College Education Essay Example for Free

College Education Essay What makes college education so important? College is not just a choice, its the beginning of a lifelong journey, one that will shape and determine future choices, decisions and purposes. College is going to help you determine a career that you want to pursue. It will help and guide you in the right direction but you have to be the one to put in the effort. But some may say college is a waste, and will not make their life any better. Some will ask what makes a good college, what do you look for and at. College is one of the most important aspects of succeeding in today’s world. College is much more than just a degree in college you also learn how to learn, perhaps one of the most important things you can get out of college. Once you understand how to gather information by reading books about a subject, determine what information is important and what is not, and how to put it all together, you can master any subject, often without even going to college. By the way, doing a few Google searches and gathering information off the web that may or may not be accurate is not doing research, though it is a useful way to get a quick explanation on what a subject is and is good to find out what material is good to read. According to Bridget who was the first of her sisters and brothers to graduate from The University of Toledo with a Masters in Accounting said college wasn’t a choice her parents said she had to go to college. Even though at the time she was attending college she didn’t think it was important and necessary, because back then it was easier to get a job without a college degree. But now she’s happy she went because now she has her dream job, and is making a lot of money. Now she has a life that she never knew would happen to her. She also has the skills she needs to help someone else reach their goals in life. When she first started college she didn’t know what she wanted to do and she didn’t take it seriously. She partied all the time, was late to all her classes and didn’t do most of her assignments, she barely managed to get all C’s in her classes. She didn’t really start to take college seriously until her third year in college. But once she started to pay attention more and was more focused, she knew she had to get her act together if she wanted to be something in life. And she also knew she went to the right college. What makes a great college and what are you looking for the college to have? Linda said she looked at their approach to teaching and their overall education experience. She also looked for the student-faculty ratio and average class size. (Is she going to get individualized attention in her classes or just be one in a crowd? Or do she want my professors to know her name? Are they accessible outside of class if she needed extra help on homework or projects. She also looked at their medical program. (What are their general ed requirements? Would she have to take classes in several disciplines? Is there a senior project requirement? Is there a first year seminar, academic boot camp class required for all freshmen? ). she also looked at how many credits needed and gpa she needed for her major, and also how many credits she needed to graduate. And how classes are structured (lecture, discussion-based, large lecture with small discussion groups, very hands-on, lots of group projects or papers.. etc). Do they have activities she like (including athletics that she might want to do)? Is the school diverse/ homogenous? How good is their financial aid and can she afford attending there? Are the dorms nice or shabby? Are you required to live in the dorms for 1-2 years or do most students commute from home? Do students get jobs right away after graduation? Does the school have a high dropout rate? Linda said those are some of the things she looked at when she made her choice to attend the University of Cincinnati. She glad she made her choice and would do it all over again. But some would think college is a waste of time. According to Mark he said the older I get, the less sure I am about this notion that a college education is essential for a good life. As far as important important for what? Making more money? Then I guess you could make the argument it is more important, however, some of the worlds richest and most successful men (Bill Gates, Larry Ellison, etc) drop out. Happiness? Actually the research shows that those who perform physical jobs, that typically dont require a college education, tend to be happier. Also, college will be no help for someone that is not prepared for it. Should a woefully underprepared student get accepted to a school. Take out several thousands in loans and somehow manage to just barely graduate, she/he would be much worse of than if she/he had never gone to college as they are not going to get a job ahead of the sea of infinitely more qualified applicants and have to resort to unskilled labor. Had said person gone to a trade school, would have been much better off. Despite these views on college education you are the one who has a choice to make. Do you want to go to college or do you think college is just not for you. That’s on you, you are the one who has to live with it no one else

Biochemical and Mineral Changes in Coconut Fermentation

Biochemical and Mineral Changes in Coconut Fermentation Changes in biochemical and mineral composition during natural fermentation of freshly collected coconut inflorescence sap Abstract Fresh, unfermented coconut inflorescence sap is a natural, hygienic, nutritious liquid extracted from inflorescence of coconut palms (Cocos nucifera L.). Studies conducted to establish changes in biochemical (pH, total sugar, reducing sugar, proteins, amino acids, phenolics) and mineral (sodium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and copper) content during natural fermentation of freshly collected coconut inflorescence sap revealed that the freshly collected coconut sap was rich in biochemical’s like total sugar (16.78 g 100 mL-1), protein (116.91 mg 100 mL-1 ), amino acids (210 mg 100 mL-1 ) and phenolics (19.9 mg 100 mL-1); macro minerals like sodium (103.92 mg 100 mL-1 ), potassium (177.66 mg/100 mL-1), soluble phosphorus (2.16 mg 100 mL-1); and micro-minerals like iron (68.55  µg 100 mL-1), copper (32.75  µg 100 mL-1) and zinc (15.60  µg 100 mL-1). Natural fermentation caused consistent decrease in pH, total sugar, amino acids, iron, copper, and zinc significantly ove r the time with increase in protein and soluble phosphorous. Natural fermentation was found to cause reduction in the biochemical and mineral nutrients except sodium and potassium, making the sap sour to taste. Introduction Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), belongs