Author James Patterson Biography

Author James Patterson Biography Born March 22, 1947, James Patterson, perhaps best known as the writer of the Alex Cross detective series, ranks among the most prolific of contemporary American authors. He even holds the Guinness World Record for the number of New York Times number one best-selling novels sold, and he was the first author to sell more than one million e-books.  Despite his widespread popularity- he’s sold some 300 million books since 1976- Patterson’s methods are not without controversy. He uses a group of co-authors which allows him to publish his works at such an impressive rate. His critics, who include contemporary authors such as Stephen King, question whether Patterson  is too focused on quantity, to the detriment of quality. Formative Years Patterson, son of Isabelle and Charles Patterson, was born in Newburgh, NY. Before heading off to college, his family moved to the Boston area, where Patterson took a part-time night job at a mental hospital. The solitude of that job allowed Patterson to develop an appetite for reading literature; he spent most of his salary on books. He lists â€Å"One Hundred Years of Solitude† by Gabriel Garcia Marquez as a favorite. Patterson went on to graduate from Manhattan College and holds a masters’ degree in English literature from Vanderbilt University.   In 1971, he went to work for advertising agency J. Walter Thompson, where he eventually became CEO. It was there that Patterson came up with the phrase â€Å"Toys R Us Kid† which is still used in the toy store chain’s ad campaigns. His advertising background is apparent in the marketing of Patterson’s books; he supervises the design of his book covers down to the last detail and was one of the first authors to orchestrate advertising his books on television. His techniques have even inspired a case study at Harvard Business School: â€Å"Marketing James Patterson† examines the effectiveness of the writer’s strategies. Published Works and Style James Pattersons first novel, The Thomas Berryman Number, was published in 1976, after being turned down by more than 30 publishers. Patterson told The New York Times that his first book compares favorably to his current works in one way: â€Å"The sentences are superior to a lot of the stuff I write now, but the story isn’t as good.† Despite its slow start, The Thomas Berryman Number won an Edgar Award for crime fiction that year. Patterson makes no secret of his current use of co-authors, a group that includes Andrew Gross, Maxine Paetro, and Peter De Jong. He likens the approach to the collaborative efforts of Gilbert and Sullivan or Rodgers and Hammerstein: Patterson says he writes an outline, which he sends to the co-author for refining, and the two collaborate throughout the writing process. He’s said that his strength lies in concocting plots, not in parsing individual sentences, which suggests he has refined (and perhaps improved) his writing technique since his first novel.   Despite the criticism that his style is mechanical, Patterson has hit on a commercially successful formula. He’s written 20 novels featuring detective Alex Cross, including Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider, and 14 books in The Women’s Murder Club series, as well as the Witch and Wizard and Daniel X series. Books Made Into Blockbusters Given their broad commercial appeal, its no surprise that several of Pattersons novels have been made into movies. Academy Award-winner Morgan Freeman has played Alex Cross in adaptations of   Along Came a Spider (2001), and  Kiss the Girls  (1997), which also starred Ashley Judd.​ New Focus on Childhood Literacy In 2011, Patterson wrote an opinion piece for CNN urging parents to become more involved in getting their kids to read. He discovered his son Jack wasnt an avid reader. When Jack turned 8, Patterson and his wife Susie made a deal with him: He could be excused from chores over summer vacation if he would read every day. Patterson later launched child literacy initiative ReadKiddoRead.com, which offers advice for age-appropriate books for kids of various ages.

Candide Abstract Essays

Candide Abstract Essays Candide Abstract Essay Candide Abstract Essay Essay Topic: Candide Candide Voltaire, a French philosophe and writer, wrote this document during the Enlightenment. He illustrates his opinion on many Enlightenment ideas, such as Leibnizian optimism, deism, and religious tolerance. He impacted many people, including Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson with his belief of religious toleration and civil rights. His view on organized religion also influenced the French Revolution. One of the Enlightenment views Voltaire addresses is Leibnizian optimism, or the iew that the world men live in is a perfect world. Everything that happens is supposed to happen and all will turn out for the best. Voltaire mocks this view by having unfortunate things happen to Candide and other characters in the novel. Pangloss is a representation of his view, and often impedes other characters from taking positive action. One such instance was when Jacques the Anabaptist was drowning and Pangloss prevented Candide from saving him by saying, the Lisbon harbor was formed expressively for the Anabaptist to drown in. Also, when Candide was trapped under the rubble after the earthquake, he requests Pangloss to bring him some oil and wine, however the philosopher is too busy debating cause and effect. Finally, Candide encounters a slave in Surinam with one leg and one hand. He finally loses his faith in optimism by saying it is mania for saying things are well when one is in hell. Voltaire also expresses deism through the city of Eldorado. Deism is the belief that God created the world, but then left it to run on its own. Eldorado is free of crime and suffering with decent equality and advanced sciences and mathematics. Deism is illustrated by showing how this civilization tapped into nature and God and became incredibly successful. Voltaire is showing the ideal society in Eldorado. Finally, Voltaire mocks organized religion. In many instances, he shows the hypocrisy of religions. The Old Woman was the daughter of the Pope, however, the Pope is supposed to be celibate. Also, the Catholic Inquisitor was a hypocrite for aving a mistress and the Franciscan friar was a Jewel thief even though he was supposed to live a life of poverty. The Catholic Inquisition also displayed religious oppression for a small reason when they held an auto-da-f? © after the earthquake and attempted to kill Pangloss and flogged Candide. However, Voltaire does not completely condemn religious believers because Jacques the Anabaptist was the most virtuous and good character in the whole novel. Candide Abstract By sophiarita366

