Narrative Using the Hobbit Essay

It was a fine spring morning according to Prince Reno of Lorien, who was to set off with his seven most trusted friends-the dwarf brothers Korin and Gorik, the three mighty elf leaders loki,Lorin and Algain and two of the finest Dalish Warriors Phalarix and Cagaris-on a quest. These eight men together were very powerful throughout the land, no-one could match their wisdom and might. Prince Reno’s quest was to avenge his father’ death meaning he had to kill the evil enchantress Sirenia. He was walking away from his life of luxury and riches in order to do so, also meaning he gave up his right to be crowned king. It took them many days to be in a viewing distance of the Mountains of Lorencia, and at the very heart of the mountain was Sirenia’s fortress. It would take them three days to reach the mountains and another two to get to the fortress so they rested up that night and set off the next morning. Two days later it was unfortunate when Lorin died and that they got lost. They buried him and then Reno remembered an enchanted compass he had which would take them on the shortest but most dangerous path so they all took a vote and decided to use it. Upon arrival at the mountains they encountered a horrifying and disgusting site of three gigantic hob-goblins protecting the path to Sirenia. As soon as they saw the hob-goblins they attacked and if it weren’t for Korin sacrificing himself none of them would have survived. Prince Reno knew this might have been the last few days of his life, he knew that two people had already died throughout this quest and that there may be many deaths to come. As they approached the fortress they found a quick entrance to sneak in through, they crept through the fortress to Sirenia’s quarters but she knew they were coming and had turned into her demon dragon form but Prince Reno used this to his advantage as he had an enchanted blade covered in the poisonous blood of the blue and red fire-snape and started slicing and slashing at Sirenia waiting for the poison to kick in, as he watched his friends die brutally and then it happened, Sirenia dropped dead and Prince Reno knew that it was time to flee, finally being at peace knowing his father’s killer was now dead.

How to Watch Your Brother Die Essay

The poem How to Watch Your Brother Die is a clear representation of the struggles of the homosexual community and how the outside world views them. The author recreates a situation in which a man is struggling with the death of his gay brother and learns the everyday trials he faced. The poem is told in first person so the readers can see firsthand what the straight brother is thinking. It has been a long time since he exiled his brother for being gay and gets the phone call that he is dying. (2-3) He is dreading flying to California and meeting the lover. (8-9). He symbolizes the fact that he has to keep a straight face and keep the emotions out of it. (10-11) He is very uncomfortable with the sexual orientation of his brother and cannot comprehend how a man can look at another man with love. (14-17) Reality sets in and he remembers his brother and the love they had for each other before the conflict with his brothers’ sexual interest. He misses those times deeply. (18-24) He tries to relate to the lover even though he doesn’t know how. He brought up the fact that the lover was an extremely good looking man but yet all he wants to see is his reaction. At this point he is just trying to understand how a man can love another man. This is a question that has puzzled him for a while. He finally gets his answer when the lover explains that it is just like the love between a husband and a wife but deeper because the odds are greater. He still doesn’t understand. (25-39) They drive into Mexico to acquire drugs that are not legal in the U. S. This is where he finally realizes the challenges that his brother has faced. They are stopped by border control and are told they cannot bring the drugs back. As he rages with anger he thinks about his children getting used to another mans hatred. (40-52) This is the climax of the poem. Society has made it difficult for people of same sex relationships to be able to coexist in today’s world without feeling exiled. He realizes he is one of the ones that judge them. He calls his wife to update her on the status of his brothers’ health. He asks her â€Å"How could anyone’s commitment be deeper than a husband and wife? † She is disgusted by his question and does not answer. The brother slips into a coma and his time is almost up. The man is trying to stay strong and understanding as he holds the lover. He still cannot understand how a man can hold another man, as he grieves for his brother. (59-68) The funeral director tells him that he cannot embalm the body for fear of contamination. The man feels anger and hatred towards him. This symbolizes the fact that homosexuals are always covered up, having to hide per say, from showing who they really are. The man now understands what struggles his brother went through in life. As the man stands by the casket and greets the hundreds of homosexuals that pass by the show their respects. He realizes his brother’s life is much different from his own. Everything he thought was normal perhaps was not normal for everyone. As the passing lovers ask each other â€Å"Who will be next† we understand that the brother died from AIDS. (74-83) As the man is driven to the airport from the lover he finally gets the closer he needs. The lover tells him â€Å"Forgive yourself for not wanting to know him after he told you. He did†. As he found this closer he learned to accept the lover for who he was. A man who loved and took care of his brother the way he should have. (84-98) One the way home the man has a few drinks. This symbolizes the cliche of men being strong and keeping everything inside hidden. He strokes the scar on his eyebrow and smiles. He knows that his brother is in a better place and has forgiven him. He thinks of his children and not wanting to make the same mistakes with them as he did with his brother.

Existentialism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Existentialism - Essay Example For that matter, he explored the said journey of every man focusing on the lives of his acquaintance. According to Frankl, people exist sue to different factors regardless of the nature of the said factors. Some people live based on negative or positive reasons yet they still exist and survive. The said view then is referred to as the â€Å"will to meaning.† His followed the inspirations of Freud who proposed the view â€Å"will to pleasure† and Adler’s â€Å"will to power† in his objective to give meaning to human existence (Pytell 285-306; Frankl and Allport 101). The most notable applications of the view of Frankl had been about the experiences in concentrations camps which occurred during the time of Holocaust. During the period of high stress wherein the main objective that consumes a person’s life is survival, thus, even simple things and events can give a person’s life an important meaning. Based on his observations, such situations can be considered as the time wherein the simplest principles of existentialism applies, an event wherein luxuries are deprived and even basic needs are in shortage. He then summarized that even in worst situations, existence will still have meaning. For that matter the will to meaning is an important reason for existence (Frankl and Allport 15-20). Soren Kierkegaard is a Danish proponent of Existentialism and is s theologian. He is against the formalities undertaken by the Danish church. For that matter, he often discussed issues that are related to Christianity, ethics, and the emotions of the people in different situations and decision-making events in life. Basically, Kierkegaard can be considered as a relatively opinionated person who explored challenging issues of his time such as existentialism, philosophy, psychology, literature and a number other fields. For that matter, his critics can be classified in both the fields of science, literature and even

OBJECTIVE data collection of a patient who has Peripheral Vascular Coursework

OBJECTIVE data collection of a patient who has Peripheral Vascular Disease - Coursework Example Therefore, this indicates that she is at a higher risk of getting a peripheral vascular related disease. Her state of health was well until 9pm the night she reported to the hospital. She describes that her pain began on her lower leg when she was moving her furniture in her living room. She took some pain killers but when the pain further persisted, her husband decided to bring her in for a check-up. She denied any form of dizziness, nausea, vomiting and diaphoresis. On her physical examination, her appearance is that of a slightly slim white woman lying on the bed with an indication of severe pain in her toes.She is complaining of havingvery severe leg cramps. Based on the assumptions of the symptoms indicated by the patient, diagnostic procedures for peripheral vascular diseases are carried out. An angiogram is conducted on the veins and arteries in order to detect any form of blockage of the vessels. The Doppler technique is also conducted so as to measure the access of the flow of blood. The final test conducted is that of the treadmill exercise where by the patient is required to walk on the treadmill in order to monitor her pulse rate (Weber, Kelly & Sprengle, 2014). On inspection of the thorax and lungs there is an indication of bibasilar rales. The diaphragm moves slightly well during respiration, percussion there are signs of dullness and no rhonchi, rubs and wheezes. The x-ray taken also shows the effect of the tobacco use that the patient is inhaling into her system as dullness is seen in the chest region. On inspection of the heart and neck vessel, the cardiac examination indicates that there are no hives or thrills. The rhythm is regular with an extra heartbeat. The normal s1/s2 is narrowly split. There is a positive s4 gallop. 2/4 systolic injection murmur is being heard at the left sternal border with no radiation. The pulses can be noted for the sharp carotid upstrokes. The pulmonary vessel in

Discovery of Backchannel Responses Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Discovery of Backchannel Responses - Essay Example You can refer to it further in Eli Hinkel’s study. The reference to Schegloff is for year (1982) and you can use the following reference – Schegloff, E. (1982) Discourse as an interactional achievement: some uses of ‘uh huh’ and other things that come between sentences. In: Tannen, D. eds. (1982) Analyzing Discourse: Text and Talk (Georgetown University Round Table on Languages and Linguistics). 1st ed. Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press, p.71-93. Pragmalinguistics refers to the resources for conveying communicative acts and relational or interpersonal meanings. The word is not a mistake and has been used here intentionally. You can refer to it further in Eli Hinkel’s study: "where backchannel responses have found new meaning in social media like Facebook, Twitter and the like. Here they shape interpretation of conversations and convey pleasure, happiness, approval, censure and condemnation, through its various usage†