to the family of Arecaceae (Palmae), is an important member of the monocotyledons, found grown throughout the tropic and subtropic regions, is known for versatile uses of its different parts. It is part of the daily diet of many people. Oyster white, and translucent coconut sap extracted from unopened inflorescences of coconut palm is reported as a natural and non alcoholic beverage, high in nutritional value and an instant thirst quencher. It requires neither mechanical crushing, as in the case of cane, nor leaching like that of beet-root. This palm sap is widely consumed in India, Sri Lanka, Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Myanmar (Mahanandi, 2006). Coconut sap is considered as nutritious and delicious drink with agreeable flavour. The chemical composition of sap varies, depending on various factors, viz. place, age and type of palm, mode and season of its collection. Sap contains a number of minerals and salts and is high in protein. It contains acids like ascorbic acid (one form of vitamin C), nicotinic acid (vitamin B3 and vitamin PP) and riboflavin (Rosengarten and Frederic, (2004)). The method of tapping and collection of sap vary from country to country and also different regions within these countries. In India and Srilanka, sap is collected mostly in earthenware pots/bamboo receptacles. The earthen pot/bamboo sac is connected to the spadix, to be tapped. Lime is coated from inside the pot to prevent fermentation of the sap. In this method of collection, the sap quite often gets contaminated by trapped insects dust particles. At Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Kasaragod, a simple device has been developed to collect fresh and hygienic sap from coconut palms. The sap so collected can be used either as ready to serve drink or can be used for the preparation of natural coconut honey, jaggary or coconut sugar without the addition of any chemicals. Limited information is available with regard to the biochmecianl changes in coconut sap upon natural fermentation and no reports were availble about the changes in mineral contents in the sap. Thus t he objective of the present study was to findout the extend of changes in biochemical and mineral constituents in freshly collected coconut inflourecence sap as well as naturally fermented sap. Materials and methods Coconut sap collection: Fresh, hygienic, unfermented, fresh and clean inflorescence sap was collected by tapping of unopened spadix of the palm tree Cocus nucifera L. (WCT x GBGD hybrid) in the CPCRI Experimental Farm, using the device developed at CPCRI, Kasaragod, Kerala, India (Patent File No. K.B. Hebbar2425/CHE/2013). Initial pH of the over night collected fresh sap was measured and the one set of sap was stored at -20 ºC and other 10 sets of sap samples was kept under room temperature (25  ± 2 ºC during the study period) to for natural fermentation. Each set of sample was taken at different time, then pH and other biochemical and mineral constituents were measured. Estimation of total sugar and reducing sugar: Total sugar and reducing sugar content in the fermented sap was determined using phenol-sulphuric method (Dubois et al., 1956) and Nelson-Somogyi’s method (Somogyi, 1952), respectively. In both methods glucose was used as a standard. Estimation of protein and free amino acids: Total protein and total free amino acids present in the sap was determined using Lowry’s method (Lowry et al., 1951) and ninhydrin method (Moor and Stein, 1948) respectively. Bovine serum albumin and leucine were used as a standard for protein and amino acid estimation, respectively.. Estimation of Phenolics: Total phenolics content of freshly collected coconut inflorescence sap was measured by Folin–Ciocalteu’s phenol reagent (Singleton and Rossi, 1965). Gallic acid in 50% (v/v) methanol solution in concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg 100 mL-1 was used as a standard. The content of total phenolics was expressed as mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 ml of fresh sample. All samples were analyzed in triplicate. Estimation of soluble phosphorus: Soluble phosphorus present in the sap was determined by molybdivanadophosphoric acid method described by Kitsonand Mellon (1944). An aliquot of 10 mL of sap was taken in a 50 mL flask and 10 ml of vanadomolybdate reagent was added and volume was diluted to 50 mL with double distilled water and the color developed was read at 470 nm after 10 mins. Potassium dihydrogen phosphate was used as a standard. Mineral analysis: Mineral content was determined according to official analytical methods (AOAC 1990) using a GBC make Avanta PM atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) equipped with a D2 lamp background correction system using an air-acetylene flame. Determinations were carried out in duplicates of each independent sample of each pH. For the analysis of minerals, coconut sap solutions at different pH were filtered through quantitative ashless filter paper and used. The samples were analyzed using AAS calibrated with related minerals in different concentrations for different macro (potassium and magnesium) and micro-minerals (copper, iron and zinc). All the chemicals used in this study were of analytical grade and the standard solutions of minerals for AAS were purchased from Merck, Germany. The detection limits for minerals were 3  µg/100 g for K; 0.3  µg/100 g for Mg; 3  µg/100 g for Cu; 6  µg/100 g for Fe and 1  µg/100 g for Zn. Statistical analyses: All statistical analyses were performed using of Statistical Analysis Software system, Version 9.2 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA) (SAS 2009). Analysis of variance, using PROC GLM was used to determine significant differences among the fermented sap samples for biochemical and mineral constituents. Simple linear correlation analysis was performed to indicate the measure of correlation and strength of relationship between variables studied. Results and discussion: The coconut inflorescence sap collected using device developed at CPCRI, Kasaragod, Kerala, India was analyzed for biochemical and mineral constituents at initial level immediately after collection, and at different time intervals after allowing for natural fermentation under room condition. Significant differences were observed for all biochemical and mineral constituents, except sodium and potassium, with respect to natural fermentation (Table 1 and Table 2). Linear correlation (r) between time, biochemical parameters and minerals studied in coconut inflorescence sap due to natural fermentation were given in table 3. Changes in pH: The pH of the coconut sap samples decreased from 7.57 to 3.95 by the end of 4 hrs due to natural fermentation and observed significant negative