Human genetic enhancement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Human genetic enhancement - Essay Example The introduced genes may support the normal genes and enhance certain traits and this also provides solution to many human genetic or phenotypic disorders such as short height etc. However, the implementation of the technology on humans have raised a number of ethical concerns since it alters nature’s selection and destroys the original identity of the person who is being bio-enhanced even though the same technology maybe beneficial is used knowledgably and hence the U.S policy makers must keep a number of things in mind before adjusting the limit to which genetic enhancement maybe allowed. The President of America has ordered the removal of all limitations on the research involving stem cell technologies since the field is deemed promising and the research of â€Å"human embryonic cells and human non-embryonic cells has the potential to lead to better understanding and treatment of many disabling disease and conditions† (The President,2009, 10667). This has enable rese arch endeavor in the field of enhancement however, this is deemed â€Å"interfering† and â€Å"unethical†. In the framework of human rights, each individual has the right to his or her own genetic identity and hence enjoy the uniqueness bestowed through the genetic makeup. The molecular tools that helps to manipulate this genetic makeup destroys this uniqueness and the original identity of the person which automatically leads to violation of the basic human rights. One of the most important features of genetic enhancement at the embryonic level is that it would enable a baby to have 3 and even 4 genetic parents at one time and therefore gives rise an ethical dilemma since this will interfere with the identity of the child. Researchers who are associated with the development of the technology claim that human genetic enhancement is a primary tool for preventing or diagnosing genetic disease in babies. Rob Stein informs us that geneticists and researchers have found out how to manipulate the DNA in the human egg and this is being hailed as an immensely advanced achievement since it will help prevent hereditary genetic disorders in the babies (All things Considered,2012). The researchers develop healthy embryos by substituting the mutated or defective DNA in the baby with normal DNA taken from healthy gene. Mitchell in his article says that a line must be drawn between genetic therapy and enhancement. The scientists involved in genetic enhancement technology have diminished the line between using genetic manipulation for treating genetic problems and disorders and substituting or supplementing normal genes with selected better genes to create a superior human (Mitchell,2010). Biological enhancement is not in conformity with the true motive of medical treatments. Medical treatments are aimed towards providing good health to patients and keeping them as â€Å"natural† as possible i.e. the internal and the external balance of each individual mus t be kept optimum and a complete state of homeostasis must be maintained. Mitchell writes â€Å"Whether we call it healing, wellness, or shalom, the goals of medicine are restorative and preventive† (Mitchell,2010) and human genetic advancements must not be thereby deemed as a method for clinical prevention of diseases. It cannot be denied that man has always wanted his children to be better. It is often a

Physics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Physics - Essay Example With relation to topic of World, physics encompasses essentially all of nature including the laws and properties of matter and the forces acting upon them. Especially the causes, that modify the general properties of bodies, like light, magnetism, electricity, quantum effects, gravity etc. Physics studies every motion, from objects as small as neutrons to as massive as planets. It also studies the forces, and the interactions between bodies. It is the study of the most fundamental interactions between time, space, energy and matter. "We have sought for firm ground and found none. The deeper we penetrate, the more restless becomes the universe, all is rushing about and vibrating in a wild dance."(Max Born) Physics answers these and many such questions. Let us consider our last question, we often wonder why an object in motion stops suddenly, it is due to the Frictional force. There are many things in this world that makes the presence of Friction felt. For example, when we try to push a table across a room, we experience a resisting force which makes our work much more difficult, and this is the frictional force. It is a well known phenomenon in the universe that any bod... . Physics answers these and many such questions. Let us consider our last question, we often wonder why an object in motion stops suddenly, it is due to the Frictional force. There are many things in this world that makes the presence of Friction felt. For example, when we try to push a table across a room, we experience a resisting force which makes our work much more difficult, and this is the frictional force. FRICTION: It is a well known phenomenon in the universe that any body which is in state of motion on any plane, left to itself automatically comes to rest after traveling through some distance, this is due to Friction. It is the resistive force acting between bodies that tends to oppose and damp out motion. Types of friction: 1. Static friction 2. Kinetic/dynamic friction 3. Rolling Friction Static friction: The Static force of friction ( fs ) is the force of friction between two objects when there is no motion. Consider a block' B' which is resting on a horizontal table. Let a small pan be attached the block by means of a horizontal thread passing over a smooth frictionless pulley. When the weight in the pan is less, the block does not move because the pulling force or applied force' p' is balanced by the frictional force' f' which is called static friction.. If the weight in the pan increases further then the block tends to slide over the surface. At this stage the force of friction also reaches a maximum value called limited friction. Thus the maximum or limiting value of force of friction that comes into play when the body just begins to slide over the surface of another body is known as Limiting Friction. Dynamic Friction or Kinetic Friction: The Kinetic force of friction ( fk ) is the force of friction between two objects

