give him an orderly lifestyle. Further into the novel, Frederick becomes involved with Catherine Barkley. He slowly falls in love with her and, in his love for her, he finds commitment. Their relationship brings some order and value to his life. Compared to this new form of order in his life, Frederick sees the losing Italian army as total chaos and disorder where he had previously seen discipline and control. He can no longer remain a part of something that is so disorderly and so, he deserts the Italian army. Frederick's desertion from the Italian army is the turning point of the novel. This is the significance of the title, A Farewell to Arms. When Frederick puts aside his involvement in the war, he realizes that Catherine is the order and value in his life and that he does not need anything else to give meaning to his life.

Being Admired or Being Liked

Adolescence is a crucial stage in the development of an individual. It is at this period that psychological and emotional issues arise even at times to the point of creating depressive and disruptive behavior problems in adolescents. One of the many factors that affect the development of an adolescent is the social status he or she possesses. In the case of adolescents, this social status is determined primarily in the school environment.A recent study by Oldehinkel and associates, examines the relationships of the different variables of social status of adolescents with that of depressive problems. The study concluded that depressive problems are primarily affected by two domains of social status which are achievement-related and affection-related social status. With the results of the studies, it is further recommended that what information that has been obtained be used for future studies that will endeavor to solve the dilemma of social status on adolescents.In praise of the stud y, the researchers have made a novel contribution to psychology through the use of a wide scope and delimitation of the subject matter. Article Review: Being Admired or Being Liked Adolescence has been widely known as one of the most complicated as well the most interesting stage in the development of an individual. It is at this stage that one’s unique identity is discovered and developed. Thus, adolescents experience a variety of challenges usually related to their psychological and emotional health.In the research study made by Oldehinkel and associates entitled â€Å"Being Admired or Being Liked: Classroom Social Status and Depressive Problems in Early Adolescent Girls and Boys†, the relationships and connections of different aspects of social status of adolescents with that of depressive problems in the classroom environment were analyzed and discussed. Hypothesis and Purpose of the Study Oldehinkel and comrades cited many studies not only on animals but on humans as well concerning the long-known association of low social status with depressive problems (2007).Social status has been defined in two ways, that is, through achievements and affections. In terms of achievements, the element of competition is present whereas in terms of affection, acceptance into a social group is crucial (Oldehinkel, 2007). Although both are considered measurements of social status, they are completely different from each other. In the study by Oldehinkel, the importance of these two definitions of social status was studied in line with depressive problems of adolescent boys and girls (2007).The study primarily focused on the adolescence stage since this period is interestingly considered as a crucial point where depressive problems are frequently encountered. Achievement-related and affection-related social statuses were primarily analyzed in the study. These two views of social status are usually factors that affect the arousal of depressive problems in indivi duals. In previous studies, the relationships of gender difference to the two definitions of social status have been greatly examined.Such studies show that males tend to be affected more by achievement-related social status while females tend to be affected more of affection-related status (Oldehinkel, 2007). In connection to recent and previous studies, the study constructed by Oldehinkel and associates was a concoction of all the studies. Its very purpose is to examine the relationship between early adolescent’s depressive problems and social status in the classroom environment (Oldehinkel, 2007).The major hypothesis tested by the researchers is that low peer status in the achievement-related domain is most significant for depressive problems in boys, while in girls, depressive problems are more strongly associated with low peer status in the affection-related domain (Oldehinkel, 2007). A secondary hypothesis is also formulated where researchers infer that high social stat us in a particular area will compensate for the individual’s depression problems and low status in another particular area (Oldehinkel, 2007).Methodology of the Study Sample Participants Participants were recruited initially by employing the Tracking Adolescents’ Individual Lives Survey or TRAILS, which is a study on preadolescents whose aim is to track and explain the development of the participants (Oldehinkel, 2007, p. 419). The participants were selected in two stages. A request to give names and addresses of all inhabitants born in a particular year range is made to five municipalities, urban and rural alike, in the North of the Netherlands (Oldehinkel, 2007).In this step, 3483 names were listed (Oldehinkel, 2007). In addition, the researchers also approached primary