Compare the Federalist and Democratic philosophies of government Essay

Compare the Federalist and Democratic philosophies of government - Essay Example With the start of the new government under the Constitution, President George Washington made his former aide de camp, Alexander Hamilton, United States Secretary of the Treasury. Hamilton was immediately tasked with coming up with a plan to restore public credit. Hamilton proposed the fairly ambitious Hamiltonian economic program and organized alliances to get these measures passed through the Congress. The measures he proposed were far from universally popular. In particular, they were well liked by the commercial North, and were heartily disliked by the agrarian South. This spurred James Madison, Hamilton's ally in the fight to establish the United States Constitution, to join with Thomas Jefferson in opposing Hamilton's program. The Democratic Party evolved from the political factions that opposed Alexander Hamilton's fiscal policies in the early 1790s; these factions are known variously as the Anti-Administration "Party" or the Anti-Federalists. In the mid-1790s, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison organized these factions into a party and helped define its ideology in favor of yeomen farmers, strict construction of the Constitution, and a weaker federal government. ... The new party was especially effective in building a network of newspapers in major cities to broadcast its statements and editorialize in its favor. By 1790 or 1791, coalitions were forming in Congress for and against the Hamiltonian program. These were nameless, shifting ad-hoc factions, not permanent political parties. By 1792 or 1793 newspapers started calling Hamilton supporters "Federalists" and the opponents "Republicans". In 1791, Jefferson and Madison travelled widely looking for alliances with factions and parties at the state level. They had support from the short-lived Democratic-Republican Societies. Their major success came in New York, where long-term governor George Clinton, and ambitious newcomer Aaron Burr, signed up, as Hamilton was the son-in-law of General Schuyler, one of Clinton's enemies. Hamilton likewise realized the need for support in the states; he formed connections with local factions, and used his network of Treasury agents to link together friends of the government, especially businessmen and financiers in the new nation's dozen small cities (Schlisinger 1992). The state networks of both parties began to operate in 1794 or 1795, thus firmly establishing what has been called The First Party System in all the states. Patronage now became a factor. The winner-take-all election system opened a wide gap between winners, who got all the patronage, and losers who got none. Hamilton had over 2000 Treasury jobs to dispense, while Jefferson had one part-time job in the State Department, which he gave to journalist Philip Freneau; Madison had none. In New York, however, Clinton used dubious methods to win the election for governor and used the vast

Simulation Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Simulation Analysis - Essay Example Since Quasar is the sole participant in the marketplace they have just created for themselves a monopoly market structure. The first three rounds of the simulation discuss strategic decision during the first three years of operation. In 2003 the company needs to determine the optimum price for the product. As the CEO of the company I have a team of executive that is going to help me along in the process. My team is composed of four members in three functional areas: marketing, finance, technology, and outside marketing consultant. Keeping the lines of communication open among a team of businesspeople is essential in order to manage an operation in an efficient manner (Kotler, 2002). The decision I made was to set the price of the Neutron computer at $2,550. At this price the volume of sales was 5.3 million units and the net profit of the company is $1.29 billion. If I increase the price from the optimum price point volume decreases as well as profits. On the hand if I decrease the price from my optimum price point of $2,550 volume increases a bit but profit go down. My primary objective was to find the best mix that optimizes the profitability of the company. The second round of the simulation takes me to year 2004. The company I’m running is a monopoly player. In a monopoly the firm has control price, but it is not immune to the law of supply and demand (Varian, 2003). The demand curve is downward sloping which means at higher prices the demand of the product decreases. Two of my executive Robert (marketing vice-president) and Janet (Finance vice-president) have different perspective on how to achieve greater growth. The issue was the marketing budget and whether an increase or decrease from the 2003 $400 million budget would affect the demand for the product. Janet suggested a low figure of $100- 200 million in marketing expenses. It seemed as if she was thinking like an accountant or

2. Individual Report Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

2. Individual Report - Coursework Example With its advanced technology it is used by many consumers since it fits their needs. Moreover, the report gives a clear view of how the Sony products make an impact in the market, the strategy that can make Sony more lucrative, the brand loyalty of the camera and the importance of customer satisfaction. The main aim of the report is to understand the Sony camera as a brand and the consumer fulfilment with its products. Understanding of the product gives better decision making for both the company and the users of its products. Therefore, the report’s aim is to deduce the value of both the camera’s impact as a brand and the approval by its users There are several objectives in this report that span from defining Sony camera brand, making a strategy for Sony camera, research the brand loyalty, analysis and evaluation of Sony camera brand equity and importance of customer satisfaction. To amaze its customers, Sony merges the excellent knowledge with its innovative technology. Sony is known for producing great audio-visual technology by its virtue of leading edge technology. Sony has always maintained its vision through offering modern technology and digital concepts while working together with the consumers. By doing so, the company stands to sell excellence to its users. Moreover, their consistency and dedication toward service moves the company closer to the customers. The company boasts the only camera without a mirror-less system. The superior nature of the company in audio- visual technology gives the company a better edge in the market. The production of this type of mirror-less camera opens a new dawn for camera technology having being a dream in the preceding years. Despite the fact that Sony has built its name in the entire electronics industry, their camera house is a home to a range of cameras. Moreover, the company is recognised for its reliability

Spirituality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Spirituality - Essay Example Regardless of this investment and pertinence, the impacts of anxiety and burnout on patient results, understanding security, and quality consideration are not decently characterized by confirmation. Actually, the connection in the middle of stress and burnout to patient results has been investigated in just four examinations. There is an awesome requirement for thorough studies that will analyze these motion in a manner that will yield more strong proof on which to base practice. From the emotionally healthy church stock, I think I can now resolve conflict in a reasonable, coordinate, and conscious way, not what I may have realized experiencing childhood in my family, for example, difficult putdowns, evasion, raising pressures, or heading off to an outsider instead of to the individual straightforwardly (Matt. 18:15 – 18).1 2 3 4 8. I am purposeful at working through the effect of noteworthy "tremor" occasions that molded my present, for example, the demise of a relative, a sudden pregnancy, separate, compulsion, or major money related calamity (Gen. 50:20; Ps. 51). I am ready to express gratitude toward God for all my past backgrounds, perceiving how he has utilized them to extraordinarily shape me into who I am (Gen. 50:20; Rom. 8:28 – 30). I can perceive how certain "generational sins" have been gone down to me through my family history, including character blemishes, lies, privileged insights, methods for adapting to agony, and unfortunate propensities in identifying with others (Ex. 20:5). I neednt bother with support from others to like myself (Prov. 29:25; Gal. 1:10). I assume liability and possession for my past life. From the spiritual assessment of the joint commission, patients need profound quality and trust from their relatives, medical caretakers and specialists. They are their prompt colleagues in spite of God being their supreme being. Most patients are always

Cheating Is Wrong Essay Example for Free

Cheating Is Wrong Essay Why is it cheating? It is cheating because: * When you are given an assignment to write a paper for a class, you are being asked to write the paper. If the professor wanted to know what someone else thinks about the topic, she’d ask that other person, not you! * One purpose of assignments and exams in school is to honestly evaluate your knowledge and abilities. If you didn’t honestly demonstrate your knowledge and abilities, then the professor can’t honestly assess them. If the professor can’t honestly assess them, then the university or college is giving you an invalid credential. Once you have an invalid credential, you undermine the integrity of your alma matter (whose reputation upon which you depend for your livelihood) and you are falsely representing yourself, your knowledge and your abilities to prospective employers, graduate and professional schools. * You are lying when you turn in the paper with your name on it as if you were the only author. This makes you a liar, and a cheat. This is no different than if you had someone else take your driver’s test for you or did your job for you while you got paid. Why is cheating wrong? If you need to ask this, you’ve got bigger problems than I can solve. Cheating is wrong because it creates a distrustful community and world – once we can’t trust each other, your doctor, your accountant, your grocery store clerk, and so on, we will have to move into a complete police state. Constant monitoring. No privacy. No freedom. You are entrusted to do your assignments honestly and with integrity, this means always acknowledging the help you receive from others. With trust comes great responsibility. You are responsible for your own integrity. You are responsible for NOT being a cheater.