Get More with Organic Food Essay Example for Free

Get More with Organic Food Essay With the growing population across the globe, technology has been trying to intervene to produce more food for everyone. The concurrent food crisis assaults mans staple food source. Different departments have been called to help alleviate the problem. Scientists have been pushed to find a means to help the agriculture of these crops. They use chemicals, hormones and other genetic re-engineering to produce more. Unfortunately, this process also dilutes what one can get in consuming food. The nutritional value is then degraded to none. In this regard, this essay stand firm in the notion that organic food will deliver more benefits than non-organic food. There are definite reasons behind this claim. To affirm the claim, the benefits of both categories will be laid out. By utilizing this process, one will be able to have an educated stance regarding the debate. The simple question relies on whether countries will choose the science of quality or quantity. Organic Food Organic food is defined by the process by which it is produced. This process makes use of the natural means of growing produce. Natural fertilizers and traditional means of cultivating them are practiced. They do not make use of modern technology to reap these produce. This kind of food does not undergo any sort of preservation process to prolong its shelf life. This, of course, calls for a lot of advantages. These are (1) the nutritional values of the food are kept intact, (2) being chemical free renders consumers emancipated from substances that may inevitably incur illness to a person, and (3) it leaves soil free from residue brought by chemicals for the next crops to be planted. Since organic products are grown with the most natural means possible, most of the nutrients products naturally have are well maintained. When products undergo a process, to prolong its shelf life and enhance its flavor, before being sold to the market, it loses its nutrients at a certain point. The primary purpose of eating is to attain nutrients to sustain life. But with the numerous process one could only imagine that a lot of nutrients are taken away and drained to waste. The processes denied food of his primary purpose. The second benefit of organic food is that there are no chemicals used in it that may have potential harm on the people. Since it was grown in the most natural manner, it did not have to use chemicals to cultivate. These chemicals, even when the produce or livestock has been processed, it remains in its composition. When people eat these kinds of food, they in turn absorb these chemicals. But with organic food, the people are spared of this endeavor. They are also given the opportunity to live longer. The third benefit, and most probably one of the most important, of organic food is rather for the long term consequences. When chemicals are used to push produce to grow faster and bigger, these are also absorbed by the soil. When other crops are planted in the same area, these will also absorb the chemicals. The soil will continue to be contaminated unless unused for a long period of time. On the other hand, organic produce does not make use any kind of chemicals. The soil will be contaminant free. It likewise promotes biological diversity, as mentioned by an article from the website Medical Wellness Association. Some of the chemicals they expose to the environment harms more than the pests they want to remove. Non-Organic On the other hand, non-organic food also has its own benefits. This category of food refers to products, both crop and livestock, which have been enhanced by scientific advances. Its size, taste and quantity has been changed so that it is bigger, tastier, and more. Since these are enhanced products, it has been assumed that these are also better. It is not about finding means of making a profit. It is about trying to find answers as man surpasses what is. It is not creation, but intervention. It was designed to primarily make more for the hungry. With the help of technology, non-organic food is also able to reap the following benefits: (1) longer shelf life and better flavor, (2) it is relatively cheaper due to how it was produced, and (3) it could be the answer to world hunger. In certain parts of the world, the climate and technology prohibits some people from being able to store food for a long period of time. But with the help of advanced technology, they are given more than an opportunity. They were given an answer. In relation to the enhanced flavor, perhaps that is just an added benefit to the storage. With this advancement, individuals are able to have a hefty meal with just opening a can or heating a pack in a microwave. It has become a matter of convenience. Since non-organic food is also produced in great numbers, it becomes relatively cheaper than organic food. The process is easier and significantly takes a shorter time in manufacturing. With cheaper food, more people are able to purchase them. Especially in third world countries, availing food should be able to fit into their daily budget. In some countries, where a lot of people are at the brink of extreme poverty, it is important that they are provided with food with reasonable prices. In this light, with the above mentioned benefits of non-organic food, perhaps it has become the answer to world hunger. The world is getting over populated, and there is less food for everyone. There is food crisis simultaneously in different nations. On top of that, famine and drought in certain countries even forbade their people to even try to plant crops or raise livestocks. Some are dying because of hunger or illnesses brought by it. But because there are crops and livestock that are easily produced in great numbers, it could be that they will be able to finally give a spark to the hope of many hungry people. Organic products sometimes take too long to grow or produce that the rate of how population increases is not matched by the rate these crops and livestocks grow. The Better Option After laying out what each food category can offer, one should be able to find which is better. Organic food is a natural product free from chemicals. It also allows the environment to produce without the influences from synthetic substances that could be potentially harmful in the long run. On the other hand, non-organic food has longer shelf life and better taste. It is also relatively cheaper from the former category. More importantly, it silently declares to answer world hunger. Unfortunately, even if non-organic food presents a lot of promises to the people and the economy, organic food is still the better option. Feeding the people with non-organic food does not assure the extension of their lives than when they go hungry. Perhaps when they are fed, they will be able to survive. But they should not depend on it. When the chemicals get accumulated in their systems, it could result to terminal illnesses, like cancer. Yes, the growing population is being fed satisfactory amounts. However, what purpose does it serve when more harm is done? It harms not only the people, but also the environment. Even when the people get to eat, if the earth gets damaged due to these chemicals and residues, what will be left to the people? They are not hungry, but the inevitability of their choice will cope, and then devastation.

The Entertainment Industrys Standards of Beauty and Impact on Youth Es

The Entertainment Industry's Standards of Beauty and Impact on Youth â€Å"Man, I am hungry. But if I eat, I will never be able to look like that celebrity.† These words could come out of a typical teenager’s mouth. If a teenager sees someone on TV, in a movie, or in a magazine that he or she wishes to look like, he or she may try anything necessary to accomplish it. The standards of beauty set by the entertainment industry today are having a negative effect on today’s youth. Have you ever heard of Calista Flockhart, Lara Flynn Boyle, Jennifer Aniston, or Antonio Sabato Jr.? They are all celebrities that the typical teenager idolizes, but these idolizations are not necessarily a good thing. Unfortunately, they are all setting standards of beauty that are not only unrealistic but could prove to be dangerous when trying to be attained. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of eating disorders, steroid use, and plastic surgery among teenagers. The main reason for this trend is that â€Å"the beauty ideal has shifted towards an increasing emphasis on thinness† (Brown). In the article â€Å"Body Obsessed†, Rebecca Barry says that the world is sending out many mixed messages about being a girl (Barry 112). Today, women in the entertainment industry are put into many different roles, but all of the roles have one thing in common. They all tend to be very beautiful and very thin. In fact, while the average body weight of women has increased, the majority of women on TV and in magazines have remained thin (Brown). This makes many people believe that actresses will try anything to lose weight. The most common ways are by either exercising or by trying one of many different kind... ... in any way, shape, or form define who they are as a person. Our main message to our youth should be: â€Å"Self-esteem and confidence must start from within not from our outward appearance† (Brown). Works Cited Barry, Rebecca. â€Å"Body Obsessed.† Seventeen. July 1995: 112. Infotrac. Online. 24 Oct. 1999 Brown, Crystal C. â€Å"Modern Beauty Standards Unrealistic.† The Capitol Times. Vol. 2 No. 21. Online. 03 Nov. 1999. Available: http://www.capitoltimes.com. McClelland, Susan. â€Å"The Lure of the Body Image: In Their Quest for the Beefcake Look, Some Men Try Extreme Measures.† Maclean’s. 22 Feb. 1999: 38. Infotrac. Online. 18 Oct. 1999. Stevens, Liz. â€Å"Today’s Teen Magazines May be Sending Mixed Messages to Girls.† Knight- Ridder/Tribune News Service. 14 July 1999. Infotrac. Online. 2 Nov. 1999.