schools of the same municipalities this time, to request participation in TRAILS. In order for children to be eligible, their schools should approve participation requests. A second wave of the TRAILS became the sample population of the study. All in all, the total number of the participants who were eligible and accepted to be part of the study, excluding the parents and the schools, is 1046 (Oldehinkel, 2007).In addition to these participants, schools having the TRAILS participants were requested to partake in peer information and nominations to determine the social status of the participating adolescents. Furthermore, the parents of the participating adolescents also became part of the information gathering. Measure Employed for Data Collection For the affection-related and achievement-related status, the information was obtained from the peer nominations from the participating schools. Questionnaires were formulated; six of which are affection-related such as â€Å"Which classmates do you like?†, whereas, achievement-related questions such as â€Å"Who are good at sports? † numbered three (Oldehinkel, 2007, p. 420). Proportion of nominations was used to determi ne the degree of peer status. Information for the participants’ depressive problems was obtained through the help of the adolescents’ parents. Questionnaires were again employed for this type of data gathering. The particular questionnaire used is the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) which is a commonly utilized questionnaire for child and adolescent psychiatric research (Oldehinkel, 2007, p.420). In addition to the data collected from the parents, self-reports from participating adolescents were also gathered through the use of the questionnaire Youth Self-Report, the counterpart of CBCL (Oldehinkel, 2007, p. 420). Statistical Analysis Statistical methods to test the hypothesis and the relationships between the different groups of information were employed. These include means of and correlations of the different variables, means of t-tests and z-tests (Oldehinkel, 2007, p. 421). Furthermore, linear regression analyses were also done.To better compare the different var iables to social status, the researchers constructed a system of four combined status groups. In this system, low and high (1) refers to adolescents with a low status in an area and a high status on another area, only low (2) refers to adolescents having a low status in one area and no high status, only high (3) refers to adolescents having only high status and no low status and lastly, intermediate (4) refers to adolescents who are neither low nor high in status in all areas (Oldehinkel, 2007, p. 421). Results and DiscussionResults show that females have more nominations of being good learners as well as good-looking, whereas boys were nominated predominantly as good in sports. No significant gender differences were observed for affection-related status although results point out that girls are more veered to depressive problems while boys to disruptive behavior problems (Oldehinkel, 2007, p. 422). In girls, depressive problems were usually due to association to being disliked whil e boys’ depressive problems are correlated with being good at sports (Oldehinkel, 2007, p.422). An interesting result obtained is that much like girls, boys’ depressive problems are highly related to the affection-related social status (Oldehinkel, 2007, p. 422). This is contrary to the previous studies that have shown that boys tend to have depressive problems caused primarily by achievement-related low social status. Interestingly, the results of the study also show that through the distribution of the participants into the four status groups systems, males and females are actually equally distributed (Oldehinkel, 2007, p. 423).This is significant since it exhibits that there are no substantial gender differences when it comes to social or peer status. Going back to the hypotheses formulated by Oldehinkel and associates, both hypotheses are supported by the results in the general scope although in the individual status groups, some trends vary. Nevertheless, the resu lts show that girls’ depressive problems tend to be affected by affection-related low social status while boys’ depressive problems are more likely to be caused by achievement-related low social status.Furthermore, data shows that the adolescents’ high social status in one domain tends to counteract the effect of a low social status in another domain, thus, lessening the instances of depressive problems. Generally, there is gender difference between achievement and affection-related social status. However, no significant gender difference is evident on the sports-related domain. This illustrates that girls are also excelling in sports which is contrary to traditional belief that sports is particularly related to males (Oldehinkel, 2007, p. 425).This may be explained by the growing trend in society regarding gender equality. Comments and Recommendations What the researchers have discovered is novel. Although there have been many previous studies that tackle the t opic of their study, the scope and delimitation of the research study conducted by Oldehinkel and associates has a far wider domain. With its multiple variables and various measures of data analysis, the researchers obtained a great deal of information. Thus, such study is a great contribution to adolescent psychology. The sample size and the duration of the study are also remarkable.Its relatively large sample size is a guarantee that the sample population is appropriately