correlation with time (r = -0.991, at P Changes of total sugar and reducing sugar content: At initial time, the total sugar and reducing sugar content in the sap was about 16.78 g and 0.48 g 100 mL-1, respectively. At the end of 4th hr, the total sugar content reduced to 8.9 g 100 mL-1 and reducing sugar content increased to 3.5 g 100 mL-1. Xia et al., (2011) reported that sucrose was the predominant sugar in the fresh sap; reducing sugars such as glucose and fructose were in negligible amount in fresh unfermented sap. Once the fermentation starts, the total sugar level was drastically reduced and at the same time there was a sharp increase in reducing sugar content, which meant that the content of fructose and glucose increased but sucrose decreased. This is due to sucrose being converted into fructose and glucose during initial fermentation. At the same time, the broken down glucose and fructose was utilized by the microorganisms at later stages. This may be the reason for the overall reduction in total sugar content fr om 16.78 g to 8.9 g 100 mL-1. Significant positive correlation between pH and total sugar (r=0.912, at P r= -0.914 and -0.926, respectively, at P Changes of total protein and free amino acids: The protein content of the freshly collected coconut sap was about 116.91 mg 100 mL-1, when the fermentation progress, there was a significant increase in the protein content and it reached 839.21 mg 100 mL-1 at the end of 4 hrs, and it was negatively correlated with the free amino acid content. At initial stage the free amino acid content was about 210 mg 100 mL-1 sap. Free amino acid content decreased drastically due to fermentation and reached to 77.76 mg 100 mL-1 sap at pH of about 4.7. Correlation study showed that there was a significant negative correlation between total protein and free amino acids (r= -0.715, at P The phenolic content in fresh sap was about 19.9 mg 100 mL-1. There was a difference in the phenolic content upon fermentation; the change in phenolics content didn’t showed any trend. Upon fermentation, the content of phenolics starts decreased for up to 90 mins, there after there was a steady state. The results are against the earlier study which showed there was drastic increase in phenolics content due to the release of phenols from polyphenols by the action of microbial fermentation (Xia et al., 2011). Earlier studies showed that there was a steady state between hydrolysis of polyphenols and the action of polyphenoloxidase; processes that generate and oxidize, respectively, leads to no drastic change in phenolic content (Cruz et al., 2013). The major biochemical changes occurring in the fermenting sap indicated that a natural fermentation of coconut sap consist of initial lactic acid fermentation, a middle alcoholic fermentation and final acetic acid fermentation. It also appeared that activities brought about by micro-organisms of early phase helped the activities of the micro-organisms in each of the later phases (Atputharajah et al., 1986) Changes in mineral composition by natural fermentation: Mineral composition of coconut inflorescence sap and their changes during natural fermentation were given in the table 2. Potassium (177.66 mg/100 mL-1) was the major mineral nutrient present in the fresh sap followed by sodium, which was about 103.92 mg 100 mL-1. In the present study, there was no significant differences were found for the changes in potassium and sodium content in the fresh sap and fermented sap. Soluble phosphorus content in the fresh sap was 2.16 mg 100 mL-1.There was significant differences were found for the soluble phosphorus content in the sap upon fermentation. The soluble phosphorus content was found to increase to 6.41 mg 100 mL-1 at the end of 4th hr due to microbial fermentation, which increases the solubility of the phosphorus. Earlier studies, Lopez et al. (2001) found thatlactic acid bacteria present in sourdough enhanced acidification, leading to increased magnesium and phosphorus solubility. Freshly collected coconut sap was rich in micro-minerals like iron (68.55  µg 100 mL-1), copper (32.75  µg 100 mL-1) and zinc (15.60  µg 100 mL-1). Once the fermentation starts, the level of micro-minerals present in the sap starts declining and the changes was significant. There was a significant negative correlation found between time and all micro-minerals studied (r= -0.948, -0.930 and -0.890 for iron, copper and zinc, respectively, with time). Microorganisms require several micronutrients like manganese, zinc, cobalt, nickel and copper are available in nature, have many roles in the cells as a part of enzymes, cofactors that make to catalysis of reaction and maintenance of protein structure. This leads to reduction in available micro-mineral contents in the sap during fermentation. Conclusion The biochemical studies revealed that the freshly collected coconut inflorescence sap was rich in biochemicals such as sugar, protein, free amino acids and mineral nutrients such as sodium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, copper and zinc. Due to natural fermentation there was a drastic change in the above said nutrients except sodium and potassium. In most cases, the natural fermentation reduces the available nutrients in the sap and make the sap sour to taste. Thus, there is a need to find out suitable methods to prevent the natural fermentation of coconut sap without affecting its nutritional quality and make it as a delicious health drink. Table 1. Changes in pH and biochemical composition in coconut inflorescence sap due to fermentation Table 2. Changes in mineral constituents in coconut inflorescence sap due to fermentation Table 3. Linear correlation (r) between the biochemical parameters and minerals studied in coconut inflorescence sap due to natural fermentation TS – total sugar; RS – Reducing sugar; AA – amino acids * indicates significant at P=0.05 Figure 1. Changes in pH, total sugar and reducing sugar contents in coconut inflorescence sap due to fermentation. The results are representative of three replicates and values are expressed as mean  ± SD. Figure 2. Changes in protein and free amino acids content in coconut inflorescence sap due to fermentation. The results are representative of three replicates and values are expressed as mean  ± SD. Figure 3. Changes in sodium, potassium and phosphorus contents in coconut inflorescence sap due to fermentation. The results are representative of three replicates and values are expressed as mean  ± SD. Figure 4. Changes in iron, copper and zinc contents in coconut inflorescence sap due to fermentation. The results are representative of three replicates and values are expressed as mean  ± SD. Acknowledgement References J Agric Food Chem.2001 May;49(5):2657-62. Prolonged fermentation of whole wheat sourdough reduces phytate level and increases soluble magnesium. Lopez HW1,Krespine V,Guy C,Messager A,Demigne C,Remesy C. Jaqueline Fontes Moreau Cruz, Paula Bacelar Leite, Sergio Eduardo Soares and Eliete da Silva Bispo. Assessment of the fermentative process from different cocoa cultivars produced in Southern Bahia, Brazil Vol. 12(33), pp. 5218-5225, 14 August, 2013 Colorimetric Determination of Phosphorus as Molybdivanadophosphoric Acid R E. Kitson,M G. Mellon Ind. Eng. Chem. Anal. Ed.,1944,16(6), pp 379–383