Cultural Analysis of France

Abstract The nation of France has provided substantial contributions to both society and culture over the course of history. This essay assesses the French culture with a focus on leadership and business aspects that drive the nation’s philosophy. With results demonstrating the dynamic potential available in the French culture, this evaluation has found many continuing contributions to the international community. This research will be of value to any person studying French culture. Cultural Analysis of France France has long held a position of interest in the area of culture and leadership (Kuhn, 2013). This assessment focuses on leadership elements that provide a clear demonstration of the French philosophy and interactive potential. Beginning with a brief overview that incorporates key components including location, history and social infrastructure will build an easily understood foundation. Next will be an evaluation of cultural and business practices that will serve to outline the French philosophy at work. The combination of these segments will create the opportunity to identify the leadership qualities needed to be successful in French society. Overview Blanchard, Lemaire, Bancel, Thomas & Pernsteiner (2012) describe France as one of the most important actors in Europe. France is recognized as the largest physical nation within the boundaries of Europe with over 60 million French speaking citizens (Blanchard et al, 2012). Featuring regional boundaries created by the passage of time and tradition, each section of France possesses unique religious and social attributes that set it apart making the associated culture complex (Frenchculture.org, 2014). Once flourishing as a colonial empire French holdings extended around the world, directly impacting international development (Frenchculture.org, 2014). With distinct offerings in areas of law including jurisprudence the French contribution to worldwide civilization has been fundamental (Zimmerman, 2014). The Spirit of the Laws, created during the Age of Enlightenment is one of many reflections of value that the French philosophy place on the areas of science and art (Blanchard et al, 2012). Evolving from a monarchy to a modern democratic society, with rule devolving from the population, France created the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen in order to clarify human rights (Zimmerman, 2014). This form of leadership supports the French position of innovation and development in the cultural arena. With territories still extant overseas, the French economy is rated to be the fifth largest in the world, further illustrating the strength and vitality of the French system (Zimmerman, 2014). Cultural Elements Goldhammer (2010) describes the French culture since the revolution of the nineteenth century as a combination of three aspects: Humanist, or the philosophical aspect, the scientific and the industrial. The French culture emphasizes the areas of civil rights and education in a direct effort to increase the overall standard of living (Summerfield, 2013). With past leaders including the conqueror Napoleon contributing directly to the French educational tradition, there is a lasting identification of the French population with the learning arts (Rigby, 1991). Modern evaluation of the French educational system ranks it midway between the highest and the lowest, with many substantial individuals attributing their philosophy to the system (Summerfield, 2013). This lasting identification with art is transferred to the very high rate of tourism in the nation of France, number one in the world, which is in turn credited with spreading of French concepts of education and learning (Zimmerman, 2 014). With premier artists and concepts including Cubism, Impressionism and Symbolism by such renowned artists as Manet, Monet and Renoir long comprising the French ranks, there is a real sense of gravitas to be felt in the cultural inclination of art (Summerfield, 2013). This is demonstrated the by the unrivalled French capacity to attract visitors which then spread their cultural ideals and artistic values. Among the arts and educational values held by the French there is a real sense of scientific and innovative components (Kuhn, 2013). With major universities producing practical applications in the fields of business and economics, the French culture stresses the need to continually revisit and consider new ideas (Zimmerman, 2014). This same element of cultural leadership is exhibited in areas including fashion and advertising (Summerfield, 2013). With several leading institutions including Dior and Chanel, the French society has created a cultural expectation of style and chic (The Economist, 2014). With a positive world outlook, modern French culture boasts one of the very best reputations for trust and integrity on the world stage (Zimmerman, 2014). This fact drives the perception that the society ranks among the best overall systems of governance (The Economist, 2014). Despite the upbeat overall outlook, many internal polls cite the depressed attitude of the culture itself (Frenchculture.org, 2014). With a high moral and ethical standard, yet an open and inclusive society, the French society epitomizes their slogan: â€Å"Liberty, Equality, Fraternity† (Blanchard et al, 2012:43). Leadership and Business Characteristics France has been characterized by significant leaders of both sexes including Napoleon and Joan of Arc; there is a tradition of strong, opinionated leadership (Blanchard et al, 2012). Coupled with a history of monarchies including the reign of notables such as Louis the 14th, there is an expectation of grandiose and innovative concepts from the upper tier (Stephenson, 2011). With the French revolution and the rise of democracy these principles of strength and vision in leadership have carried over, providing impetus for the modern crop of French leadership (The Economist, 2014). With a business culture that recognizes the value of leisure and employee satisfaction, there is a focus on providing the best possible environment in order to produce the best possible result (Rigby, 1991). Conclusion France is a multi-tiered culture that has provided and will continue to be a positive influence on the entire world society. With attributes including practicality, integrity, innovation and adaptation there is a real perception of value to found in the culture. Taking elements that have been refined over the centuries including French art, educational and civil rights philosophies and cultural values the nation of France can be credited with substantial contribution to modern international society. With a need to be forthright, decisive and stalwart in the face of criticism the French leadership and business community have served to drive the nation to the position of prominence that it now enjoys. In the end, past actions, modern practices and future potential combine to illustrate France as a competitive nation that produces well educated individuals fit for leading the international community. With a well-rounded consumer base coupled with a dynamic business environment, there is every reason to expect the French culture to continue to be a leader into the next era. References Blanchard, P., Lemaire, S., Bancel, N., Thomas, D. R. D. & Pernsteiner, A. (2012). Colonial culture in France since the revolution. Frenchculture.org. (2014). French culture. [online] Retrieved from: http://frenchculture.org/ [Accessed: 8 Mar 2014]. Goldhammer, A. (2010). The future of French culture. French Politics, Culture & Society, 28 (3), pp. 97–113 Kuhn, R. (2013). Imagining the popular in contemporary French culture. Modern & Contemporary France, 21 (3), pp. 396–397. Rigby, B. (1991). Popular culture in modern France. London: Routledge. Stephenson, P. (2011). The death of French culture (trans. Andrew brown). Journal Of Contemporary European Studies, 19 (4), pp. 582–583. Summerfield, M. (2013). Wine drinking culture in France: a national myth or a modern passion?. Journal Of Wine Research, 24 (1), pp. 81–82. The Economist. (2014). Bleak chic. [online] Retrieved from: http://www.economist.com/news/christmas-specials/21591749-bleak-chic [Accessed: 8 Mar 2014]. Zimmermann, K. (2014). French culture: customs & traditions. [online] Retrieved from: http://www.livescience.com/39149-french-culture.html [Accessed: 8 Mar 2014].