represented. The three years duration of the study also adds to the assurance that the data obtained from the study is reliable. The data collection was also appropriate. However, it is recommended that researchers should have cited the participating municipalities along with other communal information of the respondents. Furthermore, the methodology and statistical analysis of the study is commendable. Although some of the described procedures are complicated, the results have been presented clearly.Lastly, and the most interesting of the research study is its open-ended conclusion wherein the researchers themselves urge the creation of future studies to further make use of the results and conclusions obtained in the study. It is quite proper that further studies be done to obtain solutions to the social status problems and depressive as well as disruptive behavior problems of adolescents. Reference Oldehinkel, J. A. , Rosmalen, J. G. M. , Veenstra, R. , Dijkstra, J. K. & Ormel, J. (2007). Being Admired or Being Liked: Classroom Social Status and Depressive Problems in Early Adolescent Girls an

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buy custom Corporate Finance essay The Indian and Chinese aviation industries are among the fastest growing aviation businesses in the world. Various overseas markets have already staked claims on this profitable market. The wealth generated by these two economies means they will make up a huge majority of airline tourists (Renga and Mentges, 2010). Demand in domestic air travel will quickly be followed by demand for international flights. Inward investment from other nations of the world will count for a big section of the revenue increase that will be witnessed in the near future. International business tends to gravitate around major cities that have among other things, good transport networks. Booming economies being experienced in China and India are set to continue. This means that in the next few years means their governments will begin to focus on improving the air industry. To cut costs and expand Dan Airs revenues at the same time, it is important, for all the direct overseas flights be conducted only from M anchester, which is where the headquarters of Dan Air is (Shaw, 2007). Dan Air flights from other U.K. airports consume avoidable expenses and can cause confusion among the passengers. We want Dan Air to be easily identifiable whether by its locality or first class service. Dan Airs U. K. passengers originating from other U. K. airports must also connect via London. They can also use other airlines that with direct services. To cater to the tastes of an increasingly cosmopolitan clientele, Dan Air needs to carry out improvements in the arrangements within the planes too. Gone are the days when flying through the third world countries meant that standards could be compromised, and no complaints would be raised (Morrel, 2007). Those with the capacity to afford air transport in India and China are individuals who expect quality for their moneys worth. The interior of the planes, especially the Business Elite Class, should sport the most novel luxury. New materials will enable the employ of translucent walls and ceilings, deluging the fuselage with usual light. The sitting locations should be attractive, roomy and filled with interactive equipment. When flights are running at less than full capacity, unneeded seats should be moved to the rear. There they ar e out of sight and should be utilized in other ways. The remaining seats should then be redistributed so that every client has the maximum possible legroom. These seats should also be created with materials which are both durable and accommodating. That way, they will be able to alter to fit passengers bodies. Travelers will be reenergized with vitamin and anti- oxidant enriched air, mood lighting, aromatherapy and acupressure treatments. The center of the plane will be a high tech zone offering a range of activities. Virtual golf, conference facilities and bar and lounge settings, are just some of the improvements that can be effected (Salerno, 2010). Though it seems a drastic move to ensure comfort of the travelers while they are in our care, it will pay in huge dividends. Word of mouth, if not advertisement, will ensure that an experience on Dan Air is recommended to people who have the means to afford our services. The wealthy hobnob within their class, and a good reputation in a few of their members estimations cannot compare with millions invested in advertising gimmicks. As more Chinese and Indian households acquire disposable earnings in surplus of their requirements, a considerable share will be depleted in touristic travel. In 2006, 34 million Chinese went abroad. In the first quarter of 2007 alone, 9.7 million Chinese visited another country. Domestic travel for various purposes ahs also risen dramatically (Morisson and Winston, 1995). The Chinese Spring fiesta is usually a peak touring phase with citizens visiting their homes and other sightseer destinations. In the past, markets such as India and China have been highly regulated and have kept out the foreign carriers. This is slowly changing as their economies liberalize. The Chinese government in the past has shown interest only in developing small aircraft with 50 to 70 seats in regional flights. Tibet, Inner Mongolia, and other locations around them pose great opportunities for other carriers because they are not properly covered by present Chinese airlines. Future Demand for Air Cargo With the projected growth rate of many third world economies in the