Premarital Sex And Promiscuity Theories

Premarital Sex And Promiscuity Theories This essay will be discussing the topic of promiscuity and premarital sex from both Ellistons and Punzos theories. According to Punzo on Premarital sex, it is for two people to have engaged in a sexual contact/intercourse without having the full commitment but on the other hand, promiscuity according to Elliston it is to have sex with many different people without having any commitment. When comparing both, Punzo is seen as the conservative while Elliston is seen as supporting casual sex. Punzos theory is when two people are together having sex they both must be engaged in a deep commitment between the two people. On the other hand, Elliston is arguing that sexual intercourse doesnt require any thoughts or strong consideration with any commitments since it is not that big of a deal. According to Elliston promiscuity is seen as free love, where you can just meet someone and starting to fall in love with them. With this definition, it might be easier for some to understand it, as having freedom. It can also be recognized as having recreational sex, having sex just for fun. When the word fun comes with anything, it will be seen as attractive and easy going. Elliston has created a definition himself that better defined promiscuity. Promiscuity is defined as sex with a series of other adults not directly related through marriage and with no commitments; no promises of affection, sexual exclusivity in future (Elliston 144). Elliston also stated that for those who just want to get others in bed to have sex by lying, exploiting, and deceiving or something close to it are wrong. It is seen as wrong because it breaches the ethical principles that we all learned as a child, which is not to lie. When someone is lying about everything just because they are trying to get someone in bed to have sex with them, it is seen as very unethical. Promiscuity is seen as to the advantage of males and to the disadvantage of females because it is true that males do not have anything to lose while females will lose their virginity and at times their love. It has become exploitive; woman would get social blame but man would get sexual satisfaction. Promiscuity is not actually wrong but it is the double standard that is in places where woman is at a disadvantage in comparison to man. Promiscuity can not be defined as wrong all the time; the charges that it necessarily violates generally accepted a moral principle is false. (E lliston 146). Elliston is saying that the double standard that should be remove but not the promiscuity, since it is always seen as a disadvantage for woman. The female involved might not feel the same as to being cheated or being used for the man to have their sexual satisfaction but it might be the woman who is using the man to satisfy herself. Sex is just a body language in the form of body interaction between the two people that are willing to interact and it leads to pleasure. It also has a deep meaning behind it. According o Elliston, sex is more than thrusts and moans, caresses and sighsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦just as verbal language has a dimension of meaning beyond phonemes and morphemes, so body language has a significance beyond the intertwining of two bodiesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Promiscuity has instrumental value in that it can facilitate the mastery of one kind of body languageà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦sexual body language is learned through sexual interactionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦experiences enable an individual to develop a repertoire of gestures for communicating desire and affection and of decisive movements that clearly state intentions of love or amusement. People can be moved not only by the things we say but also by the things we do-with them, for them, or to themà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦desire and satisfaction can be communicated not only through verbal exchanges, but also through a lingering look and an appreciative caress. To a shattered ego a physical embrace may express far more reassurance than its verbal counterparts, and a kiss may convey desire more eloquently than pleas or poemsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦The observance of this etiquette is an acknowledgement of the selfhood of the other. The acquisition of it is one of the opportunities promiscuity provides(Elliston 149). Based on this quote, Elliston is saying sex is a part of body language and the more you practice it the better you will get. The skills that you get from promiscuity will wider range of people outside of marriage or committed-relationships. Usually a married couple would be seen as only one man is allow to have dinner with one woman, which is referring to only having sex with the partner and that is it, third party is not acceptable (traditionally). Elliston sees having sex with one person at first before you decide to love that person or not. Pretty much he i s saying having sex first will be a pre-stage of trying out whether the persons sexual skill or chemistry from sexual intercourse will help you decide to love this person or not. Therefore Elliston is arguing that promiscuity should be allow and should not be seen as wrong because it is something for the two to try out and see if the chemistry is there. In Punzos view, sex before marriage or even having sex with no commitment is seen as wrong. Punzo has answered the question of is having pre-martial sex without any commitment wrong, with using Wilsons theory of sexual intercourse to compare it with playing tennis and Chessers theory of two people going to see movies together. Both Wilson and Chesser see it normal and there is nothing morally wrong about having pre-marital sex. At the same time, Punzo has disagreed with both of them stating that going to the movies or playing tennis with many people are just some general activities which anyone can encounter, but it does not necessary have to be the one you would have sex with, or have any sexual interest with. In Punzos view, sexual intercourse must be between two committed people, so having sex without any sort of