Effect of Anticoagulant on Blood Calcium

Effect of Anticoagulant on Blood Calcium Effect of Anticoagulant: Can Heparin Produce Negative Bias in the Determination of Total Blood Calcium? Soma Santra1, Manju Soni2, Ajay Soni2, Swati Kotwal ­Ã‚ ­1* KEY WORDS:  Quality control, pre-analytical, serum calcium, kit method, o-CPC Abstract Calcium is a vital element in the body which plays an important physiological role as it act as a second messenger in many biochemical pathways. Accurate results of total and ionic calcium level plays a pivotal role in patient care and management. Measurement of serum calcium helps to identify many clinical disorders. Many preanalytical conditions affect the blood calcium estimation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of heparin, used as an anticoagulant on total blood calcium assay. Blood specimen from 10 healthy subjects were collected and the difference in total calcium contraction in plasma and serum samples was assessed. No significant changes were observed when plasma levels were compared with the serum values with p value of 0.56. Deming regression analysis yielded the equation: 1.02 Ãâ€" (serum total calcium value) + 0.28 mg/dl. The bias value was -0.109 mg/dl (95% CI: -0.248 0.030 mg/dl) for total calcium levels assayed using either tube was acceptable. Total calcium values did not significantly differ when either plasma or serum was used with the spearman correlation coefficients (r value) of 0.98. In conclusion, heparinized tubes can be used for the determination of total blood calcium. The use of plasma sample has an advantage in an emergency laboratory setting due to less processing time. Keywords:  Calcium, Heparin, Quality control, Preanalytical, Phlebotomy, Blood collection device Introduction In recent years, there has been an increasing effort by international committees and working groups to develop quality standards for the pre-analytical phase, including the proper use of anticoagulants in sample collection (1, 2). Anticoagulants are additives that inhibit the clotting of blood; they are used only on ensuring that the concentration of the substance to be measured is changed as little as possible before the analytical process (3). The preanalytical laboratory testing takes two major steps: Blood collection and processing (4). The ionic calcium level in blood is recognized to be falsely decreased either due to dilution or binding effects of heparin, which is applied as an anticoagulant (5). The CSLI recommends the use of lyophilized calcium-balanced heparin syringes (6, 7) for collecting specimens for ionized calcium measurement. It has been proposed that ionized calcium levels can be affected by excess of heparin present in blood (8), although it was believed that the clinical significance was minimal (9). In this study, we are determining the effect of heparin on assay of total blood calcium to analyze preanalytical error in the collection of blood samples. Materials and Methods This study was approved by Swami Vivakanand Medical Mission ethical Committee. Informed consent was obtained from the donors. For evaluation of the effect of heparin on total blood calcium assay, blood samples were obtained from the 10 subjects. Blood samples were sequentially obtained by single venipunture from an antecubital vein in BD PresetR lithium heparin tubes (Ref. No. 367884) and BD vacutainer serum (Ref. No. 367812). All the subjects were between 18 50 years age group including both genders. Plasma levels of total calcium were compared to the serum calcium, which was used as a reference here. After the blood withdrawal, samples were then recapped into individual containers, followed by sample centrifugation. The plasma and serum samples were separated within 30 minutes of blood collection. Commercially available biochemical kit (Liquid Gold, Span diagnostic, India) by Arenazo-III method was used for total calcium Assay. Within 2 hours after collection, total calcium was me asured in all samples in triplicate and mean was used for further analysis. Data were evaluated using Analyse-it software (version 2.26). For all statistical comparisons, p values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Data concordance was evaluated via Deming regression analysis. The mean of differences (bias) and limits of agreement was calculated using the Bland and Altman method (10). Differences between total calcium level obtained from plasma and serum were compared using the paired t-test. Correlations were determined via calculation of Spearman correlation coefficients (r values).  ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­ Results The total calcium values of samples analyzed in the present study ranged from 8.69 10.47 mg/dl and the mean total calcium values obtained using BD lithium Heparin was 9.34  ± 0.18 mg/dl whereas that for serum samples was 9.48  ± 0.18 mg/dl with SD of ≠¤0.57 (Table 1) by 1-way ANOVA. The Spearman correlation coefficient was r = 0.98 (p Discussion Serum is the preferred sample which is used by many laboratories for biochemical testing since it avoids the addition of anticoagulants that may interfere with some analytical methods or alter the true concentration of the parameters being measured. The use of serum or plasma in clinical pathology remains controversial. However, analyte stability is greater in serum than in plasma (11, 12) and differences between plasma and serum test results have often been documented (13). Moreover, in stored samples, the formation of fibrin strands is lower in serum than in plasma and therefore, there is lesser risk of occlusion in automated biochemical analyzers. However the use of plasma is preferred in some centres as it separates quickly saving preanalytical time thus reducing the total testing period (TTP); secondly, 15–20% more plasma sample can be obtained from the same volume of blood than the serum sample and lastly, with plasma there are no coagulation-induced changes or interferences (3). Heparin has been generally recommended as the most suitable anticoagulant for plasma collection (14) due to its physiological acceptance in vivo. Although in previous reports, a significant differences in selected parameters have been found between heparinized plasma and serum samples (13, 15). In our study, serum and heparinized plasma yielded similar results with no significant changes in total blood calcium assay this confirms the views of Thorensen, S.I.,et al (15) who also reported similar observations; and this adds up to the observation of Ladenson, J., et al (13) in which clinically significant changes were observed in ionic calcium observations on use of heparinized plasma over serum results.. We found that the Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.98, indicating a good correlation, when total calcium test results when plasma and serum were compared. Deming regression analysis yielded the slope of the regression line that did not approximate unity, suggesting that, in addition to the presence of a small constant bias, a small and non-significant proportional difference also existed between the test results obtained upon use of the two tube types (16). The total calcium assay bias was -0.109 mg/dl. The criteria of acceptable limits imprecision for total calcium ass ay is 1mg/dl and medically allowable error is 0.37 mg/dl (17, 18). In the present study, we observed that the total calcium concentrations of plasma samples were slightly lower than serum samples with no clinically significant differnece and the bias values were smaller than US CLIA 1988 targets. Although collection of blood samples from the patients administered with heparin prior to the collection may hold in excess of heparin, increasing clotting time in the collection tube and thereby increasing the potential for the establishment of latent fibrin in the preanalytical phase. Preanalytical variables associated with blood collection should be further standardized to ensure the accuracy of test results. It is impractical to expect tube manufacturers to test out their subway systems on all possible assay platforms; this is a project for individual research laboratories. Conclusion We conclude that heparinized tubes are suitable for sample collection for total calcium assay. With the use of heparin tubes use faster processing of blood samples can be possible, which is valuable in an emergency setting and in intensive care units. Moreover, single sample can be used for multiple purpose, including both hematological and biochemical analyses. References Guder, W.G., Ehret, W., da Fonseca-Wollheim, F., Heil, W., Muller Plate, O., Topfer, G. Serum, plasma or whole blood? Which anticoagulant to use? Laboratory Medicine 22, 1998: 297–312. World Health Organization. Use of Anticoagulants in Diagnostic Laboratory Investigations. vol. 1 WHO/DIL/LAB/99, Geneva, 1999: 1–64. Guder, W.G. The quality of diagnostic samples. Blood Gas News 10, 2001: 18–24. Raffick A.R. Bowen, Glen L. Hortin, Gyorgy Csako, Oscar H. Otaà ±ez, Alan T. Remaley. Impact of blood collection devices on clinical chemistry assays. Clinical Biochemistry 43, 2010, 4–25. Sachs C, Rabouine P, Chaneac M, Kindermans C, Dechaux M. In vitro evaluation of a heparinized blood sampler for ionized calcium measurement. Ann Clin Biochem. 199; 28:240–244. National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. Ionized calcium determinations: precollection variables, specimen choice, collection, and handling; proposed guideline. Villonova, PA: NCCLS; 2001. NCCLS Document C31-A. Cheung Soo Shin, Chul Ho Chand, Jeong Ho Kim. Liquid Heparin Anticoagulant Produces More Negative Bias in the determination of Ionized Magnesium than Ionized Calcium. Yonsei Med J., 2006; Apr: 47(2):191–195. Ritter C, Ghahramani M, Marsoner HJ. More on the measurement of ionized magnesium in whole blood. Scand J Clin Lab Invest Suppl. 1996;224:275–280. Toffaletti JG, Wildermann RF. The effects of heparin anticoagulants and fill volume in blood gas syringes on ionized calcium and magnesium measurements. Clin Chim Acta. 2001;304:147–151. Bland JM, Altman DG:Statistical methods for assessing agreement between two methods of clinical measurement.Lancet, 1986,1:307–310. Boyanton B.L. Jr, Blick KE: Stability studies of twenty-four analytes in human plasma and serum. Clin Chem2002,48:2242–2247. Narayanan S:The preanalytic phase an important component of laboratory medicine. Am J Clin. Pathol2000,113:429–452. Ladenson, J., Lii-Mei, B., Michael, M.D., Kessler, G., Heinz, J. Serum versus heparinized plasma for 18 common chemistry tests. Is serum the appropriate specimen? American Journal of Clinical Pathology 62, 1974: 545–552. Burtis, C.A., Ashwood, A.R., 2008. Tietz Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry, Sixth ed. WB Saunders, Philadephia, pp. 31–43, 42-62. Thorensen, S.I., Havre, G.N., Morberg, H., Mowinckel, P. Effects of storage time on chemistry results from canine whole blood, heparinized whole blood, serum and heparinized plasma. Veterinary Clinical Pathology 21, 1992: 88–94. Martin RF: General deming regression for estimating systematic bias and Ä ±ts confidenceÄ ±nterval in method-comparison studies.Clin Chem2000, 46:100–104. US Dept. Of Health and Human Services. Medicare, Medicaid, and CLIA Programs: regulations implementing the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA). Final rule. Fed Regist 1992;57:7002-186. Desirable specifications for total error, imprecision, and bias, derived from intra- and inter-individual biologic variation. http://www.westgard. com/biodatabase1.htm.