future, cargo services will form just one of the many services they will require. It is important for agreements to be sought with the governments of all these economies with emphasis on India and China. Though Dan Air currently has no cargo aircraft capable of long haul transoceanic services, it is important to expand the role of airfreights in our airports. In reference to bigger airlines that have invested in nations such as India and China among others would probably allow limited points, predetermined capacity and limited intermediate points. With increased contact, more elasticity as to steering and supplementary faculties for all cargo flights may be incorporated in the bargain. To this end, sufficient resources should be placed aside for the employ of a number of aircraft loadmasters. Aircraft Replacement within the industry To reduce operating costs, improve compliance, enhance performance, and cycle times, Dan Air should consider outsourcing procurement of air pars and planes. There are companies in the market, which while achieving dramatic cost reduction, and increasing productivity, will help identify the right outsourcing approach that maximizes efficiency (Vasigh, Fleming and Mackay, 2010). They enable clients to achieve and maintain a competitive edge over others by proffering specialized outsourcing of aircraft parts purchasing services to provide lower costs. Such offers also ensure faster turnaround and improved quality. These companies have state of the art computer soft ware, information technology equipment, and global communication services that facilitate a highly efficient supply management system. It is advisable that Dan Air utilize the services of such companies in procuring parts. These will be needed to improve the overall quality of our staple of aircraft. Managerial Style of Dan Air Good management of employees is a key factor in determining if the airline will be a success or not. It can be measured in terms of efficiency and confidence. Efficiency refers to the usefulness of each member of staff in carrying out his or her allotted task and even surpassing the requirements to deliver spectacular results. It is characteristically calculated in traveler miles per airline employee. It calls for a manager to encourage his workforce to go beyond their expected routine to give good service. This can be implemented by offering rewards for the hardworking employees, as well as promotions (Haines, 2004). Morale is more difficult to quantify as it refers to the overall satisfaction of airline employees. Poor morale shows on an employees face and can result in apprehensive customers, cancelled flights and thus lost revenue. It is important to have a human resources department that will efficiently address the concerns of employees whether they are work related or not. An issue in the home should not be assessed as unimportant since it affects the capacity of the worker to operate at their best. Fleet Management It is important for our airplanes to maximize the use of each plane and the revenue it generates. This can be achieved having many seats at cheap prices. Alternatively, after considerable improvement of the dcor of the plane, we can charge higher prices for each seat. A higher ticket cost permits proficient task force administration without the need for all voyages to be filled. The following graph demonstrates the roughly calculated expenses of implementing all these changes along with others not here mentioned. It is more than is currently being used at Dan Air, but with the mentioned improvements, significant profits will be realized by the airline. Start Up Expenses Legal and Consulting 200,000 dollars Route and Market Study 100,000 dollars Office Supplies and Stationary 10,000dollars Brochures and Marketing Materials 30,000 dollars Design Consultants 60,000dollars Corporate Insurance 20,000dollars Office Rent 50,000dollars Software and Systems development 100,000dollars Expensive Equipment and Office Furniture150,000dollars Nine Expensed Vehicles 1 20,000 dollars Public Relations and Advertising 80,000dollars Crew, Staff Training and Manuals 80,000dollars Other 30,000 dollars Total 1,010,000 dollars New Terminal The construction of a new passenger terminal is a project that will add the airlines profitability and should be considered. This will include an aircraft apron, entrance roadway, and vehicle parking area. Passengers will have a larger seating area with concessions such as restrooms and passenger amenities. It will be an energy efficient construction streamlining passenger screening and adhering to the code upholding disabled peoples rights. Cost Cutting Measures In order to ensure the continued profitability of Dan Air, there are unpleasant changes that have to be effected. We need to reduce 20% of our workforce as well as realign our current domestic route system. There are European routes that are currently not yielding the desired results and they need to be abandoned (Doganis, 2002). Pilots may have to agree to pay cuts to boost the overall revenues for an extended period of time. Accelerated fuel costs, an aging fleet badly in need of replacement and intense domestic competition have proved to be the Achilles heel of Dan Air. It also has to struggle with the fact that terrorism has led to fear in the masses. The majority of citizens began to avoid travelling via flying due to the shocking events of September 11, 2001. On that material day, all flights were temporarily halted. Even though, they were back in action the next day, they hardly conducted any business. People stayed