commitment is wrong. Punzo states that commitment is a must before sex, as one must agree to commit to a relationship before they can move on to a new level in their rela tionship, through having sex, the two gives themselves to each other in the way of trust, expressing ones mind, and feelings through the most intimate activity, sexual intercourse. Punzo see Ellistons argument between sex and dinning is a wrong example because dinning and sex are two different things, it is in an extreme that it has nothing to do with each other, dinning and sex has no connection at all. Dinning can be with any friends, or family members, and it does not involve any sexual contacts. Yes, dinning can be with your spouse, partner but it can also be with someone else. Both eating and sex do give people satisfaction, but they are totally different from each other. Food is a need for people to survive but people can live with out sex. Ellistons theory is to have sexual intercourse with as many people as you can before falling in love, but Punzos theory is to be in love or have the necessary commitment before having sexual intercourse. The moral perspectives of both are totally different from each other. This is why Punzo would not agree with Elliston and vice versa. Ellistons argument has a defect to it, it is having sex with a number of people does not only increase the skills of ones sexual ability, but it also limits the important value of having the most intimate relationship with the other through sexual intercourse. I believe we all know that having sex with the one we love is the most loving and special feeling of being complete as a whole. If one is engaged in a sexual activity with many other people and then stated that the one is now in love with their partner is not a rational theory, but it is also very confusing and unreasonable that promiscuity does not damage a committed relationship. Having sex without any commitment, and isolate oneself with uncommitted sex is a view that may not be true. They can have sex without any commitment but they might realize more about themselves. It doesnt mean they are isolating themselves just because they do not involve in a committed relationship. Punzos full commitment does not have a clear defi nition, does it mean to be in a legal marriage with legal documents, and so if the two are just common-law couple then does that mean they are not legal? Punzo should have clear that term and have a better explanation of it. With the mutual understanding and respects towards each other with pre-martial sex, it is not going to affect the two negatively. It would not be harm if pre-martial sex will lead the two into commitment and onto future commitment, it would become a good thing. If pre-martial sex is happening then protection is needed to prevent any unexpected or unwanted pregnancy. In conclusion, both Punzo and Elliston has their pros and cons. Premarital sex should follow Punzos theory of sex, and they must involve commitment, but not with full commitment. Punzo did not clarify what full commitment means, if it meant at the stage of being legally married, then those who are only engaged or soon to be marry couples should not be having any sexual interactions. Also promiscuity must be permitted only if no one is being hurt and lie to as a result of promiscuity. It is true that Ellistons argument of double standard needs to be remove because it is only seen as woman being the one that are at a disadvantage, but sometimes it is not the case, woman would be out to lie to man just to get money or any material that need from the man. Therefore double standard should be remove but not promiscuity. Also promiscuity is a good way to practice ones sexual skills and ability in the bed, it is true to the term practice makes prefect, it would suit this practice of promisc uity closely.

Comparing Beloved and Night Essay -- comparison compare contrast essay

Comparing Beloved and Night  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The two novels I am writing about are "Night" by Elie Wiesel and "Beloved," by Toni Morrison.   Beloved tells about slavery and an ex-slave mother's struggle with a past which is projected as the haunting of her people.   It tells the story of Sethe, a mother compelled to kill her child, rather than let the child live a life of slavery.   Toni Morrison uses ghosts and the supernatural to create an enhanced acceptance of the human condition and the struggled survival of the Black American.  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The novel is set in Ohio in the 1880's.   The Civil War had been won, slavery had been abolished, however, the memories of slavery still remain.   Although the story itself is fictional, the novel is based on   real events.  Ã‚   The events are based on the trial in Cincinnati of Margaret Garner, who with her husband, and seventeen other slaves (Kentuckian) crossed the Ohio where they supposedly found safe shelter.     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When it was discovered that they had been pursued and surrounded, and her husband overpowered, Margaret knew that any hope of freedom was   in vain.   She refused to see her children taken back into slavery.   Without delay, Margaret quickly took hold of a butcher's knife which was laid on a table and cut the throat of her young daughter.   She then attempted to kill her other children as well, then herself, but she was overpowered and held back before she could follow through.   She was arrested and put on trial on the grounds that the child she killed was the legal property of the owner.  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In Beloved, when a new proprietor takes over Sweet Home (the slave farm), Sethe, escapes the brutal beatings she now endures in an attempt to go from Kentucky to Ohio.   When the pr... ...took   part in the holocaust had no other choice.   They had families to take care of and home lives just like the rest of   us.   For example, I believe that many of the soldiers who took part in the Holocaust were forced through military responsibility or face   treason or death.   These soldiers have   to live with themselves knowing they killed millions of innocent people.   When an order is given, an order must be carried out.   Many soldiers had no choice, but to kill, or be killed.     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   We are all human beings.   We all have feelings, and families whom we love.   Sometimes the force behind the brutality is too powerful to disobey, and people (soldiers, the white man, the Americans and Hiroshima, etc., etc.) have no choice but to obey,   or face the consequences.   In the military you don't question an order; you just do it (as in Othello and Billy Budd).        