Interpreting The French Revolution Essay -- European History

The year 1789 proved to be a pivotal and historical epoch of political upheavals, radical social movements, and the demolition of the old age monarchy in France. The Tennis Court Oath, storming of the Bastille, passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Man and Citizen, and an unprecedented assault on Versailles as well as the use of the guillotine defined the spirit and historical meaning of the French Revolution. Due to the significance of the tumultuous political and social overhaul that took place, many stances have been taken on interpreting the revolution. The ideas formed regarding the interpretation of the causes and effects of the French Revolution are important in understanding the birth of new political ideologies that changed the landscape of European political order. Conservative, liberal, and revisionist political ideologies have produced multiple perspectives surrounding the events of the French Revolution. The following will address each ideology through analys is of causes and effects of the French Revolution. The characteristics of the conservative ideology made the aristocratic and clergy members of French society hostile to the rapidly changing political landscape. On June 17 1789, the Third Estate drafted a constitution and created the â€Å"National Assembly† in response of being locked out of the regular meeting of the Estates Generals (Doyle, 2002). The pressure applied by the National Assembly forced King Louis XVI to change the voting procedures in the Estates General. Instead of voting by status class the Estates General voted based on each individual’s choice. Conservatives regarded this event as anarchy and began a counterrevolutionary movement in order to secure the survival of the monarchy (Os... ... of government and a letter concerning toleration. New Haven and London: Yale University Press. Mannheim, Karl. (1936). Ideology and Utopia. London: Routledge. McGarr, P. (1998). Socialist review index. Retrieved from http:// pubs.socialistreviewindex.org.uk/isj80/france.htm Mithium, B. (n.d.). 18th century history. Retrieved from http://www.history1700s.com/articles/article1096.shtml Osen, James (1995). Royalist Political Thought during the French Revolution. London: Greenwood Press. Soman, E. (n.d.). Orthodox and revisionist interpretations of the french revolution. Retrieved from http://ebeysoman.hubpages.com/hub/Interpretations-of-the-French-Revolution The socialist party of britain. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.worldsocialism.org/spgb/ socialist-standard/1980s/1989/no-1019-july-1989/1789-france’s-bourgeois-revolution Interpreting The French Revolution Essay -- European History The year 1789 proved to be a pivotal and historical epoch of political upheavals, radical social movements, and the demolition of the old age monarchy in France. The Tennis Court Oath, storming of the Bastille, passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Man and Citizen, and an unprecedented assault on Versailles as well as the use of the guillotine defined the spirit and historical meaning of the French Revolution. Due to the significance of the tumultuous political and social overhaul that took place, many stances have been taken on interpreting the revolution. The ideas formed regarding the interpretation of the causes and effects of the French Revolution are important in understanding the birth of new political ideologies that changed the landscape of European political order. Conservative, liberal, and revisionist political ideologies have produced multiple perspectives surrounding the events of the French Revolution. The following will address each ideology through analys is of causes and effects of the French Revolution. The characteristics of the conservative ideology made the aristocratic and clergy members of French society hostile to the rapidly changing political landscape. On June 17 1789, the Third Estate drafted a constitution and created the â€Å"National Assembly† in response of being locked out of the regular meeting of the Estates Generals (Doyle, 2002). The pressure applied by the National Assembly forced King Louis XVI to change the voting procedures in the Estates General. Instead of voting by status class the Estates General voted based on each individual’s choice. Conservatives regarded this event as anarchy and began a counterrevolutionary movement in order to secure the survival of the monarchy (Os... ... of government and a letter concerning toleration. New Haven and London: Yale University Press. Mannheim, Karl. (1936). Ideology and Utopia. London: Routledge. McGarr, P. (1998). Socialist review index. Retrieved from http:// pubs.socialistreviewindex.org.uk/isj80/france.htm Mithium, B. (n.d.). 18th century history. Retrieved from http://www.history1700s.com/articles/article1096.shtml Osen, James (1995). Royalist Political Thought during the French Revolution. London: Greenwood Press. Soman, E. (n.d.). Orthodox and revisionist interpretations of the french revolution. Retrieved from http://ebeysoman.hubpages.com/hub/Interpretations-of-the-French-Revolution The socialist party of britain. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.worldsocialism.org/spgb/ socialist-standard/1980s/1989/no-1019-july-1989/1789-france’s-bourgeois-revolution

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a Safe Treatment for Mental Disorder

A.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Thesis Statement Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment for severe mental illness in which the brain is stimulated with a strong electrical current which induces a seizure. The seizure rearranges the brain's neurochemistry and results in an elevation of mood. This essay asks: Is ECT any safer and more effective in treating mood disorders than drug therapies? This treatment has a controversial history ever since it was first introduced in 1938. I intend to argue that electroconvulsive therapy is indeed a safe treatment of mental disorders when other treatments have failed. Due to the development of safer and less traumatic ways of administering ECT, the treatment has made a comeback, is greatly used, and proves to be effective. B.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Historical Context The original use of electricity as a cure for â€Å"insanity† dates back to the beginning of the 16th century when electric fish were used to treat headaches. Electroconvulsive therapy on humans originates from research in the 1930’s into the effects of camphor-induced seizures in people with schizophrenia (Guttmacher, 1994). In 1938, two Italian researchers, Ugo Cerletti and Lucio Bini, were the first to use an electric current to induce a seizure in a delusional, hallucinating, schizophrenic man. The man fully recovered after eleven treatments. This led to a rapid spread of the use of ECT as a way to induce therapeutic convulsions in the mentally ill. Lothar Kalinowsky, Renato Almansi, and Victor Gonda are further responsible in spreading ECT from Italy to North America (Endler, 1988). Although there is some confusion as to who exactly is credited for administering the first ECT in America, it is known that it occurred in the early 1940. When ECT was first introduced, it was a terrifying and hazardous procedure: patients suffered serious side effects, even breaking a bone from convulsions (Nairne, Smith & Lindsay, 2001). It has been criticized since its beginnings, and only recently it has begun to be seen more positively. The major reason for this is the fact that the treatment went through significant changes over the years – it is now much safer than before. Nowadays, patients are given a general anaesthetic and medications that relax the muscles to prevent injuries from occur. However, most professionals still consider it to be a treatment of last resort. It is used when people have shown... ...epressive disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet, 361(9360), 799-808. Gerard G. G., Furman, M. J., Carpenter, L. L., et al. (December 2000). Efficacy of continuation ECT and antidepressant drugs compared to long-term antidepressants alone in depressed patients. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 157, 1960-1965. Guttmacher, L. B. (1994). Concise Guide to Psychopharmacology and Electroconvulsive Therapy. Washington: American Psychiatric Press Inc. Nairne, J. S., Smith, M. S., and Lindsay, D. S. (2001). Psychology: The Adaptive Mind. Scarborough: Nelson Thomson Learning. Reisner, A D. (2003). The electroconvulsive therapy controversy: evidence and ethics. Neuropsychology Review, 13(4), 199-219. Vothknecht, S., Kho, K. H., van Schaick, H. W., et al. (September 2004). Effects of maintenance electroconvulsive therapy on cognitive functions. Journal of ECT, 19(3), 151-157. Weiner R. D., & Krystal, A.D. (February 1994). The present use of electroconvulsive therapy. Annual Review of Medicine, 45, 273-281. (2001). The Practice of Electroconvulsive Therapy: Recommendations for Treatment, Training, and privileging (2nd Ed). American Psychiatric Association.

Discuss the way in which Sheila changes throughout the play Essay

Discuss the way in which Sheila changes throughout the play The Birlings are a middle Edwardian class family. The play is set in 1912, in the house of the Birling family in the North Midlands. At that time a woman's role was considered inferior to the men's as it was always presumed that the man was the head of the house. Women were also not thought of as being able to take part in serious conversations, and that they needed to be protected. At the beginning of the play, Sheila is described as young, attractive, girly and naà ¯ve. Also she has just become engaged. This is made known through the stage directions and how she reacts to certain situations. At the start of the play, Sheila shows her character by being very girly in her contributions to the conversation. As the stage directions say 'Sheila is still admiring her ring' and not listening to her father's speech. This shows that she is self-centred and is enjoying the attention that the engagement is bringing her. Also she refers to her parents as "Mummy" and "Daddy" at the beginning of the play, emphasizing her dependency on her family. The arrival of the Inspector seems to be the beginning of the change in Sheila. When Sheila says 'except for all last summer, when you never came near me'. She does not question Gerald further on the subject though she knew where he was. She does not question him further about it because the earlier, girly side of Sheila's character would not be able to cope with the truth. Though she knows that he has not been 'awfully busy at the works', where he said he has been, but having an affair. When Sheila first finds out about the girl's suicide she is genuinely upset and shows her sensitive side in her reaction, 'I... ...nd of the play she is unable to accept her parents attitude and is both amazed and concerned that they haven't learned anything from the events of the evening as she sarcastically says 'So nothing really happened. So there's nothing to be sorry for, nothing to learn. We can all go on behaving just as we did.' By this she means that she does not really understand how she could have learnt more in a few hours than her parents have in their lifetime. In the play, Priestley is trying to show that there is a change in the younger generation. He portrays this by the characters of Sheila and Eric taking responsibility for their part in the death of Eva Smith and the fact that her parents haven't learned anything from the events of that night. He is trying to show that people should take responsibility and care for each other, as in the idea of a big community.

To What Extent Does Market Liberalisation Influence Competition In Gas And Electricity Sector