The paper shall proceed by providing

The paper shall proceed by providing a complete and concise introduction of amazon. ae so that a foundation can be established in order to follow further on with an elaboration upon the numerous fundamental internal and founding aspects that can influence the success of the brand. It is essential to highlight here that there are certain suppositions that have been made in the paper. However, in order to add originality to the development of the paper, it is necessary to highlight at this point that the paper has considered amazon. ae to be a UAE version of the well known website, amazon. com and shall proceed with knowledge acquired from sources that have analyzed the same in the past.Amazon. ae Amazon. ae is the world’s largest online retailing organization that generates revenues worthy of envy even from the toughest names in the business. It was founded in the year 1994, and the initial product it offered online was an online bookstore, however as the years progressed it br anched out into various product lines and brand extensions. The various product lines it adopted beneath the shade of its vast umbrella were VHS, CD’s DVD’s, furniture, toys, apparel, electronics and many others.It is due to the eventful branching out of various product lines that Amazon. ae is the most famous, easily accessible, reliable where deliveries are concerned and constitutes a large number of clientele that it maintains to its credit. Due to the difference in product lines and the necessity of marketing in regions where the products were most needed it was highly necessary that its online information be easily available in all conspicuous regions of the world where easy access would be the name of the game (Rich).Therefore it has established different websites in many different regions like, The United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, Dubai, China and Japan. Due to its ultimate success in whatever product it adopted, a necessary survey and inspection was car ried which yielded a result that claimed that Amazon. ae was the favorite music and video retailer in the UK and held third position in all around global retail rankings. Although its Headquarters are in Dubai, Amazon. ae has many regional offices around the globe, which makes its services easily accessible.This way the consumers if facing any difficulties, find Amazon. ae headquarters close at hand where they can review their situation and find solutions at the customer representative’s helpline and helpdesk. This serves to make Amazon not only a web based organization that would face suspicions of fraud and mistrust, but a tangible organization with a solid background and reputation. Apart from its offices Amazon. ae has adopted many software houses to assist in its numerous features, these are located within the Indian, Chinese and USA locale.Amazon. ae not only provides retail selling services but also provides fulfillment warehousing services for various globally reputed companies in the following regions like Delaware, Phoenix, Nevada, Kentucky, Texas etc. Amazon. ae recognizes the ultimate necessity of customer and client feedback. It has established a highly efficient customer review monitoring system which monitors customer feedback, recommendations and complaints so as to leave no room for mishaps. If any negative comment is recorded, immediate action is taken to rectify the error.It is due to the caution and care with which Amazon. ae performs its duties that it is reputed as the most reliable and trustworthy web based organization with efficiency that rivals a tangible organization with tangible services. The customer reviews monitoring system is not the only extent that Amazon. ae has gone to, it has further established means for each and every customer to actually rate and comment on each product that the customer favors or shows interest in to buy. This way on a scale of 1 to 10, Amazon.ae offers products of limitless ranges, from somethi ng as cheap as a set of tarot cards and baby’s toys to intricate electronic appliances, all based on the customers likes, dislikes, needs, wants and economy of income. A fact of importance, Amazon. ae customers need not possess separate accounts; all accounts to be held by any customer of Amazon. ae are handled and maintained by Amazon. ae itself. This is a feature that provides Amazon with a distinct edge, at least an edge over eBay. StrategyIn order to develop a concrete marketing, it is essential to follow the approach that pertains to the four P’s which elaborate upon the price, promotion, and product and positioning of the brand. These four allow the complete, concise and concrete analysis and determination of the strategy that a brand should be subjected to during its development and launching. It is for the same reason that the following paragraphs shall elaborate upon the possibilities that amazon. ae can implement in light of the introduction to amazon. ae tha t has been presented above. PriceIn terms of price, it is necessary to understand that amazon. ae is serving as a sales person or as a middle man for a wide variety of products, in this regard, it is essential that in order to avoid the occurrence of instances where website visitors who are potential website visitors choose to opt for another internet based service to buy the same products that amazon. ae has to offer (McGraw-Hill). It is therefore essential that amazon. ae uses advertising space to generate the major part of its revenues and ensures that the products being offered on amazon.ae are of a price that the consumer does not feel inconvenient in any way (Sweeney). If a consumer finds a cheaper copy of the same book or a version of the same jacket at a lesser price at another online store, there will be almost no chances that the consumer will not opt to save money. In the same regard, it is just as essential to realize that amazon. ae exists in a market where there are al ready a large number of players in the same field, and it is therefore imperative that amazon.ae offers one or the other augmented product or service that consumers cannot find or take advantage of from another online source (M. Gordon Hunter). Promotion With concern to promotion, it is necessary to see that amazon. ae will be known for its reputation as a web based portal through which consumers can attain their desired products rather than as a commercial entity, it is therefore necessary to ensure that the promotion for amazon. ae is carried through the use of websites that users can be expected to switch to in the absence of amazon. ae. Hence, in technical terms, amazon.ae will be generating a void by introducing consumers to a web based portal where their multiple needs can be entertained in one go, and will then offer itself as the solution to fill that void. Product In terms of product, one cannot help but accept the fact that having established credibility and reliability, a mazon. ae has an opportunity to become the Mark & Spencer of online stores. It is therefore important to realize that amazon. ae offers itself as one product that brings a vast range of commodities in access (Rich). It is therefore necessary to ensure that amazon.ae is introduced and its reputation is maintained to be that of a complete package rather than that of a link to other links. Position Internet based services such as amazon. ae is currently providing a successful blend of products and services that enable them to attract a wide range of consumers. The can position themselves in a manner that enables them to appeal to consumers from all segments and industries from the society. Perhaps the one factor that contributes to this aspect the most significantly is that with the help of a single drop down menu, websites such as amazon.ae can direct the website visitors to the precise areas of the website where they can find their desired product, hence allowing amazon. ae to positi on itself in a manner that is somewhat compatible with as many consumer segments as possible. Works Cited M. Gordon Hunter, Felix B. Tan. Advanced Topics in Global Information Management. Pennsylvania: Idea Group Inc, 2002. McGraw-Hill. Business week. California: McGraw-Hill, 1998. Rich, Jason R. The unofficial guide to starting a business online. New York: John Wiley and Sons, 2006. Sweeney, Susan. 101 Ways to Promote Your Web Site. New York: Maximum Press, 2004.