Donatello :: Biography

Donatello was born in Florence, Italy in1386. The full name of Donatello is Donato di Niccolo di Belto Bardi (â€Å"Donatello† par 1, 2, 3). His dad was a wool comber (â€Å"Donatello† par 1, 2). There was not much information found on his mom. He had a first job and that in the workshop of Lerenzo Ghilberti, a gothic sculptor, between 1404 and 1407(â€Å"Donatello† par 1, 2, 3). After that job he worked at a Florence Cathedral in 1407. At the Cathedral he decorated tombs and pulpits and made portrait busts and monuments (â€Å"Donatello† par 1, 2). An inspiration for his work was by ancient visual examples (â€Å"Donatello† par 1). He achieved his full intensity in the beginning of the 15th century (â€Å"Donatello† par 1, 2, and 3). In the later part of his life he studied Roman Ruins and became a Humanist (Blood par 1). In Donatello’s lifetime he had many accomplishments weather it was sculpting or just huge achievements. Donatello sent a while on his famous sculptor, Saint George, which was sculpted from 1416 to about 1420(ward par 2, 3, 4). 1428 was when the town put up a ancient Roman Pillar in the market place and that they asked him to make a statue because they believed he was the best sculptor(Morley 13,18). One of the monuments he created was Padua and he created that between 1443 and 1453. A well know sculptor of his was the statue Zuccone which people say showed the effective use of realism(Ward par 2,3,4). Donatello created many bronze sculptures. A huge achievement was his gilt bronze Herod’s feast. Another gilt bronze he made was St. Louis of Toulouse sculpture. One huge milestone was he made the first freestanding bronze naked bronze sculpture (Lewine par 2, 4). He designed twin bronze pulpit for San Lorenzo. The most important bronze sculpture was David was his first free-standing nude statue of the renaissance (â€Å"Donatello† par 2, 4). A huge famous sculpture he did was Gattamelata. That statue was supposed to represent a no ruler (â€Å"Donatello â€Å"par 2, 4). His statue called St. George was so good that even Michelangelo complemented it (Hale 109). John Pope Henessy, a great author, he noted that he was one of the greatest sculptors that ever lived. Following his sculptor called St. Gorge, he made St.Gorge and the dragon. St George was his first attempt at portraying a three dimensional scene on a flat surface (â€Å"Donatello† par 5, 7).

Fiji Water

Introduction FIJI Water LLC is a U. S. based company, that market its famous brand in more than a dozen countries out of its bottling plant located in the Fiji Islands. The product concept was developed in the early nineties by David Gilmour, the Canadian-born owner and founder of Fiji’s renowned Wakaya Island Resort. 1 As of 2008, FIJI Water marketed its bottled mineral water in about a dozen countries in North America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. It was marketed as FIJI Natural Mineral Water in Europe and as FIJI Natural Spring Water in Australia.The two main markets for the product were the United States and Australia. At the same time, the company’s relationships with the Fiji government were at the lowest point. The government accused FIJI Water of transfer price manipulations and seized hundreds of containers carrying FIJI brand. The company’s tax- free concession granted by the Fiji government for 13 years in 1995came to an end in October 2008 and th e company will be required to pay corporate tax in Fiji. The new water resource tax, although much lower than the draconian 20-cents-a-litre excise, still will adding about FIJI$1 million to its cost every year.In other hand, the company was making efforts to live up to its good corporate citizenship claim by focusing on its contributions to the local communities. In the following report you will find my selected analysis of the FIJI Water Case Study. I have chosen to respond to Question 2: What factors contributed to the marketing success of FIJI Water? And Question 5: Are the FIJI government's concerns about the â€Å"negative† contribution of the FIJI Water to the local environment justified?Does the company do enough to improve its relations with the FIJI government and the local community? What else should it do to improve those relations? What factors contributed to the marketing success of FIJI Water? 1 James McMaster and Jan Nowak, â€Å"Natural Waters of Viti Limite d-Pioneering a New Industry in the Fiji Islands,† Journal of the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management, 9:2,2003 (Special Edition on Management Case). FIJI Water’s International Market Expansion FIJI Water global trends in bottled water consumption and demand were very important.Since more than 90 per cent of all the FIJI Water was exported, the sales of FIJI Water in the domestic market were very small. In 2007, Eurpoe and North America were the biggest regional markets for bottled water, accounting for 30. 9 and 30. 7 per cent of the world’s sales volume, respectively. Asia accounted for 24. 3 per cent and the rest of the world accounted for 14. 1 per cent. 2 FIJI Water had made its strategy revolve around capturing international market opportunities and strongly positioning the brand in large and growing markets for bottled water.Conquering the U. S. Market The United States is the very first and important international market that FIJI Water launch ed. Due to its light mineralization, FIJI Water was characterized by a smooth taste and no aftertaste. The light mineralization also gave the water a clean, pure taste. Many U. S. consumers instantly liked the taste of the water and, having tried it, repurchased the product in preference to the more mineralized waters. Also the company continued to educate the consumer about main advantages over other bottled water brands. 3The successful marketing equation plays an important role in the product content. One of the important elements was packaging. The packaging is the first thing that comes to the customer’s eye. For many years, all bottles containing natural water were the same—round, with paper labels. Packaging, one of the most fundamental ways to differentiate a product, was not used as such a toll in bottled water markets. Over the last decade, both companies and consumers had discovered the power of packaging in bottled water brand positioning and imagery.Simila rly to packaging, FIJI Water’s price was higher than that of most brands offered to U. S. consumer; people all believe that a premium-price policy reinforced the product’s high-quality image. Another important factor that had contributed to FIJI Water’s success in the U. S. market was its distribution. Having good distributors was important in that it enabled the brand to be well placed in and readily available to the market. Building an image of the high quality, uniqueness and class of the product was another aspect of this successful marketing campaign.The successful launch of FIJI Water in the United States was attributed to a skilful marketing strategy and the high quality of the people who drove the initial marketing campaign. 