ABSTRACT Market liberalization is a modern concept adopted by many governments around the world. It has gained fame due to its ability to enhance efficiency and quality due to competition. This paper presented an analysis of the liberalization of gas and oil sectors in the United Kingdom. The analysis was limited to the level and effects of downstream liberalization of these sectors. The approach adopted by this paper included review of several sources that relate the various changes that have taken place in the UK electricity and Gas sector since 1980s. From the analysis of the concept of liberalisation and its application in the gas and electricity sectors in the UK, it is evident that it is directly linked to the introduction of competition. Liberalisation in these sectors involved unbundling of downstream infrastructure and activities, opening up the sectors for competition. The fact that UK produces most of its electricity and gas makes it to have full control of its downstream liberalisation. UK has effectively managed to introduce and maintain downstream competition enhancing the impact of liberalisation in the sectors. In addition, the separation of the activities of the sectors promotes free competition in the downward segment of the two industries as the government is in a position to offer independent regulatory framework that promotes liberalisation i n the sectors. INTRODUCTION Market liberalisation has been a major policy in most developed economies in regard to electricity and gas sectors[1]. The push of introducing competition through privatisation in the gas and electricity sectors emerged in the 1980s with the United Kingdom and the United States pioneering liberalisation in these sectors with a success[2]. The adoption of liberalisation in the gas and electricity sectors has resulted to shift from state owned vertically integrated monopolies to privately owned, liberalised market participants that operate under government regulations are well as environmentally conscious environment[3]. Consequently, the traditional approach to doing business in the gas and electricity sectors has been changed as the industries move from large dependence on the capacity to reliance on short-term market price signals, flexible energy policies and tentative environmental regulations[4]. Therefore, the ultimate approach adopted in introducing downstream liberalisation in the oil and gas sectors was through the introduction of various reforms by the government that initiated a shift from government owned monopolies to a competitive formation[5]. As much as the eventual benefit of downstream liberalisation is increased efficiency and competitiveness that results to lower prices for commodities in the market, government regulations play a central role in regulating operations of these sectors[6]. This paper will focus on analysing downstream liberalisation in the gas and electricity sectors in UK and how it promotes competition BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON ELECTRICITY AND GAS SECTORS IN THE UK The underlying principles for reforms in this sector was that privatisation of the sectors would provide better competition than direct state ownership[7]. The analysis of the two sectors was conducted independently for development of deeper insights of the level liberalisation as well as future prospects in terms of downstream competition.The Gas SectorUK is the third largest consumer of gas in the world. Its use of gas is not limited to a source of energy as its use as a fuel in electricity generation is on the increase as the use of coal is being dropped due to its heavy carbon footprint. Most of the gas used in the UK is sourced from its offshore gas fields; however, this is bound to change in the future as its deposits are diminishing[8]. The offshore production process in UK is very competitive with numerous fields exhibiting diffuse ownership.[9] Onshore pipeline operations are dominated by Transco as much as there are 11 other independent pipeline operators in the UK[10]. Dow nstream competitiveness is also boosted by over 100 wholesale gas outlets who mainly deal with gas shipment. Compared to other countries in Europe, competition in UK’s gas sector is very steep due to the boundless extraction potential in its offshore sources,[11] enhancing downstream competition. Before liberalisation of the gas sector in UK, wholesale gas contracts were restricted take-or-pay commitments, long-term and linked to international oil prices. The emergence of liberalisation in the 1990s resulted to competition with an upsurge of players[12]. This automatically resulted to reduced contract periods, take-or-pay commitments were lessened, and the price of gas is no longer linked to the oil prices. Furthermore, the UK has implemented measures that promote relationships between gas transports as a service and gas supply as energy has enhanced the level of stratification of the gas sector as more wholesalers enter into the business[13]. Subsequently, the process of production of gas and transportation of gas in the UK are separated and operated by different companies. The UK gas pipeline system is connected to the mainland Europe which functions in two ways. Most of the connection is used for gas export purposes to other European countries while during winter the pipeline is used for importation to bridge the demand gap as production is slowed down during those times[14]. The large size of Europe market relative to UK results to price arbitrage between UK and Europe, which in most cases increases the wholesale prices of gas in UK. The effect of low level of downstream liberalisation in the European gas sector makes the shift in gas prices in UK insignificant due to poor levels of downstream competition in Europe[15]. The 1972 Gas Act resulted to the merger of the coal gas supply industry to a government owned monopoly. This monopoly was reinforced by the fact that the government owned all onshore gas infrastructures. The liberalisation program was introduced in 1980s by formulation of the Oil and Gas Act of 1982 that aimed to introduce competition in the sectors[16]. This act passively promoted competition through the development of a better framework for awarding contracts[17]. The 1986 Gas Act initiated privatization of government owned BG Company as an effort of cultivating liberalisation and competition in the gas sector. However, real competition in the gas sector in UK emerged in 1990s. This was boosted by the Gas Act of 1995 that promoted unbiased competition in the gas market where production process and transportation process were separated and price control for storage and transportation was split[18]. This was an important aspect that promoted an increase in the number of players in th e field promoting competition.The Electricity SectorThe process of liberalisation of the electricity sector in UK was initiated in 1990[19]. This was initiated by splitting of the government owned Electricity Company into four companies[20]. Three companies were involved in generation while one was involved in transmission of electricity in UK. The two non-nuclear companies were privatised by 1991while the nuclear company remained a public company. The supply system was transferred to 12 regional private companies[21]. The main aspect of this shift of ownership from government to private in the electricity sector was the horizontal downstream severance, which resulted to competition. To enhance downstream competition, the pool system was introduced with the aim of centralizing trade in the electricity as well as develops a balance between demand and supply[22]. The pool system is a single price system that is defined by the bids offered by the generators. The government also introdu ced regulated reintegration of the electricity production and supply sectors as an approach to promoting efficiency. In 2001, the pool system was abandoned in favour of the wholesale market framework based on New Electricity Trading Agreements (NETA) that promoted integration of gas and electricity sectors as gas became a major fuel for electricity generation in the UK[23]. The introduction of NETA as the main regulatory system in the electricity sector enabled the development of effective linkages between the regulated monopoly of balancing and the competitive market. This system promoted segregated downstream ownership, which has reduced the number of regulations needed to guarantee non-biased access to the networks. Downstream competition is no longer managed by price regulations. Quality has become the main threshold of downstream regulations resulting to intensification of quality controlled competition[24]. There are numerous reasons that affect the process of liberalisation in this segment Firstly, the changes in the UK electricity sector were based on reforms that aim to develop competition through privatization[25]. The argument was that a pro-competitive industry is better that one that is devised based in regulations in managing maker powers. The privatization of electricity generation required numerous regulations, which require a long period of time to completely eliminate all the anti-competitive forces in the sector. Secondly, the use of regulations is slowly defining activities that promote completion in a sector that had a high level of monopoly. The competition problem in this sector emerge due to various activities require application of natural monopoly. These challenges are handled by sustained changes in the regulatory framework to promote complete downstream liberalisation in the electricity sector[26]. The strong vertical relationship in the electricity sector also results to complications where downstream competition problems affect upstream competition[27]. For instance, capacity problems at one production unit may require other production system to alter their production to compensate the deficit. Likewise, vertical competition is easy to distort due to availability of various avenues that may promote distortion of competition. This is common where the returns of the market are regulated below the monopoly price. As a result, competitive activities by former monopolies results to various challenges with regard to regulations[28]. The main successes realised in the reforms of the electricity sector in the UK is the implementation of the Ofgem proposal[29]. This proposal has resulted to extension of NETA by introducing tradable electricity, financial firm, and development of market based electricity production system. Generally, the electricity reforms taking place currently aims to completely eradicate regulation systems such that the downstream liberalisation in the electricity sector is fully realised to promote full-scale competition, where the operations of the sectors are fully controlled by the market forces[30]. DESCRIPTION OF ELECTRICITY AND GAS SECTORS IN THE UK From the above preview of what is happening in the electricity and gas sectors in the UK, it is evident that the sectors are moving towards the realization of complete liberalisation as regulations loosen. The development of regulations was initiated with a focus on price regulation but as time went by, they are mainly focussed on quality control. These changes have raised some issues that require detailed analysis to develop a comprehensive presentation of how downstream liberalisation in these sectors promotes competition.Downstream Gas sectorThis is majorly driven by the 1995 act provisions that define the activities of downstream gas sector and how competition is achieved. To be able to analyse the process of downstream competitiveness, it is necessary analyse the elements of the code as it determines how downstream competition in the gas sector is achieved. The first aspect of the code is that the shippers book supply to the national transmission system for a 12-month period whe re the price of supply are determined by location of injection point[31]. Gas is bought and sold by Transco based on flexibility mechanism to ensure no shortfalls are experienced as a result of shippers’ imbalances[32]. Transco is also responsible of ensuring the available inventory sustains peak seasons such as during winter[33]. Analysis of the offshore gas mining fields reveals intense liberalisation strategies that promoted competition. Specifically, the North Sea gas fields in UK are managed by 25 different operators that share 129 gas exploration licences[34]. The introduction of various players in the production process automatically eliminated monopoly, which has been a major problem in downstream gas liberalisation. However, government still regulates the production process of gas resulting to partial liberalisation in the production system[35].Downstream oligopoly in the gas sectorThe fact that gas supply is limited to a few locations that are mostly offshore and some imported from a few countries that are globally known for their huge amounts of gas reserves, there are very few players in the production and supply of gas in the UK. The ability of UK to produce its gas locally makes its supply chain manageable and directed to full liberalisation covering both upstream and downstream[36]. Oligopoly as a market structure in the gas sectors has been in existence in the UK since 1970s with its upstream market. The perception of oligopoly in the UK gas sector is founded on the fact that a market that is exposed to perfect competition has players that have fewer concerns about the operations of their counterparts. An action by one players results to a reaction by the other. For instance, if one firm is unable to meet its production requirements, another company increases its supplies to ensure the gap left by the other firm is levelled. Similar case is evident in product pricing where all the companies develop almost similar pricing partly regulated by regional needs within the UK[37]. Therefore, UK gas supply system is operated based on oligopoly of its 25 main supplies from the offshore gas fields where the final price of the gas is determined by the effects of informal collision between the suppliers. The collision price of gas in UK is also affected by the global oil price that is normally used as a reference point in most cases. The fact that currently there is no excessive dominance in the downstream segment as most government operations have been privatized; the prices charged by the wholesale suppliers is similar.Implications of liberalisation in UK’s Gas SectorBefore the concept of liberalisation was introduced in the gas sector in the UK, there was a high level of monopoly in the gas production system with the government owning almost all offshore gas fields in the UK[38]. Liberalisation has resulted to entry of new players with government monopoly being eliminated and competition taking its roots. However, downstream gas sector in the UK is not fu lly liberalised as in the case of upstream due to high levels of government regulations in an effort of ensuring supplies meet the demands and prices are regulated within acceptable standards. Furthermore, the high costs of investments needed in downstream segment of UK’s gas sector limit entry of new players resulting oligopoly as the main approach to downstream competition in the gas sector. Therefore, downstream liberalisation in the gas sector has opened it up to competition through processes that resulted to separation of the production chain from supply chain, introduction of competition through privatization of government monopolies, and development of regulatory frameworks that control areas that are still affected by natural monopoly[39].Downstream Electricity SectorThe production of electricity in the UK has undergone numerous changes since early 1990s when coal and nuclear dominated the generation system. New plants that operate using gas and nuclear have been inst alled while several coal and oil based plants have been shut down as the country embraces the spirit of green energy. The concept of liberalisation is also evident in the system as most of the new generation systems developed from the 1990s are privately owned[40]. The introduction of private companies in the power generation automatically resulted to the decline of dominance in the sector by national power and power gen which are state owned companies. This is evident as government dominance in power generation is lowest in the UK as compared to the rest of Europe. The success of UK electricity sector is founded in its effective regulatory framework that has protected it from the faults that were evident in California and Australia when downstream liberalisation was introduced[41]. The regulatory system adopted in downstream electricity sector in the UK is market based. Moreover, the UK downstream electricity sector is devised based on strong market incentives that promote entry of new players as a way of fostering competition[42]. NETA has successfully managed to keep the wholesale electricity prices low making it possible for new players to enter into the production system and compete favourably. The fact that the transmission system is still monopolised, downstream liberalisation is limited to production as much as the government has set various measures to ensure it does not interfere with downstream and upstream liberalisation[43]. The government has initiated various regulatory changes that promote competition between market players. The main aspect that promotes completion is the market share that is defined by a company’s effectiveness and competitiveness. The most important aspect of liberalisation in the electricity production system is to introduce competition as the main aspect of promoting innovativeness and efficiency among the players in the sector[44]. The success of UK system is founded in its approach that promoted competition amid independent producers and existing government firms. Competition as a result of liberalisation of the UK’s electricity downstream sector was promoted by development of regulation of monopolies in the sector with the aim of eliminating the traditional vertical integrated system. Liberalisation broke down the structure into three sections, which were downstream, transmission, and upstream where competitive markets replace the vertically integrated firms with government monitoring and regulation. The approach to liberalisation in the UK’s electricity sector was based on transmission system operators (TSOs)[45]. This system is based on the concept that ownership and transmission planning are integrated components of the market and system operation[46]. The state ownership of the transmission system is central to the success of the system as it ensure unbiased treatment of the firms involved in the downstream production of electricity. More so, the use of TSOs has enhanced coordination between the electricity producers enhanci ng competitiveness as information exchange is encouraged[47]. The electricity market is complex due to inability of the producers to store the produced power in large quantities and the existence of varied demand conditions. The need of electricity production system to meet the demand needs and flexibility makes the process of downstream liberalisation to be regulated to ensure system stability[48]. The lack of constant consumption pattern in electricity results to price volatility in the wholesale electricity market. These complexities tend to play down on competition as reliable supplies are used during peak seasons resulting to instances of oligopoly in the downstream electricity sector. Generally, there are some complexities in downstream electricity sector in UK; however, the introduction of liberalisation that has been subjected to continuous improvement to ensure liberalisation is fully realised has created competition as evident in the introduction of the pull system that resulted to competition lowering prices[49]. NETA is another major body that not only enhanced competition in the electricity sector but also resulted to further drop of prices as players increased promoting price competitiveness[50]. The recent vertical reintegration in the UK electricity sector where large electricity producing companies are acquiring retail distribution businesses this is another factor that will further enhance competitiveness in the sector as players develop links that offer them direct access to the final consumer of their product[51]. CONCLUSION The analysis of the concept of liberalisation and its application in the gas and electricity sectors in the UK reveals its direct link to the introduction of competition due to the introduction of many players in the downstream segment and the eventual opening up of the segments to market forces that are ineffective to monopolistic market structure[52]. The paper examined a historical account of the regulatory changes in the process of liberalizing the UK gas and electricity sectors providing links between liberal policies and regulations and opening up of the sectors to competition. The most evident aspect of liberalisation that promoted competition was the privatization of government monopolies in the production of electricity and gas in the country. Specifically, it was evident that the process of liberalisation of gas and electricity sectors is affected by the types of commodities that are handled by the players in the two industries. Furthermore, the fact that UK produces most of its gas and electricity locally makes it an interesting participant in downstream liberalisation. However, the uniqueness of the properties of electricity and gas require infrastructural systems that are managed by the government to ensure a level playing field for the downstream segments in the gas and electricity industries in the UK. References Primary sources International Decisions OECD. 2005. The Benefits of Liberalising Product Markets and Reducing Barriers to International Trade and Investment: the Case of the United States and the European Union. OECD Economics Department Working Paper 432, Paris National Legislation Great Britain. 2009. UK offshore oil and gas: first report of session 2008-09, Vol. 1: Report, together with formal minutes. London, UK: The Stationery Office Great Britain. 2011. The UK’s energy supply: security or independenceeighth report of session 2010-12, Vol. 1: Report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence. London, UK: The Stationery Office Secondary sources Books Armstrong, M., Cowan, S. & Vickers, J. 1994. Regulatory Reform, Economic Analysis and British Experience. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press Geradin, D. 2001. The Liberalization of Electricity and Natural Gas in the European Union. South Holland: Kluwer Law International Gao, A. M. 2010. Regulating Gas Liberalization: A Comparative Study on Unbundling and Open Access Regimes in the US, Europe, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. South Holland: Kluwer Law International Parker, D., 2012. The Official History of Privatisation, Vol. 2. London, UK: Routledge Smith, M. P. 2012. States of Liberalization: Redefining the Public Sector in Integrated Europe. New York, NY: SUNY Press Surrey, J. 2013. The British Electricity Experiment: Privatization: the Record, the Issues, the Lessons. London, UK: Routledge Articles Joskow, P. & Tirole, J. 2000. Transmission rights and market power in electric power networks. Rand Journal of Economics, 31(3), 450-487 Newbery, D. 2005. Electricity Liberalisation in Britain. The Energy Journal, special issue on European Electricity Liberalisation. Wolak, F. & Patrick, R. 2001. The Impact of Market Rules and Market Structure on the Price Determination Process in the England and Wales Electricity Market. NBER Working Paper 8248