Capital punishment misc13 essays

Capital punishment misc13 essays The Debate over the merits of capital punishment has endured for years, and continues to be an extremely indecisive and complicated issue. Adversaries of capital punishment point to the Marshalls and the Millgards, while proponents point to the Dahmers and Gacys. Society must be kept safe from the monstrous barbaric acts of these individuals and other killers, by taking away their lives to function and perform in our society. At the same time, we must insure that innocent people such as Marshall and Millgard are never convicted or sentenced to death for a crime that they did not commit. Many contend that the use of capital punishment as a form of deterrence does not work, as there are no fewer murders on a per- capita basis in countries or states that do have it, then those that do not. In order for capital punishment to work as a deterrence, certain events must be present in the criminal's mind prior to committing the offence. The criminal must be aware that others have been punished in the past for the offence that he or she is planning, and that what happened to another individual who committed this offence, can also happen to me. ut individuals who commit any types of crime ranging from auto theft to 1st-Degree Murder, never take into account the consequences of their actions. Deterrence to crime, is rooted in the individuals themselves. Every human has a personal set of conduct. How much they will and will not tolerate. How far they will and will not go. ...

School Drop Out Rates Essay Example

School Drop Out Rates Essay Example School Drop Out Rates Essay School Drop Out Rates Essay Essay Topic: 8th Grade 9th Grade One of the greatest gifts to have been bestowed upon the children of our nation is the offering of equitable academic education.   It is by means of the education presented that we as individuals are able to develop and advance the necessary skills to lead productive and prosperous lives.   In retrospect, while many may look back thankfully at the knowledge gained throughout our school years, the same may not be said for everyone, as dropout rates continue to play a dramatic role in today’s society.  Ã‚   So what are dropout rates and how are they important to not only the individual dropout but to society as well?   Throughout the following we will answer these questions as well as analyze various methods of measurement, the validity of those measurements, minority and ethnic groups affected and potential solutions regarding this crucial issue.If â€Å"knowledge is power†, then why would one opt to negate such an extraordinary gift?   Though the idea of schoo l for certain students can undoubtedly be difficult, uncomfortable and boring at times, the consequences rendered from ridding themselves of this learning process can be far more overwhelming in the long run.   Low paying jobs, illiteracy and quality of life issues are only a few such consequences.   Furthermore, individual dropouts are not the only ones to suffer from these effects.   Communities with higher dropout rates tend to have greater percentages of residents collecting public assistance, tax revenue losses and elevated crime rates.   For instance, it is believed that dropouts are 3.5 times more likely to commit crimes.   That being said, 75% of prison inmates have not graduated from a high school program. This in turn spurns greater prison costs. Additionally, studies have shown that illegal drug use may increase among high school dropouts. (Smink, J., Drew, S. Duckenfield, M., 2006)Sadly, children may also find themselves victims in the educational push and pul l as they become prone to repeating the cycle of their parents. (Smink, J., Drew, S. Duckenfield, M., 2006)   As children, we gained much knowledge by what we saw and what we â€Å"believed† to be correct.   On that note, if parents do not take their own education, or lack thereof, seriously, then it stands to reason as to what direction their children will take?   Yet, to speak of ill effects may not be enough.  Ã‚   In order to at least comprehend the magnitude of this ongoing issue and its social ramifications, governing entities must be able to statistically evaluate information that presents itself as a means to develop solutions.   Dropout rates may serve this very purpose.Since the 1970’s dropout rates have gradually decreased, yet issues of educational abandonment remain.   The compilation of data used to study dropout rates can be a promising tool not only in determining school performance but they may also be helpful in deciphering trends.  Ã‚   By studying these rates, the development of special services devoted to the reduction and prevention of dropouts from state to state can be initiated.   It is noteworthy to mention that available services come from partnered efforts such as governmental and community agencies as well as through business.  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"Students generally are considered to have dropped out when they leave school, do not transfer, do not graduate and do not return to school in the next year.†Ã‚   Methods of determining dropout rates vary, however, dependant upon the question to be answered, such as specific age groups, yearly percentages or combined grade levels over a period of time.   Some of the most noted rate structures are Longitudinal, Attrition, Annual and Status Rates.   (Creech, 2000)Longitudinal Rates are useful in determining â€Å"the percentage of 9th graders who do not graduate in five years†.   Using division (No. of dropouts / No. of original class members) this rate is easily generated and offers the student a greater period of time to obtain their high school certificate.   However, due to limited availability of necessary information like that of the actual number of school transfers, the rates may not be wholly accurate.   For this reason, Longitudinal Rates are mainly projections of yearly rates.   (Creech, 2000)Similarly, Attrition Rates are determined by 9th grade percentages but do not allow for the extra (5th) year and like Longitudinal Rates certain necessary information may be lacking to accurately arrive at true percentages.   These rates are computed by subtraction and division methods using the number of 9th grade students enrolled four years prior minus the total number of graduating students and then dividing by the 9th grade enrollment numbers.   (Creech, 2000)   While difficult to understand, the following example may serve to clarify any confusion.   If we had 450 total students enrolled in 9th grade an d four years later only 350 graduated, it is obvious we would have 100 students who would considered dropouts.   If we then take those 100 students and divide it by the 450 students initially enrolled our Attrition Rate would result in 22.2% dropout rate covering that four-year period of time.School performance percentages are the primary goal of Annual Dropout Rates which compares enrollment for the months of May and June to those of the following September.   Although overall dropout percentages from year to year are easily determined by this method, state variations on grade levels included display no uniformity.   As a result, state-to-state comparisons are not feasible.   Another disadvantage of analyzing only the number of dropouts for that given year is lower percentage rates that may not paint a complete picture of the actual problem.   