4 The company made people believes that FIJI Water was much more than just pure, good-testing liquid; it was also a promise of good health, refinement, status, and exclusivity. It evoked images of unspoiled natural beauty and purity. It was a tropical paradise captured in a bottle. 2 â€Å"The Global Bottled Water Market. Report 2007,† Beverage Marketing Corporation, January 2008. www. fijiwater. com. 4 Paul Yavala, â€Å"Fiji Water Travels,† The Fiji Times, November 2000, P. 4. Relations with the FIJI Government The â€Å"negative† contribution to the local environment—Tax Issues Fiji Water appeared to provide little direct benefits to government revenue because of the tax-free status granted by earlier governments The success of FIJI Water was very evident to all citizens of Fiji as they observed the large number of trucks transporting containers of bottled water to the ports of Lautoka and Suva using the Queens highway.One could argue that the damage caused to the national roads and bridges by the huge number of heavily laden trucks carrying FIJI Water might have exceeded the road and fuel tax, and that the citizens of Fiji were subsidizing FIJI Water. Based on FIJI Water’s export levels, the new export tax would result in the company paying many millions to the government coffers. In 2006, FIJI Water exported 119,000,000 litres of bottled water to the United States. Appling a tax of 20-cents-per-litre, FIJI Water will be paying the government FJ$24 million just for its exports to one market. FIJI Water and the nine other companies immediately mounted a campaign against the new tax. They first threatened to cease production and to lay workers off. They argued that this sudden decision by the Cabinet was made without thorough analysis of the economic costs and benefits. They also pointed out that it would undermine the government’s economic development strategy that was based on increasing the level of investment and export-oriented growth. A critical issue was the likely impact of this new tax on both foreign and local investment.Behind the scenes, the bottlers were very active in seeking the support of the media and key decision makers, trade unions, village leaders and local chiefs as well as lobbying interim ministers and members of the Military Council. On July25, 2008, the Fiji government made an announcement that it had decided to drop the new tax. Immediately after the announcement of the repeal of the tax, the major bottled water-exporting companies resumed production and re-employed the hundreds of workers who had been laid off. 0 In November 2008, the Fiji government re-introduced the disputed water tax as part of the 2009 budget in a different form. It was called â€Å"water resource tax† and was progressive depending on the amount of water extracted. FIJI Water’s tax-free concession granted by the Fiji government for 13 years in 1995 came to an end in October 2008, and the company will be required to pay corporate tax in Fiji. The new water resource tax, although, much lower than the draconian 20-cents-a-litre excise, is nevertheless likely to erode the company’s profitability by adding ab out FJ$1 million to its costs every year.This is expected to coincide with a slow-down of growth or even stagnation of FIJI Water sales in its main markets due to the global recession. 5 FIRCA Press Release, July 21,2008, www,frca,org,fj/docs/firca/press_release/Press Release 21. 07. pdf Transfer Pricing In January 2008, the government became concerned that FIJI Water was engaging in transfer price manipulations, selling the water shipments produced in Fiji at a very low price to the company headquarters in Los Angeles.A press release by FIRCA, issued in January 2008, noted that FIJI Water had received advice from international law firm Baker ; McKenzie, which conducted an economic study on transfer pricing and declared what the company was doing in Fiji was fair. FIRCA rejected the claim by stating that: â€Å"FIRCA will not passively accept the verdict of Baker ; McKenzie without itself having access to the information on which same is based, and to the instructions on which same is based, and without the opportunity to conduct its own transfer pricing study based on such matters and upon the profitability of Natural Waters of Viti Limited. 6 Relations with the local community Establishing and maintaining good relations with the five neighboring Fijian villages that were the traditional landowners of the Yaqara basin, where the bottling plant was located is very important. FIJI Water had established an excellent work environment with good interpersonal relationships among the workforce. In other hand the company also supported children’s education, provided the pre-schools with equipment, educational material, teacher training and other support.In March 2002, the company voluntarily established an independently administrated community development trust fund and allocated FJ$275,000 to it. The Trust provided founds for developing the infrastructure, expertise and skills needed to supply clean, safe and sustainable water to more than 100 communities, s chools, health centers and nursing stations throughout Fiji. 7 Maintaining good relations with the Fiji government will be vital. A series of ads sponsored by FIJI Water, placed in the popular daily Fiji Times in late 2008 and early 2009, was focused on letting the public and the overnment knows how good a corporate citizen the company is. The ads highlighted FIJI Water’s contribution to creating new jobs, improving education and raising standards of living in Fiji. FIJI Water was making efforts to live up to its good corporate citizenship claim. But is it enough to dispel government officials’ and ordinary citizens’ doubts about FIJI Water’s positive contribution to the local economy and community? 6 â€Å"Press Release,† Fiji Islands Revenue ; Customs Authority, January 11, 2008, p. 3. 7 www. fijiwater. com

Kanye West