Fast Food, Fat Food Essay

Nowadays, fast food is a very popular trend in Thailand. Teenagers think it is very smart when they go into the fast food restaurant, especially, the restaurant which is a part of foreign franchise restaurants. Not only teenagers that like fast food but also children and adults. In the busy schedule of modern times people have no time to prepare nutritious food during the day so fast food becomes a very convenient choice. However, there are several health issues related to consuming fast food; one serious concern is the connection between fast food and obesity. Because of the growth of fast food restaurants, you can see them located anywhere in daily life. For example, on the first floor of MBK Centre, there are numerous fast food restaurants, such as KFC, McDonald’s and Burger King situated not far from each other. However, at lunch time, you cannot find any seats if you arrive late. Similarly, at Chulalongkorn University there are more than 5 branches of 7-eleven, which is a shop where you can buy fast food such as sandwiches, hot dogs, and hamburgers. You would think that there are not many people there. Although there are many branches, students also have to wait in a long queue. This can show how popular fast food is. Fast food is very popular not only in Thailand but also all over the world. The information from Wikipedia showed that â€Å"Burger King has more than 11,100 restaurants in more than 65 countries, Pizza Hut is located in 97 countries with 100 branches in China, KFC is located in 25 countries and McDonald’s is located in 120 countries on 6 continents and operates over 31,000 restaurants worldwide. † Although fast food is very popular, it is not good for health because fast food is often high in carbohydrates, fat and sodium. Common menu items at fast food restaurants are fried chicken, French fries, hot dogs and ice cream. All of them are made of dangerous ingredients such as low quality bread, high fat meat and salt. The fast food bread is made from refined grains that have been modified from their natural composition, so a fraction of the nutrients in grains are removed, remaining only excessive starchy. Next ingredient is the high fat meat which can cause several health problems. Fat from animal sources is saturated fat that increased the bad cholesterol (LDL) levels which results in adverse negative effects on the health of person’s heart (â€Å"The Importance of Dietary Fat and Cholesterol†). The last dangerous ingredient is the thing that makes fast food has a delicious taste; it is salt or sodium chloride. Scientists from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition recommend only 4 grams of salt per day because overconsumption of salt will cause high blood pressure and obesity (qtd. in â€Å"Salt†). In fact, according to the CASH survey, a Pizza Hut meal deal, which consisted of a Cheesy Bites Meat Feast, a medium Super Supreme, a portion of garlic bread, a portion of potato wedges, chicken wings, and a cheesecake dessert shared equally between four, could contain 12. 3 grams of salt per person (qtd. n â€Å"Fast food salt levels shocking†). â€Å"People are increasingly being warned against the ill effects of fast food and the potential damage they pose to human health† (Manohar). Many publications write about health problems from fast food such as nutrition deficiencies, increased cholesterol levels and diabetes. However, the most concern is obesity because this can link to many other dangerous health problems. One reason that fast food can cause obesity is because of its high calories. In one day, men need about 2,700 calories and women need about 2,000 calories but you can get excess calories from only one meal with fast food. For example, a KFC meal set includes KFC famous Bowls (Rice and Gravy), a breast of fried chicken, a box of French fries and a 32-oz Gulp of Pepsi. You can gain 790 calories from the bowl, 370 calories from the chicken, 500 calories from French fries and 425 calories from Pepsi, so from all of these you will have about 2,085 calories (â€Å"KFC Nutrition Guide†). As a consequence from the warning in many publications, the danger of fast food is widely known. However, no matter people know how it is linked to many health problems, it is also the popular choice. We cannot avoid fast food completely in our day-to-day life considering its taste, convenience and instant delivery. Fast food is suited to our everyday lifestyle, but, as we know, a little bit of everything is always good while overexposure to that â€Å"little bit† is disastrous more often than not. Fast food is not an exception to this.