away, and those who had to travel urgently chose to take their cars or use public buses (Crans, 1996). As countrywide fear of flying receded, it was replaced by inconveniences brought about by security measures that proved cumbersome and time consuming. For the majority of airlines, they just meant that more capital would have to be used just to stay in the running. Long lines and inevitable delays were characteristic of every airport. Severe measures were taken soon afterwards to ensure that Dan Air survived the crisis. We formed alliances with other carriers to ensure that their customers had easier connections while our seats remained filled. The ensuing trouble with the union of pilots saw several weeks of unproductive negotiations. This translates to lost revenue. Other airline workers began to demand increases in salary while refusing to work overtime in one of the airlines busiest season. Dan Air was forced to cancel 1500 flights. In this period, more workers had to be released for Dan Air to keep afloat. Taking into consideration the recession, hiked fuel prices, and war in the Middle East, the vast majority of smaller airlines at that time were hardest hit. They did not survive whereas we came out battered and bruised but still functioning. Dan Air weathered industrial troubles relatively well during that period. It was also affected by the failure of a well-known airline in which it had a significant portion of routes. Dan Airs consistent growth in times of hardship can be attributed to the stock of leaders that it has kept (Banfe, 1992). At first, dictatorial men who did not consider the opinions of the board of directors even as the company went into a slump headed it. Most of these pioneers were majority stakeholders who did not want to share power with others. They also did not believe in preparing potential successors to take over their positions when they retired. This led to a situation where every time there was a change in the top hierarchy, things would stagnate for a period while the new man in office got his bearings. He had to learn what running an international airline constituted of while in the office. Major decisions would not be made. The management did not feel able to dictate how the airline would be run if they were not the final authorities. There were the inevitable delays and grumblings from dissatisfied customers. They began identifying Dan Air by this unexplained hiatus of inactivity every time there was a change in management. Soon, without being told, the other stakeholders began to understand what caused the delays and sought to improve their choices of managing directors. This simple change led to a spike in the growth of Dan Airs revenue. Such leaders are now needed that will effect painful but essential changes to the structure of this airline. The new heads also have to find ways of instituting change that will lessen costs but not necessarily influence security. Southeastern European carriers have a reputation of operating at a lower level of service than is customary in Western Europe. Purchasing airplane parts or entire crafts from these nations, though cost effective, is inadvisable. They are perceived as less comfortable, less safe, and less reliable. These observations are often correct. The operating costs of such planes tend to be higher than those crafts that are built in the Western. The comfort, reliability, speed, and safety of a new aircraft will allow it to be the airline of preference for all governmental, business and organizational travelers. Most leisure travelers will also prefer it. State of the art navigational facilities allow the plane to operate under a wide range of climate and visibility conditions. This means that the plane will be able to undertake more trips. Safety issues will not be a deterrent due to the high technical expertise employed in the planes construction. This will translate to more profits for Dan Air. It will also reduce the incidence of flight cancellations and delays due to compulsory servicing procedures. Because of new technology and renovations, the airline will be able to charge high prices without its customers feeling conned. Local competition, unless it spots the same expert technology arraigned in the new models, will n ot be much of a threat. Airlines should set these requirements as a genesis for the running a successful airline as they are sure to benefit whichever industry implements them. Buy custom Corporate Finance essay

Platos Apology

Platos Apology Platos  Apology  is one of the most famous and admired texts in world literature.  It offers what many scholars believe is a fairly  reliable account of what the Athenian philosopher Socrates (469 BCE - 399 BCE) said in court on the day that he was tried and condemned to death on charges of impiety and corrupting the youth. Although short, it offers an unforgettable  portrait of Socrates, who comes across as smart, ironic, proud, humble, self-assured, and fearless in the face of death.  It offers not just a defense of Socrates the man but also a defense of the philosophical life, which is one reason it has always been popular with philosophers! The text and the title The work was written by Plato  who was present at the trial.  At the time he was 28 years old and a great admirer of Socrates, so the portrait and the speech may be embellished to cast both in a good light.  Even so, some of what Socrates detractors called his arrogance comes through. The  Apology  is most definitely not an apology: the Greek word apologia really means defense. Background: Why was Socrates put on trial? This is a little complicated.  