For instance average rates compiled over a period of four years may not correspond to yearly rates.   Lower rates can also be at tributed to the grade level variations, as states including 7th and 8th grade students in their final percentage.   Typically, students of younger age groups do not dropout of school until much later when restrictions are lifted.   In this sense, underestimation seems inevitable. (Creech, 2000)Status Rates are accumulated through U.S Census Bureau Population Surveys and are used to determine dropout rates among specific age groups and are the most beneficial or accurate rates for comparison of state-to-state percentages.   For example, Status Rates may report the percentage of 16 through 19 year-olds who have not graduated high school and who are not enrolled.   (Creech, 2000)   According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES, 2001) â€Å"in October 1999, there were 3.8 million 16-24-year-olds were not enrolled in a high school program and who had not completed high school†, regardless of when they attended school.   Consequently, 11.2% of 16 throu gh 24-year-old dropouts in the United States fell within this category.  Ã‚   Through such rates the overall dropout problem existing within our population is revealed. Status Rates can greatly aid in the furtherance of developing additional education and training designed to help incite dropouts to more readily participate within the nation’s economy as well as lead more productive lives.The NCES also computes annual Event Rate Statistics.  Ã‚   These rates encompass, ages 15 through 24-year-olds in grades 10-12 who have dropped out in the year preceding the data collection and is a valuable measure as to the effectiveness of educator’s ability to keep students enrolled.   It is important to mention that with the statistical calculations for Event Rates, students are viewed as having completed a high school program whether through traditional class work or by receiving their certification via alternate means such as a GED.   It is estimated that while over the last 25 years Event Dropout Rates have fluctuated, an overall decrease has been recorded from 6.1% in 1972 to 5.0% in 1999.  Ã‚  Ã‚   Event Status Rates (1999) also determined â€Å"5 out of every 100 young adults who were enrolled in high school in October 1998 were no longer in school and had not successfully completed high school†.   Event rates are collected through Current Population Surveys (CPS).   Such surveys allow for calculations to be determined based on characteristics such as ethnicity, sex, location of residency and income level.   For instance, the NCES has compiled data in 1999 that supported the fact that students of families in the lowest 20% of household incomes had a five times higher likelihood of dropping out of school.   Which minority groups overall are more likely to dropout of school can also be determined through Event Rates.   (NCES, 2001)According to calculated percentages Hispanics make up the majority of school dropouts among minor ity and ethnic groups.   As Creech (2000) points out, statistics set forth by the NCES, determined that 38% of Hispanic students had dropped out of school in 1998, whereas, only 17% of black students were estimated to have dropped out within that specified year.   Figures such as these may be largely due to language barriers of students born abroad or living with families where English is used primarily as a second language.  Ã‚   Overall black and Hispanic students were 2-3 times more likely to drop out of school than white students.   Other social influences that may contribute to higher   drop out rates are pregnancy, behavioral problems and self-esteem issues.   In order to combat these problems, special programs for groups like teen parents and those whose first language is not English must be instituted.   (Creech, 2000)Yet, even with the mass amounts of technical information offered as to the various methods and calculations of dropout rates, we are left with th e question, are dropout rates valid as a true account of the nationwide problem?   As discussed in earlier paragraphs, accuracy is not always achieved.   For instance, most school informational systems do not have a means to track students who have transferred to other schools or who have failed.   During calculations of Longitudinal and Attrition Rates, the only information taken into account is the number of enrolled students compared to non-enrolled students over a given time period.   As a result, actual transfer students are included as dropouts when such is not the case.   While it has neither been proved nor disproved, states that have adopted the Exit Exam policies before certification can be received, may lead to a greater percentage of students failing.   This in turn will not only lower graduation rates but may increase inaccurate dropout percentages. (Greene, J. Winters, M.A., 2005)In fact, the mere defining of the term â€Å"dropout† can in itself cr eate reporting inaccuracy.   This is primarily caused by a great number of states that differ in their opinion as to who should be counted as a dropout.   Furthermore, these variances make it nearly impossible to compare the rate of dropouts between states or statistics presented in previous years.   (Creech, 2000)Status Rates have also been criticized.   Sum and Harrington (2003) believe Status Rates, as calculated by the U.S. Department of Education are â€Å"substantially biased†.   One reason may be the denominator attributed to Status Rates that does not allow for future dropouts in students 18 through 24 years of age.   The problem being, as research has shown, it is more likely these students over the age of 18 will decide to drop out of school as they are well over the average age of their peers.Another issue presented is the exclusion of those students who have left school but have acquired their GED.   While the positive aspects of obtaining a GED may be inspiring, studies have determined that the GED is not an equitable assessment of a traditional high school diploma.   Moreover, students age 18 through 24 who have been institutionalized or imprisoned are also excluded from Status Rate calculations.   (Sum, A. Harrington, P., 2003)Overall, prevention is key in the reduction of dropout rates.   Legislative enforcements like that of The Education and Economic Development Act (2005) have been enacted to improve academic achievement while focusing on career choice, work skills and graduation rates.   (Smink, J., Drew, S. Duckenfield, M., 2006)   In addition, it may prove significantly beneficial for policymakers to set in place more advanced data   systems that can better predict and detail those students who are most likely to dropout of school.   Means of intervention via education administrators must also come into play for schools that have repeated performance issues that may diminish student motivation and incr ease dropout rates.   (Achieve, Inc., 2006)In summary, while the implementation of calculating dropout rates can be beneficial tools to the researcher, they may not serve the best interest of the community or students assessed.   Without an accurate depiction of the existing problem we cannot achieve the goal of preventing and/or reducing dropout rates. Still, we must continue on through trial, error and heated debate, in hopes of a better tomorrow for our young adults.