Mass Communications

In the past 10 years, mass communications underwent perhaps one of the most profound revolutions in their history, matched perhaps by the arrival of the telegraph and the telephone. Technology changes affect who we reach and in what ways. They also affect our entertainment and the way we spend free time. The most notable change has certainly been the Internet. Its vast online spaces have made tons of information easily available to masses of people who previously would find difficult and costly to obtain information of similar quality from other sources. In this way, the Internet democratized communication between people, making writing cheaper through e-mail and making voice connections more accessible through Internet telephony and programs like Skype. I regularly use Skype and e-mail to reach my relatives in other countries, and this makes our communication much easier. The use of online communication has also provided people with immense opportunities to address large audiences without considerable expense of starting one’s own media project. To make a site that will deliver content and the author’s news to large groups of people is very easy and inexpensive. This helps overcome the problem of freedom of speech that many saw in the world where media were owned and governed by rich tycoons. The critics of such freedom noted that it did not provide for â€Å"freedom of expression† of those who are not commercial film producers or media barons† (Iyer, 2004). Today, one can air political or social views without investing a lot of money. Blogs are yet another way to make one’s views known to a group of people and make an online community, getting new friends. In 2005, Business Week reported that â€Å"there are some 9 million blogs out there, with 40,000 new ones popping up each day† (Baker, Green, 2005). I tried once to start a diary at LiveJournal.com, but soon got tired of writing there and could not find many people to read my writing. I believe myself to be a slow adopter, although when technical improvements in communication get popular, I do begin to use them. References Baker, S., & Green, H. (2005, May). Blogs Will Change Your Business. Business Week. Retrieved August 29, 2006 College of Communication, the University of Texas at Austin. Thoughts about the Future of Advertising. A White Paper by the Faculty, Department of Advertising. Retrieved August 29, 2006, from http://www.ciadvertising.org/studies/reports/future/whitepap.html Iyer, V. R. (2004, July). ‘Culture Cops' and the mass media. Retrieved August 29, 2006, from http://www.indiatogether.org/2004/jul/med-copmedia.htm   

Trueblood Case

SUBJECT: Deciding the Appropriate Extent of Audit Performed for Billy’s Beats for Asset Valuation Billy’s Beats Inc. , an SEC registrant, is a new audit client with a fiscal year-end of December 31, 2010. Billy’s is a manufacturer of musical instruments. Billy’s acquired Little Drummer Boy Inc. in 2010 for $575 million in cash. Significant assets acquired included property, plant, and equipment totaling $865 million and other assets totaling $145 million. The useful lives assigned to the property, plant, and equipment acquired were 30 years for the plant and 15 years for the equipment.The useful lives for the plant and equipment already owned by Billy’s are 20 years and 10 years. Other included assets of acquired customer lists, were assigned a useful life of 15 years. To test the useful lives of the operating assets, the engagement team asked management why the number of years assigned to the plant and equipment acquired differed from the years ass igned to the assets which Billy’s had already owned. Management stated that the useful lives for the acquired assets were the amounts used by Little Drummer before the acquisition.The engagement team discussed the useful lives of the acquired property, plant, and equipment with the plant manager of Little Drummer. The plant manager stated that 30 years and 15 years for the plant and the equipment, respectively, were the useful lives used before the acquisition. This discussion was documented in the audit working papers. The valuation specialist allocated the plant fair value of $865 million to each asset class based on the percentage of the seller’s total original cost applicable to each asset class. These percentages were provided by management of Little Drummer and relied on by the valuation specialist.The engagement team compared the percentage of total costs to a client prepared spreadsheet listing each asset class, asset ID, and percentage of total cost. No errors were noted and, accordingly, no further testing of the client-prepared spreadsheet was performed by the engagement team. In addition to its drum manufacturing business, Billy’s also wholly owns RockOut Inc. , which is the largest manufacturer of guitars in the United States. RockOut grew through the acquisition of other guitar companies and completed five acquisitions durng 2012, eight acquisitions during 2009, and four acquisitions during 2008.As a result of the acquisitions, RockOut reported approximately $90 million, which was 15 percent of total assets and 60 percent of total intangible assets, of customer lists as of December 31, 2010. RockOut amortizes its customer lists on a straight-line basis over 25 years, which management believes reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the customer lists are used up. During 2010, management revised its estimate of the customer list economic life, and began assigning an amortization period of 15 years to newly acqui red national customer lists.Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2010, was $3 million. To test the economic lives of the customer lists, the engagement team asked management what the reasoning was for the change in the assumed economic life this year. Management provided a memorandum that discussed the rationale for using the 25-year economic life to amortize the various customer lists, as well as the rationale for the current-year change in management’s estimate of the newly acquired national customer lists lives.According to IAS 16, The cost of an item of property, plant and equipment comprises, its purchase price, including import duties and non-refundable purchase taxes, after deducting trade discounts and rebates, any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management, and the initial estimate of the costs of dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site on which it is located, the obligation for which an entity incurs either when the item is acquired or as a consequence of having used the item during a particular period for purposes other than to produce inventories during that period. Because this in not how the company decided on the value and useful lives of the assets in question they should have follows IAS 36 to determine if there was an impairment. The audit procedures for determining if there was a valuation problem could also be addressed using FASB Statement No. 142.

Business law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 3

Business law - Essay Example After its establishment, Enron had adopted along with executed certain unethical accounting techniques with the specific objective of hiding its liabilities and other loses during the growth of its stock price. During this time, various experts of the US already provided warning to the company about its increasing debt, but Enron avoided this and moved on to the development of its business by making substantial investments. The financial collapse of Enron was a lesson for the other business houses prevailing in the US1. With this concern, the assignment focused on broadly discussing the unethical accounting practices conducted by Enron that made the company to face bankruptcy. The various responsibilities of the account practitioners in the company have been revealed in order to verify whether they are liable for leading the company towards facing bankruptcy or not. The prime objective of this paper is to determine that the conduct of unethical accounting practices had eventually mad e financial collapse of Enron. Case Background Enron had made a rapid growth since its formation. By the year 2001, it became the seventh biggest natural gas and electrical company in the entire region of the US. The scandal of Enron can be noticed for the reason of its increased level of earning business reputation and gaining substantial profits. After several years, Jeffery Skilling, the new CEO of the company appointed numerous skilled executives who were capable of hiding outstanding amounts that to be presented in the financial statements by using the methods of poor financial accounting. The company filed for bankruptcy in the year 2001 after experiencing a long-run loss in its business. It has been viewed that an increment in the annual revenue of the company was only US$ 9 to US$ 10 during the period of 1995 to 2000. This represents the loss that suffered by the company while conducting its business. It can also be viewed that the stock price of the company had a drastic fa ll from $90 per share to $1 from the middle of the year 2000 and lasted up to 2001 which created a great loss for the shareholders. After this incident, Enron checked its financial statement for the last five years and came to realize a total loss of $586 million2. Due to this heavy loss, Enron filled bankruptcy on December 2, 2001. It can be apparently observed that several problems faced by the company and its shareholders after the bankruptcy. In this regard, most of the employees of Enron were accused with charges and had been imprisoned. Enron lost a huge figure of customers due to bankruptcy and also for a case which was running in the US Supreme Court. The court ordered to pay back the customers with partial return. Being unable to overcome all these losses and negative reputation, Enron failed to restore its previous position in the market where it operates. In relation to the case of Enron, it can be affirmed that there were several reasons for which the company had experie nced bankruptcy. One of the major causes was the practice of unethical accounting practices that prevailed within the company. In this similar concern, the company adopted certain unplanned measures of financial reporting in order to hide the

The Arab experience in adapting to American society Essay

The Arab experience in adapting to American society - Essay Example I was very happy when I was accepted in the UNC to finish my studies there, I had been hoping very much that would be admitted there because I had heard a lot of good things about the university, I have never met anyone who has been to the school but in the internet people say it is a good place. I hope it will be good for me so I can finish my studies in America before I go back to my country so I can continue with my dream of becoming a great general like my father. I also am glad to be in the university because that means I will be studying with other students who are good in speaking English as their mother tongue so I will be able to learn how to speak it very well from them. Back home, my main hobbies were playing football and taking trips and travelling, I used to spend a lot of time driving my parents car and even went outside our town to explore, sometimes I could use a bike. In since primary school I have played soccer with my friends and I spend a lot of time in the field, I play the position of a defender. Back home, we watch American football on TV and I think it is very good, I hope I can get a chance to play, because of my army training I am sure I can be able to learn the game quickly. To me the chance to study in a great American university is very important because I have always wanted to study here, when I was young we would read textbooks showing big cities and roads in America and I would say that I wanted to go and visit one day and maybe study.Because of that, coming here to me was like a golden chance.... run many kilometers in the hot sun and practice matching for a long time, however since I wanted to be like my father, I persevered and I was able to become successful. However I decided even if I wanted to become a general like my father, I should travel and acquire more knowledge which I could use in life later as well as their skills not limited to military ones. Because of this, I moved to the United States after I got a scholarship and in January 2012 I came here to America and registered in Fort Collins where I studied English so I could improve my communication and reading skills as well as be able to study other subjects in America. This was however very difficult for me since Arabic was my first language which I had spoken all my life and it was very different from English, and writing and learning the alphabet and letters of English was hard and it took me almost on and a half years to finish the course and even if my English is still not very good I practice every day and I talk to a lot of my Americans friends so I can learn it from them. This is because the best method to learn a language is not by going to school but by using it through speaking to people who understand it well. I discovered that in America most people are christens but very many also have other religions and some do not have religion at all. In my home country, this is very different because almost everybody I know is a Muslim, I was taught since I was a child to love god and respect other people and their faith even it is different from mine. This is easy in America because people do not treat me differently because I am a Muslim, in fact everyday even here I go to a mosque every day for prayer, this is enjoyable because apart from prayers I can meet other Muslims and we can talk and