The trial took place in Athens in 399 BCE.  Socrates was not prosecuted by the statethat is, by the city of Athens, but by three individuals, Anytus, Meletus, and Lycon.  He faced two charges: 1) corrupting the youth 2) impiety or irreligion.   But as Socrates himself says, behind his new accusers there are old accusers. Part of what he means is this.  In 404 BCE, just five years earlier, Athens had been defeated by its rival city state Sparta after a long and devastating conflict known ever since as the Peloponnesian War. Although he fought bravely for Athens during the war, Socrates was closely associated with characters like Alcibiades who some blamed for Athens ultimate defeat.   Worse still, for a short time after the war, Athens was ruled by a bloodthirsty and oppressive group put in place by Sparta, the thirty tyrants as they were called.  And Socrates had at one time been friendly with some of them.  When the thirty tyrants were overthrown in 403 BCE and  democracy was restored in Athens, it was agreed that no-one should be prosecuted for things done during the war or during the reign of the tyrants. Because of this general amnesty, the charges against Socrates were left rather vague.  But everyone in court that day would have understood what lay behind them. Socrates formal refutation of the charges against him In the first part of his speech Socrates shows that the charges against him dont make much sense. Meletus in effect claims that Socrates both  believes in no gods and that he believes in false gods.  Anyway, the supposedly impious beliefs he is accused of holdinge.g. that the sun is a stoneare old hat; the philosopher Anaxagoras makes this claim in a book that anyone can buy in the market place.  As for corrupting the youth, Socrates argues that no-one would do this knowingly.  To corrupt someone is to make them a worse person, which would also make them a worse friend to have around. Why would he want to do that? Socrates real defense: a defense of the philosophical life The heart of the Apology  is Socrates account of the way he has lived his life.  He recounts how his friend Chaerephon once asked the Delphic Oracle if anyone was wiser than Socrates.  The Oracle said that no -one was.  On hearing this Socrates claims to have been astounded, since he was acutely aware of his own ignorance.  He set about trying to prove the Oracle wrong by interrogating his fellow Athenians, searching for someone who was genuinely wise.  But he kept coming up against the same problem.  People might be quite expert about some particular thing such as military strategy, or boatbuilding; but they always thought themselves expert on many other things, particularly on deep moral and political questions.  And Socrates, in the course of questioning them, would reveal that on these matters they didnt know what they were talking about. Naturally, this made Socrates unpopular with those whose ignorance he  exposed.  It also gave him the reputation (unjustly, he says) of being a sophist, someone who was good at winning arguments through verbal quibbling.  But he stuck to his mission throughout his life.  He was never interested in making money; not did he enter politics.  He was happy to live in poverty and spend  his time discussing moral and philosophical questions with anyone who was willing to converse with him. Socrates then does something rather unusual. Many men in his position would conclude their speech by appealing to the jurys compassion, pointing out that they have young children, and pleading for mercy.  Socrates does the opposite.  He more or less harangues the jury and everyone else present to reform their lives, to stop caring so much about money, status, and reputation,  and start caring more about the moral quality of heir souls. Far from being guilty of any crime, he argues, he is actually gods gift to the city, for which they should be grateful.  In  a famous image he likens himself to a gadfly that by stinging the neck of a horse keeps it from being sluggish. This is what he does for Athens: he keeps people from becoming intellectually lazy and forces them to be self-critical. The Verdict The jury of 501 Athenian citizens proceed to find Socrates guilty by a vote of 281 to 220.  The system required the prosecution to propose a penalty and the defense to propose an alternative penalty.  Socrates accusers propose death.  They probably expected Socrates to propose exile, and the jury would probably have gone along with this.  But Socrates wont play the game.  His first proposal is that, since hes an asset to the city, he should  receive free meals at the prytaneum, an honor usually given to Olympic athletes.  This outrageous suggestion probably sealed his fate. But Socrates is defiant. He rejects the idea of exile.  He even rejects the idea of staying in Athens and keeping his mouth shut. He cant stop doing philosophy, he says, because the unexamined life is not worth living. Perhaps in response to the urgings of his friends, Socrates eventually proposes a fine, but the damage was done. By a larger margin, the jury voted for the death penalty. Socrates is not surprised by the verdict, nor is he phased by it.  Hes seventy years old and will die soon anyway. Death, he says, is either an endless dreamless sleep, which is nothing to fear, or it leads to an afterlife where, he imagines, he will be able to carry on philosophizing. A few weeks later Socrates died by drinking hemlock, surrounded by his friends.  His last moments are beautifully related by Plato in the  Ã‚  Phaedo.