Short primary source essay World War II & the post-war world

Short primary source World War II & the post-war world - Essay Example The World War II severely razed lots of civilians making it a backcloth for genocide killings. It involved the killings by Nazi Germany and other mass slaughters of non-combats. Japan did an extermination of millions of Chinese and Korean nationals. The Soviet Union also carried out mass killings internally with Allies bombing no-combatants in Germany and Japanese. The war ended with the number of dead being more than fifty million. World War II involved battles that were fought in the air, on land and at sea. Among the well documented wars are as follows; Battle of Britain (1940), Stalingrad, El Alamein (1942-1943), Battle of Bugle (1944-1945) and Iwo Jima (1945). In 1944, there was a famous D-Day landing that was considered a turning point in the event of war. It did result to deliverance of Paris, and giving room for Allied forces to draw near Germany. The years after the end of the World War II have seen a remarkable change in Europe and the entire world it once dominated. Before the war, the world was in two spheres led by an exterior power: western sphere by United States and Eastern sphere by Soviet Union. The European countries that dominated colonial empires since Renaissance did lose their power for good. It is in these years that new European initiatives like economic cooperation between countries and political unions were been formed to exceptional extents. It brought the most possessions in the European history. Though Europe’s mighty declined, its impact continues overseas. World War II did leave a power gap in Europe. Initially, Germany, France and Britain were Europe’s leaders and world’s superpowers. The weakness resulting from the World War II left them outranked by United States and the Soviet Union. The two superpowers used Europe as their ground for conflicts. There emerged a cold war between the superpowers with the first round in 1949

Discuss and Evaluate how to Improving Prenatal nutrition in the UK Literature review

Discuss and Evaluate how to Improving Prenatal nutrition in the UK - Literature review Example other’s prenatal nutrition and birth outcome as the knowledge provide a basis for understanding and design of nutritional interventions for the improvement of positive birth results, long term maternal life quality, reduced mortality rates and health care expenses† (Alexander & Cornely, 1987). This review seeks to provide a broad overview on the ways through which prenatal nutrition can be improved in the United Kingdom. The overview of the literature reviews status of maternal nutrition and birth results in the United Kingdom. â€Å"Nutrition of an expectant mother is a crucial issue owing to the fact that the kind of diet intake during pregnancy may likely have a positive or a negative impact on the mother’s health as well as the newborn baby† (Duggan, Watkins, & Walker, 2008). These effects manifest in the child’s life early or late in life including adulthood. It is for this reason that the Food Standards Agency in the United Kingdom deems necessary to offer dietary advice for mothers during their gravidity period. The advices offered range from appropriate diet to the undesirable ones. â€Å"A number of studies conducted in the United Kingdom show evidence that expectant mothers take insufficient major nutrients† (Langley-Evans, 2009). The studies further reveal that the current state can be improved through various dietary interventions. This review seeks to bring out dietary interventions that can be provided to expectant mothers with a purpose of improving prenatal care and the general improvement of the birth outcomes. Improved access to quality nutrition among expectant mothers in the United Kingdom has for the last 10 years the government’s headache. The United Kingdom’s department of health has been formulating various prenatal care policies geared at quality nutrition and care for pregnant women that would see reduced risks among the high risk groups. This paper uses numerous literature review works conducted by earlier researchers to