Does Google's Workplace Environment Enhance Effectiveness In Its Case Study

Does Google's Workplace Environment Enhance Effectiveness In Its Workforce - Case Study Example The paper tells that Google's strategy has brought about change while ensuring all benefit from its services; some of the search engines come into play longer before its launch. This didn’t stop it from dominating the market. To enhance its competitiveness a lot of investment was done to facilitate a smooth sail in this sector. As experienced by most players it was hard to realize progress without addressing the common problems present in the market. Google has however excelled while filling the gap in the market while relying on credible findings from research done. This explains why Google excels in its right as a leading player which also led to high profit realization. The existing resource acted as an added advantage thus helped in ensuring they acquired qualified manpower as well as specialized skill to spearhead the objective. Small players were unlikely to benefit much owing to domination by large organizations such as Google. While still embracing change vibrant polic ies were put in place geared at improving staff morale. Adopted policies also ensured training was done; this went a long way in buffing up its competitiveness. These policies addressed staff needs which were diverse in nature. Accountability Staffs are expected to account for their actions; such cultures also assist in spearheading change. This limits the likelihood of regular supervision as seen in other organizations. Most individuals are expected to commit their service knowing that they are indebted to the organization thus their input is of much important. This also limited the degree of overprotection and supervision. Staffs are also expected to make it their initiative rather than keeping on blaming others yet they could be in a position to actualize a difference. In most setups staffs are likely to output more than others but are at times driven by self drive. One is however demanded to exercise caution while avoiding reckless behaviors likely to compromise freedom. In case of one not living up to the expectation one is likely to be disciplined for his action thus the need for accountability. At times it’s also wise to ensure good interrelationship among staff as well as the management. A friendly atmosphere goes hand in hand while helping in transforming the present situation. There is also a cord of ethics which must be adhered to by all stakeholders irrespective of position; this should also be practiced by the superiors. Google values teamwork owing improvement of output. This implies that ideas be shared while improving the output.  Satisfaction is likely to be attained as a result while still creating a long-lasting bond among staff. Google tries to ensure all staffs are happy with their work despite the daily challenges in the work environment. Rotation is also done while trying to handle boredom which could result from overexposure; staff competence and skills are however taken into consideration to avoid monotony thus spurring learni ng among employees. Other improvement mechanisms are also considered such as personal development; this is usually sponsored by the organization. While offering such training staff may fill indebted to the company thus simply avail their knowledge. The company also focuses more on production that meetings some of which may be time consuming yet decisions taken never avail much as anticipated.

Business Development and the Nature Globalization Essay

Business Development and the Nature Globalization - Essay Example These tasks involve sales, marketing, as well as the development of suitable and reliable strategies for the business organisation. The attention of all businesses should be directed towards the establishment of marketing teams with suitable strategies as well as focus on business expansion. Globalisation is all about expansion; hence, Avny (2006) believes that business entities are obliged to embrace the concept in order to achieve immense expansion and generate significant revenue for its self as well as national growth and development. Globalisation, as earlier noted is a product of human innovation and rapid advancement in technology. Technology presents business organisations with numerous opportunities that can be pivotal in the success or rather development of a business entity. The frequent identification of these opportunities presented by technology makes it possible for these small business entities to expand and reach international markets and as a result bring in more in come. Thus, Todaro and Smith (2009) opine that business development’s major role is to help firms identify and take advantage of the emerging market opportunities. The Nature of Globalisation Among the phenomena worth taking note of across the last period of the twentieth century is globalisation. By itself, it carries significant importance both in developing or what are referred to as Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and developed nations across the globe. The process’ emergence and expansion can be credited to the advancements made in the transportation sector, communications as well as the rapid technological advancement towards the end of the twentieth century and into the twenty first century (Avny, 2007). The advancements made have helped in the reallocation of human... This essay approves that the growth and development of infrastructure like roads and communication lines have resulted in the reduced intervals between the travel times taken from the production and or manufacturing point to destination and or sale points enabling more countries to take part in the trade. The growth of these activities has seen more opportunities arise for the development of business entities which has been a credible contributor to the advancement in the economy of LDCs. It is easy to see the amount of similar products that are flooding the world markets in the contemporary world; an indicator that the world is moving in the direction of becoming a one-village market and or community. According to Birdsall, Rodrik and Subramanian, these developments result in the fast growth and development of these nations’ economies due to the increased multinational trade. The activities involving movement and or exchange of capital included indirect and direct financial i nvestments in least developed countries (LDCs) with the aim of raising the incomes and or revenue of the countries. The local businesses and or industries are required to meet international standards as a requirement of globalisation and as a result some are forced to merge with other multinationals in order to increase their operations. This report makes a conclusion that globalisation is an evoking concept that still is opposed by an ideological minority unable to deny the benefits associated with globalisation knowledge with respect to development of businesses as well as national economies. The few who view globalisation as some form of capitalism should drop the idea and embrace the concept as a major factor in business development.

Phonetics Lab work Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Phonetics Lab work - Assignment Example say it one time in this paragraph. She say [à °Ã‰â„¢] ‘the’ at the end of the paragraph. All other times she say either /d/ or /s/. She use /d/ instead of /à °/ at the beginning of word and /s/ instead of /à °/ at the end of word. She changes the voiced dental fricative /à °/ to a voiced alveolar stop /d/ at the beginning of word and she changes the voiced dental fricative /à °/ to a voiceless alveolar fricative /s/ at the end of word. The Mandarin phonetic chart show that there is not /à °/ in the language. This maybe why speaker cannot say it. The speaker has trouble saying the front, close-mid vowel /É ª/ and say /i/ instead. /i/ is a front high close vowel. So the speaker raising the front, close-mid vowel /É ª/ to a front high close vowel /i/. The vowel chart for Mandarin show that there is no /É ª/ in the language. This may be why speaker cannot say it. Although she did use /r/ in some words such as [frÊÅ'm] ‘from’ that should be [frÉ’m], [brÊÅ'zÉÅ"] ‘brother’ that should be [brÊÅ'à °Ã‰â„¢], [rÉ›z] ‘red’ that should be [rÉ›d], and [tren] ‘train’ that should be [trein], she left it out in the words above. So she has trouble pronouncing the alveolar trill /r/ and leaves it out many times. She has trouble using the alveolar, lateral approximant /l/ and leaves it out in these words. She can use it some places such as [slà ¦bs] ‘slabs’ that should be [slà ¦bz], in [smal] ‘small’, and in [wil] ‘will’ that should be [wÉ ªl]. Same as the Mandarin speaker, the Thai speaker has trouble saying the front, close-mid vowel /É ª/ and say /i/ instead. /i/ is a front high close vowel. So the speaker raising the front, close-mid vowel /É ª/ to a front high close vowel /i/. The vowel chart for Thai also show that there is no /É ª/ in the

Role of a Management Consultant Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Role of a Management Consultant - Essay Example B., 2001). The same brand is part of a long, classic, one-on-one competition with its archrival, PepsiCo. Inc. Coca Cola experienced a rapid growth in sales and consumer –preference, thanks to Roberto Goizueta who raised Coca Cola to the heights of performance while he was CEO from 1981 to 1997. Using his sharp analytical skills and market foresight and risk-taking tendency, Goizueta took Coca Cola into the direction of high sales, increasing market-share, revenue gains and high profit margins. He revolutionized how the soda industry is run and showed the world that just by focusing on Coca Cola’s principle black beverage; the company became a top-notch giant. This very philosophy inspired Coke’s followers, and even the Board of Directors, which included tycoons such as Warren Buffet, Herbert A. Allen and Donald Keough. They remained admirers of this approach and frowned upon any notions of diversification, unlike what was happening inside PepsiCo. Throughout the nineties, through this very approach, Coca Cola saw its rise in the world of beverage as an undisputed winner over PepsiCo. Inc. Goizueta took some very successful decision during his time, one of which was to form a new company under the name Coca Cola Enterprises, in 1986, which handled the US bottling operations for Coca Cola. This, immediately, helped Coca Cola in terms of the debt burden and also, raised their stock volumes, while reassuring quality bottling and distribution. (Cravens & Piercy, 2009). According to Cravens and Piercy (2009), this move turned out to be quite a profitable one as Coca Cola could erase off $2.4 billion from the balance sheet. Moreover, having formed Coca Cola Enterprises, US bottling operations were handled well and timely distribution channels were assured. He was known to be risky, as he himself used to admit. His believes were of the nature that risk-taking is a necessity for growth and development. In a growing consumer-market, playing safe all the time could mean losing out on opportunities and business. Goizueta is renowned for another important move: his non-contemporary approach of globalization of brands. ‘Think global, act local’ was the underlying philosophy of Goizeuta to expand and capture foreign markets. Unlike the general wave of globalization, he insisted that, to develop a successful multinational brand, it was important to think globally while acting in the local context. He explained that standardization and uniformity represent a strong and consistent image of a brand and it triggers a sense of surety in the minds of consumers worldwide. This uniformity can help create a very powerful image of the brand; while also considering vital selling points and marketing campaign specifics of differing cultures and geographies. At the very end of all this positive period, it did become quite apparent that the direction in which Coca Cola was heading into, had a dead-end. Arguably, his headstrong, upfro nt style of leadership, even though raised Coca Cola to reach new heights in the short-run; however, his moves, somehow, created a recipe for future disaster. His decisions focused more on the bottling operations than the actual customers. It is important to note that Mr. Roberto Goizueta maintained that Coca Cola did not need diversification to increase revenue. Instead, according to Suhaib Riaz (2008), he borrowed millions