Bank Practice and Management inclusive of ratios and graphs Essay

Bank Practice and Management inclusive of ratios and graphs - Essay Example The main objective of the bank during its incorporation was to support the growth of Malaya that had just gained independence by financing economic development and offering modern financial services to the people (Maybank 8). Over the decades, Maybank has continued with expansion and embraced innovation by offering diverse products to its customers and supporting Malaysian citizens who invested or were trading abroad. Presently, Maybank has emerged as the largest company based on market capitalization in the Bursa Malaysia and is also identified as a leading bank in the region. The bank is currently guided by its mission of offering â€Å"humanising financial services across† and its well articulated vision of becoming a leader in offering financial services in the region (Maybank 10). Overview of the Bank Activities Maybank offers a range of financial products including commercial banking, stock broking, investment banking, Islamic banking, trustee services, asset management and insurance. The banking group has several subsidiaries. The Malayan Banking Berhad is the listed entity and holding company of Maybank Group. Mayan Banking Berhad has branches in Malaysia, London, Singapore, New York, Bahrain and Hong Kong. Some of the international unit subsidiaries of Maybank include PT Bank Internasional Indonesia TBK (BII), Maybank Philippines Inc., and Maybank International L (Ltd) (Maybank 34). Furthermore, the major subsidiaries of the banking group are Maybank Islamic Berhad, Maybank Investment Bank Berhad and Etiqa Insurance Berhad. Maybank Investment Bank Berhad is fully owned subsidiary of the group and is the main investment branch of Maybank. Kim Eng Holdings Ltd is also wholly owned subsidiary of Maybank and is the â€Å"regional securities powerhouse†. Maybank Islamic Berhad is the biggest provider of Islamic financial services throughout the Asian Pacific region. The 100 percent owned subsidiary owned by Maybank is the 17th Islamic banking institution in term of compliance to Shariah assets (Maybank 55). Tbk is 97 percent owned by Maybank and offers financial services such as Consumer and Corporate Banking and SME/Commercial services. The associate companies of Maybank Group are the MCB Bank in Pakistan and An Binh Bank in Vietnam both of which the group has 20 percent stake. The group corporate structure of Maybank is subdivided into four main areas, that is, commercial banking insurance and investment banking. The commercial banking includes various subsidiaries of the bank either owned wholly or partly. Additionally the investment banking section consist subsidiaries such as Maybank Investment Bank, Maybank IB Holdings SDN among other ventures. The insurance section includes all the subsidiaries that offer insurance services to customers. When it comes to the organizational structure, Maybank is headed by a board of directors which is then supported in its activities by the Chief Audit Executive, Head of Compliance and the General Counsel and Company Secretary (Maybank 85). The next in the hierarchy is the president assisted by several deputies. The deputies are in charge of Community financial services, global wholesale banking and group financial services. Maybank Group has developed several strategic objectives to be achieved by 2015. These goals include becoming the number one retail financial

Performance of Mythic Oil Le Parfum and for it Coursework

Performance of Mythic Oil Le Parfum and for it - Coursework Example This research will begin with the statement that for companies to sustain in the current global scenario, it has become necessary to focus on aggressive innovation strategies, as it would permit constant extension to the product lines and help preserve brand image to retain competitive advantages. As Porter & Kramer notes, in today’s capitalist market, producing shared values for stakeholders through innovative strategies is too necessary for organizations to ensure their long-term success. This particular trend has already influenced many organizations around the world, including Unilever, Nestle, Johnson & Johnson, and many others. As a matter of fact, indeed, product innovation is quite easily associable with the brand name of The LOrà ©al Group. Almost every year, the company launches new products as per the review of the market changes, which reflects the current consumer demands and preferences. It is thus that the company obtains competitive advantages by serving the c ustomers’ needs through continuous product innovation. It was in the year 2013 that the company launched a new range of products for its global customers, targeting both men and women. Among the newly launched products, one was the Mythic Oil Le Parfum, which has gained much appreciation since its launch in 2013. In the discussion henceforth, emphasis will be laid on the performance of the product selected, i.e. Mythic Oil Le Parfum since its launch. Special emphasis will also be delivered to identify the drivers’ responsibilities to trigger such performance of product along with its challenges applying theories relevant to the context. The objective of the discussion is thus to evaluate the performance of the product chosen and identify the reasons for its success in the global market after its launch. There is a wide-ranging product line introduced by L’Oreal in the global market targeting its male and female customers. Every year the brand intends to extend i ts product line with the introduction of new products as per the market preferences, needs, and trends. Therefore, it can be stated that the company emphasizes continuous innovation in its product line to enhance its competitive position.