Kanye Omari West was born June 8, 1977) is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and Janet Jackson. His style of production originally used pitched-up vocal samples from soul songs incorporated with his own drums and instruments. However, subsequent productions saw him broadening his musical palette and expressing influences encompassing '70s R&B, baroque pop, trip hop, arena rock, folk, alternative, electronica, synth-pop, and classical music. [2] West released his debut album The College Dropout in 2004, his second album Late Registration in 2005, his third album Graduation in 2007, his fourth album 808s & Heartbreak in 2008, and his fifth album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy in 2010. His five albums, all of which have gone platinum, have received numerous awards, including a cumulative twelve Grammys,[3][4][5] and critical acclaim. All have been very commercially successful, with My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy becoming his fourth consecutive #1 album in the U. S. upon release. [7] West also runs his own record label GOOD Music, home to artists such as John Legend, Common and Kid Cudi. [8] West's mascot and trademark is â€Å"Dropout Bear,† a teddy bear which has appeared on the covers of three of his five albums as well as various single covers and music videos. [9] About. com ranked Kanye West #8 on their â€Å"Top 50 Hip-Hop Producers† list. [10] On May 16, 2008, Kanye West was crowned by MTV as the year's #1 â€Å"Hottest MC in the Game. [11] On 17 December 2010, Kanye West was voted as the MTV Man of the Year by MTV. [12] Kanye West's first career productions came on Chicago rapper Grav's 1996 debut album Down to Earth. West produced eight tracks on the album. While the album did not attract much attention and would be the only album released by Grav, West would soon be producing for higher profile artists. In 1998-1999 he produced for well known artists such as Jermaine Dupri, Foxy Brown, Goodie Mob, and the group Harlem World. West got his big break in the year 2000 however when he began to produce for artists on Roc-a-Fella Records. He produced the well received Jay-Z song â€Å"This Can't Be Life† off of the album The Dynasty: Roc La Familia. West would later state that to create the beat for â€Å"This Can't Be Life† he sped up the drum beat from Dr. Dre's song â€Å"Xxplosive†. [19] After producing for Jay-Z earlier, West’s sound was featured heavily on Jay-Z's critically acclaimed album The Blueprint, released on September 11, 2001. [20] His work was featured on the lead single â€Å"Izzo (H. O. V. A. ),† â€Å"Heart of the City (Ain't No Love)† and a diss track against Nas and Mobb Deep named â€Å"Takeover†; West has worked with Mobb Deep and Nas since the track's release. After meeting great commercial success and critical acclaim for his productions on The Blueprint, West became a sought after producer in the hip-hop industry, even before he became known as a rapper and solo artist. In the years 2002-2003 he would produce for artists such as Nas, Scarface, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, T. I. , Ludacris, DMX, and Monica. He also continued producing for Roc-a-Fella Records artists and contribued four tracks to Jay-Z's follow up album to The Blueprint, The Blueprint? : The Gift & the Curse. After great successes as a producer, West now looked to pursue a career as a rapper and solo artist, but struggled to find a way to get a record deal. Chris Anokute, then A&R at Def Jam, said that when West regularly dropped by the office to pick up his producer checks he would play demos of solo material to Anokute in his cubicle and bemoan the fact that no one was taking him seriously as a rapper. [21] Jay-Z admitted that Roc-A-Fella was initially reluctant to support West as a rapper, claiming that he saw him as a producer first and foremost. Multiple record companies felt he was not as marketable as rappers who portray the â€Å"street image† prominent in hip hop culture. [19] Beginning his career as a rapper, Kanye West rapped a verse on Jay-Z's The Blueprint? : The Gift & the Curse, an album he produced for, from the same label he was signed to as a rapper. At the start of his career, Kanye West's production style often used pitched-up vocal samples, usually from soul songs, with his own drums and instruments. [20] His first major release featuring his trademark vocal sampling style was â€Å"This Can't Be Life†, a track from Jay-Z’s The Dynasty: Roc La Familia. West said he sped up the drum beat of Dr. Dre's â€Å"Xxplosive† to use as a replacement for his drums on â€Å"This Can't Be Life†. [19] West has said that Wu-Tang Clan producer RZA influenced him in his style,[16][88] and has said on numerous occasions that Wu-Tang rappers Ghostface Killah and Ol' Dirty Bastard were some of his all-time favorites, â€Å"Wu-Tang? Me and my friends talk about this all the time†¦ We think Wu-Tang had one of the biggest impacts as far as a movement. From slang to style of dress, skits, the samples. Similar to the [production] style I use, RZA has been doing hat. â€Å"[89] RZA himself has spoken quite positively of the comparisons, stating in an interview for Rolling Stone, â€Å"All good. I got super respect for Kanye. He came up to me about a year or two ago. He gave me mad praising and blessings†¦ For people to say Wu-Tang inspire Kanye, Kanye is one of the biggest artists in the world. That goes back to what we say: ‘Wu-Tang is forever. ‘ Kanye is going to inspire people to be like him. â€Å"[90] After hearing his work on The Blueprint, RZA claimed that a torch-passing had occurred between him and West, saying, â€Å"The shoes gotta be filled. If you ain't gonna do it, somebody else is gonna do it. That's how I feel about rap today. â€Å"[90] West accompanied by an eleven-piece chamber orchestra While his use of sampling has lessened over time, West's production continues to feature distinctive and intricate string arrangements. This characteristic arose from him listening to the English trip hop group Portishead, whose 1998 live album Roseland NYC Live, with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra inspired him to incorporate string sections into his hip hop production. Though he was unable to afford live instruments beyond violin riffs provided by Israeli violinist Miri Ben-Ari around the time of his debut album, its subsequent commercial success allowed him to hire his very own eleven-piece string orchestra. For a time, West stood as the sole current pop star to tour with a string section. [2] West has stated on several occasions that outside of work, he favors listening to rock music over hip-hop. He cites Franz Ferdinand, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and The Killers as some of his favorite musical groups. Additionally, on Graduation, West drew inspiration from arena rock bands such as U2, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin for melody and chord progression. [91] Both a fan and supporter of indie culture, West uses his official website to promote obscure indie rock bands, posting up music videos and mp3s on a daily basis. [92] This musical affinity is mutual, as West has collaborated with indie artists such as Santigold, Peter Bjorn and John and Lykke Li while his songs have gone on to be covered countless times by myriad rock bands.